Commandeering Commodore

Chapter 32

James once again found himself sitting at a table in the tavern with Will and Jack. Teague had been with them until they had run into a young woman of questionable repute on the street whom evidently gave Teague a offer he chose not to turn down. As he walked off with the lass he called back to them over his shoulder that he would join them later, and if he didn't not to worry he would join them on the Pearl before they weighed anchor. He added he was almost sure his business with the woman would surely not occupy him long enough to miss their departure, and then with a flop of his hand added if it did not to worry he would catch up with them at a later time.

James and Will had both refrained from drinking rum on this visit, Jack being the only one of them partaking in that particularly vile drink. It never ceased to amaze James whenever he had the occasion to visit one of these places that it didn't matter what time of day or night it happened to be there were always copious amounts of men who had indulged their taste for liquor to the point they were falling down drunk. This afternoon was no different. There was a group against the wall near the fireplace doing their best, or worst depending on your ear for music, to sing numerous songs that none of them could seem to remember the words or the tune for that matter. There was a large group gathered around a table in the corner opposite the one he was sitting at involved in a card game that appeared to require much cursing, shouting, boot stomping, and thumping of fists against the table. One of the men from this particular table broke away from the rest and seemingly began trying to make his way extremely unsteadily towards the back door on James' right. As he started to pass he tripped and fell across James. James was about to throw the man off him, had actually grabbed him and raised him up a bit when he heard the man speak in a low almost inaudible tone, "Commodore Norrington?"

James hesitated giving the man a questioning look, "Who wants to know?"

"I'm your contact, I'll meet you out back." With this the man finished ineptly removing himself from James and headed once again for the door in a drunken lurch.

William had been watching the proceedings and as the man left he said, "Was that him?"

"Yes Mr. Turner, I am to meet him out back. With any luck this will be the end of our sojourn here."

"I'm coming with you." Will said as he started to rise from his seat.

"Very well then." James said as he also rose from his seat.

"I told ya sittin there sippin tea would bore ya ta death, should'a gone with the rum." Jack said as the two men standing in unison brought his attention back to the table.

"I believe we are about to conclude our business here Captain." James replied impatiently.

"Ah good for you then, let me know how that goes." Jack said with a dismissive wave of his hands, his attention already drawn back to the goings on around him.

"Indeed." James said before turning and heading for the back door, followed closely by William.

As James and William stepped into the alley they noticed several other people there in various modes of either relieving themselves or divesting themselves of excess spirits in their stomachs. Trying not to look conspicuous they stepped over to a couple of unoccupied spaces at the wall and went about the task of acting like that was also their reason for being in the alley as well. As James was busy concentrating on being authentic in his actions he was rudely jostled from behind almost causing him to smack his head into the wall in front of him. He started to voice his displeasure when he felt a hand on his side. "See here sir! What are you about?" James said as he started to turn towards the person standing behind him and was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. The man answered in a low tone as he looked around to make sure no one was watching, "Take these and good riddance to them. And be warned, you are not the only one wanting possession of that." James felt a packet of some sort being shoved at him. He took it and placed it inside his shirt. By the time he turned around the man was gone.

"Mr. Turner, it appears we are now at liberty to put Tortuga to our rudder."

"Good!" William replied as they headed back inside.

"Captain Sparrow, we are ready to leave." James said as they walked up to the table.

"Now? As in this very minute?" Jack said in a high-pitched decidedly unhappy tone. "I've not even gotten any rum in me yet. Nor one of these fine wenches wanderin about for that matter. You can't be serious. " Jack said with a frown at the two.

"I assure you I am most serious Captain." James replied.

"Are ya doin this cause I said ya smelled good James? Is that the reason you'd be doin your utmost to spoil what was becomin a fine and pleasurable evening? Revenge doesn't suit you in the least mate." Jack said flopping his hands about still frowning.

"I am in no way seeking revenge Captain. Our business here is finished and Mr. Turner and I are anxious to be on our way."

"Jack I want to leave as soon as we can to go after Elizabeth." Will interjected.

"Ah then it's the bonny lass you're concerned with, no thought to poor old Captain Jack and his well being it seems." Jack said with a pouty look.

James snorted and said sarcastically, "Oh please Sparrow, it's not like you will never be here again indulging in these excesses once more."

"All the same James, it just won't be the same ya see." Jack said sadly.

"No I do not see." James said irritated.

"Aye and that is one of your biggest faults James, ya don't see." Jack said.

"And just what is that suppose to mean?" James said glaring at Jack his tone rising a bit as he spoke.

Jack let out a sigh, put his feet on the floor, finished what rum was in his mug, stood up, and leaning into James' face as he waved his hands much too close to said face, even tapping his fingers on James' forehead a few times as he spoke in a condescending tone, "I'm afraid it would take too long to explain it to ya here mate, we do however it seems have a nice voyage to be commencin and will no doubt have loads and loads of time to be discussin such matters as it were. Now what are ya waiting for? Let's be off shall we?" Jack didn't wait for a reply but immediately began swaying towards the door leaving James and Will staring at each other and then at Jack's retreating back.

Will heard James curse under his breath and then begin to follow Jack. Will shook his head as he said, "This will bode ill for Jack with the Commodore I know it." and followed along.

To Be Continued

Reviews are welcome

5