Hello! After so long, here is the next chapter! After SDCC I got caught up in my Kidd cosplay doing other things and holding a Kiddway photoshoot per request of my followers on Tumblr. I only have a teaser pic of the shoot up, but I will be posting the rest of the shoot there once I get them if you want to see. My Tumblr username is also Domjiji, if you want to have a look.

I'd like to thank all those that have reviewed this story and left very supporting comments, truly you all are wonderful.

I would also like to specifically thank for pointing out my flaws, it really is helpful and so I hope there is some improvement to that in this chapter.

Thank you for your help and patience!

"Today's forecast is another chilly one. Starting in the low teens this early morning, mid twenties by noon, and by evening dropping back down to the low teens."

The television belonging to the tenant residing in a low-income apartment buzzed in the background as Read struggled to get up feeling groggy disliking the sour taste in her mouth. There are a few things she disliked about drinking, it would be the feverish aching coupled with an overwhelming feeling of being beaten with a 2x4 over and over. Grabbing her head, she groaned face planting herself into soft pillows inhaling deeply hoping for the smell of fresh linens to make her have something to smile about, however a stale stench resembling shame, sweat, and cheap men's deodorant reached her and reacted with an 'oof'. Prodding around, it did not take long for her to realize the meaty texture of the 'pillow' belonged to someone. A male someone. Sitting up straight from her place, she silently panicked absorbing the dirty cruddy surroundings trying to recall what happened the night before slowly focusing on the body 'pillow' she used.

'WHY!' she mouthed quietly strangling the air in front of her as if questioning the presence of God.

"I wonder if you make a habit out of sleeping on strangers then talk to yourself." Edward roused smoothing his hands over the areas she had prodded him.

"You are the last person I would ever place my head upon! Where am I? Why am I" her hands flailed circularly around directing to the trashy state of the place, "this!"

"In America, we call these 'shit-holes', your majesty. While you were busy talking to my band mates, someone slipped some drugs into your drink with the intention to take you home and have sex. After you hit your head...which I think you need to get checked for more than one reason now" Read reflexively touched her head glaring"I brought you back with us to a groupie's place and crash.

"Brilliant one aren't you? Don't even notice yourself you have an English accent too, prick"

"Edward Kenway, not prick." Read's face twisted with confusion wondering why Edward swatted her shoulder causing whatever it was he removed to thump on the ground. "Roach"

Hardass Mary Read. Ice Queen Read jumped up slapping off invisible bugs before stopping to check herself all over making sure every part of her body and clothes were still intact before pointing a finger at the lead singer eyeing him. "You didn't do any funny business did you?"

"Who'd have thought roaches would make you squirm—pretty girly. Guys aren't my thing, but I'll let you know when I decide to open my back door."

"Even in the morning you are horrible."

"Please" he smiled appreciatively "my name is Edward if you didn't already know me, but I just told you earlier."

"You could be Captain Pissoff for all I care" Read went back to rubbing her head sighing in frustration.

"And grumpy to boot. You're just the whole package aren't you? Do women like that in a man?"

"Hah!" She exclaimed ready to give him a mouth full, but paused shortly after remembering herself as 'James'. Shifting to a different subject, Read hoped to avoid pillow talk and began to question Edward instead.

"Where is your manager? Shouldn't they be handling your stay and all that none-sense involved with bands?"

"They would, if we had one. We aren't famous enough to be on that level, but one day we will." Edward smiled looking down at one of his many tattoos on his arm.

"I see where your money goes to. I'm not surprised. You lot lack structure and most of all, fashion" Sharp eyes roamed all over Edward's body totally unimpressed by the specimen of man she recently slept with. What a story this would make if press were discover. Though nothing sexual happened, people would read into it much more than what it is, such is the famous life.

"I'd appreciate it if you took me out for dinner first before you undress me with your eyes, James." Edward bashfully covered himself with his arms as he stood stretching whilst walking towards the kitchenette rummaging through cabinets.

"If I were female, you'd definitely be the last man on earth I would associate myself with." Internal laughter que at the irony.

"Coffee?"

"Please. What is the time you have? I'm afraid I left my cellular phone at home in a rush to get out."

"I'm honored you were in such a rush to come see me! As a reward, I will gladly tell you the time" Edward beamed bringing a Niagara Falls souvenir mug of coffee to his host. "It's now nine in the morning". He read from a busted microwave sitting on the linoleum stained counter.

After taking a sip, Read spat the coffee back into the mug desperately looking for a place to set it down among a sea of trash as she strided straight to the door.

"Was it that bad?"

"One. Unlike you, I have responsibilities and must work. Two. I hate sugar in my coffee. Goodbye."

"Wait—who works on a Saturday?" Edward ran to the door catching Read before she turned the corner in the hall. "Come see us again! We will be at Catching Tail tonight! Same time!"

Easy. Is what Mary thought. Easy to separate that debauchery life and return back to her professionalism; so why can't those people, that band do it too?. It was not until noon that Ms. Read reclaimed her clean image. Naturally, as soon as she returned to her office, she got down to business. Her secretary reporting the announcements and events she needed information on, as well as instructing the secretary on the daily demands that Ms. Read's requirements are met. However, once the reports and proposes are left on her desk, Mary is once again left to her own thoughts. Internally she scolds herself for being late. She would have been at the office sooner, had she not felt that a shower was not nearly enough to scrub all that is Edward off her and could have touched coupled with the icky feeling that crawled from the detestable apartment. In addition to brushing her teeth, it took three swishes of mouth wash out of fear from what the mug of coffee that had been provided by the captain of The Jackdaw, to give her security she will not extract an illness from it. Later she will have to give her butler a call and have him dispose of the clothes she wore; burning them seemed the most realistic action.

Sighs eventually consume her office in a great volume. Frustrations over how immature Edward Kenway is drove her mad. Ink in her pen cartridge nearly ran dry from doodling ugly monster men named "Edwad Noway", a breed that is sure to scare women and lock up their daughters. A child is what she concluded his behavior reminded her of. Stupid grins and rude talks, says and does whatever he wants without reprecution—the complete opposite of her. Any nasty mug or woman will do for him as long as his needs are met. His standards are very low compared to hers. Never has she slept in some random 'groupies' room or place just to have shelter, just the thought of how revolting it is nearly made her gag. Mary has her own ghosts, hard struggles that made her the icy person she is, but she never once forgot her principles or goals. Reflecting on a frightful past caused the suited woman to shiver, dropping the pen rolling on the floor to cover her face, perhaps in hopes to hide. Again, the suffocating feeling she thought she once controlled reared its ugly head. Trapped is how Mary felt. A box nailed shut full of stress, pressuring her everyday life; mostly of high expectations she is required to deliver. Quickly, she needs a distraction, something to stop her before she barrels in a whirlwind of self hate and dependency on medicines. 'Come see us again! We will be at Catching Tail tonight! Same time!' popped into her mind hearing an annoying voice, but damn. That invitation is sounding mighty tempting. A light knock on her door shook out of her deep thoughts adjusting herself before welcoming her secretary in.

"Ms. Read, the candidate to for the personal assistant position you asked for is here."

"Excellent, bring them in will you?"

"Sir, you may come in now" the secretary called pushing the door open wider revealing a tough dark man dressed finely and with eyes so acute that Ms. Read could sense his position will last longer than a week. She could tell he would be a great man, well in virtue and promise.

"Ma'am, this is Adewale. Out of all the applicants, he was the one most suited to your requests."

"Please, have a seat Mr. Adewale" Read motioned to the white plush chair in front of her desk.

The interview process took longer than she expected. Normally, five minutes had become the greatest time someone lasted before they are forced to leave, Adewale had been in her office for more than ten causing rumors to fly about the two of them and their lengthy time together behind closed doors. The same placid look the dark man walked in with held till when he came out of Ms. Read's office following him to inform the fulfillment of position to her secretary. After a few more moments, Adewale's paperwork is filed and officially he became the new assistant to Mary Read.

Now that the biggest event of her job today is accomplished, it would seem fitting to tell her new assistant of his position while taking him on tour of the building. Sure it is something reserved for someone else to do, but even Mary herself is a bit humble about who she is and now and then enjoys the little jobs she can do. Rounding the corner, the pair walked down a hallway passing cold statues of Adonis men and Aphrodite women, low hanging glass chandeliers, and portraits of important figures to Ms. Read, their shoes clicking against the marble floor as Ms. Read took small glances over to Adewale as she spoke."I run a tight ship Mr. Ade" Ms. Read paused for a moment growing peculiar at her choice of words. "I don't take shite from no one. Everywhere I go, you will go, unless instructed not to. We have a strict business relationship with a South American group ran by Ah Tabai, I suggest you do your research on him. You will also be in constant contact with his people. He is a mentor to me and relations with him is extremely important. If they fall, we fall." momentarily glancing at the watch on her wrist, Mary cut her conversation short with Adewale seeing the time is 4 o'clock. "Do you have any plans this evening Mr. Adewale?"

"No ma'am."

The previous night had been a distraction to her mind all day. Thankfully her discipline is strong enough to not allow such exposure of themselves through her professionalism, but she could not deny the thrill she had from the night and the nagging feeling that she must repay a debt she owes to a certain pirate captain.

Nodding Mary pulled out her cellphone. "Yes, I need you to set up Mr. Adewale with a phone and account. Hm...yes. That is suitable. Thank you." then tucked the device back into her pocket just as fast as she pulled it out. "You will stay here and collect the rest of your things that are assigned to you and then promptly contact me once you get your phone. Tonight you will join me." she turned on her heels back towards her office "Oh and what you are wearing is fine."

Her mind made up at this point, no time will be spent wasted. The interview with Mr. Adewale secured a crazy notion she had and decided to pursue. She bade her subordinates farewell, far earlier than the last time, and was out the door before the gossip of annoying voices followed her. Mary has never been one for petty gossip. Maybe every once in a while she would listen, but never took anything remotely serious these inexperienced people in life had to murmur. The only things most of these people knew is how to irresponsibly spend money and open legs (at least that is what they spoke mostly about if not trash talking another co-worker). Pulling her cellphone out once more, she received a message from an unknown number as soon as she got into her car from Adewale informing her he successfully received his phone and will await further instructions. With a smirk, Mary tapped at her cell phone's screen sending a message back then quickly dialing her butler instructing him to buy particular clothes in mind before taking off hitting the streets to get home.

Once again, Mary chose to walk, preferring a humble approach so her true image can remain hidden in any way possible, even if it is a few miles hike. This time however, it took her much longer to get to Catching Tail. Now that she became a familiar image to others as Kidd from her previous visit, women (and men) stopped her when given the chance hounding for information about this fresh new handsome face. Through practice, denying people is a specialty of Ms. Read , it translated well into James. Out of most people in the crowded line, there are only few that towered among the rest, but of those few, none could match Adewale in his physique. Mary had to hand it to him, he has a better build compared to the rest of the people and his patience about why his employer is clothed as a young man. It didn't take long for his silence to end with question.

"Ms. Re-"

"James, Adewale. My name is James Kidd."

Doubly impressed that Adewale did not press further on her name choice or appearance and nodded instead. "Mr. Kidd, is there a reason we are here?"

"There is. I want to introduce you to a couple of bloody pirates I had the unfortunate pleasure of acquainting."

"If they are so bad, why even be here?"

"Because I have a very important job for you." James gave him a knowing smile, one that honestly caught the man off guard.

The flirtatious woman hadn't been much of a problem this time entering, her hands had been too busy flipping pages on a clipboard searching for something that made her brows knot in concentration. Instead, what held them back is the surprising discovery of James Kidd marked on the list allowed in free and a backstage pass. This of course earned the young man much attention from anyone within earshot gaining a remarkable amount of nasty stares. If the ears of a foul language virgin were present, surely he or she would be taken forcefully by the things said and possibly weep. Adewale however had not been on the list and flashing the correct change solved the problem right away.

People had begun filling the small club space, much more than last time. Continuously it had been a comparison to before, but it is significant change, popularity of the band, The Jackdaw, has risen noticeably. The timing could not be better Mary thought to herself, before it is too late, her quick thinking will help these lost souls gain some structure in their future lives should they continue. Problem is, will they be willing to accept her proposition. A familiar face caught Mary's attention spinning a bottle in the air pouring a few shots to the boisterous women crowding anxiously waiting for their first round, her acquaintance, the bartender. The technique to push through the crowds is to have someone much taller and menacing looking to you, Adewale fit the bill perfectly, though he stood out on his own as the only man dressed in a suit, he did the job well. Slapping the wet counter-top, James gave a greeting to the bartender introducing Adewale right away.

"What can I get you both this evening?"

"Rum for us both" Intuition isn't want made James look to the dark man, but instinct that he would look confused made her do it. How often does one get to share a drink with their boss in such loose conditions? Mary did not care, a bit of a wild side came out of her as James, one that no one would ever see in the professional Ms. Read and she doubted Adewale is the type to go around and run his mouth like diarrhea. "Cheers" James handed one glass to the other man clanking them together before chugging it down and sliding it back to the bar keep.

"Say" she leaned on her side against the counter. "If I want to go backstage, can I just walk back there?"

"Not really. You need to be on the list to get back there. Becoming a fan of them now lad?"

"Hah" James laughed. "I have business is all. Do I follow those stairs back there by the bookcase?"

"That's right." and with that the young man threw a few bills on the counter to cover the drinks and tip, and beckoned for her assistant to follow.

Reaching the stairs, James and Adewale were about to conquer them, when a blonde headed man left through the door beginning his decent alerting the pair.

"Well if it isn't James. I knew you would come see me, irresistable to you am I?" the pride in the captain of The Jackdaw's voice rang out darting his eyes from James to the tall dark man behind him in a suit.

"Fancy seeing you here Kenway" James mocked behind a grin. "This here is Adewale" she began leaning to the side as if she was blocking him (obviously not the case). "He will be your manager."

The smile on Edward's face began to fall and James could not help but laugh in triumphant at breaking that damn ignorant man's expression. "Come again?"

"Yes Mr. Kidd, I thought I am your assistant." Adewale's confusion hung in his words worried that perhaps maybe his job is on the line.

"What? Assistant? Manager? What is going on?"

"Let's have a chat shall we?" James pushed past Edward to talk backstage where they could hear themselves better and away from the crowds. Obviousness told Kidd that going to the bar would not only cause a scene with Edward in tow, but nothing would get done between his flirtations and annoyingly having to yell over the noise. Finding a corner near a menagerie of cables, James held the attentions of both men. "Edward, this is Adewale, I'm hiring him as your manager, something you desperately need mate."

"Hello" Adewale nodded to Edward which earned him a queer look.

"Where are you from man? Can't say I've heard an accent like that before."

"Trinidad sir, my family was sent there a long time ago to work in sugar cane fields, but now we are established people and I made the choice to come here for a different life. Mr. Kidd recently hired me on."

The incredulous look on Edward's face could not be more hilarious and James could not help but to laugh. It really is too much. However, laughter settled down once his focus came landed on her and grabbed a shoulder going into a huddle, at which she forced his hand off with a shrug. "Are you mad?"

"You need this. You need this more than your shite brain can comprehend. Look out there man, there are tons of people here to see you and your mates. This is what you wanted. You want all this fame and glory, but you can't do it without guidance. You'll just run yourself into a pit and never escape. If that happens, I won't help you like I'm trying to now."

Edward shook his head. He couldn't believe what was happening, he didn't want to believe it. A manager? Someone to hold he and his mates down? To obey rules by some man who knows nothing of their free lives and talents? "I refuse."

"So you rather see everything you've done till now go to shit?" A tinge of anger challenging the good captain.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because I owe you a favor. I'm not some dishonorable person, I too have my pride mate. I don't want helping you just as much as you don't want me to do it, but this is something I can offer for you. A better path."

"Who are you Kidd?" Edward finally met dark eyes searching for answers.

"Think of me as your genie in a bottle mate."

Thank you so much for putting up with me for so long! DX I feel bad for not updating in such an amount of time... really I am sorry, but I hope you enjoyed it! I will continue writing this story out and be better about posting on schedule. Thank you again everyone!

Please review! I'd love to know what you all think (: