A/N: I find myself making these chapters longer and longer as I go along... there's just so much I want to write in each chapter and I find it hard to cut bits and pieces out without ruining the whole dynamic... so, excuse me for the large amount of reading you must endure. I like to think it will be worth your while, after all, I strive to make each chapter better than the last :) I did enjoy writing this chapter even though it took a lot out of me and I had to do a little research about the dress of the time for Tessa. But the thing I love about this chapter is that it's the first time Tessa is working with Edward and not just towing along - she wants to prove her worth and even though not much happens that she can assist with, it is the first time they work as a partnership and I really see her beginning to develop. I apologise for my rambling, you can enjoy this chapter now ^_^

AshTree13 xoxo

Chapter 4:

"God sink me for this pittance."

Startled, I hastily make room on the bench as Edward flops down beside me, his shoulder knocking mine as he slams his fist and a small purse of coin onto the table surface; the abrupt action causing the cups to rattle precariously.

Catching my glass before it spills, I take a sip of the bitter drink I had been downing for the past hour with Bonnet and eye my companion wearily as he fiddles with his prize, his face flushing in anger. "Long time no see," I tell him sarcastically with a smile, handing him a pint.

Rolling his eyes, Edward accepts my offering and brings the alcoholic beverage immediately to his lips, swigging the drink down in seconds and then slamming the empty cup onto the wooden table before him. Clearing his throat, he tucks away the coin purse, studying Bonnet as the plump man carefully sips at his own beverage across the table. "One thousand reales for those maps," he continues, "that's what? A hundred pounds at most?"

Silently, Bonnet reaches for the pitcher of rum and refills Edwards glass, murmuring in agreement at his friend's obvious irritation. He tips the bottle towards me but I shake my head in decline, choosing to instead fiddle with the rim of my cup and watch Edward as he rants on and on about his unjust treatment – although, I find myself giggling quietly at his testiness, mostly because I find the whole situation ridiculous at best.

Or maybe it's just the buzz from the glass of rum.

I'm what one would call a lightweight.

Desmond used to find it amusing watching me drink, simply because after one or two glasses I would find myself either swaying from side to side, slurring or dozing off on his shoulder. Not that he seemed to mind, he and Shaun would find that my being drunk was the best time for them to play a joke on me, particularly since I was always on my toes when it came to gags at my expense. Obviously, in my then current lush state, I would hardly be able to defend myself from their pranks and even though I would be furious with them the next day – often a result of my harried appearance and throbbing head – I would find myself treasuring the moment and so would they, because we never knew when they might come to an end.

And indeed, they had to end so quickly.

Gone in a blink of an eye.

Then again, it could be that the corset - or 'stay' as I had been earlier informed by the seamstress - that I wore beneath my dress was suffocating the life out of me.

"A hundred pounds seems like a lot of money," I interrupt, resting my chin in the palm of my hand as my eyes begin to droop, my brain struggling to work out how much that would be in my time.

"Hardly," Edward scoffs, "how's a man supposed to become rich in these times with a miser like Torres running the world?"

"Torres?" I ask, the name foreign to me. Was he a friend of Edwards? Obviously not, judging from his disgruntled expression.

"The Governor," Bonnet answers for my benefit. "Have you ever, ah… worked on a plantation before?" Bonnet inquires Edward out the blue, obviously attempting the steer the conversation in a different direction and I can't help but smile at the lame attempt.

Nice try, Bonnet.

"You know what I'm thinking?" Edward questions, raising the cup to his lips, his brow furrowed in thought, "I'd like to see this Observatory the Governor was going on about. He said it was like a device that could follow people around and show where they were."

Now that caught my attention.

Bonnet chuckles, shaking his head at the thought, "a ludicrous idea! Imagine my wife with such an advantage over me!"

"Imagine anyone with that advantage," I reply, adding my own thoughts to the mix, "the power that that would offer is… immense. No one should have that kind of supremacy, it would upset the very balance of this world."

"I think you've had quite enough drink for one night," Bonnet teases, grabbing my half-full cup of liquor despite my half-hearted protest at the action.

"Well, imagine what a thing like that would be worth," Edward chuckles, resting the palms of his hands on the splintered surface of the counter. He pushes himself off the bench, turning to face the mansion overlooking the entire city of Havana. "Sell that to the right person," he continues at a murmur, the plan formulating as he thinks more and more about the idea, "and I'd be the richest pirate-"

Pausing, he quickly glances over his shoulder at Bonnet and me, to find that only my eyes are focused on him. Bonnet remains seated, swallowing what I think to be his sixth or seventh glass of the night, distracted. But Edward cannot deny that I heard what he just said and despite the fact that he corrects himself, calling himself a 'privateer,' I know that he got it right the first time.

Honestly, I'm not surprised. I suspected that he wasn't who he said he was from the moment we had met, and upon our arrival in Havana coupled with my mind-blowing – overly dramatic but the only correct way to describe it – discovery, I had easily put two and two together.

Truthfully, it didn't bother me as much as it probably should. The only real concern I had was what Edward was going to do with the new piece of information I now held, that he had mistakenly let slip. Edward was tidy and I was one of his loose ends – the knowledge that the man before me could easily do away with me, frightened me more than the knowledge that he was a pirate, attacking merchant vessels for their priceless cargo and committing murder in order to survive.

Allowing himself time to study my expression further, Edward hastily turns away and focuses his attention to the elaborate house atop the hill once more. "I'll catch you up Bonnet," he says to our mutual friend, nodding towards his next target and beginning to set off in that general direction, albeit slowly, "there's a Sage in that house I must speak to. In private."

I assume he adds on that last part for my benefit, knowing that my curiosity has the tendency to compel me to follow. And despite the fact that I know that I shouldn't, I gather up my skirts and climb out from the bench, nodding at Bonnet as I hastily follow Edwards' retreating figure, determined to not be left behind once again.

"You're a pirate," I hiss as I catch up to him, struggling to breathe as my new whalebone corset digs into my ribs, effectively cutting off any circulation of air to my lungs. It doesn't help that the alcohol numbing my senses also plays into my lack of coordination, forcing me to stumble as I pursue Edward - in fact, it's an effort for me just to remain upright and I can't help but think that a strangling corset and more than two pitchers of rum have expertly played their part. Well, I know I'm never going to do that again.

"What part of 'in private' can you not comprehend?" Edward growls, grabbing my elbow as I nearly trip over my feet - can't blame the skirts this time for my tipsiness. He pulls me to a stop and leans close so we are not overhead by the few people that linger in the near-deserted streets, "go back to Bonnet."

"No," I argue, pulling my arm out of his firm grip and praying to God that I wouldn't fall on my ass from the abrupt motion. "As you asked, I have stayed with Bonnet for the past two days and whilst I enjoy his company, I have not enjoyed letting him dress me up as if I were a doll. Nor have I enjoyed adjusting to these foreign clothes, or eating half-cooked meals at best. The worst part was wondering where you had gone, unsure of what I exactly do next... although," I pause, considering the past two days spent with Bonnet. "Touring the city and seeing the sites was interesting," I admit, furrowing my brow as I grow more and more frustrated with Edward's silence, "for God's sake Edward, answer me! I am not going back and thats final!"

"My job finished the moment we arrived in Havana," Edward growls, his eyes flashing in fury, "I don't have anymore reason to waste my time upon you. I don't need you! You will only get in my way."

"But I need you," I whisper, painfully aware that the very words will only serve to inflate his narcissistic nature, but I have no choice. I ran out of options two days ago, when the reality of my situation set in. With Bonnet, I knew that I would be able to get by, but with Edward, I would be able to survive. He was, without a doubt, my best option and I wasn't letting him go without a fight. "Please Edward," I almost beg, remembering that not a few days ago on the shores of Cape Bonavista, I was in a similar situation with the very man, "You are my best decision out of all the other options I can choose from. I trust you-"

"You trust me?" he snarls, grabbing shoulders and lowering his face so we are eye to eye, "even though I am a pirate? I could kill you, now that you are aware of my secret. It would be easy too, since you can barely stand on your own two feet."

"I'm just a little... dizzy," I explain, relieved that I don't slur as I speak, "I won't screw up. I promise, I'm more use to you with you, not apart. Let us benefit one another."

Silently, he assesses me, perhaps searching for a hint of dishonesty. Finding none, he releases my trembling body – because yes, he does frighten me a great deal and the intensity in his cobalt eyes shakes my very core – and takes a step back, his eyes moving from my face down to my body, a familiar smirk curling his lips.

Self-consciously, I wrap my arms around my upper torso and look away from his prying gaze, the now familiar burn of my cheeks highlighting my embarrassment. "What?" I whisper, fiddling with the lace decorating the pale blue silk sleeves of my new dress. "Is there something wrong with my dress? Did I put it on wrong? Please tell me I've got everything in the right place-"

"You look like a lady," Edward interrupts, his expression surprising gentle, the smile losing its sarcastic edge, "you look wonderful… and completely conspicuous."

Blushing, I look away from his intense gaze laced with mirth. "It's not my fault that Bonnet chose the most expensive and elaborate gown in the store," I retort, anxiously twirling a loose strand of hair that had escaped from my chiffon bun, "I tried to persuade him to get something simpler but he was adamant that we purchase this particular garment."

"Tess," he whispers and I immediately halt my useless rambling to hear him out, "stay out of sight and stay close, I can't have you running off it we are to do this together."

"It's Tessa," I automatically correct.

He chuckles and raises an eyebrow.

"We are in this together," I tell him fiercely, determined to prove my worth, ignoring his teasing grin.

"Then don't leave my side. We're going to have to sneak in… and we may have to get a little dirty…"

I nod and make to follow as he sets off once more. Yet, again he stops and turns to me, his grin only widening as he takes me in once more.

"By the way, if you're planning on passing out, then do so someplace safe."

0-0-0-0-0-0

"I've only had this dress for a day and already I've ruined the hem," I mutter in disdain, inspecting the fraying cloth, "all of that money and I've destroyed it."

"I'm sure Bonnet will forgive you," came Edwards muffled reply as he carefully inspects the corner for any sign of movement.

"It is silk," I reply feebly, resting my back against the cold stone with a hand place atop my stomach, feeling my stomach rise and fall as I struggle to keep the world from spinning. I partially fear it's the alcohol I had consumed earlier coming back to bite me, but then again, it could be the wretched stay.

Silently, Edward reloads his pistols and readjusts his rapiers, his own breaths short and shallow with nerves despite the practiced ease to which he had preform each takedown up until this point. Despite our quiet entry into the manor, we had stumbled across resistance yet Edward had taken care of the minor distractions easily. He was undeniably efficient and, for some strange reason, it reminded me of Desmond - but that was preposterous, because the two men were nothing alike in appearance nor personality.

"Okay," he tells me, startling me out of my brief daydream, "we can move.. stay in the shadows and-"

"Keep close," I finish, rolling my eyes, "yes, yes, as you've constantly reminded me." Gathering my skirts in one hand to keep them from making as little noise as possible, I try to keep pace with Edward as he rushes from wall to wall, bush to bush, in an attempt to stay hidden.

Eventually, we stumble into what appears to be a foyer, yet despite the gilded gates it hardly feels as if we are arriving at some grand hall and I have no doubt that this building serves as a prison. Except, as we walk into the vestibule of the structure, I pull Edward to a stop and nod at the fresh blood painting the patterned floor. "Something's not right," I tell him, despite the obvious carnage before us. It just came out, the obvious observation, yet I feel it had some merit. Edward was so preoccupied in finding the Sage that he would probably overlook the small detail.

"Stay close," Edward whispers, pulling me behind him, "do not leave my side."

Although he has repeated this throughout the night, I find myself nodding my head in agreement because for the first time, I am frightened of what is to come. My body feels as stiff as a wooden board as we make our way into the usually guarded garrison, the abnormal peace shriller than any gunshot. As I wonder where the guards may have gone, I have my answer the moment we progress further into the compound and find a group of Spanish soldiers passed out on the dusty floor, one moaning in obvious pain as he starts to come too.

As Edward moves towards the disorientated solider, a feeling of unease descends upon me and before I can shout a warning, I feel someone grab me from behind. As the soldiers restrain my smaller body, a great monster of a man tears towards Edward, throwing the pirate to the floor with a single swing of his meaty fist. Until now, I had only seen Edward carry out takedowns with an almost graceful effortlessness – now, Edward was the one being thrown down and it terrified me with how easy it was for the great, armoured man to do so. Yet, I keep my mouth shut and hold back the urge to scream in panic... after all, what good would screaming do?

The man raises his fist again but before he makes to punch Edward, an elderly man yells at him in what I can tell is flawless Spanish and the beast withdraws his fist, turning to face his master.

The man holding me elbows my back, urging me forward and towards the pirate who spits out blood and wipes away at the crimson liquid trickling out of a potentially broken nose. The grey-haired man – who I can only assume is the Governor, Torres – pulls back Edwards' assassin hood so he can study the pirates face, his own heavily-lined one frowning in disappointment. "What is your true name, Rogue?" he questions, folding his arms behind his back in a regal-manner. Obviously, the man is important and he certainly gives off an air of superiority; in other words, he suits the role of Governor perfectly.

"It's ah... Captain Pissoff," Edward responds, wiping away at what seems to be an endless stream of fresh blood, trickling out from his nose.

My heart stops as the beast makes to back-hand Edward but it settles once Torres speaks to the armoured man in rapid Spanish, my limited study in the language allowing me to catch the words 'filthy' and 'peasant.' No doubt, the bastard is insulting us but I don't particularly care as long as Edward is not harmed again.

"Did you set the Sage free?" Torres inquires.

"I had nothing to do with that," Edward grunts, getting to his knees so he can face Torres directly, his blue eyes glowing with hatred, "as much as I wish I did."

Edward, you're only going to make it worse, I think, straining against my captor to no avail.

"And you, girl," Torres says, his cold eyes floating from Edward's face to mine, "did you have anything to do with this?"

I snap my mouth shut, choosing to look at the dusty, bloodstained floor rather than at the intimidating Governor. I'm no fool - I know that it will get us nowhere if I speak, in fact, it would probably make things worse. However, once Torres realises neither Edward nor I are going to tell him anything of use, he orders his men to escort us to the docks, to be placed on a fleet heading to Spain.

"Move!" the soldier barks in my ear in heavily accented English, towing me after Edward out of the garrison.

"Wait, now!" Edward yells, straining against his own captors, turning his head back towards Torres, his slightly glazed eyes flashing with fury as he is dragged out of the compound, "I delivered your treasures, didn't I?"

"Yes," Torres reluctantly agrees, following his men at a safe distance, "but you robbed us of Duncan Walpole."

"At least let the girl go," Edward snaps, "she has nothing to with this!"

"That is where you are wrong," Torres corrects and his steely eyes lock on my face. Raising my chin, I twist my features into what I hope is an expression of little fear and pure resentment, this time refusing to look away from his calculating gaze. "She is here with you now," Torres finishes, the first to look away as his soldiers drag me down the steps of his manor, "and in my book, she is as guilty as you."