"It's not a very sophisticated plan, is it?" Scarlett asked sardonically.

I patted her arm, "Now, love, you know as well as I that you catch more flies with honey. And, there isn't a girl in this place that's got more honey than you," I prodded. She only glared.

"Really, Jack, that's not a compliment. But," she threw a cursory glance at Bellamy, "I want him dead or as good as, so I'll do my part. You'll do yours?"

Bootstrap nodded gravely, "You've my word, Miss Scarlett."

"Oh, grand, a pirate's word," she huffed, but without malice. She gave us one last sigh before standing. With a great fluff of her hair and flounce of her skirts, she was off in the direction of the horrid captain.

Bootstrap and I concentrated on not watching her and drawing as little attention to ourselves as possible. Meanwhile, Scarlett passed in front of Bellamy, close enough to get his attention, but far enough away for him to be interested. She choose a table in his line of sight and pretended to ignore him.

As I had anticipated, the captain only wanted the best. I watched as he shook of the whores that fawned about him. When he stood, I could see that he was extremely tall. There were few men who stood above me, save for my Carib crewman, Aciguato. But I figured that Bellamy would have been at least a head above me.

I also saw that he led something along behind him on a short gold chain. The huddled little mass was so slight and bent that it was hardly distinguishable from Bellamy's great coat. But, I could see that it had legs and arms. It was a boy. I grinned at Bootstrap.

The captain crossed the crowded room, stepping nimbly over a fallen drunk. The little bundle crept along close, never separating by more than a few inches, even though the tall man moved quickly. I was suddenly nervous about how sure-footed the man was. Perhaps he wasn't as sotted as he'd appeared. But, as he crashed into a chair across from Scarlett, I had all the evidence I needed. Bootstrap nodded at me and stood.

I watched, inconspicuously, as Phineas Bellamy leaned across the low plank table to peer at Scarlett. From a distance, she looked like she was acting the coquette, bowing her head and covering her mouth in response to things he must have been saying. But I knew her actions were to hide the revulsion she must have felt. Whatever the act, it was working. The ugly captain was falling all over himself to touch her.

He never got the chance. Bootstrap crossed the room and hauled Scarlett out of her chair by her upper arm. I heard him rage drunkenly from my seat, "Oi! What are ye doin' wit' 'im, ye whore? Cain't I leaves ye alone fer any bit o'time afore ye open yer legs to summat other than me?" He took her other arm in his massive grip and shook her.

She opened her eyes wide, seemingly frightened. I would have enjoyed the little act, had I not had anything riding on it. Of course, the rest of the tavern's patrons had no such problem and had quieted to watch the exchange. One man even hollered out to Bootstrap, "Give it to 'er good, mate! Teach 'er a lesson she ain't likely ta forget!"

Bootstrap began pulling Scarlett toward the open doors when Bellamy stood, upending the small table before him, as well as his chair. He unsheathed his sword from his right side and spoke. His voice was otherworldly. It was dead calm, but carried with it a note of violence and terror that set my hackles up. "Let the lady go. I was discussing a business arrangement with her."

Bootstrap turned and faced down the sword, "Oh yeah? Well, she already had a 'rangement wit' me."

He pressed the point of his sword closer to Bootstraps's throat. "No one gets in the way of Captain Phineas Bellamy," the tall man explained, placing the tip so close to my crewman, I saw Bill's skin indent. "No one."

I stood and strode to the little meeting, placing myself an ample distance from Bellamy's sword, but close enough to disarm him. Before Bellamy could ask who I was, I spoke, "If I may, Captain. I am a Captain myself. And, if you'll allow my to sort out my errant crew, here, I'll pay for the whore myself."

"And what, pray tell, prompts this little show of generosity?" he asked, his tone icy. Bootstrap backed away from the longsword as I distracted the captain.

I began, "Well, you know, good crew is so hard to come by in these waters - "

"Sailors are sailors, Captain. One is as good as the next, as long as they are properly disciplined," he replied. He was no longer focusing on my quartermaster, so I consider my offer accepted.

I shrugged, "Well, perhaps to a prolific man of the sea such as yourself, eh? But, to a no account Captain such as myself, I'm only as good as my crew," I glanced at Bootstrap, throwing him an angry glare, "But, I shall see my man, er, 'properly disciplined.' Now, about my offer?"

"I will accept," the tall man answered and sheathed his sword. I did my best to hide my relief. "Whore, come," he beckoned.

I pressed closer to him, "Surely, Captain Bellamy, you'll allow me the great honor of first buying you a bottle of the tavern's finest? I must hear all about you, " I implored, hoping that the man's vanity and level of drunkenness would allow him to accept. I looked around and signaled a serving wench.

He wavered a moment, looking from me to Scarlett. "Well," he began, with one final leer at the redhead, "Of course you may. Anything you glean from me will be an improvement. Women can always wait, eh, my boy?"

This was going better than I had anticipated. Bootstrap made a show of slinking out through the front door and Scarlett accompanied us to a private table on the far side of the tavern. The maid brought us a dusty bottle of wine and two beakers. I found that as long as I stayed on Bellamy's right side, I could keep the evening's meal in my stomach. Unfortunately for Scarlett, she was forced to cuddle up the wretched left side. I tried my best to hurry the evening along, for her sake.

Bellamy proved to be quite vane indeed. He told me of several profitable escapades off of the coast of Africa and here in the Caribbean, none of which rang of truth. He went on and on about women he'd had, captains he'd bested, and cargoes he'd plundered. He never even asked my name or the name of my ship. I didn't dare mention the boy, even as he became more and more inebriated. We went through nearly six bottles of expensive French red, before he fell face down onto the plank table.

Scarlett and I exchanged a look over the fallen captain. She was looking very pale, but she smiled and produced a small, elaborately worked gilt key from between her breasts. "Shall we take what is rightfully ours, Captain?"

I smiled back at her and nodded. I slid beneath the table, mindful not to disturb the man more than necessary. Once I parted the soiled rags that covered the boy, I could see that he was probably closer to thirteen or fourteen, but extremely malnourished. He wore no garments, save the cape of rags and was as dirty and malodorous as his captor was clean and polished. He was hunched into a tiny ball, all bones and sharp angles and glared at me mistrustfully from beneath swollen lids. When I reached for the collar around his raw, red throat, he lunged at me.

Luckily, he was so slight and lacking in energy, he did little more than tumble into me. I caught him around the middle as he squirmed and mewled, horse little protestations. I hushed him by clamping my hand over his mouth. I unlocked the collar and tucked my coat around him. Scarlett chanced to peek down at me and I nodded towards the direction of the door.

By that time, the tavern had died down, only a group of three old salts in one corner were about and they were swaying, singing a soulful shanty that I didn't recognize. Even the barkeep had retired.

Scarlett and I made our way to the door with the squirming bundle, carefully stepping over fallen sailors and murky puddles of grog. As we slipped out into the town, the sun was lazily chasing the last star from the sky.

I looked at her, triumphant, though I had no idea about the state of the boy I carried, or even if it was the right boy. Instinct told me that it was, though. "Perhaps you should give up this life, my darling Scarlett, and take the stage, eh? You and Bootstrap could turn a fair profit, what with your combined talents," I offered, half-serious.

She smiled up at me, batting her lashes, "Well, be that as it may, I think I can earn a fair profit with my more obvious talents, don't you agree, Jack Sparrow?"

I grinned and said nothing. We made for the dock in companionable silence. We found Benjamin, half dozing in the longboat, tethered behind a long sloop. He woke upon seeing us and launched into an apology.

"Sorry, Cap'n. I tried to stay full awake, honest - " he began. I silenced him with a raise of my hand and a nod. I handed my bundle over to him.

The child had gone limp in my arms on our brisk walk to the pier. I knew the fight had gone out of him, almost sensing the moment he gave up, awaiting whatever new terror was before him. I had felt that way once, myself. At the sudden memory of my mother bundled in my coat and carried in the same manner as this frail boy, I wondered about his family and what had become of them.

As I released my burden to the coxswain, the memory left me as quickly as it had come. I felt Scarlett touch my sleeve and saw her tilt a concerned look up at me.

I smiled down at her, seeing once more the ghost of my mother in a fine burgundy gown. But, I shook my head and offered her my hand, "Shall we?"

She took my arm and boarded the small craft. I followed her in, rubbing the bridge of my nose. I really could have done with another drink, but figured I'd have to settle for some much-needed sleep once aboard the Pearl.

We rowed to the vessel and boarded. I'd still not uncovered the boy, for I wanted to see the map for myself before I could share any news with Barbossa. But, he stood, waiting for me on the quarterdeck. He took in the bundle with a sweep of his eyes and a malicious grin. "Jack, welcome back. You've something to show us, then?"

It was already the middle of the morning watch, and much of the crew had gathered on deck after breakfast. They halted activity to watch me, staring speculatively at the bundled from in my arms,

I chose to ignore Barbossa's informal greeting, and wearily spoke, "Nothing, yet, mate," I evaded, making for my cabin. Barbossa stood before me, blocking my path.

"Come now, Jack. We've been waiting all night. Surely, you'll give us a taste of what's to come, then?" my first mate persisted. My gaze rested on the way his hand hovered near the hilt of his cutlass. I sighed.

"No. Scarlett and I mean to rest. You'll know all in a few hours," I moved to brush past him before commanding, "Make a heading for Nevis or thereabouts. I'd like as much sea between my ship and this port as possible before long."

Barbossa pulled his cutlass then. With the child occupying both of my arms, I was defenseless. I sighed, "What is it mate? Can't you see I'm tired?"

Bootstrap made his appearance then, trying to move between Barbossa and myself. However, Aciguato moved forward to restrain him.

"I can't let you go, Jack. The crew and myself have been talking. It seems they'd like a little reassurance of what we're heading into, eh?" my mate continued.

I stepped backwards as Scarlett stepped forwards. She was just behind me, and I felt her put her hands around the hilt of my cutlass. I bowed my head slightly and moved to offer the bundle to Barbossa.

He smiled, revealing ever more rotten-looking teeth that I'd noticed before. I wondered in that moment if it was possible for greed and pure evil to rot one from the inside out. He lowered his sword just as Scarlett unsheathed mine. She jumped from behind me, placing the tip of the cutlass at Barbossa's throat. The rest of the crew pressed closer. It was obvious that they had chosen Barbossa over me.

"Now, now, pet. Just let me have the Captain and I'll see that you get your reward," he stammered, staring at the red head, warily.

I stepped backwards again and found the handle to the door of my cabin and turned it. I snared Scarlett about the waist and pulled her with me into the room, barring the door as quickly as I could. I heard the roar of the crew outside the door and they began pounding on the oaken planks. I knew that within minutes, they would be upon us.

I unwrapped the boy. He was wide eyed, and paralyzed with fear. When Scarlett lit a lamp, I saw that he had abrasions and scars crisscrossing his chest and arms. Some still wept blood. Scarlett gasped.

"Bring a basin," I ordered. To the boy, I said, "It'll be okay. I'll free you. I just want to see the mark on your back, okay?"

He turned. There, in clear ink and unmarked flesh, was a large tattoo. The tattoo I had been hoping for. I didn't have time to celebrate, because I heard wood splinter behind me. I bundled him again in the jacket as Scarlett reappeared with the water. I pushed the boy into her arms and gestured to the stern windows.

I opened one and Scarlett immediately understood. She took the lead, stepping out onto the narrow ledge along the transom. She held her hands out and the boy followed. I don't know what made him trust her as he did, but I didn't have time to worry on it. I closed the window and crossed the room to await my crew.

Barbossa led the bunch, piling in as the door finally gave up its hinges. "Where is it, Jack?" he roared.

I glared angrily at the man, "Well, I don't have it any longer, thanks to you. The whore took the map and fled through the cabin windows. Now, I've no idea where to look and I'm sure we'll have a furious pirate captain on our tail in a matter of hours." I reached out and struck my first mate, angrily. I'd never struck a member of my own crew, and indeed, never found much use for the lash. But, in the face of the mutinous pirate, it felt good.

Barbossa looked angry enough to spit, but the rest of the crews blood was at such a high boil, they turned on him there, too.

Pintel, Barbossa's stooge, stepped from the angry group and faced my mate, "What'd ya do that fer, eh? We all knew the cap'n'd come through!"

I smiled inwardly, knowing it for a lie, but relishing it all the same. Barbossa blanched for a moment before turning back to me.

I spoke before he had the chance, "I should put the lot of you off my ship, but now, I have a need to keep the Pearl in tact. Make haste away from here. Sail for Tortuga." I turned from them, hoping whatever authority I still had would outrank Barbossa. I felt that I didn't have long with him or the crew. But, they left my cabin hastily and Barbossa departed without a word.

Only Bootstrap lagged behind. "You know, Cap'n, the crew don't believe in ya anymore," he said. His voice was sad, as if he, too, sensed the end of something that had been great. I merely nodded.

Once he was gone, I turned my map table onto its end and pushed it against the open doorway. It wasn't perfect, but it would serve. I moved to the window and held out my hand. Scarlett took it and I pulled her and the boy back into the room.

I put my finger to my lips and urged them to be quiet. "We'll be in Tortuga before nightfall. I'll leave you both there, savvy?" I whispered. Scarlett nodded, her eyes wide with fear.

I placed my hand on her shoulder, "I'll provide for you both what I can," I offered, leading them both to my bunk. They climbed in.

They dozed quickly. While they slept, I sat at the bedside. I moved the boy to study his back. I saw he'd suffered worse abuses than a simple lashing. I though of Jean Roget, the manager from the Opera and my stomach soured. I was becoming too nostalgic for my own good today.

I covered him to the waist with the coverlet, committing as much of the map as I could to memory. I knew it wouldn't serve to copy it down for Barbossa to find.

Sure enough, we made port in Tortuga close to the end of the second dogwatch. I went onto the main deck. Many of my crew would not meet my eye. Barbossa was not among them.

"Why here? We've nothing to sell and we need nothing," he asked, crassly trying to belittle my orders in front of the rest of the crew.

I squared my shoulders and set my jaw, checking the desire to strike him once more. "They crew needs a little shore leave. After today's display, I can see that the stress of being at sea too long has strained all of us."

A general chorus of cheer went up among the crew. Barbossa's face only clouded over. "Well, it is my opinion that we should continue hunting for merchant ships, since your fanciful treasure hunt has amounted us nothing."

"Luckily for me, my opinion is the only one that counts," I answered dryly. I turned away from my mate to address the crew at large. "Men, have the next two days to yourselves. I'll expect you back on board at the first bell of morning watch... no, make it the last bell of morning watch on Friday."

They crew set about making fast the sails and setting everything to rights one last time before Barbossa could contradict me further and dampen my apparent good cheer. I turned back to my mate.

"Barbossa, I would like for you to try your hardest these next to days to find yourself another ship. If you cannot, I will not break my oath and you shall remain my first mate until such a time when I can visit our horde and buy your post back," I nodded curtly at him before returning to my cabin. I did not see my crew depart, or see where Barbossa went. I remained with my charges, still sleeping, until late into the night.

XxXxX

Thanks to my sole reviewer, Miss Sirius... now, if anyone else has gotten this far, please, throw me a bone ;0)