Commandeering Commodore
Chapter 45
James caught Will by the arm as he started towards Jack, "Steady there Mr. Turner." He said in a low deep voice close to Will's ear. "I'm afraid we must put our faith in the hope Sparrow knows what he's about. We may be best served to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being. We shall be on the ready in case the situation turns."
Will held his gaze for a moment and then nodded, "Very well Commodore, for the time being." He heard Barbossa addressing him, "What say you Mr. Turner, do ya wish me ta retain possession of this fine bit of bonny lass as well?" Barbossa said as he walked over to Elizabeth and put an arm around her shoulders with a leering grin at Will, pulling her back up against him as she tried to put some distance between them.
Will looked towards Jack, he could see by the look in Jack's eyes he wanted him to agree with what he'd told Barbossa. He swallowed, took a deep breath, straightened up, tried to put the steeliest expression on his face he was capable of at the time, and said much more strongly than he felt, "She chose to leave Barbossa." He avoided looking at Elizabeth, knowing to look at her face and meet her eyes now would be his undoing. It was all he could do to keep the façade up at her heartrending "William!" that followed his words.
"There ya go Hector," Jack said cheerily waving his hands about, "Seems like you'd not be posssessin something of as much value as you may have hoped."
"Ah but Jack, I'm afeared yer forgettin just who she be besides Mrs. William Turner blacksmiths wife. Most likely there are others who might be placin her worth and value a bit higher." Barbossa said with a sly smile.
"Bugger!" Jack cursed under his breath, "Was hopin you'd a forgot that little bit of knowledge."
James and Will both stepped over to Jack, "Now what Jack?" William said angrily. "I am not about to let him sail off with her and sell her to the highest bidder."
"Nor shall I Sparrow." James said resolutely.
Jack stood there, his gaze going from James to William, over to Barbossa and back, his mind scrambling for anything he could come up with and not coming up with much of anything in a helpful vein.
"Barbossa," Teague said as he walked past the three men and stood by the rail. "What'd ya have in your mind in exchange for the gel?"
"What interest is the lass to you Captain Teague?" Barbossa answered.
"Can't say she's any interest to me at all Hector…… Let's just say I've become a bit fond of the whelp and regardless of his feelings towards the gel at the moment I'm sure he'll wake up one of these fine morning and wonder if he might ought to have done a bit more ta procure her return." He seemed to be speaking more to himself than Barbossa as he said the next words, "Regrets can be heavy baggage ta haul." And then in a semi parody of his son, with a wide smile as he waved his hands about added, "Sides that Barbossa I'm of a generous and merciful nature meself from time ta time and I'd not feel right bout forcin the lass ta endure your rather unpalatable company any longer that necessary." After a short pause during which Teague and Barbossa locked eyes with each other Teague said, "What say you I come over and perhaps we can come to some sort of accord?"
After a thoughtful pause Barbossa answered, "Aye Captain Teague, you've me permission to come aboard."
A short time later Jack, James, and Will watched Barbossa and Teague disappear into Hector's cabin.
"Now what do you suppose he's up to?" Jack said curiously to no one in particular.
"He is more than likely up to bargaining all of us away to that Pirate. Like Son like Father no doubt." James said snarkily.
"Are you implying I would do such a thing Commodore?" Jack said rocking back on his heels with a rather haughty expression directed at James.
James gave him an 'Oh Please' look and Jack smiled sheepishly, waved his hands about and said, "Oh yeah…..well…."
"Indeed!" James replied.
William had advanced to stand by the rail, and although no words were passed between them the looks he and Elizabeth were giving each other were clear.
"Do you think there's a chance they will let Monsieur Bergeron and I go too?" Josette said, having been up till now almost paralyzed with fear and unable to speak in the presence of that horrible pirate.
"Josette, we are of no value to Madame Turner's friends, I doubt we will be included in the bargaining." Alon said discouragingly.
Elizabeth tore her attention away from Will and said, "Alon, Josette, I will do my best to make sure you both stay with me." And then with a slight shudder, "No matter where that winds up being."
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"So the Whelp and the lass are no longer feelin of a forebearin and forgivin nature towards each other?" Barbossa said with a smirk as he and Teague sat at the large desk in the middle of the cabin.
"Happens ta the best of us Hector." Teague replied with a smile.
"Although…." Barbossa continued, eyeing Teague intently, "She did seem a might elated when I told her I'd be returnin her.
"No doubt an understandable reaction to the company she was keepin at the time." Teague answered flippantly.
"I think ya might not be tellin the whole truth of the matter Captain Teague." Barbossa said still looking at Teague.
Teague gave Barbossa an ominous look as he spoke in a quiet yet chilling voice, "Are you calling me a liar Barbossa?"
"Was not me intent in the least Captain, I assure you. On further mullin over of me words, perhaps I misspoke." Barbossa said hastily backpedaling from the words he had spoken, and then thinking it was wise to change the course of the conversation said, "Mayhaps we should get on with the negotiations?"
"Aye, that would be the wisest course of action." Teague replied, a hint of his previous tone still embedded in his voice. "Now just what would you be wanting for the girl Captain?"
"What are ya offerin Captain?" Barbossa said with a smile.
"Would a bit of swag and shiny satisfy ya Captain?" Teague said with his own smile.
Not able to keep the interest….nor greed out of his expression or voice Barbossa said, "Define a bit Captain."
To Be Continued
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