Chapter 3 - A Pirate's Deadlock
Captain Hook slammed his fists onto his charting table, causing the ink from his ink pot to splatter across his map, which only served to increase his anger.
"Blasted Pan," he growled as he paced around the room, "Blasted ship! Why can't I remember where that blasted ship came from? I know I stepped foot on that vessel!"
"Excuse me, Cap'n," Mr. Smee, Hook's first mate, stumbled through the doorway carrying a new map. "I questioned the men…" he said, following him with a crisp new map. They had a large supply of extra maps, Hook always got upset when he plotted.
"Well what did they say?" Hook rubbed his temples.
"They said they ain't ever seen that ship before Cap'n." Smee braced himself for Hook's reprimand.
"Do you mean Mr Smee then, that NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THEM HAS SEEN THAT BLASTED SHIP BEFORE?!!" Hook threw his ink pot overboard in frustration.
Smee pulled his red pom-pom hat over his eyes and plugged his ears. "S-s-sorry, Cap'n."
Hook rolled his eyes. "Morons," he muttered as Starkey mopped up the ink. "And no one knows about the weather either?" The weather had gone berserk, not at all good.
Smee shook his head. "No, Cap'n."
Hook sank back into his seat. "So… no one can precisely identify the ship."
"I can."
Hook glanced upward.
"Ah, Mr. Sherwood Tyde."
Tyde stood at Hook's doorway. He wore the same blank expression as always. He was a rather young fellow, no older than twenty. He was brilliant with words and Hook prepared for his usual "conversation."
"Sherwood," Hook grinned, "fancy seeing you here."
Tyde jerked his head, "Same Captain."
"These are my quarters," Hook said through gritted teeth, his temper evident.
"You certainly don't deserve them," Sherwood retorted.
Hook growled, "Listen here and listen well." He raised his hook menacingly. "Watch your worthless mouth."
Sherwood crossed his arms and said, "Fire away, captain."
Hook was a very ruthless villain. He was also known for shooting his own crew members in fits of frustration. And Hook decided he had put up with Sherwood Tyde long enough. He would live, long enough to give Hook the information he needed.
Hook reached for his pistol... and shot Tyde in the head.
BOOM!
Smee jumped. Starkey snickered. Yes, Sherwood had that coming.
Tide lay on the cabin floor. He was breathing desperately, but his head was spinning. His vision blurred. Then he felt a weight on his chest.
Hook leaned against his shoulder. "Comfortable?"
Sherwood struggled.
Hook's eyes flashed red. "Where is that ship from?"
Hook pressed his heel harder against Sherwood's chest. "Answer me!"
Sherwood wheezed, "Captain... Memo..."
And with that, Sherwood Tide breathed his last breath.
Hook released. All the memories came rushing back.
Captain Memo.
The Pirate's Ransom.
Panama Pam.
The curse…
Hook stared out into the distance, watching the sun set over Neverland. "Smee?"
"Yes, Cap'n." Smee stood horrified as Starkey mopped up Sherwood's blood.
"Old Captain Memo is playing tricks again."