Birds of a Feather

The Curse of the Black Pearl

Chapter Forty-Two

Improper Instincts

"You missed a spot."

Will glared up at Gillette, but instantly regretted it when the sun caught his eyes and he had to jerk his head away in pain.

It had been four days since the curse had broken, and Norrington had proven he meant business when he said he had plans for Will and Philip's punishments. Will had barely seen Philip except for the five minutes they managed to stay awake when they collapsed into their hammocks at the end of shift. Will was far too busy scrubbing decks, tying lines, stacking crates, and Norrington's favorite punishment: saving a bunch on the yearly repair budget by utilizing Will's blacksmithing skills to make a ton of free fixes out of the scope of normal officers that Mister Brown would usually charge the equivalent of three months of Will's wage for.

As for the girls, their sightings by Will were so rare, they were damn near the stuff of legends at this point. Elizabeth also had her hands full of the various chores her father could get away with tasking her with. Admittedly it was a rare juggling act because Weatherby had to find tasks that – one – people wouldn't get mad at him for putting his "traumatised" kidnapping victim daughter through – and two – the even rarer feat of it being chores Elizabeth actually knew how to and could successfully perform. Will still hadn't worked out how Elizabeth managed to turn her assignment of collecting eggs in the morning from the hens into a small galley fire that lost half the food supplies.

He was starting to worry about how his future wife planned on feeding their children if he was busy in the smith.

Philip was ridden like a workhorse too, though not in quite the same way as Will. Due to his upper-class rearing, like Elizabeth, Philip held a different – less physical – skillset than Will, and thus had been assigned different chores. He mostly did whatever busywork the surgeon, coopers, cooks, and carpenters could come up with. Thankfully Philip proved to be less successful at accidental arson than his cousin.

Well… except for a small incident on night three, but thankfully Groves was nearby and got things under control rather quickly.

Philip helped the coopers dismantle empty barrels to make more room on the ship. He peeled and chopped vegetables, served out rations at mealtime, and pretended to help cook the food.

(Due to his upbringing, Philip didn't actually know how to even boil water, so the cooks mostly humored him into thinking he was helping. A few of them wanted to give Philip a chance and teach him a little about cooking, but after Elizabeth's egg fiasco, the Head Cook wasn't taking any chances.)

Will assisted the carpenters more than Philip as Philip did not have the knowhow or acumen for such labour. Yes, the man looked damn good without a shirt on – as he had to ask Syrena one too many times to stop saying in front of the men less they court even more scandal – but it was from exercise regiments he found in books. The most actual labour he performed was helping load carts and distribute supplies for the church's charity work. But the ship carpenters did eventually discover that if you gave Philip a hammer, some nails, and very specific instructions, he could be useful for about an hour.

Out of everything, Philip found himself the busiest with the surgeon, proving himself a great comfort to men who had accidents aboard the ship. Since the only painkillers onboard was a small sip of beer – and even then, that wasn't guaranteed – Philip's gentle nature proved a wonderful bedside manner, and he helped keep the men calm with words of religion and encouragement as the surgeon operated.

As for Syrena, it didn't make sense for Norrington to also punish her with chores. You see, the fun thing about Syrena's story of being a kidnapping victim meant that the men of the ship thought Syrena was nothing but a poor innocent victim in it all. Therefore, Norrington wouldn't dare to give Syrena any work like the others, because unlike the miscreants of Elizabeth, Will, and Philip, Miss Finson was just an innocent soul who got swept up their nonsense, and truly she must be the picture of purity if she had captured the heart of Philip Swift.

Elizabeth's peals of laughter to that thought had gotten her banished to her cabin after dinner and ordered not to come out in the morning unless she could pull herself together. It took until about 3 in the afternoon the next day before that happened. Although Will suspected she did take advantage of the order to avoid more chores.

Syrena's situation ultimately meant that she had a lot of free time on her hands. Initially she wanted to spend it with Philip. However, besides him being so busy, she found he could barely even hold her hand without a chaperone, much less spend such intimate time getting to know each other like they had done in Norrington's cabin. So Syrena had decided to spend most of her time with Weatherby Swann to learn about the Swann family.

Weatherby had bonded quickly with Syrena; so fast Elizabeth had taken to calling Syrena his new favorite child. As Will suggested, Weatherby invited Syrena to tea in his cabin. He pushed himself to face the "girl" Philip had set his heart upon and tried to connect with her as he had tried with Will. Though wary of her, he had made an effort to try to have a conversation with Syrena and get to know this girl he knew was going to be in his family's life for at least the next little while.

The second Syrena had confirmed to him of her love of reading, Weatherby perked right up. Though he wasn't a heavy reader himself, he felt very comfortable when someone spoke passionately about the habit, reminding him of warm times with Katherine. Literature was quick and easy ground for Weatherby and Syrena to connect on and fill their time together.

Upon seeing the portrait of Katherine in Weatherby's cabin, Syrena also insisted on learning all about her. Weatherby was only too happy to ramble on about Katherine. As Philip and Elizabeth were more interested in the lives of Rebecca and Nathaniel, and it was considered impolite in society to inquire deeply into a dead wife, it had been a very long time since someone wanted Weatherby to talk about his wife. Even more so, Syrena wanted to learn all she could and actively asked questions and for stories. Yes, she did inquire about Rebecca and Nathaniel, but it was clear to Weatherby that Syrena was fascinated by the memory of Katherine.

Upon further reflection, it made sense to Weatherby why. Though they didn't share a drop of blood, Philip and Katherine were the most alike in the family and had held a very strong bond. Even when Elizabeth and Tabitha came into the picture, Philip was still Katherine's special little boy. It was a refrain in the Swann family that Philip didn't have an aunt and uncle, but rather two mothers and two fathers. His second mother had had the most influence over the man Philip Swift became, so it made sense Syrena would similarly be drawn to Katherine.

Weatherby couldn't help but think that maybe that was why he and Syrena got along so quickly.

So Weatherby and Syrena spent their days just talking and sharing stories.

In the mornings, before he got nabbed away by Norrington, Philip would go for a walk with Syrena around the deck. Weatherby would chaperone them respectfully, but never was afraid of sharing positive tidbits about Philip to talk up his nephew to his beau.

"And then Philip found out the rest Mr. Ratlin had stolen from the tithe plate because his broken leg made him less profitable at work. The poor man was going without supper so he could feed his two daughters but even then he couldn't make ends meet. So Philip used the money from his own weekly allowances to personally purchase groceries for the Ratlin family for the six weeks it took for the recovery. He even had our cook make some sweets to take to Ratlin's girls. Those young ladies have adored him ever since. I'm sure Emily and Mimsy will be delighted to make your introduction upon our return to Port Royal."

Then at noon, Weatherby and Syrena (and Jack the Monkey who rarely left Syrena's shoulder) would have tea and tell each other of all the family lore.

"Ok, I think I've figured out the whole Swann/Swift/Skylark family tree now," Syrena declared.

"Give it a try," Weatherby encouraged.

"Your father was Bartholomew, your mother Joanna, and your sister was Rebecca. You also had an older sister who died young that you were close with named Cecelia, but you called her Cece."

"Correct."

"Rebecca married Nathaniel Swift, whose parents were Danny and Lillian, and Nathaniel has three sisters: Isobel, Ada, and Lucy. Lucy is younger, the other two are older."

"Yes."

"On the Swann side, you married Katherine Skylark, whose parents are Charles and Agnes, and she has five brothers: John, Andrew, Edward, Simon, and Michael. John and Andrew are older, and the rest younger."

"You've got it!"

Finally in the afternoons, Weatherby would talk Syrena for a short stroll around the deck to help her further train her legs on walking. Syrena was still having a lot of trouble with wobbling steps (Weatherby had once scolded a trio of sailors who made a gest about giraffes within earshot) so he often would bring her over to someplace to sit, then summon Groves, Norrington, Will, Philip, Elizabeth, or whomever seemed friendly enough to make Syrena's introduction to come chat for a while. They would then walk some more and Weatherby found someone else to converse with Syrena and they would repeat.

Pretty soon the entire ship thought that the Governor had made it his mission to properly introduce Syrena to everyone on the ship so they would give her a positive reputation around town when they returned to Port Royal. After all, considering the circumstances and type of speculation that could arise from it, it made sense that this mysterious new stranger that Philip Swift brought home could quickly gain an undeserved debauched reputation.

So that was how the little group of birds found themselves upon the fourth day. Syrena was strolling around the deck on Weatherby Swann's arm. Philip was in a corner sitting on a barrel, surrounded by a mountain of oysters he was inexpertly shucking as he tried reading through his bible balanced awkwardly on his knees. Elizabeth was chatting with Norrington at the helm, eyes constantly flicking away towards a blacksmith. And Will was on his hands and knees, scrubbing the deck under the impossible to please gaze of Lieutenant Damien Gillette.

"You missed a spot," Gillette repeated pompously. "Right there, next to my boot."

"Have you ever considered the reason I haven't gotten to it is because you're standing on it?" Will fought back the urge to say something much more inappropriate. "Or would you like me to shine your boots while I'm at it?"

Gillette narrowed his eyes, no doubt also fighting back inappropriate commentary on Will's fitness to interact with his boots, "Turner, you may not have to hold yourself to the high standards of the King's men of England, but surely even that drunkard Brown taught you to have some pride in your work."

Will's jaw tightened. His relationship with Mister Brown as of late had been strained due to his neglect, but that didn't mean Will didn't still have loyalty to his master. John Brown had taught him everything he knew about blacksmithing, and Brown's work had once been as high a quality as Will's pieces were – which is why Will was able to pass his work off as Mister Brown's. John's alcoholism had sent both of their lives into a downward spiral, but Will couldn't discount the relationship they had had before. Will had been treated better than most apprentices, and not just because he was probably the only apprentice in town whose master didn't beat them.

While Will certainly hadn't been given a house with a fancy bed, a sack of coins brimming out the top as a salary, a housekeeper to cook and clean, a brand new and constantly updating wardrobe (at least since Rachel left town,) and meals fit for a king, Will had been quite well taken care of.

He had been given the warm and dry apartments attached to the blacksmith with a nice straw mattress, some mismatched but decent condition furniture, and a stove that maybe smoked a little too much. Agnes Brown had taught him to cook and clean enough to take care of himself, while John taught him figures to manage the costs for the smith, and Rachel had taught Will how to mend his clothing. Since Rachel's family were all tailors, John had managed to get Will clothing at a steep discount from his brother-in-law, sister, and later niece.

The food Will was provided and later purchased out of pocket wasn't anything fancy, but of decent quality. He rarely had to purchase the baker's stale bread for half the price, the butcher's and fishmonger's day-old meat deals, or the produce that had gone significantly past its prime. And best of all, Will's wage was decent enough that he was able to maintain a decent living and set aside a small savings with the intention to one day purchase the blacksmith shop from Mister Brown.

As he reflected on that he couldn't help but glance at first Elizabeth and then to the Governor. He still couldn't believe Governor Swann had given him a chance. Will knew he could prove to the Governor that a blacksmith could provide for Elizabeth. True, not a level of comfort that Norrington could provide, but Will could provide well enough for Elizabeth and better yet, offer her love in a way that Norrington never could. At least not in the way Elizabeth would so happily receive Will's love. Will hadn't spent a lot of time with Weatherby Swann, but he knew the family history well enough that love did count for something in the Governor's book.

Thankfully, Gillette was called away by Norrington, so Will didn't have to worry about losing his nerve on someone like Damien Gillette. If one was going to commit a grievous error that would have bad repercussions, it better be for someone who was worth it.

Will glanced over at Philip, who was so absorbed in his bible that he was barely even attending to the task at hand. Surreptitiously Will looked around, then he grabbed his rag and bucket and raced over to Philip.

After all, if they had to do chores, they might as well do them together.

"So what's the sermon today, Minister?" Will dropped down on his knees to start scrubbing.

Philip glanced down, completely unphased by his friend's sudden appearance, "James 1:2-18. You know it?"

"Oh yeah. Favorite part of the Bible. Real exciting stuff."

"…What have I asked you about being nice to me when I share Bible stuff with you?"

"Sorry. You're right, you were just trying to include me. What's the verse?"

Philip shook his head but read.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."

It took Will a minute, but faster than his friend expected to put it together, "You're still wrestling with the Syrena issue."

Philip shrugged, "Syrena. Jack. Ragetti. Pintel. Barbossa. Us stealing the ship. You groping my cousin. The straddling incident. What's going to happen when we get home. My ordination tests. If they'll even consider me at this point. If I even want that anymore."

Will looked up in alarm, "You don't?"

"No, I do. It's just… different now. I've seen the world. I've experienced love. I've seen the supernatural and all the shades of grey I never saw in my black and white world before. It's like I'm opening my eyes for the first time. Like I used to view the world in a cracked mirror where everything was reversed and distorted and now I have clear eyes. Does that make any sense?"

"Yeah," Will said honestly, thinking of his own new situation. "It absolutely does."

Philip smiled, "And that's why you're my best friend."

"Oh, that's not fair!"

The men looked up at see Elizabeth standing in front of them with arms full of Navy uniforms.

With no explanation, she plopped down on the barrel next to Philip and dropped the uniforms to the ground, "I hate it when you call each other best friends and lock me out. I found both of you first!"

"Well, you can be Syrena's best friend now," Will teased.

"Ha ha," she pronounced each word in monotone.

"Uh, Elizabeth, what are you doing here?" Philip asked.

"Mending uniforms," out of the stack of clothing she pulled out a mending kit. She expertly began threading a needle, "I figured that if we're all doing chores, we might as well do them together. You know, I don't think when my mother taught me how to sew that she ever expected this."

"None of us expected any of this, but here we are," Will said dryly. He eyed the third empty barrel of the set and wished his task would let him sit with his friends.

"Well things could have gone so much worse than it did," Philip said. "Personally, I think we actually ended up in a bit of a better place than we were before. Confidence boosts all around and our love lives are more what we want. I have Syrena and you two are getting ready to march down the aisle with your best friends at your side."

"Oh, is that what this is about?" Elizabeth smirked, "Are you here to fish for the title of someone's best man?"

"Hey, you both came to bother me." Philip paused, "But, you know, if someone did want to ask me to fulfill the role of best man-"

"For goodness sakes!" Will groaned, "Elizabeth and I aren't even engaged yet."

"We're not?" Elizabeth sounded surprised.

"No." Will scowled, "Why, what have you been telling people?"

"Nothing. I just thought we had an understanding."

"We do have an understanding. The understanding that I will propose once I'm in a better financial position. Pirate adventure or not, I'm still a blacksmith's apprentice living in the back rooms of a shop."

"I don't care about any of that. I'd be perfectly happy as your wife right now."

"See, you say that now, but get back to me when the two of us are struggling to get a good night's sleep on a tiny cot."

Elizabeth grinned suggestively, "Oh, I think I have a few ideas on how we could fit together."

"Ah yes," Philip said flatly, "the downside to my sister and best friend getting together. I get stuck in the middle of innuendos."

"Hey, I had to watch you maul Syrena's face in my cabin or whatever you call that attempt at kissing," Elizabeth said.

Philip shrugged, "Sorry I'm not as experienced as Will. But hey, I guess it's a good thing you can sew. Clearly Will has a thing for seamstresses."

Elizabeth's face turned red, "You little-"

"Syrena!" Will called out, desperate to distract less Elizabeth murder him and/or Philip out of jealousy. He waved over at Syrena and Governor Swann who had just emerged from her cabin for their usual walk, "Come. Join us! …Please."

Weatherby and Syrena looked at each other with a smile, and Weatherby nodded.

He went to close the door of the cabin, but Jack the Monkey suddenly darted out. Jack looked around, and when he saw Philip, he gave a shriek and galloped over to him. Many a sailor gave a disgusted cry at the creature as he bobbed and weaved through their feet, but ultimately he reached his target and leapt gracefully from deck to barrel to Philip's shoulder.

"Hello Jack," Philip gave the monkey a head scratch. Over the past few days the monkey had grown to like the preacher a bit more as he rode on Syrena's shoulder during their courtship walks.

Syrena grinned at the sight. Weatherby had a strong, secure grip on her arm but she couldn't help but fight against it to race forward to Philip.

That was a mistake. When Governor Swann released her arm, she flew forward, stumbled over her fawnlike legs, and crashed face first into the deck. The ship was fill with groans and gasps and murmurs of is she okay but before anyone could do a thing, Philip Swift surprised and horrified them all.

"Syrena!" he darted forward and scooped her into his arms. "Are you alright? Did you hurt anything."

"Good Lord!" Weatherby exclaimed. He shot a disbelieving look over at Will and Elizabeth who were just cringing.

"I'm fine, Philip," Syrena instinctually looped her arms around his neck. "My knee just hurts a bit."

"Let me get you seated and I'll take a look at it."

"PHILIP NATHANIEL SWIFT!" Governor Swann roared.

Philip spun around and when he locked eyes with his uncle he realized that maybe holding Syrena bridal style in front of the crew and talking about lifting her skirt to examine her bare knee maybe wasn't the best idea for his and Syrena's reputations.

But still, whether it was from prideful stupidity or shock, he didn't put her down.

"Syrena has a muscular condition," Philip blurted out to the crew.

All around them, the crew filled with puzzled scowls but nothing caught Philip's attention more than his Uncle's exasperated glare.

"I do?" Syrena whispered to him.

"Just go with me," Philip whispered. He then loudly proclaimed, "Her legs sometimes aren't strong enough to support her weight so when we were in the dangerous fights with pirates I had to carry her to keep her safe. I apologize to you all. I just had a bad instinct."

He then gently placed Syrena back on the ground.

In the world of society and gentlemen he would expect the men around him to break into murmurs about chivalry and being impressed.

Instead he was surrounded by Navy soldiers… so the laughter began.

Retreating like a kicked dog, Philip grabbed Syrena's hand, ducked his head, and rushed them over to the barrels.

"How chivalrous, Philip," Elizabeth smirked as Philip and Syrena took a seat.

"Leave me alone," he grumbled. Then he glanced down at Will who was shaking with mirth as he determinedly scrubbed the deck.

"Philip," his uncle's voice came.

"And so the humiliation continues," Philip muttered.

As expected, Weatherby Swann came storming over and demanded his nephew into his cabin for another sound lecture. To Philip's credit he followed obediently, but not before placing a goodbye kiss on Syrena's cheek. The words "Just because your mother and father" echoed through the deck as Weatherby and Philip disappeared down below to Weatherby's cabin.

"You know," Elizabeth leaned in conspiratorially to Syrena, "you have got to teach me some of your tricks to get Will so bold with public affection. I didn't even know Philip had a lustful bone in his body and you've somehow got him as senseless as a dog."

Syrena shrugged, "Who knows, maybe it's magic I can't control. I did get kidnapped before my sisters could manage to teach me everything there is to know about being a-"

Will loudly cleared his throat. Having caught the women's attention, he jerked his head to the nearby Gillette who seemed to be staring at them a bit too hard.

"A woman," Syrena finished. She pet Jack the monkey, checking his fur for fleas, "I never knew my mother so my Sister Tamara was supposed to inform me about intimacies."

"Is that true?" Elizabeth muttered.

"Tis," Syrena nodded. "Unfortunately I have not seen her for years. I know not if she is even alive, though I suspect she is. But she wishes not to see me again after what my father did to the family."

Will and Elizabeth exchanged a confused look. Having not had Syrena tell them her whole story as she did to Philip, it was a bit difficult for them to decipher what she meant.

However, they couldn't pry further for that moment Norrington walked up to them with a few of his men.

"Miss Finson, would you mind if we spoke for a minute?" his tone suggested it was not a request.

"Of course," Syrena answered settling Jack in her lap.

Norrington nodded to his men and they went off, settling nearby to wait for orders but not close enough to hear what was being said.

"With our new prisoners and recent fires," James shot a look at Elizabeth, "we are significantly low on supplies. We have spotted a nearby island but they're flying French flags. King George's navy is not actively at war with France. They have mostly abandoned their colonies due to expecting to lose them to British dominance at sea and focusing on their land army. That said, I'm not entirely prepared to accidentally start a war. If we fly a flag of peace, do you think we would find peace and aid?"

"Very much so," Syrena answered. "That is the town of Saint Albinus. Do you know what Albinus of Angers for whom the town is named is the patron saint of?"

"Protection from attacks by pirates," Elizabeth cut in, happy to share her wheelhouse. "He used funds from his diocese to help all and would ransom hostages of pirates."

"Of course you would know that," Will chuckled.

James looked a little annoyed at the exchange between Will and Elizabeth.

"Barbossa knew about Saint Albinus of Angers," Syrena continued, "so we would often raid the town for the irony of it. I would say a good chunk of the treasure in Isla de Muerta is from Saint Albinus. I would even bet the very dress I am wearing was stolen from it. If you brought them the pirates who has been terrorizing them for years as prisoners to be hung, they would welcome you as heroes. My only concern would be if anyone on this ship can speak French?"

"That would not be a problem," James replied. "All three of our Swanns on board are fluent in French. I believe the late Missus Swann taught them all."

"Actually it was my Grandmother Agnes who insisted on Philip and I learning," Elizabeth answered. "We started talking in French to mask things from Father so he secretly learned it to beat us at our own game. Plus, you know, proper Gentleman and politician and all that."

"Well, if you need help, let me know," Syrena offered. "I can speak any language in the world."

That took Norrington aback, "Truly?"

"Mermaid power."

"Helpful. I will take a small party out with myself, the Governor, and a few men to explain the situation. I will let you know when it's safe to come ashore. I supposed you'll have missed being on real land after so long."

"Speak for yourself."

"Yeah," Elizabeth agreed, "I was marooned on an island the other day. I'm good."

James just looked at Will. He didn't say anything but his eyes clearly said Good luck with them.

He left and began calling out orders. Elizabeth took advantage of the distract to abandon her mending and raced downstairs to tell her father and cousin of the new development.

Will was about to join the fry to help when Syrena caught him by the arm.

"I need your help with something."

And after hearing what it was, Will was only too eager to agree.

"There's something not right about that girl."

Groves rolled his eyes. This was not the first time he and Gillette had this conversation about Syrena, and as they walked along the corridor of the brig, taking count of the pirates, Groves doubted it would be the last conversation they had about it either.

"You should let it go, Gillette," Groves said. "She's a nice girl and you know Mister Swift has a good judge of character."

"I'm not sure he's a good judge of anything after his recent behaviour."

"Careful," Groves pulled them to a halt in front of one of the cells. "Nice as they are, the Swanns are still a powerful family. I wouldn't want you to ruin all that you've worked for just because you don't like the Governor's children. Things have changed, Gillette."

"That's precisely it. Turner and Swift should be locked up after what they did, and yet they're flouncing about putting themselves in inappropriate situations. If my wife was here-"

"You know you don't have to tell Prudence if you think it will just upset her," Groves bit back a further comment about how Gillette should be happy he still had a wife to come home to. "Look, I don't know why you dislike Miss Finson so much-"

"There's something unnatural about her," Gillette said. "You know, Miss Swann did say that the pirates had a mermaid with them. What if Miss Finson-"

"Come now, man," Groves didn't miss a beat. He didn't like lying to Gillette about something that was true and make the man feel wrong for hitting the nail on the head. But he also knew the danger that would bring of such accusations. "Why would you possibly think Miss Finson is a mermaid?"

"Her name is Syrena Finson."

Groves had to admit, he had him there.

"Gillette, enough," Groves commanded, even though Gillette was actually his superior. "Nothing good will come from these delusions. Just the girl be and if there is something wrong, doesn't she deserve a chance."

Gillette narrowed his eyes, "There's something going on here, I know it. Don't think you can get anything past my notice, Groves. I see all."

And maybe if he had been as observant as he claimed, Gillette would have noticed the pirate lifting the keys from his belt.

A/N: Yes, another update. Question for you all, would you rather I space out the updates a little more so it's more of a regular thing and I prewrite a bunch or would you rather hot off the press when I post them whenever I finish. For the former it ensures you still have stuff to read when I'm experiencing writer's block, but the latter may give you quicker updates when I get on a roll. I figure the next several chapters are going to be rather quick updates if we go that way but we may hit long dry spells if I do it that way.

Let me know!

Also I've officially locked in the final chapters of Curse of the Black Pearl and I can confidently say that chapter fifty-seven (aka the fifty-eighth chapter if you count the prologue) will be the last chapter of the first part of this story. I'm really excited for what's about to play out in these last fifteen chapters. It's really going to change the game.