Kindred Spirits

“Hey barroom mirror on the wall

Go stare at someone else

Don't show the world the fool I am

Just keep it to yourself “

Garth Brooks – Longneck Bottle

Chapter 24

Tortuga and Torture

When they finally reached Tortuga’s harbor, Jack skillfully steered the ship towards the docks and Devon assisted him in every way she could almost effortlessly, it was like they had worked together for ages. It seems that when the duo can get past their pride and anger towards one another, they manifested themselves as a solid, well-oiled and capable team. Of course, every too often, their anger and stubbornness would and inevitably did get in the way.

As soon as Jack had shoved out the gangplank, Devon dashed past him, briefly sliding her hand over his appealing backside. Jack raised his eyebrows when he felt her hand, but when he looked at her he saw she was paying no attention to him. Devon walked across the gangplank, Bullet following in her wake, while the humid and filthy Tortuga air filled her nostrils. Ah… home. It’s like a breath o’ fresh air. All I be needin’ now is a drink. She grinned and stretched her muscles, sore from all the work she did to get them into the harbour, and shook her curls loose. Truth be told there wasn’t much to shake loose since a few strands of her hair were starting to look like Jack’s dreads, but shaking them was the least Devon could do to make her hair look a bit more decent. As she primped, an approving whistle trilled across the docks, followed by: ‘Ey there Beautiful…’

Devon’s instantly eyes shot in the direction the voice came from and she winked. ‘‘Ello boys, did we all wash our belows? Since I am keen on inspect–’

She never got to finish her query because was swiftly cut off by Jack. ‘Would ye shut yer trap fer once? We ain’t here fer a nice roll in th’ hay! We need ta find me Pearl, need I remind ye?’ Then he unceremoniously shoved her past the men along the docks. As the pair strolled down the dock, one of the men was about to call to Devon when Jack hissed at him, ‘She be taken mate, so quit wit’ th’ starin’.’

Devon’s eyebrow shot up after this comment, and her heart, damn it all, skipped a beat. Had he just said she was taken? Oh, bugger it! He had just ruined her chances with those fine specimens. Of course if he has just said what she thought he did then she had more to think about then those fine specimens that she just lost out on. Devon glanced over her shoulder one last time, but then shrugged it off and looked around to make sure Bullet was still with them. The small bulldog was quietly walking at Jack’s feet occasionally looking up to the Captain. He likes Jack too… well, well what-do-ye-know… Of course Devon knew the dog liked almost everyone, and was a gentle and tender dog for both friend and foe. But Devon noticed that when she was involved with a bloke, any bloke, the dog had always been kind of jealous over the attention her newest lovers had gotten. But with Jack, it almost seemed as if Bullet had given her its blessing… Odd, she thought…

‘AAAAAAAAAAAH there’s me gal!’ she heard Jack shout from behind her. He ran forward, with almost childlike enthusiasm, towards the majestic ship that laid anchor in front of them.

Devon shook her head in dismay, ‘What is it wit’ ye Captains an’ boats anyway? Me father, Drake an’ ye… ye’re all alike in tha’ strange way… seems as tho’ a boat is a human bein’ ta th’ lot o’ ye…’ she grinned.

He turned on his heel positively aghast, ‘SHIP! That be ship luv! Don't let me e’er ‘ear ye callin’ me Pearl a “boat” again…’ he shuddered as he corrected her. After she shrugged off his little reprimand, he addressed her most interesting comment. ‘But find it odd do ye? Well missy, ye cherish tha’ dog o’ yers like it be a human bein’ also, an’ ye don’t hear me fussin’ bouts tha’ do ye?’

‘Touché,’ Devon retorted as she grinned back at him.

‘Alrigh’ tart,’ he said, tearing his eyes away from his beloved ship, ‘Let’s go an’ find ourselves a nice mug o’ rum. Wha’ say ye ta tha’?’

‘I say, why are we standin’ ‘round ‘ere fer then? Let’s go!’ then she linked her arm through Jack’s, clicked her tongue to Bullet and they were off.

They made their way to the “Willing Wench,” a tavern that Devon hadn’t visited in ages. At first she wanted to suggest another tavern to Jack, but then thought the better of it. The past is no more than the past, righ’? When Jack bustled through the doors of the tavern, he nearly ran head-long into AnaMaria.

‘Watch where ye’re goin’! Piqûre stupide….’ (Stupid prick….) she snapped without looking up. When Jack coughed, she glanced up and had the decency to look astonished when she noticed that it was her Captain that she had nearly collided with, not to mention cursed at, even if it was in French. Then when she realized who he was with she glanced from her superior to her childhood friend in confusion. ‘Jack? Spitfire? How’d th’ two o’ ye get together? Or rather, how’d ye get ‘ere? An’ wit’ him no less! It didn’t seem like th’ two o’ ye were gettin’ ‘long too well b’fore… well, actually tha’ be th’ understatement o’ th’ century… But really, how’d ye manage ta get ‘ere?'

Devon wrapped her arm around AnaMaria's shoulder and said, ‘Tha’ be quite a damn long story, m’dear. One best told over several bottles o’ rum I’d imagine, what say ye?’

Jack came up behind her and pinched her bum, ‘Ye read me bloody mind ‘gain, tart. Let’s go find a table ‘n catch up on things…’

Devon was following Ana’s lead through the pub, when the bartender drew her attention… An incubus smile formed on her lips. ‘Ana, be a dear an’ save me a chair, would ye?’

‘Why? Ye can just come ‘n sit wit’ us now...’ Ana retorted pointing to the chair next to the one she let herself fall heavily down on, but when she followed the older woman’s gaze, instantly she knew why she had to save Devon the seat. Ana shook her head good naturedly. Foxes ne’er loose their wild hair… ‘specially this one.

‘I’ve gotta go talk ta someone…’ Devon said while she sauntered over to the bar towards the relatively handsome man. He had a broad posture, dark blonde hair that was tied back in a loose ponytail, grey eyes and a broad smile to match his posture. The smile faded from his face for a moment as he looked in confusion at the raven haired woman who approached him, but when he saw the smirk on Devon’s face, recognition graced his face and his smile returned, possibly even broader than it had been before.

‘Devon.’

‘Victor,’ she said flatly, tapping on the bar with her dirty fingernails.

‘Long time…’

‘Aye, I guess ye could say tha’…’ she said while her eyes were locked on his grey ones for a moment, before sliding along the various liquor bottles on the shelves behind him. I’ve been tryin’ ta avoid this ‘ere place mate… ye should remember why… she thought. There was an eerie silence that lingered for a moment, but then the bartender spoke and eased into a conversation with Devon.

‘Ye wear yer hair different now,’ he spoke while he took a tendril of her hair between his fingers, ‘I like it.’

‘I’m incognito, glad it meets yer approval. Can't say ye've changed much tho’…’

‘Nope, pretty much t’same…. Well not everythin’. I suppose th’ only thing different is this,’ he said while he held out his left hand which bore a plain golden band on his ring finger. ‘I'm married now.’

Devon's eyes narrowed a bit, while a mocking pout formed on her lips. ‘Come again? Married? So ye mean ta tell me I’ve wasted me chance wit’ ye?’

‘Ye ne’er were th’ kind ta waste any chances, an’ I don’t think that changed ‘bouts ye over th’ years. And e’er since ye turned down me offer th’ last time I saw ye, I ne’er got ta see ye again. Although yer name was dropped a lot o’ times, I figured ye’d ne’er change yer mind.’ The bartender sighed, while he rubbed the counter with the cloth he had fidgeted with prior. ‘So I moved on as well, couldn't stay here wishin’ fer th’ impossible ta happen, now could I?’ he said while he stroked her arm, gently caressing the black dragon adorning her tan skin.

She smiled, and knew he hadn't held a grudge against her, ‘True ‘nough, but who’s on th’ receivin’ end o’ yer corkscrew fer now an’ till eternity, I wonder…’

As he opened his mouth to give her the name, Devon shushed him, placing her finger on his lips.

‘Nah, lemme guess,’ she said with a grin, ‘Elaine…?’

When no response was given she continued, ticking off all the names of the women she remembered on her fingers. ‘Suzy... Carmen... Louise... Mary... Oh. My. GOD! Lola! It’s Lola ain’t it?’ she smacked her fist on the bar and some of the men who sat at a nearby turned their heads to see what the commotion was about. ‘I knew it! She’s always ‘ad a crush on ye... she was quite hostile when I left here, think she knew what was goin’ on b’tween us... guess she’s real happy ye tied th’ knot wit’ er now tho’…’ she said warmly.

He grinned and nodded. ‘Aye, she is. But it could’ve been ye, ye know... ye always were me favorite... we had somethin’ special..’

‘Fer cryin’ out loud we had nothin’! And tha’ was only once! An’ yer married now, ye should ferget ‘bouts them past adventures even when they were wit’ yers truly. ‘Sides I think yer th’ kind o’ man who wants what ‘e can’t have. Lola is good fer ye… she loves ye, that’s more than I had ta offer ye.’ Devon retorted, studying the man’s face.

‘An’ I still treasure those memories in me heart. In fact yer th’ only one who could tempt me ta commit adultery, just ta make ye see wha’ ye threw ‘way...’ he snickered, even though he had meant the words he had just spoken.

Devon laughed and patted him amicably on the arm, ‘Dream on, Victor. Ye’ve been able ta taste me once, I don’ want ye ta dream e’en more ‘bouts me after ye tasted me ‘gain. ‘Sides tha’ no man e’er ‘ad th’ fortune o’ tastin’ me twice!’ she discreetly glanced over her shoulder at Sparrow and bit her lip. Ye be lyin’ an’ ye know it Dee, one man did taste ye twice…an’ trice… and over ‘n over…. Devon rambled on, completely ignoring the truth that the voice spoke in her head. ‘Sides tha’ yer better off wit’ ‘er, I’m no good wit’ commitments, ye know tha’... Now, drag yer dirty mind back ta th’ here an’ now... Lola, yer wife, remember?’

He sighed. ‘What ‘bout ‘er?’

‘How is th’ wench! Is she ‘round? T’would be nice ta see ‘er ‘gain!’

‘She’s wonderful, as a matter o’ fact she be workin’ even as we speak.’

‘Ye mean ta tell me tha’ she’s still in th’ business? Ye willingly let ‘er fuck others fer th’ money? Some marriage ye’ve got... jus’ makes me think, why bother? Why change a good thin’ an’ make it official? I mean if she’s still doin’ wha’ she did b’fore an’ yer still lookin’ fer foreign flesh ta warm ye, why get married?’ she snorted.

‘Could ye please keep yer mind out o’ th’ gutter, Dee? She be Madame Lola now, keeper o’ th’ newest brothel on th’ rock. Th’ only work she does off ‘er feet now, is fulfillin’ ‘er marital duties,’ he stated proudly.

‘An’ there ye go tellin’ me ta keep me mind out o’ th’ gutter!’ she laughed. ‘Ye know it resides there constantly, jus’ like yers as ye jus’ proved, now tell me Vic… Wha’ be t’name o’ this brothel, Sodom an’ Gomorra? An’ I be damned thirsty by th’ way,’ she tapped her fingernails on the bar once again.

‘It be “The Warm Welcome,” now what’ll ye have, Duville?’

‘Hmmmm… tha’ certainly has a ring to it… What’ll I ‘ave? Yer naked arse on a silver platter would be very nice an’ quite entertainin’ as well, but since ye're married an’ all an’ I’m not th’ least bit interested in wreckin’ said marriage, a double rum would do jus’ fine. Straight up an’ no added water, I wanna taste th’ real thin’ ‘gain,’ she quipped while she idly bit on her finger.

‘Added water? I never once did such a thing,’ the bartender shot back.

‘I’ve seen it done, Vic, don’t mess wit’ me… Ye know I can get very nasty if I don’t get wha’ I want,’ Devon drawled, while she touched the side of his face. ‘Now be a good boy an’ give it ta me.’

‘Don’t tempt me, luv. I might be married, but I still ‘ave it, if ye catch me meanin’...’ he said, raising a suggestive eyebrow, while he took a bottle of his finest off the top shelf and filled her a cup. ‘There ye go, puss, on th’ house o’ course.’

‘Wouldn’t ‘ave it any other way.’ She winked and finished the rum in one swig. ‘Nother please… an’ bring a bottle o’ yer finest to tha’ table over there… an’ make sure Jack Sparrow gets me compliments. I owe ‘im one,’ she said, slamming the empty mug on the table.

Victor immediately refilled it, this time her cup was filled to the rim. ‘Yer wit’ Jack Sparrow? Captain Jack Sparrow?’

‘Aye fer th’ moment I am. An’ tha’ bottle ye send over, shall be on th’ house as well, savvy? Ye know… fer old time’s sake.’ The look she gave the bartender was laced with something that could best be described as naughty persistence. A barmaid was quickly called over, who was soon then sent over to the table where Jack was seated.

Jack searched the table for Duville but couldn’t find her, since he didn’t want to make a fool of himself and ask for her whereabouts, he just sat himself down and scanned the bar. And there she was, sitting at the counter, chatting animatedly with the bartender. What’s she up ta now, an’ why is she leanin’ over tha’ far? She should jus’ ask ‘im to feel ‘er up...’ He heard her throaty laugh and he cringed inside. Why was she over there seducing that geezer, when she was supposed to be here sitting with him? And on his lap to be more precise. What’s ‘e got tha’ I don’t? I am trice th’ man he is… I’m Captain Jack Sparrow, fer crissakes, I mean she ain’t blind now is she? What th’ devil does she think she’s doin’ over there? Tha’ harlot!

Ana watched him grind his teeth out of the corner of her eye. ‘Somethin’ wrong Captain?’ Gibbs followed Ana’s gaze and became confused as to his Captain’s behavior as well. ‘Aye Cap’n what ails ye?’

‘Don’t be silly, wha’ could possibly be ailin’ me? There be nothin’ wrong! Wha’ could possibly be wrong? Got me crew back, got me Pearl back...’ Then he sighed softly and took a long swig from his mug, his eyes still drawn to the scene at the counter. ‘An’ I intend ta ‘ave meself a jolly good time, if that’s alright by ye o’course….’

‘Fine by me, Capt’n,’ Ana said while she shared a look with Gibbs.

‘So glad tha’ I ‘ave yer blessin’ lass...’ He moped while his eyes wandered over to Duville yet again.

When he saw the tart run her long skilled fingers along the side of the bloke’s face, he couldn’t help himself, ‘Ana! D’ye happen ta know th’ bloke Duville be talkin’ to?’

AnaMaria looked over at the bar again and she shrugged her shoulders. ‘Can’t say I do, but methinks Devon knows ‘im quite well.’

‘Capt’n,’ Gibbs cut in while Jack slammed his empty mug on the table ‘Why’s she ‘ere? Why’d ye bring ‘er? That woman’s frightful bad luck I say, utter evil, I say I can tell by me waters, says I...’ Joshamee Gibbs looked at the mysterious piratess at the back of the tavern and sighed. Jack Sparrow had few weaknesses, but women were his biggest flaw, and this one… well this one could very well be his Captain’s Achilles heel. Judging by the way Jack was staring at her, he put two and two together rather fast. The conclusion he came to made him shiver. One woman aboard a ship was bad luck as it was, but two….that was just tempting the Gods. And since his Captain had basically made it crystal clear she was to stay on the Pearl, he rubbed his lucky rabbit’s foot frantically just in case. He made a mental note to look for his evil eye-charm and to keep it close to him from now on… they just might need all the help they could get.

Jack took another swig from his mug, and looked at his old friend, ‘Ye couldn’t be more right, Joshamee, but she’s gotta stay, promised ‘er I’d take ‘er back to Drake,’ he said, trying to hide his true emotions, while he got more and more agitated at the casual way Devon chatted and smiled at that bartender.

‘Captain Jack Sparrow?’ the barmaid asked when she planted a bottle of rum in front of him.

‘Aye luv, tha’ would be me…’

‘This is a bottle of our finest rum, given to ye from the owner of this tavern with the compliments of Miss Duville.’

‘Why thank ye luv! Tell Miss Duville tha’ I admire a woman tha’ sticks to ‘er word!’ and then the brown haired girl scurried off to collect the empty mugs on the table. An’ tell ‘er I hope she chokes in ‘er own rum… why th’ devil ain’t she drinkin’ it wit’ me?

Something was eating him up inside, but he decided to overlook it, and so he uncorked the bottle, filled his mug and took a firm swig of the liquor, ‘Blast it! This is th’ best rum I’ve e’er tasted here!’ He saw a petite blonde girl wink at him from across the room. He took another firm swig, placed the mug back on the table and was off to charm her. Maybe this girl could help him take his mind off these strange feelings of his.

‘‘Ello luv,’ he said with an elegant bow. ‘How ‘bouts ye an’ I go ‘ave ourselves a bit o’ fun,’ he said while he let his eyes travel over her slender figure. She had golden flowing locks that fell in ringlets down her back, and a petite body embraced by a tight little pale blue bodice.

‘Ye’re Capt’n Sparrow, aren’t ye? I couldn’t help but overhear Lucy when she spoke ta ye,’ the girl gasped when she looked at him, and thought about how lucky she was to run into this legendary pirate Captain. This could mean extras.

‘In th’ flesh, luv,’ he said while he wrapped an arm around her slim waist and sniffed her scented hair. ‘How much fer yer warm an’ undoubtedly pleasurable comp’ny, m’dearest?’ he whispered in her ear while he ran his hand along the back of her dress, instinctively investigating how many hooks he would have to undo later.

‘I’m sure we’ll be able ta come ta some sort of enjoyable agreement, Captain,’ she purred back while she ran her tongue along her teeth.

‘‘Nother please, an’ keep ‘em comin’!’ Devon slammed her empty mug on the bar, turning her head slightly, noticing that the men next to her were staring at her with rather lustful expressions on their faces. Devon licked her lips, winked, leaned over and gave them a nice view of her cleavage. Then she narrowed her eyes, revealed her silver pistol and let her fingers slide over the barrel… The men’s eyes widened at the veiled threat and they turned back to their game. So damned predictable….

‘Ye know yer quite irresistible when drunk, Devon.’

Victor played with a strand of her hair for a moment, and then proceeded to clean the glasses best he could, to see whether he could make them almost clean once more.

‘I’m always irresistible, dear. Just ask them,’ she cocked her head to indicate the men on her left, who were staring at her again, ‘If e’er there was any doubt o’ me captavatin’ qualities. An’ I'm not drunk, takes a lil’ more than this ta get me sloshed, an’ ye know it. So now if ye'll excuse me, I ‘ave a lil’ catchin’ up ta do wit’ me friend over there,’ she said as she pointed towards AnaMaria.

‘Hmmmm, yer friend ‘ave a name?’ was the bartender’s only comment, although his eyebrows wiggled suggestively.

Devon rolled her eyes. ‘Yer insufferable, Victor. I might jus’ go over ta Lola an’ tell ‘er ‘bout all this an’ then...’

He held his hands up in mock defense. ‘Give us a kiss an’ I won’t bother ye ‘gain,’ he said while he refilled her mug.

Once again Devon finished the rum in one long swig, grabbed a new bottle from the counter and quipped, ‘Well if ye give US th’ bot’le, I'll keep me pretty lil’ mouth shut,’ then she blew him a kiss, winked and walked casually back to the table. Nimbly stepping around a drunken brawl between a few of the other patrons, Devon shook her head and grinned. Wonder wha’ it was ‘bout this time… a pretty wench or a cheater at th’ card game? Men…. In her walk back to the table she gained a stalker, quite obviously drunk who didn’t know of Devon’s reputation. When he tried to grab her ass and opened his mouth to make her an offer for a night of pleasurable company, she whirled around, grabbing his wrist and twisting his hand to the side, and pulled her gun out with the other hand.

‘Ye sure ye wanna make a move on a lass tha’ ain’t fer sale pig?’ She smirked at the man, who was now quite obviously in pain. When she saw tears welling up in his blue eyes, she took pity on him. ‘Think twice b’fore messin’ wit’ me ‘gain darlin’. ‘Ave a nice night.’ With that she threw him to the floor and continued to walk through the tavern. She snaked her way through more tables, carefully stepping over some drunks that were presently out cold on floor in front of her.

‘Devon!’ she heard Victor shout behind from her, ‘Will ye sing tonight? Ye know, fer old times sake? It’s been so goddamn long since I’ve heard yer lovely voice…’ he put on a little pout, just for effect, because he knew that Devon would see right through it.

She shook her head, ‘No, no singin’ t’night. I be ‘ere ta enjoy meself. C’mon Bullet let’s go see Ana,’ she said while she bent down to stroke her dog.

Victor shrugged his broad shoulders. ‘Such a shame…’ before he went back to attempting to clean the glasses and mugs.

On her way over yet another man from the table on her left got up and blocked her way.

‘Ello dear,’ the man spoke while his eyes roamed her body. ‘How ‘bouts ye an’ I get ta know each other a bit better, eh? Somethin’ ‘bouts ye just calls out ta me… ever since yer lovely legs walked in here.’

Devon pushed him aside, ‘Let’s not!’ and continued her way, but the man wouldn't give up that easily

‘Playin’ hard ta get are ye? Fancy that…’

She turned around, hands on hips, and her head cocked and while she looked down on him and spoke with an exasperated tone. ‘Do ye imbeciles not learn from yer predecessors?’ Absolutely insufferable! Why did I come ‘ere tonight! I do not want ta deal wit’ this shite t’night! She rolled her eyes at the fool in front of her. ‘See ‘ere ye worm, I ain’t playin’ anythin’ nor am I in th’ mood ta play anythin’ wit’ th’ likes o’ ye. Now if ye'd be so kind as ta remove yerself from me view, I'd be very much obliged.’ She gave him an icy glare and stepped up a bit. Devon’s left hand hovered over the hilt of her sword, the fingers of her right moving in a mystical pattern over her pistol.

‘An’ if I don’t move, darlin’, what’d ye intend ta do then, eh? Make me?’ As he bellowed with laughter, he looked around to see if that remark got any attention. When he saw that several heads had turned in their direction he grinned smugly. ‘So? What are ye gonna do, deary, ‘cause I ain’t moved an inch till yer lips kiss mine,’ he grinned belittlingly as he stepped even closer, and Devon could now smell his toxic breath. Devon decided to leave her pistol where it was. After all, there be no need ta waste me precious ammunition on someone this insignificant.

Devon smiled, and a very sly grin formed on her lips when she stepped up to the man, her eyes flashing dangerously as they were looking into his.

‘Ye’re right, there’s no denyin’ tha’ I want ye–’ she said, throwing her arms around him and swiftly but forcefully raising her knee in the man's groin while placing her right boot in front of his left leg and yanking him forward to the floor, making good use of the arms which were around his neck. He collapsed on the floor in front of her, crying and cursing. Well, well… methinks yer a soprano now, boy… she smirked. Then she looked down on the pathetic sight before her and cocked her head, as several men came to look what the brawl was about.

Devon spat on the face of her aggressor, drove one of her sea-boots forcefully in his side, walked over him and continued her tirade.

‘– I want ye ta remember, ye lil’ pisser, I made ye move! Tha’, an’ I also made ye fall… An’ jus’ maybe ye should take tha’ inta consideration next time ye meet a lady ‘cause some o’ us, as ye can clearly see, can make ye regret th’ day ye e’er crossed their path mate!’ she shouted over her shoulder as she finally reached the table that the Pearl's Captain and crew had made themselves comfortable at. In fact, she realized in shock, Sparrow had made himself very comfortable… perhaps a little too comfortable in her opinion.

He was sitting in his chair with a beautiful blonde girl placed on his lap and he was feeling her up while the girl was grinding her narrow hips onto Jack's lap. Much to Devon’s annoyance, the tramp had a striking oval shaped face with quite a bit of makeup, but not enough to be too much and grey eyes that hadn't seen that many years. In short, the girl was the complete opposite of herself. All that and a great deal younger. How can someone tha’ young ‘ave this kind o’ occupation? Devon ponderedShe almost broke the bottle as she clenched her fist tighter around the bottleneck. Jack had caught her watching, so naturally he leaned in and kissed the girl right in front of her eyes. That’ll show 'er fer messin’ wit’ th’ bloody bartender! Beat ye this time tart!

Devon just stood there, wobbling on her sea legs, her eyes glued to the scene in front of her. She felt nothing. It was as if she was absolutely emotionless for a moment. But after a few moments, the numbness was replaced by incredibly sharp pains all over. She felt as if someone had opened her ribcage, tore out her heart and left her bleeding to death in a puddle of her own blood and insides. The feeling was unlike anything she had ever felt before and this seemed to make even the wounds she had gained in battle less painful than what she felt at this moment. She didn’t know what this strange and very painful sensation was, but she knew she didn’t like it, not one bit.

When the girl bent over and deepened the kiss, Devon felt betrayed, hurt, and angry… her emotions were wreaking havoc within her, when she felt a hand on her shoulder that brought her back to the present. She turned around and blinked her eyes in an attempt to get rid of the sting she felt behind them.

‘Let’s go sit somewhere else, Spitfire... alrigh’?’ Ana said warmly while she ushered the older woman through the crowd towards a quieter table on the other side of the tavern.

Devon vaguely remembered that she still held the bottle of rum in her hand and gulped down as much of it she could in one go, not letting it leave her lips from even the briefest moment. Damn that man! Why’d I ‘ave ta meet ‘im anyways?

Ana pulled the bottle away from Devon's lips and tried to ignore the glare she received from Devon as a result. ‘Okay, list’n ‘ere spitfire, yer gonna tell me all there is ta know about whatever’s goin’ on b’tween ye an’ Jack.’

Devon snorted, ‘There ain't nothin’ ta tell Ana...’ and felt relieved as she had regained some semblance of control over herself again.

Ana leaned over the table, her face hovering in front of Devon’s, ‘Don’t give me tha’, I do ‘ave eyes ye know. I saw th’ way he looks at ye, I’ve seen th’ way ye look at him an’ I saw th’ green eyed monster take over back there... Yer jealous spitfire...’

‘Bugger it all!’ Devon sighed while she downed the last of her rum. ‘VICTOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRR!’ she roared, causing all of the tavern’s occupants to glance in her direction. ‘What y’all lookin’ at? Mind yer own goddamn business!’ she raged, but then softened when she looked at Ana. ‘Ana, care fer ‘nother?’ holding her empty bottle up.

The younger woman nodded her head, but sighed inwardly and shook her head at the antics of her old friend as soon as Devon’s back was turned.

Devon strode over to the counter again, bumping into people and tables and ignoring the pain in her chest, trying desperately not to look over at Jack and his strumpet. Of course when she thought about how she didn’t want to look at him, she found that her eyes automatically wandered back to him and the blonde stick-insect he had kissed right in front of her… The pain she felt before reared its ugly head once more, this time combined with a wave of nausea when she reached the counter.

‘Vic, gimme ‘nother bottle an’ make it quick, would ye please? Oh, make tha’ two actually…’ The bartender did as he was told and handed her two bottles of rum. Devon greedily took them from him, ignoring the randy smile Victor was giving her. Biting the cork off one of the bottles, she returned to the table where AnaMaria was seated, waiting for her.

Devon turned the chair around so she could straddle the back of it as she leaned on it. ‘So, ye think I be jealous, tha’ what this is ‘bout?’

Ana took the bottle from Devon’s hands and knew this matter needed to be handled with utmost care, ‘Aye, I do...’

‘Bullshit,’ Devon shot back.

Ana countered, ‘Ye are, an’ so was Jack. While ye was at th’ counter talking ta him, he was actin’ just like like ye right now,’ she said jerking her head in the direction of the bartender.

Devon couldn't suppress the grin that snaked its way onto her lips. ‘Ye sayin’ ‘e was jealous?’ she leaned over the table towards AnaMaria, her eyes leveling with Ana’s dark ones, while she tried to pry the cherished bottle back from her friend’s hands.

‘Aye, jus’ like ye… so what be th’ deal ‘ere?’

Just when Devon was about to tell her friend how she had gotten caught and how she had been rescued, she was very rudely interrupted...

'ANA! Oh, good there ye are! Jus’ wanted ye ta know tha’ I’m goin’ ta go wit’ th’ lovely Adele ‘ere ta ‘er room upstairs fer a bit! Jus’ wanted ta let ye know tha’ so ye wouldn’t come lookin’ fer me. Oh, an’ don’t wait up…!’ Jack shouted and winked at Adele, even though he was standing right behind the two lady pirates, while he had a possessive hold around the blonde’s slim waist. Then he looked to Devon, as if he just spotted that she was there as well, ‘Oh, didn’t realize ye were ‘ere as well, Duville...’ But the glint in his eyes told Devon that he was very well aware of the fact she was there. And Devon could just drink his blood for that. This was not just another game… if it were she could retaliate, but now she suffered a lack of words and wits.

Devon's stomach flipped and twisted into a thousand knots and she felt the sharp pain in her chest as it coursed through her again, but throughout all this she maintained her icy exterior. ‘Ye go ‘n ‘ave yer fun then, Sparrow...’

He tipped his hat at her and guided the blonde to the stairs where she proceeded to lead him to the rooms above the tavern.

Ana watched her friend closely, quite shocked at how calm she was, ‘An’ ye’re jus’ gonna let him go? Jus’ like tha’?’

Devon balled her fists, her nails leaving deep imprints on her palms, ‘I ain’t ‘is momma, ‘e be a grown man, an’ he can do whatever th’ fuck ‘e wants … or in this case whoever th’ fuck ‘e wants…’ she whispered the last part with a vengeance, as though she was passionately praying that his dick would fall off the minute he got that bitch naked. She grabbed the bottle back from the table where Ana had just set it down, upturned it and finished it completely, gulping it down like it was water. If I’m ‘ere drownin’ in me misery, I might as well give it good company wit’ as much rum me ol’ liver can bloody ‘andle. When she went to order another bottle Ana tried to stop her. ‘Dee, ye really shouldn’t drink that much, we’re goin’ ta leave first thing tomorrow…’

‘Jus’ mind yer own damn business, Ana, I’ll drink as much as I damn well please.’ She sighed as she tasted the rum in her mouth. It was by far her favorite comfort whenever she felt down or needed a pick-me-up. She wandered into the washroom, to come to her senses she had to squint to be able to see herself in the barroom mirror on the wall in front of her. Once she had focused her eyes, she saw the slight blurry reflection of her once fierce and cocky face. She had always been proud of her looks, even though she knew there were others that looked better than she did. But now her face had changed into a troubled face, with watery eyes and no signs of her tan, because at the moment she looked as pale as a sheet… in fact, her face rather accurately resembled the state she was in. Her stomach turned when she thought of Jack and the soulless, breast-less stick figure that was now playing dirty games with HER man…

Jack followed his newest conquest to her room upstairs. ‘Ye’re in luck Captain, I be the best in the trade,’ she giggled while she seductively raised her skirts to reveal her slender, milky white calves as she climbed the narrow staircase. This had the desired affect on Jack because he admired the view of her legs as he walked behind her, he found that he couldn't wait to get between them. He remembered how Devon's face lurked constantly in the back of his mind, and knew of the emotions that accompanied that image, so he ignored them and decided to give her a taste of her own medicine. After all, she had thrown herself at that bastard bartender, and now it was his chance to return the favor. A quickie was just a quickie after all, and a quick release of pressure was sometimes the best way to clear one’s head. And there would be no problems because he and the vixen weren’t together. There was no guilt to hang over his head. This was just a quickie. Nothing more than that. And needless-to-say, releasing pressure in this particular way was quite convenient, not to mention pleasurable, for Jack Sparrow.

The wench, who reached the top of the stairs, took a brass key out of her bodice where it had been nestled between her perky breasts and opened the lock from one of the rooms. She stepped inside and lit a lamplight on her bedside table. The room was small, not to mention that it reeked slightly, and was dressed with only the bare necessities. A bed naturally, a washbowl, a chair and a stack of towels. The girl sat herself on the bed and within seconds Jack was beside her. He sniffed her hair, though he could only discern a hint of soap amidst the smell of smoke and liquor. As he did this he found that he couldn’t help but think about the dark hair he had sniffed last night… Devon smelled completely different. She smelled salty like the ocean, a scent he loved and could never get enough of, and she smelled of gin. The last time he had sniffed her hair and he recalled that she smelled, and tasted, even better. There was something about Devon’s odor that made him feel… she made him FEEL! As the girl next to him stroked his back and began to unbutton his waistcoat, he broke from his reverie. All the thoughts of Devon were shoved in the back of his mind as he watched her long slender fingers undo his buttons. Not that there were all that much buttons to undo on that, mind you, but she did it smiling and skillfully, giving him a nice view down her bodice in the process, where her small breasts were greeting him. He smiled down at them, but after a few moments he was comparing them to the ones that he held, nibbled, sucked and licked the other night. Granted, a small handful might have been enough for most men, but Captain Jack Sparrow preferred them to be bigger and firmer than the average handful... firm like Devon's...

He looked at the grey-eyed blonde who watched him and realized his mind had wandered yet again... and he was comparing the girl to the woman downstairs once more. The woman downstairs that he had fallen in love with…. Oh. Bloody. Hell.

Lord, what am I doin’ ‘ere?

Meanwhile said woman was downstairs and almost completely wasted, drinking herself into a sweet oblivion. Devon had been a heavy drinker for years and had a well-trained liver, and therefore she could hold more liquor than the average man. But even now, Devon felt her body protesting to more alcohol – perhaps a sign that she should switch to lighter drinks. But despite the ciphers her body sent to her brain, Devon kept on drinking the pure rum in an attempt to smother the pain that gleefully wreaking havoc inside of her.

She hated Jack Sparrow for bringing her down to this. Here she sat, wallowing in self pity, a sobbing mess. She was stuck in the vertigo of her hazy mind and all she could think about was how Jack was somewhere above her fucking the brains out of that blonde bitch. The Devon she was before Jack wouldn't have cared less about her former lovers moving on to their next victim because Devon was always the first to move on, the first to conquer another lover before they did. But this was different, she knew in her heart it was. She didn’t know how or when exactly it had happened, but despite her hazy state of mind, everything became crystal clear in an instant. All the pieces of the puzzle fell into place… Perhaps large amounts of liquor were what a woman like Devon needed to see tings in perspective. She was in love. And this…., She reached up to clutch her chest for a moment, before resting her arm on the table. This was heartache. Jack made her weak, Jack had made her see how complete a man could make her feel, and Jack had made her crack. He tore down the wall she had so carefully constructed around her heart. He crawled inside of her and had gotten under her skin, but the worst part of all was that he had made her fall in love with him. And now he was making her hurt… He gave her more pain than any bullet or knife possibly could have achieved.

Scars were visible on the outside and hurt, but Jack had scarred her heart, ripped it out and marred it before he gave her back pieces of it. It seemed that he had kept some of her heart for himself in the process, because Dee felt empty, and even in her drunken state she knew that something wasn’t quite right about that. It was this “game” with the newest wench that had made her realize, there was no way in Hell he felt the same. Regardless of their similarities and regardless of what they had been through together, he wouldn’t love her back.

Devon had entered the bar in a different state of mind then the one she normally found herself with… No other man had roused her interest, all she wanted was for that cocky flamboyant Captain to hold her and never let her go. This side of her had been shoved in the background ever since Frances Stewart had departed this world... Devon now was devastated, and had felt her guard break, just as her heart had done when he had spoken those words... he was going to fuck another woman, and not even a woman but a mere girl. A whore. A girl that looked like the complete opposite of her... Devon didn’t feel like picking up another victim that she could screw or play her games with. For the first time in her years, there was only one man she wanted to make love to… but that man was currently having sex, without her. Devon sighed heavily, before taking another long swig of her rum. She was left here all alone, all alone in a crowd of people, with a disgusting feeling in the pit of her stomach... and rum in her hand as her only means of companionship.

‘Dee, are ye alright?’ she could vaguely hear Ana say, even though her friend was sitting right across from her. Devon realized she had gotten back to her seat, without remembering how she had gotten back to it..

‘Ne’er felt better, luv. Ne’er felt better!’ she slurred while she managed to produce a weak smile and wave her hands about to show how “fine” she really was. Then a man approached her and placed his hands on the table, hovering between Ana and Devon. ‘How ‘bouts ye two lovely ladies join me an’ me mates at that table over there? Hmmmm?’

Ana opened her mouth to respond, but Devon beat her to it. ‘Piss off, ye wanker. All ye men are pigs an’ not only do ye look one, but ye smell th’ part as well... We ain't interested, savvy? Tho’ if we were, we’d lash y’all ta a table an’ have our nasty ways wit’ ye sooner than yer dicks would know wha’ hit ye! Tha’ would teach ye…’ when Devon tried to reach for her pistol, Ana reached over the table and forced her hands down, giving Devon a stern look.

‘Don’t ye dare, Devon!’ then she looked over her shoulder and addressed the man. ‘Sorry, ‘bout that, but me friend here is having her monthlies an’ since she isn't quite her charming and lovely self just now, we'll just have to decline yer offer, lest you have a death wish mate…’

The man looked blankly between the two lady pirates and then turned on his heel, shrugging his shoulders and strolling off back towards his mates.

‘I don’t ‘ave me monthlies Ana! An’ ye know tha’ all men are bastards... tha’ wha’ they be an’ I hate ‘em all fer it! Maybe I'll just join a convent an’ swear 'em off fer good!' Devon hissed, her words slurring together in a spectacular way.

Ana shook her head at her friend and suppressed a chuckle. The day that Devon Duville swore off men would be the day cows flew.

As Jack unbuckled his belt and untied his sash, he saw the petite blonde harlot spread her legs and pull up her skirts. She gave him a very nice view of her lace knickers that were tied around her thighs with red ribbons. He kneeled down on the bed in front of her and pulled them down slowly. He desperately tried not to listen to that annoying voice in his mind, the one that was telling him to return downstairs and tell Duville how he really felt, how he really wanted to make sweet hot and steamy love to her, instead of this blonde professional.

Not that it was a torture to bone the girl, who was currently lying semi-naked in front of him, but he felt… guilty. Was that a good word to describe the feeling welling up inside of him? He shook the thought out of his head and leaned down to kiss the girl whose name he had already forgotten. She returned his kiss, but the passion he had felt when kissing Devon was missing. It was a routine kiss, the kiss of a wench. Jack couldn't help comparing her to Devon yet again and realized there was something special about the raven piratess.

The woman he had wanted to give a little payback to, who made him tremble inside, who made his world rumble and who seemed to sense what he needed, what he wanted... He had enjoyed every moment of their lovemaking. He even seemed to get pleasure out of their fights and daily bickering. Am I fallin' in love with the tart! Nay, can't be! I won't allow it!

‘Oy, Captain, are we going to do some business tonight, or are you going to keep starin’ at the wall all night? Either way is fine by me so long as yer payin’ me fee.’ The whore’s voice brought him out of his reverie once more and he snapped back into reality.

Jack felt his mind needed a proper cleansing, so he shoved the front of his breeches down and trust inside of the blonde. This used to be one of his favorite pastimes, but now it seemed pointless, meaningless and dull. This girl might be the best in the trade, but he knew what passion felt like, what it tasted like and how wild it could be, because Devon had shown him. She had shown him just how hot and breathtaking it could be, when two talented dancers danced the forbidden dance... This was nothing compared to what she could do to him. When he finally ejaculated after a very long time, he saw Devon's face smile at him mischievously and he felt even guiltier than he had before. The sizzling feeling orgasms usually gave him didn’t come. All he felt was the weight of a canon on his chest.

When Jack Sparrow pulled up his pants and dressed himself he realized he had found the one… his match… and said woman was downstairs and more than likely rubbing up every bloke in the tavern while he was here, having insignificant intercourse with a woman that did it for the money... with a woman he didn't care for and who he shouldn't have been with in the first place. He casually tossed a few shillings on the bed and made his exit... While he did so he felt his heart sink in his boots. This was a big mistake… possibly th’ biggest in me life… I need ta find Devon, now. Oh God, what’ve I done?

‘Good god, you’re SO jealous... You be in love with him! Yet ye let him take another upstairs…. That jus’ don’t make sense Spitfire…' Ana said to her pale, red eyed friend, while she reached over the table to stop her as she tried to finish off the rum with one gulp.

‘Lemme drink, Ana.. I be needin’ this real bad righ’now an’ ye knows tha’…’ Dee hissed, her words slurring together even more than before.

‘What you need Dee, is some fresh air, tha’ an’ ye need ta come clean about Sparrow. Even a blind person can see yer in love with ‘im! I’ve never seen ye look at a man, any man fer tha’ matter, the way ye look at him. I dunno what went on b’tween ye, but knowin’ you an’ knowin’ him, I have a pretty good idea o’ what went on b’tween the two ‘o ye…. Now let’s get ye outside…’ Ana spoke with determination, concern lacing her harsh voice. She got up from her chair and waved at Gibbs, so that maybe he could help her get Devon outside into the cool air.

Gibbs came over and hooked his arm through Devon’s and pulled her up. Devon swayed and squinted her eyes at the smallest member of the Black Pearl’s crew, the midget. ‘Well... ye be a handsome bugger, ain’t ye? Fancy a go? I mean Sparrow’s gettin’ some, so why not us eh? By th’ powers, ye might be th’ only man on th’ face o’ this godforsaken earth tha’ can lick me while standin’ up,’ she drawled while she clung to Gibbs like a wet shirt to a bare torso. ‘Oh… an’ jus’ look at this hunk o’ steel,’ her voice slurring more while looking up at him, ‘…I like men wit’ facial hair…’

The pirates eyes grew wide and both men, large and small, looked at Ana for support or clarification. Ana shrugged her shoulders, ‘She's horny as a toad or at least thinks she is, loaded ta the gun walls, a lil’ more then usual, an’ she be needin’ some fresh air, mates. Help me get her out.’

Gibbs nodded and moved her towards the door, while Devon wound some of the hair from his beard around her finger and giggled. ‘Hmmm I really like men with facial hair... ‘ave I e’er told ye tha’?’ then she stumbled and almost pulled Gibbs and AnaMaria down with her, but then there were two more hands that grabbed her shoulders just in time.

It was the bartender.

‘Dee, lass, ye need to sit yerself down,’ he said while he patted her cheek to make her look at him. Her vision was still blurry when she tried to focus on the dancing orbs in front of her. Victor nodded towards a bench near the door and Ana and Gibbs helped him set her down. ‘Leave it ta me, I’ve known ‘er fer years, ye go ‘n enjoy yer last night ashore... she’ll be fine, don’t worry… Though I must say I’ve ne’er seen ‘er in such a state... she’s known ta hold her liquor quite well… or at least in her younger years she was…’

Devon’s eyes were desperately trying to focus onto one object, but she failed and all the items and people around her were a hazy blur, one that wouldn’t stop swaying and floating about. ‘Vic? ‘s tha’ ye? Would ye be a dear an’ stop movin’ yer arse about, stand still, ye’re makin’ me dizzy…’

‘Nice ta know I still ‘ave that effect on ye,’ he said hoarsely, knowing the odds had turned in his favor. The chances of him really reuniting with her had just doubled, maybe even tripled.

‘No, I’m serious, stop tha’ movin’ about, I’m gonna be sick…’ Devon stood up, swaggered over to the door, somehow managed to open it and fell through the doorpost and heaved. She crawled forward and she felt that her hair was now pulled out of her face and a hand was being placed on her shoulder and was rubbing it gently.

‘Oy mate, hands off her, I’ve known her fer years… she’s mine, I’ll take care of her.’

‘No mate, that’s where your mistaken, she’s a member of me crew, I’m her Capt’n, I’ll take it from here!’ and he continued to rub her back ‘‘S alrigh’ tart, I dunno how much exactly ye had ta drink, but by wha’ Ana told me, ye might ‘ave drunk a barrel… let it all out… ‘s gonna be alrigh’, I’m here now…’ An’ by God I wish I had been here the whole time….

And then Devon heaved again… she vaguely recognized the voice and somewhere in her brain the familiarity of that touch from those hands registered… she wiped her mouth with her sleeve and squinted up to see if it really was him… and… Oh bloody Hell…. It was… sure, there were three of him and his faces were blurry, but it really was him. Everything started spinning and Devon felt embarrassed, wanted the ground to open and swallow her whole. Moments later she passed out… her face falling into a large puddle of mud.

She was picked up and carried over the cobblestones towards the docks. The strong arms were wrapped tighter around her when a gangplank was crossed. Two light footsteps and four even lighter ones were following close behind.

‘She’s me friend, an’ I love ‘er ‘n all, but she ain’t gonna share a bunk with me in this state, jus’ so ye know!’ Ana hissed.

‘No worries, luv, she’s gonna stay wit’ me, ye can watch the dog…’

AnaMaria raised her hands heavenward…. ‘You are TOO generous! ‘Cmon then Bullet…let’s hit the sack.’ The dog followed Jack and sniffed his feet. When Jack looked down, he instantly knew why Devon was that attached to it. Jack realized the dog was worried about the wellbeing of its mistress and he was moved by that thought. His voice softened as he spoke to the dog… ‘Sorry buddy, but ye can’t follow ‘ere, yer mistress needs rest. Go with Ana, she’ll take care o’ ye… Go on….’ The dog’s head was lopsided while Jack spoke, as if it really understood Jack’s words. Then it looked at Devon one last time, shook itself and followed AnaMaria down the stairs.

As Jack reached his chambers he set Devon down in one of his chairs and cleaned her face with fresh water... even though Devon was pale as death, her face still glowed like a torch. He slowly buttoned down her vest and removed her artillery from inside her vest. Then he carefully laid her on the bed, so he could remove her boots. Devon groaned when she was placed on the soft mattress and Jack smiled down on her. ‘I dunno jus’ ‘ow much ye drank there vixen, but I’ve ne’er seen ye this quiet. Or looking so innocent fer tha’ matter.’

When Jack tugged at her boots, she twitched her lip and groaned again. ‘Sjack Sjparrowz sgonna pay fer makings me – hiccup – look like fool. Goodfernuthin’ piece ‘o sjit’. –hiccup-. She opened her eyes for a moment and looked at him with glazed eyes ‘Oy ye with ‘t bwaids… ye look like ‘t bastat… goway… whes merum?’ she raised her hand and it floated and moved in front of Jack’s face for a few moments, then it flopped back down on the mattress and she was out again.

‘Devon I’m so sorry…. I didn’t want ta… ye-know… an’ all I could think o’ was ye…. All th’ while… honestly. And…’ Jack frowned and ceased his one-sided conversation… feeling relieved she wasn’t able to hear his apology… It wasn’t very “Captain-like” after all, to excuse oneself for perfectly normal behavior. Well, it had been perfectly normal behavior for Jack in the past. But now… he was feeling what? Guilty? Guilty, yes… that was definitely how he felt. He felt exactly the same way that he had felt Captaining the Liberty, as though he was cheating on his Pearl. And now? Now, he had cheated on Devon. Gobledygook, we ain’t together… I don’ need ta feel guilty.. I did nothin’ wrong! he thought. But while looking at the sleeping form of Devon, currently sprawled out on his bed, the feeling gnawed at him again.. Oh God, I really am in love aren't I? he asked himself, eyes heavenward. The feeling in the pit of his stomach when he briefly touched her full lips with his fingertips told him the answer... the answer he couldn’t deny any longer.

Jack put his emotions aside for the time being, he’d figure them out later. Right now, Devon needed to be attended to.

He pulled on her left boot to remove it from her foot. He had to pull really hard, and in his enthusiasm he almost pulled Devon off the bed. Then he decided to straddle her, his backside turned to her face, to remove it that way, so he could use his own weight to help keep her steady. When he climbed the bed, and placed himself on top of her, he couldn't help but feel aroused... He shrugged it off and started working on the boot again... once it was off he tossed it on the floor. When he tugged on the other boot, he saw something inside the worn leather…. It seemed to be a piece of parchment... when he pulled the boot off, the parchment fell out, Jack briefly spotted her ankle tattoo again, but then he focused on the parchment, which appeared to be a rather large roll of paper.. Why 't hell would she keep a roll o’ paper in ‘er boot? And why ain't I seen tha' b'fore? Devon ye wicked little devil ye… yer hidin’ some sort o’ map from me an’ it takes ye ta be completely drunk an unconscious fer me ta find it….

He kissed her brow and slowly climbed off her, careful not to wake her, but the sound of her slight snoring was very assuring to him in that she wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon...

‘Now, now, ye little betrayin’, secretive minx... thought ye’d trick ole Jack an’ keep secrets from me, eh?’ he whispered, eyes gleaming, while he walked over to his desk and spread the strange map out in front of him.

‘Well… well…. What ‘ave we got ‘ere?’

To Be Continued…