Commandeering Commodore

Chapter 40

Elizabeth stood there looking at Barbossa trying to judge what the man could possibly know about why she was in this vicinity, and how she could answer his question. She knew enough about Barbossa to know he would not be easily duped so what ever she said she had to make it sound convincing, and simple. Simple lies were much easier to keep track of than long elaborate ones. She took a deep breath and said, "Will and I had a fight." She even accented her words with a teary eyed expression, something she had practice using on her Father more than a few times. "I left." She cast a surreptitious look Barbossa's way and was surprised to see it looked as if he actually believed her.

"I offer me sympathies Mrs. Turner for your recent marital infelicities, and I'd be thinkin you might not be adverse ta seein Master Turner again in the near future."

"You would take me to William?" Elizabeth said unbelievingly.

"Mrs. Turner, I'm afeared your judgement of me a bit severe, I'm not a heartless man." Barbossa said attempting to put an expression of hurt on his face. "And I assure you I've every intention of having you and Mr. Turner see each other again."

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Captain Laurent, although his mind was occupied with the running of his ship, could not shake the feeling there was something not right with the wreckage they had seen. He just could not put his finger on what it was.

The Governor would not discuss it, having made up his mind that the stolen papers had been lost along with the people that stole them, and all were lying at the bottom of the ocean.

As he sat sipping at his tea it struck him like a thunderbolt. He jumped up suddenly, startling the crew that were sitting in his vicinity as he shouted, "That's it!" and rushed out of the galley towards the Governor's cabin.

"What is it?" the Governor called out with irritation as he heard the loud knock on his door.

Captain Laurent opened the door and immediately began speaking, "Governor, I know why that wreckage didn't look right. That ship was not sunk by the storm, it was sunk by cannon fire."

The Governor raised his hand in a quieting gesture and said, "Captain, I care not how they got to the bottom of the ocean, only that they did."

"But Governor don't you see, they may have been taken aboard the other ship. And if they were the documents may still fall into the wrong hands."

"I doubt that Captain. If another ship did fire upon them it is highly unlikely they would have survived to be taken aboard." The Governor said stubbornly. "Now continue on our course, the matter is closed."

"Very well Governor although I think we will regret not looking for them further." Captain Laurent said as he left the cabin.

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"Ya know Jackie, it may sound strange comin from the likes of me seein as I've always found many a thing ta occupy me time other than bein a proper Da and all. And if ya ever bring up what I'm about ta be sayin I'll swear it was the rum speakin fer me or in command of yer ears fer hearin it but………" as Teague hesitated Jack looked at him with a combination of curiosity and horror. A small self-conscious smile played on the man's lips as he continued in an uncharacteristically soft voice, "Ya did a fine job with yer blade against the Commodore. I was…..I was……impressed….bloody hell I was proud of ya." And then overly loud, "Now where's that bloody bottle of rum?"

As Teague, trying not to look embarrassed at the words he had just spoken, got out of his seat to retrieve another bottle Jack sat there stunned. Teague was several feet away when Jack spoke and did his best to act like he didn't hear the 'Thank you' Jack uttered softly.

He did however give a laugh as Jack also in an overly loud voice said, "Might as well be bringin two bottles along with ya when ya come."

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"Mishter hic Turner," James slurred, "It hic peers my bo hic bo hic bottle has eshpired and hic I do not hic feel at the preshent hic time I am capable of pro hic pro hic procuring another. Would you hic be sho kind as to hic fesh me another?"

"I really think you've had enough Commodore." William replied.

"Don't hic be sush a hic shuffed hic shirt Turner hic" James said peering at him through bloodshot eyes and gesturing drunkenly with his hand. "Pe hic pe hic people won't hic like you. Per hic shonal shperence hic I'm shpeaking from hic here Tur hic Tur hic Turner."

"Are you really sure you want another Commodore? How about if I just help you to bed and you can sleep off what you've already consumed?"

"No hic fun in hic that Turner."

Will was about to just manhandle the man to the bed, figuring James was in no shape to put up much of a fight when the door opened and Jack stepped in.

"Jack I really don't think it's a good idea for you to be here." Will said warningly.

"Can't order me around on me own ship William." Jack said with a smile as he spotted the Commodore in a very un-Commodore-ly like condition.

"Jack please, the Commodore was just about to retire for the night."

"No fun in that William." Jack replied as he stepped farther into the cabin.

James slowly semi focused his eyes on Jack and made several attempts to stand or at least straighten up in his chair which only succeeded in almost toppling him to the floor.

"Steady on there James." Jack said with a wide grin as he helped James back in his chair.

"Ish you." James slurred as he looked through bleary eyes at Jack as he waved his finger around trying unsuccessfully to point at Jack.

"Ah no pullin the wool over your eyes now is there James." Jack laughed.

"Misher hic Turner!" James said inebriously, "Hang hic hang hic hang him."

"Now see Jack, you've only succeeded in upsetting him." William said giving Jack a peevish look.

"I've upset him? I've upset him? What about all his talk of hangin me. Don't you think that upsets me?" Jack said in a high querulous tone.

"No I don't." Will said sharply, "I think you thrive on such talk."

As Jack opened his mouth to retort Will held up his hand and said "Just shut it Jack and help me get the Commodore to his bunk."

"William I already told you, you can't order me around on me own ship." Jack said poutily.

"Jack!" Will said exasperatedly.

"Oh all right." Jack said sulkily as he grabbed one of James' arms and gave a tug.

To Be Continued

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