Chapter 4: On Board the Pirate Ship

Jack lovingly stroked the wheel as he turned it with ease. The chipped and weatherworn wood creaked and groaned. Having it within his hands never ceased to relax him after a particularly trying day. Today had been one of those days. The promise of treasure and running from soldiers always brought about interesting situations.

This Tarrington bloke now had the map and they were going to chase him down. Just a typical day in the life of a pirate. Tarrington couldn't be any nastier than any other of the colorful characters he'd met through all his years of pillaging and looting. Getting the map back would be a cinch, but only if his three new passengers didn't get in the way.

Speaking of which, Jameson Dawes was prowling about the ship, tightening loose ropes and glaring at anyone who got in his way. Much to the relief of all ears aboard the ship, Jim and Evanna had stopped fighting and split apart, one above deck, the other below.

"Jack," he greeted with a stiff nod.

" 'Lo, mate," he said cautiously, hoping to avoid an angry outburst.

Jim wasn't in the mood for conversation obviously. He'd just spotted his children, though they hadn't seen him. They were leaning against the stern with their backs to them. He walked up to Jack and whispered into his ear.

"When you get a chance, we need to talk 'bout the map."

He hurried off lest his children hear him and climbed his way to the top of the crow's nest. It had always been his favorite place no matter the ship.

Many long years had he known Jim and though it had been some time since he'd seen Evanna, he still remembered her red tresses. He thought perhaps her lineage might be Irish considering the rages she often flew into. Red as her hair was, he thought she rather looked like her head was always flaming. Good thing she was short, otherwise, the sails would catch fire. Needless to say, Jack wasn't thrilled she had suddenly invaded the Pearl.

He couldn't exactly remember why she'd left Jim and taken the children. Word got round among the more raucous pirate circles that Jim had been gravely injured at the time and that Evanna had suddenly turned landlubber.

Women. Noisy, infuriating little things. He swallowed his mouthful of rum and glanced behind him. Jim's daughter had decided to take up residence at the stern for the rest of the night, brother Emerson next to her. They were whispering quietly. Though he'd never admit it, Jack was curious about their conversation. Rather than keep wondering what they talking about, he turned his thoughts to the girl.

Miss Dawes was a dreadful sight. The mud that covered her from head to boots had dried. Chunks fell from her clothing at random as she moved, leaving his deck in a mess. He then noticed there was also a growing pile of dried mud around his own boots. If it weren't for her, they wouldn't be covered in mud in the first place and his deck wouldn't be filthy. Just because he'd lost his balance on the cliff didn't mean the mud was his fault. He'd be making her clean it all up come morning.

He glanced curiously over his shoulder again to see what Miss Dawes was up to. Jack grimaced. She was brushing away tears. He hated to see a woman cry. It was the absolute worst torture for any man to go through. Obviously they did it on purpose just to drive a man mad. What was there to cry about anyway? She'd gotten out alive, thanks to him, and was now aboard the greatest pirate vessel to sail the ocean. She should be bloody grateful that he hadn't left her behind to take her father's place in jail.

He took another drink and hugged the bottle of rum in a possessive way. Well, with any luck, he'd be able to dump them off at the next landfall and go after the treasure without anymore inference.

Long after her brother left, Miss Dawes was still awake and still staring towards the direction of Nassau. Shivers shook her body and she wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing vigorously. Jack didn't know why exactly he was doing this, but he set the rum down on the deck and made his way over to Miss Dawes.

She'd been standing at the stern for some time, alone, allowing the wind to dry her cheeks, looking back towards the only home she'd ever known and quite possibly would never see again. The Pearl crewmembers who occasionally approached to do some task or other often threw her furtive glances and each averted their eyes as though afraid of her. Crying females were probably not a welcome sight for any man aboard a pirate ship.

As she breathed deeply of the salty air, she recalled that too many times she'd shed tears on account of a fight between her parents. Maybe after ten years there were still too many reasons for them to hate each rather than make peace.

Sparrow stood at his wheel and was ignoring her, thankfully. She couldn't handle another argument at the moment. With a look of disgust, she turned her face away as he tilted the rum up and emptied half of the bottle in one go.

"You okay?"

She smiled when she heard Emerson's voice. "Oh, not at the moment, but the sun will be up in a few hours. Maybe today will be better." She glanced over her shoulder. "Where did they go?"

"Mum went below deck to find a cabin and Dad's in the crow's nest at the moment."

Evelyn tilted her head up to see her father standing on the ship's highest point. He held onto the mast with one hand while the other rested on the hilt of his sword. The man was an intimidating sight, tall and lean as he was, dangerously armed. Course, she'd seen his broad smile and remembered the warmth of his hugs. It was too bad Mum didn't remember too.

"Can you believe those two idiots?" said Emerson. "We almost die and they can only fight about whose fault it is."

"Emerson, was Dad right? Can we never return to Nassau?" Evelyn chose to change the subject rather than discuss her parents.

He sighed heavily and leaned on the rail of the ship for support. "I don't know, Evy. I hope it hasn't come to that, but strictly speaking, we are fugitives now. We aided and abetted a pirate to escape from jail in the company of the most famous pirate of them all."

"Luckily, no one was killed," she said, thinking that the Kensington brats would have no one to spill their milk on in the morning. She laughed.

"What?" he asked, smiling.

"I was just thinking about those freckle-faced brats at the inn. Come morning, they won't have me to douse with food."

His eyes lit up. "You're right. That's definitely a bright side, I'd say, eh?"

"I suppose so."

"Maybe we should turn in," he said, yawning. "It's late."

"I'm not tired. I think I'll just stay here a while longer."

"Suit yourself." He squeezed her shoulder. "When you do fall asleep…sweet dreams."

"Thanks. You too, Em."

For the remainder of the night, no one bothered her as she simply stood and stared, choosing not to think about what they'd left behind. There was a missing treasure map to be reclaimed and they were heading straight for the man who'd stolen it. Life as Evelyn had known it had drastically altered without her consent. To think that she had no control over anything now was disconcerting.

The control now belonged to the pirate at the helm who was nursing his bottle of rum. Though the night was dark, the sky was clear and the moon lit upon the face that was now staring at her. His dark eyes stared searchingly at her face, expression in them unreadable. She quickly looked back to the sea and shivered uncomfortably. But then she started suddenly as something heavy dropped onto her shoulders.

Sparrow stood there, having taken off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Nights can be cold out here. Best you keep warm, luv."

Before she could thank him, he returned to his wheel, eyes on the horizon. She stared at him in surprise, saying nothing and pulled the coat closer together. It was still warm. Jack Sparrow was turning out to be not quite what she expected. Such a benevolent act of giving up his coat to a freezing woman contrasted to the bawdy behavior he'd so far displayed. Enigmatic suited him best at the moment. She continued to watch him only briefly before returning her attention to the horizon as well.

Emerson didn't sleep much, though it wasn't for lack of trying. He eventually gave up and wandered out on deck. Sparrow was still at the wheel. Evy, despite her refusal to sleep, looked as if she'd settled down on the deck with a coat draped over her for cover. Jameson Dawes appeared at Sparrow's side, they spoke briefly.

After a few words, his dad left Jack and stopped suddenly as he spotted his son. With a look of shame, he approached.

"What happened earlier, Emerson, with your mum, I'm sorry," he said, eyes downcast.

"Evy cried you know," he said severely, not yet ready to forgive his dad.

His face drooped. "I know," he whispered painfully.

"I don't want to see her crying because of you two ever again," he said darkly, shocked with himself for speaking so candidly to his father this way, but…it had to be said.

"You're right, son," he said gravely. "It seems there are things I've forgotten. That I have a family is one of them."

"Good. That's settled then," he said with a firm nod. "As for Mum…"

"Here we go," he said with a big sigh.

"Would you please keep your temper with her? I don't care how angry you are. Just walk away."

His dad looked ready to argue again, but shut his mouth, apparently having thought better of it, and said something else instead. "Is this what you're planning to tell her?"

Emerson grinned. "I'm not saying one word to Mum. You are."

Jameson's eyes bulged. "Me?" he spluttered.

"Yes, you. Even though the Black Pearl is the mammoth of pirate ships, it can get very small if everyone is trying to avoid each other. You need to make it as pleasurable a time as you can, especially for Evy."

He regarded his son for a moment in open astonishment, then laughed and shook his head. "When did you grow into a man?"

"While you were robbing the innocent on the high seas."

"I'm sorry I missed it, Emerson," he said regrettably, laughter having ended.

"Well, it looks like we're stuck with each other for a while." He looked down at his feet, suddenly embarrassed. "Maybe we could…get to know each other. Again."

"I'd like that, son."

The heavy weight that had settled in his chest lessened suddenly. Emerson had been waiting years to say these things to his father. The fact that he'd been able to do it without the aid of his fists—something he'd fantasized about for a while—made him feel like he had accomplished twice as much.

Evy could barely move. She'd been sleeping all night against the hard wood of the ship with her knees drawn up to her chest. Her eyes popped open to a barely risen sun. The ship was already bursting with activity. Though she knew she needed to get up, she was too warm under the coat covering her neck to feet. A coat that smelled like rum.

Rum?!

She stood up quickly and stumbled as the ship crashed against the waves, but managed to steady herself. In the arms of said coat's owner.

"Not found your sea legs yet, eh?"

"It's been a while," she said, strained. "I haven't been on a ship in quite some time."

"You'll get used to it soon enough. Just don't vomit all over my deck."

"I'll keep that in mind, Captain Sparrow," she said dryly.

"Call me Jack, darling, though Captain Sparrow does sound rather dashing, don't you think?"

"No, I don't, now will you please remove your arms?"

Sparrow had been holding her since she stumbled and with some difficulty, managed to extract herself. He stared down at her with a smirk.

"What?" she snapped.

"Sleep well, luv?"

"As well as can be expected under the circumstances," she said stiffly.

"Well, might I suggest you occupy a bunk instead of the deck? Not that I'm complaining. The sound of your gentle snoring is quite calming."

"My snor--? I do not snore!" she said indignantly.

"I beg to differ, Miss Dawes," he said knowingly. "Though I promise not to divulge this to anyone. It'll be our little secret." He winked exaggeratedly.

She pursed her lips and threw his coat at him. "Thank you for allowing me to borrow it."

"My clothing is always available to you, Miss Dawes!" he called as she stalked off.

"Bloody pirate," she muttered.

Even though she had no idea where the galley was located, she went looking for it anyway. Perhaps they could use her help.

The aroma of food was suddenly noticeable as she stopped by an unmarked door. She opened it and timidly stepped through. As the ship rocked backwards and forwards, haphazardly stacked pots and utensils tumbled over and even knocked over a cooking pot. A loud curse came from somewhere behind the pot.

"Hello?" she called tentatively. No answer. "HELLO!"

Still nothing. She crept further inside, picking up a large pot and ladle along the way. "Is anyone here?"

Whoever uttered the foul language from before suddenly jumped out from behind her brandishing a meat cleaver. "Gotcha! Ha!"

She shrieked and dropped her armful of cookware. Pure white eyebrows disappeared under a grizzled mane of the same color when he saw who the intruder was. He stood about a head shorter than her, but that did not diminish his threatening appearance in the least. With skin as dry and course as the sand, he looked to be near one hundred years old. He menacingly bared his teeth, all five of them.

"Who ye be, girlie?" The pirate's voice was so raspy it was amazing he could still talk. He took one step closer with a loud clunk, peg leg breaking her silence.

"Evelyn Dawes," she whispered fearfully.

"Eh? What's tha'?"

"Evelyn Dawes," she repeated louder.

"Speak up, ya scrawny goose!"

"EVELYN DAWES!!" she yelled.

"'oly Christmas, child! Ya don' 'ave ta shout! I can 'ear ye fine!"

"Somehow I doubt that," she said in a normal tone.

"Huh?" he asked turning his ear toward her.

"Never mind!" she said.

Spotty gray eyes looked her over. "Aye, ye be Jim Dawes's girl."

She nodded, tired of speaking. Her throat was scratchy.

"Another mouth ta feed!" he cried indignantly, stamping his peg leg. "Look 'ere, missie, I'll not 'ave ye a' comin' down 'ere with no special food orders like lightly browned toast an' whatnot."

She rolled her eyes. "That's not what I'm doing down here!"

"Then what ye want?"

"To help you!"

"Eh?"

"TO HELP YOU!" she screamed.

"Why would I need 'elp from the likes of an English princess, eh?"

Evelyn growled in frustration. "Are all pirates this maddening?"

"Eh?"

"I'm going to help you cook for the crew!" she boomed, coming straight to the point.

"Why?" he barked.

"Because I want to you insufferable man!"

"Why would any proper lady wanna do somefin' like tha', eh?"

"To pull my weight on this ship!"

"Tha's a big job, lass, feedin' the crew of a ship."

"I'm used to it."

"Are ye now? Got any 'sperience?"

"My family owns a boarding house in Nassau. I cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner there everyday."

He eyed her with interest suddenly. "Crack o' dawn every mornin', ye 'ave ta be 'ere."

"I'm an early riser by nature."

"'ow do I know ye won' get bored an' quit on me?"

"Well, you'll just have to take my word for it…Mr.…"

"Percival Bucket, at ye service, girl. 'Round 'ere though, I'm called Peggy."

She opened her mouth, but then shut it. Peggy? He sensed her confusion and explained by slapping his missing limb that was attached to the peg leg.

"Sharks. Two of 'em," he said proudly, as though he'd won some battle. "Scavengin' a sunken ship I was. A'fore I knows it, two sharks come chargin' an' chomp off me leg."

Evelyn grimaced at the wonderful images he'd just conjured up. To her dismay, that wasn't the end of the story.

"They thought they'd won themselves a nice, fleshy treat, but I 'ad me spear an' I run one through. E'en though th' other got away with me leg, I managed to 'quire a memento." He pointed to the leather strap around his neck, which displayed five large shark's teeth. "They'd broken off in me leg an'—"

"All right, all right!" she interrupted hastily. "I congratulate you in your miraculous escape…Peggy." Though she'd been hungry when she came down here, his colorful tale had seen fit to put a stop to her growling stomach.

"Wha's ye name agin?"

"Just call me…well, Evy, I suppose to make things simple." And as an afterthought, "Perhaps you can even have a day off now and again."

His cloudy gray eyes glinted. "Tha' so?" He clapped his gnarled hands together. "Yer 'ired on a temp'ry basis. Ye get yer firs' review in one week. If'n I'm happy with yer work, then Cap'n will be happy with yer work. Ye can start by cleanin' this mess up…Evy."

She eyed the food-strewn floor with disgust, but didn't back down and soon had not only the floor scrubbed clean, but had finished with breakfast by the time the crew arrived.

"What are you doing back there?" asked her father in surprise when he appeared with a plate.

"Pulling my weight," she replied, dishing out his portion. "I'm not just going to sit around and do nothing. I need to keep myself occupied or I may jump ship and head back to Nassau with naught but my broken pride."

He threw his head back and laughed. "That's my girl."

"Get on with you. There's others waiting," she scolded, but couldn't keep herself from smiling, pleased with his praise.

To her annoyance, ship's captain showed up sooner than she expected. His eyes widened in surprise to see her, but only for a second. She suddenly felt all thumbs as he watched her every move and nearly made a mess all over the floor again. Why was she so nervous all of the sudden?

Plate in hand, he gave her an appraising sort of look. She stared haughtily back as though daring him to find fault. The tiniest of grins revealed his gleaming gold teeth. He nodded once to her and left to find a seat. To her dismay, it was a seat facing her. Every now and then, he'd glance over and she pretended not to notice.

She let out the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. The Captain's silent observance felt like acceptance and suddenly, the days ahead didn't seem quite as daunting now that she had a duty.

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