Chapter 4: Cat Out Of The Bag
"What is it now?" Captain Teague asked Elizabeth the next morning when she saw her taking a bucket of water inside. Although he had been around, he so far didn't go to actually see Jack.
Elizabeth shrugged in frustration, "I still don't know what's amiss. He's the personification of queasiness, he's sweating, shaking, his heart's beating so fast...talking absolute non sense and I think he had a fit last night. But all he wants is rum. I had to stop him leaving three times, he says he can take care of himself, yet not walk from dizziness. Do you know anybody who could help? Do you know what is this?"
Teague nodded, thinking, "yes. It's the climb-down."
"Climb down?"
"Rum, my dear King, rum. Too much rum, too long. I've did it too, myself, when his mother died...I thought it'd just be a faze with him when Gibbs mentioned something when passing through, I thought it was his normal drinking even.."
"But why is he doing this to himself?"
"That, I don't know. But you'll find out."
"Me? How?"
"Do you trust me with your son? Could you leave him with me for a few weeks?"
"My son owes his life to you, without your help we'd both be dead. He likes your company too, but why?"
"You two, you and Jack are gonna get marooned."
"Huh?"
"Here's the plan. You give Jack rum tonight, and a lot. He won't get drunk easily. But when he is we gather him up and keep him drunk for a couple more days till I get you to an island and leave you there. There's fresh water and food, shelter, not much else. No rum. I'd come back for you in exactly thirty days. That should be enough for him. If he spends that much time without rum he'll be over the effects and the cravings. Mostly. You'd might even find out what the original problem was, the one he needs to drink for."
"Eeeee..."
"Not liking the plan?"
"I like the plan very much. But...minor trouble. Jack doesn't usually stay marooned for very long."
Teague laughed, "may I remind you, there won't be any rum for escaping or any purposes!"
tbc