Disclaimer: I own nothing from Pirates of the Caribbean. My mature response to this: WHY CRUEL WORLD, WHY?!
Author's Note: Reviews to reviews and an important announcement at the end of this chapter! Enjoy!
PineAppleLint
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-"Everett Malvado."- He took a sip of his wine before adding, "And you're Terrence, am I correct?"
The blood seemed to freeze up in her veins. Why was she so nervous? She was at a gala where there were hundreds of people around…this man would be a fool to try and harm her. Unfortunately, she had seen that same look in people's eyes many a time before. It was that look of pure madness, of cold cruelty. And no one could escape that look.
"Aye, and how did ye know that?" she pressed, holding Michael more protectively against her body.
"I've heard the stories. I've seen your warrant posters. I must say, the picture on them do not do you justice," he said casually, taking a step closer to her. She resisted the urge to take a step back.
"How so?" she asked with a forced smile.
"You are a very beautiful woman." He nodded towards the baby in her arms and added, "Is he yours?"
"Oh no," she laughed, "Definitely not. Just watchin' over him while a couple o' me friends have a good time." Terrence tried to relax a little, for his and her sakes before adding, "Why are ye here? Oh, I didn't mean for that to sound rude. I meant what do you do? Who do ye know?"
"No offense taken. I know Governor Crowe personally. I'm helping him with the alliance. Since I specialize in artifacts, I am helping with trade growth as well."
"Sounds exciting enough," she responded, and in return he gave her a dashing smile.
"It can be. Now why are you here?"
She didn't want to mention names. She didn't trust this man, and involving anyone she didn't want to get involved would be a bad move on her part. "Just visitin' Port Royal, seein' the sights, visitin' friends…"
"And babysitting," he added in for her. He crossed his arms after running his empty wine glass along his large fingers, "I have a feeling you don't really want to be here. This isn't you."
"Pardon?" Terrence asked, blinking a couple of times. She didn't like it when strangers tried to figure out her secrets…and get their guesses right on the first try.
"This…" he waved his arms around, capturing the elegance and beauty of the ballroom with one sweep, "…makes you uncomfortable. Where would you rather be right now, Terrence? Tell me. Imagine it and tell me vividly."
She stared at him quizzically. Keeping her gaze on him the whole time, not even thinking of closing her eyes and letting this man out of her sight, she let out a long breath. Malvado seemed to shoot off every warning signal she had in her body. But she went along with it anyway.
"Mr. Malvado…" she began.
"Everett. Please, Everett," he answered politely, moving a bit closer to her.
"Everett…" she said slowly as if trying out the new name on her lips, "I think I would rather be on me ship, wit'…" she paused.
"With what? Who?" Everett smiled, leaning in a bit.
"No one. Wit' a bottle o ' rum," she replied cheerfully. Good save.
"Oh. I was about to think you were going to say Jack Sparrow," Malvado replied.
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Meanwhile, Jack was resisting the urge to partake in an eye roll when Governor Swann began his fifth speech about how appreciative Port Royal was to have such an ally like Oxbay. Governor Crowe, on the other hand, looked extremely unmoved by these speeches.
Won't the bloody man give it up already? I'm ready to stick a funnel down Swann's throat and force the bastard to get drunk…so he can stop blathering on about idiotic subjects.
Sparrow's concentration was dwindling down to nothing, and he focused in on a servant who passed by with an empty silver tray.
Perhaps if I just whack meself in the head…unconsciousness would be a hell o' a lot better than this torture…
"What do you think, Captain Sparrow?" That flung him back to his senses and out of his daydreaming.
Both Governors were staring at him intently, waiting for a reply.
"Absolutely!" he cried, his voice dripping with enthusiasm, "Fabulous idea!"
"Wonderful," Crowe responded calmly, "We shall begin the process tomorrow at dawn. I want to see your ship ready."
Jack Sparrow was hysterically trying to recall what they had been talking about…people deciding matters about his Pearlmade him dreadfully nervous. He trusted his ship with no man, or no woman for that matter. He supposed Terrence was an exception.
Speaking o' Terrence, where is the lil' minx?
Jack gulped down another glass of wine before turning and searching the crowds for her, only vaguely hearing Crowe's and Swann's discussion in the background. His dark brown eyes snapped to the balcony. He didn't really like what he saw.
Sparrow was never usually the jealous type. Both he and Terrence understood each other's pasts, and Terrence never got upset when one of his old Tortuga girls came up to him and offered him a go. And vice-versa with Terrence and those lustful men looking for an exciting night. Or, at least, Sparrow didn't try to look jealous. It always used to annoy him that Terrence didn't look bothered when they were at a tavern and there were whores dangling all over his arms. She'd sit back, grin at him before placing a mug to her lips, just having a grand ol' time watching the flustered Sparrow try to send them away pleasantly without a slap in the face. Once, after a particularly heated tiff between him and Gallagher, he actually did pull one of the Tortuga girls into his lap right in front of her, just to see Gallagher's reaction as the girl willingly began suckling on his neck.
Terrence just stared before getting up with a grin, shrugging on her coat, and whispering into his ear, "I know what you're tryin' to do, Jack, and it's not goin' to work, savvy?" Then she had placed the key to their room in his pocket, patted him on the head, and walked up the stairs, retiring early.
Let's just say he was upstairs in Terrence's arms before you could say the word 'eunuch'.
Now this stranger on the balcony was getting awfully close to his bonny lass and he didn't like it one bit. She was smiling and laughing politely, but he noticed the way her hands were holding the baby to her breasts like she was afraid this man would suddenly snatch tiny Michael away. He was making Terrence uneasy, and that was enough evidence to say that Jack had better intervene soon.
Jack riveted his attention back to the Governors, saying quickly, "If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I must be getting back to Terrence."
"Ah, don't want to keep the girl waiting, hmm?" Swann said with a nudge of his bony elbow, "Go on, boy…have yourself some fun."
"But do not forget our arrangement," Crowe replied flatly, staring at him with cold eyes, "Tomorrow, I want the Black Pearl ready for departure. As soon as we load your ship with the goods, I want you sailing to Oxbay immediately. No detours along the way…do I make myself clear, Mister Sparrow?"
"Inescapably clear…" Jack said with a nod, "Now if you'll excuse me…" and practically ran across the ballroom, utterly relieved that he wouldn't have to put up with anymore of that boring nonsense.
Damn him and his wandering mind. He had subconsciously agreed to depart to Oxbay tomorrow at dawn! He figured Terrence wasn't going to be pleased.
Swaggering out onto the balcony, Terrence was staring defiantly up at the towering man, her eyes flickering threateningly but her mouth still creased into a pleasant smile. She almost jumped when Jack walked up and wrapped his arm around her waist. Hopefully Mr. Let's-Make-A-Move-On-Terrence would get the picture.
Terrence relaxed against him and said in a polite tone, "Captain Malvado…this is Captain Sparrow."
The two men shook hands, and Everett seemed to find his sudden presence amusing. Like he knew Jack had been jealous. Jack instantly disliked this man.
Cocking his head one way, Jack replied, "Are ye enjoyin' the festivities, Captain Malvado?"
"Yes. I find them pleasurable enough. Your…" Malvado paused, trying to look for the right word, "Your ally and I have been partaking in an interesting discussion."
"About what?" Jack asked with mock-interest, feeling as if he were having a staring contest with this menacing creature.
"We were just discussin' trade, ye know…he's an artifact specialist."
"Ah, how charmin'. Well, me luv, we really must be goin'…places to be, aristocrats to scare, that whole bit…"
"Indeed. Well Mister Malvado…" she began, but he interrupted.
"Everett, milady, I insist."
"…Everett, I hope ye enjoy your stay at Port Royal." She went to shake his hand but he grabbed it and gently raised it to his lips, planting a soft kiss upon her tanned knuckles. Jack bit back a growl as Terrence was trying her hardest not to wince. This was HIS bonny lass.
Jack practically tugged her away and walked with her arm and arm back into the ballroom, searching for Will and Elizabeth. "What the hell was tha'?" he muttered.
"I have no idea," she said with a grimace, "That man gave me the willies. How about ye find Elizabeth and give her Michael? I think I'm goin' to get some fresh air."
"Want me to come with ye?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Nah, I'll manage just fine." She grabbed his hand and placed it against her thigh. Through the fabric, he distinctly felt a dagger strapped there with what he guessed was her garters.
"Don't take too long," he replied devilishly while sliding his hand up her thigh and around the back, patting her bum before she dumped the tiny babe into his arms, much to his alarm.
"Babies frighten me," he said with a scowl, eyeing the sleeping child.
"You're a big baby," she retorted, "Now go find 'Lizbeth. She'll take 'im."
"Saucy wench," Jack muttered under his breath and whirled around, beginning to search the buzz of people for his two dear friends. Anyone to take the little pooping and vomiting miracle off of his hands.
Terrence staggered down the corridor by herself and burst through the door, down the steps and walked into the garden. She was feeling a bit lightheaded and she didn't have a clue as to why. She only had one glass of wine to drink and that wouldn't make her tipsy, surely not.
Collapsing onto the nearest stone bench, she eyed the bushes of red roses before holding her head into her hands. Her head throbbed, her body felt like a jellyfish's. Odd comparison, but true just the same.
Turning her head, she glanced through the large window looking in on the ballroom. The dancing couples were still spinning elegantly to music she couldn't hear. Suddenly, she heard a snap.
Glancing around, she realized there was one man leaning against the outside wall of the mansion, smoking on his pipe. He looked vaguely familiar, that is, until he raised his head to glance up at the full moon. It was Drake. Why the hell was he here, in Port Royal of all places?
She was just about to get up from where she sat when another man joined him in the shadows. Everett Malvado, the slimy bastard. Malvado and Drake knew each other? That wasn't a good sign in Gallagher's eyes.
She crouched behind the large hydrangea bushes and strained to hear their conversation. All she could make out was… "…inside…Gallagher…at once…found…"
What the hell was going on?!
They were talking about her. Discussing her like she was a part of some confounded evil plot. Her heart almost leapt up into her throat.
Drake was the only one who knew about the key.
Everett knew Drake. Drake knew valuable information. Everett singled Terrence out. This wasn't good, not good at all.
Dammit, I have to find Jack.
By the time she peered through the bushes again, the two men were gone. As if they vanished into thin air. Cursing, she turned to slink through the garden (which wasn't an easy task in a dress) and ran straight into Drake.
"Got ourselves an eavesdropper, do we?"
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Thanks for reading!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: PineAppleLint is having a contest! To partake in the contest, readers must submit a poem/short story about Jack and Terrence (It can be about anything you want, me dears! Let your imaginations run wild!) and it doesn't necessarily have to pertain to Trade with the Devil. The winner with the best poem or short story will have their work posted in the last chapter after the ending of Trade with the Devil, so that people can admire them for the fantastic writer they really are! And, dare I say it…they will receive the beginning chapter of the third installment of Terrence's and Jack's adventures before it's even posted on fanfiction.net. The contest shall go on until Trade with the Devil is completed. So get to it, mateys! Send your completed poem/short story to:
DayDreamr1 at aol.com
The 'at' symbol won't work! Gah! I feel stupid typing it manually.
Good Luck!
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Reviews to reviews:
Pirate Gyrl: Thank you so much for the inspiration to start my own contest thingamabobber. Aw, you're so sweet. Ditto, me dear…I can't wait until your updates, it's so suspenseful!
PepaMynt: Hello, dearie! You are definitely not a bad reader! I appreciate you just for reading, and thank you so much for the heartfelt review. I'm so glad you like my story, darlin'! I'm always going to try to keep you on your toes. (heehee) The key is right now hidden safe in the Turner household (or so we think) and as to what the key is fully capable of…it's a mystery! : ) And thank you for the grammar compliment. I'd love to help edit your lovely story…just say the word and I'll be there, ready for some grammar butt kicking! (salutes) Thanks a bundle, luv!
Belinda: You're mighty welcome, lass! Yeah…suing isn't good. Not good a'tall! Thanks for reading, you fabulous reviewer, you!
Turtlecrazy53: You're so nice! Thank you so much and I hope this update came quicker than expected. LoL Oh yes…I'd love to feed Jack Sparrow grapes…(drifts off into a drooling fit) Oh, sorry 'bout that, luv.
Thunder1024: (review hug) Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, dearie! Lots of twists and turns are expected on the way! Thanks for being such a fabulous reader.
TheSiriusSparrow: Ah, Alex…don't ye dare give me that threatening look. It scares me. (whimpers dramatically) Don't you love developing plotlines? I sure do! (wink) And much of that is on the way! Norrington needs to loosen up, and I think Terrence was just the gal to help him with that. Thanks for reviewing and reading, me dear! You're awesome!
VagrantCandy: Mmm, I love candy…wow, sorry for getting off track there for a second. Yup, muchos Malvado in this chapter! And much more expected to come. Evil, evil Malvado…what are we going to do with him? Thanks so much, me dear!
Bloomylicious: Yay, you're back! (tips hat back) That's okay, luv…just knowing you were reading is great! And Jack-ish shanties are the best shanties around! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks a bunch, luv! And I admit it, I live for cliffhangers! Mwahahaha!
The Dutchess of Doom: LoL Don't choke! Noo! (gives you Heimlich maneuver) And the baby eunuch…when I read that I burst out laughing. Brilliant choice of words, me luv! Thank you for liking the wicked twists…I love being utterly wicked. As do you, gal! Lovin' your story and can't wait until the next chapter. Your reviews always brighten my day.
DaydreamBeliever14: Thanks for reading! Yay! Oh boy…if Terrence and Jack had a lil' one? There would be utter chaos! Chaos, I tell ye! Hehee, thanks for the dandy review, as always.
Leanan Sidhe: I love the title! PH2. lol I immediately thought of Terminator 2 or something. That is frikin' chicken awesome. It will take a while to grow your nails back to normal, and I'm sorry to hear you've bitten them all off. Cliffhangers are off the heezy! Thank you so much for reading and I am adoring your stories. As for updating…take your time! Take as much time as you want to get that creative brain in gear! : )
Plateado: My bud! SHE LIVES!!! Aw, don't worry, dearie, just knowing that you have been reading is a wonderful thing! Ah yes, cliffhangers are the bomb diggity. And I am so glad you liked the little sea shanty. It was fun to make up. : ) Well Plateado, I sure miss Secrets of the Caribbean…it was such a lovely, well thought out story. And don't worry…the key shall be explained more in the next chapter…Terrence is in for one hell of a surprise!
Lady Quinn: Aw, thank you so much! Cliffhangers rock my socks too. I don't think I could live without them. Mwahahaha! Thanks for reviewing.
LuckySparrow: I was definitely on the verge of doing snoopy dances when I picked up my copy of Secret Window. Mort Rainey is a hunka hunka burnin' love! I don't think Terrence is Norrington's type…though she does enjoy making him uneasy. Crowe's from Oxbay…and Jack was absolutely bored out of his mind! Heehee! Don't worry dearie…more chaos and humor to come. : )
Emma436: Oooh, a rhyming review! Loved it, mate. Oh boy, if Terrence had a baby of her own, I don't know what she'd do. Freak out, mostly. Oh, and Sparrow came by earlier and told me he wants his hat back…so I think he'll be stopping by over at your place later. Be careful…he's armed!!!
Thanks everyone once again! You are delightful!