AHOY THERE! (clears throat) I mean hello.

Sorry, pirateitis getting the better of me, be warned, it's catching.

Clearing his throat Beckett opened his eyes, tasting rancid alcohol in his mouth he began mental hyperventilation.

Where am I? Who am I? What am I doing here? Is this my bed? I hope not, it's disgusting.....Gah! Who is she? Do I know her? What did I do with my coat? Where's Lizzie?

Feeling he shouldn't say such things out loud, he opted for a hesitant 'Morning.'

The woman paused in lacing up her boots and glanced at him, flame red hair framing her young and pretty face. It was her expression he disliked, a polite mask of disinterest and insufferable boredom.

'Morning Sir' she replied politely. 'How'd you sleep?'

Beckett contemplated this; how wold he tell her no, how could he tell her that he hated waking up next to a prostitute, that he hated staring out to sea, alone with his dark thoughts. That he hated dreaming of a weeping and broken woman every night, that guilt burdened his mind at dawn and painful desire racked his body at dusk?...........

'Fine.....Maria' he lied, after making a conscious effort to remember her name. 'Er....how much do I owe you?'

'Nothin', you paid me last night' she told him, retrieving he shilling from the pillow and tucking it into her threadbare purse. Yes I paid you. He thought bitterly I pay them all, I betrayed the only woman I've ever felt desire for, and was betrayed in return. I feel nothing. Do you know? Do you care? Of course you don't, I've already paid you...

'Oh, right.' he said distractedly, standing up and putting on his jacket. He had to find someone, someone important.......

Then it struck him, he had no idea where he was. The dull ache in his head reminded him of the night's drunken activities, a far cry from what he wanted.

'Er.....what street is this?' he asked, hoping it didn't sound as stupid out loud as it did in his own head.

Maria gave him a look. Wow, was this man simple!

'Ha'penny Street' she told him, a slight mocking ring in her voice. Beckett ignored it, the information was all he needed.

'Right.' he said with disinterest 'Um....do you know Josamee Gibbs?'

Maria looked round.

'Gibbs? Sure. Drunken ex navy guy.'

Beckett nodded 'Yes that's him. How is-'

'Drunk, what else?'

'Okay, where can I fi-'

'Tortuga tavern.' she answered briskly.

Nodding silently Beckett left her. Blinking in the sun he awkwardly trudged his way up the small, winding street. Josamee Gibbs, I need your information, and you will give it to me...Or by God there will be hell to pay......

Uh-oh, our favourite villain is on a mission! Any reviews and constructive criticism will be extremely welcome here. Don't make me cry.... ; )