The Map

A/N: Many, many, many thanks to Hils for checking this and thanks to both AniSparrow and Hils for being an inspiration.

Hope you all like this….

Chapter 23

Me Pirate, You Red Coat

“Take your waistcoat off, Nell,” Jack said as he shrugged out of his topcoat.

Nell looked down at where she was still wearing his waistcoat. She slid the beads into her britches pocket, and began to undo the buttons until she could slide the waistcoat down her arms. Norrington helped her out of the garment, and then stood there holding it as she took Jack’s hand again, and they began to wade through the water.

It deepened considerably halfway out and Nell gasped as the water reached her waist. She lifted her arms to help her wade through, glad that Jack still held tightly to her hand. She could feel the pull of the current tugging at her legs; she suddenly remembered the green reed like things that had fixed themselves to her leg; taking a deep breath, she refused to think about that now. She was certain the faith of the monks had protected the river; she had to make sure her own faith protected them now.

“Do you want to turn back, Nell?” Jack asked her, as the water deepened again to just below her breasts.

“No,” she said. “Not unless I can’t touch the bottom…”

“Well, not one to be making you feel awkward, but I’m getting a lovely view here,” he chuckled, his eyes on her breasts. Nell looked down and blushed to see that, not only had the water made her shirt transparent again, but her body was reacting to the cold water.

“Just as well this water is cold as sin, else I’d be having trouble!” He looked sideways at her, but only chuckled when his meaning went right over her head.

Nell opened her mouth to say something and let out a gasp as her foot went out from under her as it found a hole. He caught her before she could go under and she clutched at his arms, gasping.

“I’m thinking that this is as far as you should go, Nell.” Jack’s voice was slurred but his face was serious. “I’m not wanting to take you back half drowned.”

“I’m fine!” Nell found her feet and let go of his arms. He shrugged and caught her hand again, clutching tightly.

“Whatever you say,” he murmured, and once again they set off. He was surprised when the water didn’t get any deeper as they neared the cross; if anything it seemed to get shallower. Finally they were in front of the cross, both of them looking at it reverently, but for completely different reasons.

“Ah, Nell,” Jack sighed, reaching out a hand and tracing it over the face of the Virgin Mary. “It is a shame.”

“It is beautiful,” Nell replied breathlessly and, crossing herself, whispered a quick prayer to Mary.

“It is worth a fortune!” he corrected her, shaking his head when he found his hand almost starting to cross himself. What was he thinking of? He had no need of rituals like that. He looked down at his hand and swayed slightly as the current almost took him off his feet. Nell tightened her grip on his other hand when she felt him slip. She looked at him in alarm, but he righted himself with a laugh and a wave of his other hand.

“Go on then, Nell luv. Although it’s not far now, I’d rather not loiter around longer than necessary.”

Nell nodded and carefully took the beads from her pocket. The current pulled at the strands in her hand, but she lifted it free of the water and stepped closer. She reached out and hesitated slightly before wrapping the gold cross and its beads around one of the arms. She whispered one last prayer and crossed herself before stepping back.

“There,” she said and looked at him. “Thank you.”

Jack looked at her and grinned widely, but it didn’t reach his eyes which remained blank.

“Nothing to worry about, luv.” He looked down at the water and back up at her. “Let’s be getting back.”

“You were right, you know,” she said carefully as they began to wade back.

“Of course!” he replied and then frowned. “Which particular occasion of my being right are you referring to?”

“When you told me not to be so hasty about giving up my faith,” she replied, ignoring his arrogance.

“I said that?” He looked doubtful but then shrugged. “Well, yes, I was right then wasn’t I?” he grinned again.

Nell didn’t reply, just nodded, as they made their way out of the water. Norrington handed her the waistcoat, his eyes averted, as Nell blushed and put it on quickly.

Jack clapped his hands together and Nell suddenly realised that most of the crew had been stood watching. She blushed even further when she saw Decker watching her with a look of scorn etched clearly onto his face.

“Let’s be moving on then, men!” Jack swaggered away from the river’s edge, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was streaming wet. He took his coat from Hock and slipped into it, making sure his sword and pistol were safely back in their places at his waist.

Nell looked down at herself as the water dripped from her to the ground. She shivered slightly despite the heat of the sun. She turned to where Norrington had retrieved his still slightly damp topcoat and was folding it to carry it.

“Could I wear your coat again, please?” she asked him.

Norrington looked momentarily surprised before holding it out opened for her to slip into. She thanked him as she pulled it around her. It was larger and longer than Jack’s and she was able to hug herself in really tightly. Like Jack’s it had a masculine smell that made her feel slightly more safe and secure.

Nell resolutely kept her eyes on the ground at her feet as she walked; it occurred to her that even when they found the correct bay they still wouldn’t be safe. They would still need to send a party around the coves to fetch the boots and another party to fetch the Turners and the remaining crew at the pool. The thought almost sent her to her knees in despair; she stopped short on the path, her breathing coming quicker. She bit her lip, determined that she wouldn’t give in to the cold fear that seemed to have taken up permanent residence at the edges of her mind, just waiting for times like these to completely undo her. She took several deep breaths unaware that Bryant had stopped by her and was saying something to her. She clenched her hands into fists and looked up. She would not collapse now. She would not give in.

“Nell?”

Her head snapped around as she felt Bryant place his hand on her shoulder. He was frowning at her and she became aware he had been asking her something. Out of her peripheral vision she saw Norrington come forwards and it gave her the reminder she needed. She flashed a smile at Bryant and shrugged her shoulders.

“Sorry.” She started to walk forwards again catching up with Dwent, who had stopped further forwards, aware that Nell was no longer right behind him. She would give no reasons for stopping if she was asked, but she didn’t see Norrington stop Bryant from pursuing her. She smiled at Dwent who nodded his head and, turning, indicated to the others ahead that everything was fine.

She kept her head up this time, concentrating on the feel of the sun on her skin and how good it felt. She watched the birds flitting through the trees overhead; brightly coloured birds that were truly beautiful. She could almost kid herself that this was paradise and that there was nothing evil lurking in the darkness.

<><><><><><><><><><>


Jack didn’t want to stop till he saw the sand of the bay. He had used Nell’s beads and the knowledge Beaumont had relayed about how to read the map and he was fairly certain on the direction they were going. He could hear the crew behind him as they lugged the three chests between them. They were heavy and he knew that they would have to stop frequently for water in order stop themselves from dehydrating, but even so he preferred if they could keep the stops to a bare minimum. The end was in sight, but Jack knew better than to celebrate triumph too early. He knew that Nell was starting to really struggle; he knew that Decker was now officially three sheets to the wind and De Mornay wouldn’t make it off the island alive. Decker was all but carrying De Mornay, and it was only the knowledge that Beaumont would still be useful if De Mornay was with them, that prevented Jack from putting a shot through De Mornay’s head and leaving him on the ground to rot. Actually, he might not even waste a shot; just leave him on the ground.

He heard a commotion behind him and turned, hand going to his pistol as he craned his neck round the crew members to see what was up. He could see Nell had come to a halt, staring at the ground, and he briefly wondered what she’d seen… hopefully not more ants. He watched narrowed eyed as Bryant approached her and obviously got no reply from her; he saw Bryant touch her and Nell suddenly straightened and smiled falsely at him before continuing to walk. Jack sighed and watched as she smiled once more at Dwent and looked upwards slightly as she continued. He shook his head sending his many beads swinging around his face; he turned on his heel and sticking one hand forwards indicated to Hock that they could carry on. He kept his sword in his other hand as he walked. The undergrowth wasn’t as heavy here and they could make their way easily without too much cutting back of the bushes and plants, but even so, they seem to be walking for hours.

His thoughts went back to Nell and he took his flask of rum from his pocket. He tipped it up and then pulled a face in disgust when he remembered that Decker had almost drained it in the tunnels. He stuffed it back into his pocket and called forwards to Hock.

“Is there any rum there, Mister Hock?” Hock didn’t turn, just rooted around in his pockets before bringing out a small flask. He stopped momentarily, half turning to hold it out to Jack.

“Here you go, Capt’n,” Hock said and carried on the moment Jack took the flask.

“Thanking you kindly,” Jack called and, lifting it to his lips, took a healthy swig from the flask. He regarded the flask and took another swig.

“You’re welcome,” came the reply “Capt’n…. up ahead!”

Jack caught up with Hock, pocketing his flask, as he looked ahead of them. The bay was in front of them, but in order to reach it they had to cross a section of water that was fast flowing, wide and deep. He reckoned it had to be an offshoot of the one they had just left, but it must have broken away further up than they had reached.

“No bridge?” Jack looked back at Beaumont, who was dragging behind, with Coales using his sword to move him along.

“There was…” Beaumont came forwards and looked up and down the stream, which was more like a small river than a stream. “It must have gone. I don’t know…” he frowned, taking a deep breath. He knew that infection had worked itself into his blood from the wounds on his hands; he could feel it burning through him. He heard the soft, rasping breaths of Tristan behind him and hot anger flowed through him. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to finish. He turned slightly and took in the flushed, fever stricken face of Tristan. A stab of pain and regret flooded through him. Tristan lifted his head and his feverish eyes met Beaumont; it was almost like an unspoken message passed between them. Beaumont swallowed, recognising that Tristan didn’t have much left in him. He’d been with him for nearly twenty years now. Twenty years they’d fought side by side, lived and planned side by side. Beaumont would make sure that they died side by side, and that they’d take as many as they could with them.

“It’s not that deep,” he grated out finally, turning back to Jack. “We only used the bridge to keep the chests dry.”

Jack looked at him but said nothing as the last of their group came to a halt. They stood in a half circle looking at the bay ahead of them. Jack looked at where Nell was standing. She was almost swamped in Norrington’s coat and it suddenly struck him that she’d lost weight during the time they’d been on the island. Dark circles lined her eyes and her cheeks were slightly sunken with more than just lack of food. Guilt washed through him, an emotion he was not used to and disliked feeling; especially now when he needed to keep it together for all their sakes.

“How deep?” he turned on Beaumont, waving a hand in circles at the water behind him.

“Chest deep on me,” Beaumont replied. “Helen won’t touch the bottom.” He sank to his knees unable to stand any longer.

Jack looked back at the water. That wouldn’t really be a problem, all they had to do was help her across; it was getting the chests across without them getting wet that bothered Jack.

“Are you sure it was here?” Norrington asked, surging forwards to stand over Beaumont. “This is definitely the correct bay?”

“By the map, we’re in the right place,” Jack answered for him. “I’m taking it, of course, that the map is correct?” He looked down at Beaumont.

Beaumont nodded; his body was shaking with effort. He could feel the fever racing through him, and he knew he had to keep it together long enough to see the finish.

“We’ve got four hours or so till sundown,” Hock said quietly. “We can’t rig a bridge but we could rig up a pulley of sorts.” He indicated the rope that they had brought with them.

Jack nodded as he pulled at the beads hanging from his chin. “I’m thinking you’ve got a plan there, Mister Hock.”

Nell sat Indian style on the floor, as she waited to see what would happen. Dwent held out a flask to her and she looked up at him.

“Tis water, Miss,” he grinned. “No rum left I’m afeared to say!”

Nell took the flask with a grin. “Thank you, Mister Dwent. Although, I find myself thirsty enough to drink even rum if need be.”

The sight of the bay had filled Nell with renewed hope and vigour. They were one step closer to leaving the island for good. She sipped at the water, careful not to drink it all, before handing it back to Dwent with a smile. She looked back at the water and shivered despite Norrington’s heavy coat around her.

“Nell,” Jack came to stand over her. “Time to move on, lass.”

Nell nodded and took his outstretched hand, letting him pull her to her feet. “Ready whenever you are, Jack,” she said quietly, her eyes on the water.

“Looks fast flowin’ ter me,” Dwent muttered as he stood looking down into the water.

Nell stretched and then slid out of Norrington’s coat, intent on trying to keep it as dry as possible for the other side. She stood to one side as she folded the coat carefully. A rustling behind her caught her attention; her heartbeat sped up as she turned. Her eyes scanned the bushes lining the bank, her heart hammering in her chest. A flash of brown caught her eye towards the edge of the water, higher up stream. She saw, without a doubt, the shadowy form of a monk moving through the bushes. Nell gave a gasp, fear spearing through her chest, as the monk turned to look directly at her. She could make out no facial features in the blackness that filled his hood, but she was certain it was looking at her. She stumbled backwards sharply, standing on someone’s feet.

“Miss?” Coales caught her arms and pushed her off his feet. “Miss Nell?”

“There!” She pointed, her eyes still on the form of the monk.

“I see it!” Coales gasped and she was roughly pushed to one side as he drew his pistol. The monk moved and was gone instantly; but Coales still let a shot fire into the bushes, sending birds screaming into the sky.

Commotion followed and Nell felt herself being dragged backwards into the middle of a circle of men; all facing outwards as they scanned the area for more of the ghostly apparitions.

“Bows and arrows against the lightning,” came a hushed voice from behind her. She looked round and saw De Mornay hunched on the ground awkwardly. His face was flushed as he looked up at her and once again she saw the madness clearly in his glassy eyes. She looked away from him quickly; she knew he was right, but she was unwilling to face the implications.

“I can’t see anything except these cursed plants,” Hock spat angrily, slapping his pistol against his thigh.

“It’s gone and so, I think, should we be,” Jack slurred. The group dispersed around him and Nell was left facing the river. She turned to look where the monk had been, but there was no sign of it now. She looked back at the water as an idea formed in her tired brain.

“Maybe it was telling us the water is dangerous,” she whispered, half to herself, as she looked down at the rushing water.

“Eh?” Jack looked at her in confusion. “What did you say?” he frowned at her.

Norrington stepped up sharply, his worried gaze on Nell. “Nell, I really don’t think that’s what they are doing.”

“Then what are they doing?” she asked him, ignoring Jack as he swayed in front of her, confusion clear on his face.

Norrington shrugged, unable to answer her.

“Oh this is bloody bollocks!” swore Decker suddenly. He shook his fist at Nell advancing on her angrily. “Ya stupid bitch,” he spat. “Bloody right round the maypole, ain’t ya?”

Jack turned on him angrily, but he stepped smartly out of Jack’s reach and headed towards the water.

“I’ll show ya, ya stupid cow, there’s nothing good about ‘em monks!” He was shouting now as he scrambled down the bank, splashing into the water. He turned, and glared back up at them.

“See? What’s dangerous about this?” He walked backwards away from the bank, the water getting deeper, until it reached his waist. He lifted his arms wide and laughed nastily at her “What yer finkin’ now eh, Missie? Not so bloody smart are yer?”

Nell felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach as she watched him with frightened eyes.

“What’s he talking about, Nell?” Jack demanded. “What’s going on?” He looked down at where Decker was splashing madly, sending water flying upwards towards them. “Nell, I really think that maybe…”

Whatever Jack had been about to say was abruptly cut off by a sudden scream of pain. Turning towards the water, they saw Decker begin writhing in the water in obvious terror and agony.

“What…” Hock stepped forwards intent on going to drag Decker out, but before he could even step into the water, Jack had recognised what was happening and launched himself at Hock, pulling him backwards.

Nell stared in horror as Decker fell backwards; the water looked as if it was boiling around him as he thrashed and screamed in agony. The water was rapidly turning red as he struggled to gain his footing.

“What’s happening?” she cried out, as she saw what looked like hundreds of fish all swarming around him, some clearly attached to his face and hands as he flailed around uselessly. Hands caught at her and tried to turn her away, but she dragged herself free, watching in horror as Decker was dragged below the surface. Seconds passed and the water stopped its churning; the blood was swept down stream until the water was once more innocent looking.

Nell blinked down at the water, unable to comprehend what she had just seen. She didn’t fight it when hands once more caught at her arms and turned her around. Jack looked down at her as she shivered in his hold.

“Piranhas,” he said quietly. “Obviously ones that prefer meat to plants.” His voice was raw, but she couldn’t identify the emotion colouring it.

“Bloody hell,” Dwent muttered, peering down at the water in ill-concealed fear. “I ain’t seen anything like it.”

“I have,” Norrington replied gravely. “I hadn’t realised they were this far down.”

Nell turned to stare down at Beaumont, not really registering Jack’s grip tighten on her.

“That’s what you said before,” she stated, her voice hollow with shock. “Peernas.” She mispronounced it but nobody really noticed.

“That’s why you built the bridges,” Jack said quietly, looking at Beaumont. “Isn’t it?”

Beaumont shrugged disappointedly, “I was rather hoping they’d get a few more than just one,” he sighed heavily.

Jack let go of Nell and reached forwards, grabbing Beaumont by his collar. “They will be!” Jack hissed, and without another word he thrust him into the water.

“JACK, NO!” Nell was horrified by Jack’s actions. She staggered backwards from him, watching as Beaumont floundered in the water, screaming in fear.

“Jack, you can’t!” Nell tried to go towards Beaumont, not even thinking about what she could do, but Hock caught her arms roughly and pinned her back against his chest tightly. Nell began to cry in sheer horror, unable to believe that Jack would do such a horrible thing. She knew that Jack and the others would eventually kill them both, but she hadn’t imagined it would be so inhumanly. She stared at Jack through tear filled eyes, not knowing the man that stood in front of her.

“Sparrow!” Norrington stepped forwards angrily. “You go too far!” He ignored the sudden bristling of Jack’s crew.

Jack looked at him and sighed heavily before indicating the water with a wave of his hand. “Look for yourself,” he said tiredly and turned away.

Nell frowned through her tears as she stared down at where Beaumont was still thrashing in the water, but there was no sign of any fish, or blood, or anything that would cause him pain. She watched as it slowly registered in Beaumont’s brain and he stopped thrashing, till he was standing up to his thighs in the water.

Norrington turned to Jack, still angry, “You took a chance, Sparrow!”

Jack rounded on Norrington angrily, “Maybe, maybe not. Would you be thinking the same if we’d gone traipsing in there, merrily making our way across, to become lunch for that lot? What if it had been Bryant that stepped in first?” he lowered his voice to a harsh whisper. “Or Nell? What if it had been Nell they’d got to first?”

Norrington backed down instantly at his words, but still felt as if he should object slightly. “Even so, Sparrow…”

Jack shrugged and bowed mockingly to Norrington. “I’m thinking that’s what makes me the pirate, and you the red-coat,” he slurred, but Nell heard the anger lacing his words.

She shuddered in Hock’s hold, his fingers biting painfully into her sides where he had his arms wrapped around her tightly. She reached her hands up and gripped his forearms; she tightened her grip when she saw Jack move to the water, and scramble down to wade towards where Beaumont was still standing, his whole body shaking with reaction.

“Jack!” She strained against Hock’s hold on her. “Get out!”

“There’s no danger now,” Jack spoke up loudly enough for everyone to hear. “They’ve had their feeding frenzy; we’re safe for the moment.”

Hock let go of Nell and she stumbled forwards, almost losing her footing but he caught her again and righted her.

“Sorry, Nell,” he said quietly. “But I couldn’t take the chance you’d head in there, trying to save Beaumont in some misplaced act of compassion.”

Nell nodded, her heart still racing and the fear in her veins still present. She watched Jack anxiously, praying the fish didn’t come back again. Jack grabbed Beaumont by his arm and dragged him in close to his face.

“Decker may have been out of his head, but he was still my crew!” Jack hissed. “You slaughter any more men by keeping quiet, and I’ll personally gut you like the scum you are.”

Beaumont nodded, his eyes darting around at the waters, not really listening to Jack, just wanting to get out of the water as fast as he could.

“Where’s the bridge?” Jack demanded coldly.

Beaumont looked at him and shook his head. “I can’t remember, the bay… it should be here.”

“If one bridge survived, why hasn’t this one?” Jack thrust Beaumont backwards as he drew his dagger out. “I don’t know if they’ll come sniffing around blood, sharks do, despite how much they’ve fed… don’t make me find out.”

Nell shuddered again as she watched the scene unfold. Her stomach was going to rebel against her any minute. Her mind kept seeing flashes of Decker as he had struggled against the hundreds of small, carnivorous fish. She shook her head roughly trying to rid it of the images.

“We took it down, hid it.” Beaumont replied quickly, eyes still darting around anxiously. “We took it off this side and hid it in the bushes here.”

Jack thrust him roughly to one side and turned to where his men had already begun to search the bushes for the ropes that would make up the bridge. He climbed out of the water not bothering to assist Beaumont who clambered quickly behind him.

Jack turned towards Nell and started towards her. She took a step back and turned away from him, staggering into the bushes away from the others; she couldn’t face anyone right then.

“Capt’n,” Knowles called out suddenly. “Got them!”

Jack looked at where Nell had sunk to her knees, her arms wrapped around her stomach. He wanted to comfort her, wanted to get down on his knees behind her and hold her close. But he knew their time was limited, and now they had to get across the water with no more incidents. He remembered with clarity as Decker had been eaten alive and he shuddered. If he was finding it hard, what was Nell finding it? It was enough to send her over the edge, and he could think of no way to protect her from this. Jack ignored Knowles and Hock as they stepped forwards with the ropes curled in their hands. He crouched down behind Nell and slid his hands onto her shoulders.

“Nell,” his voice was low and full of regret. “If I could change this, any of this, I would.”

Nell made no reply, no movement to even acknowledge his presence. He could feel her body shaking slightly under his touch. He closed his eyes briefly and tightened his grip, before fishing for Hock’s flask of rum. He passed it over her shoulder, noting the shake in her hand when she took it from him.

“I’ll be fine,” she whispered, and drank small sips from the flask. “I will be fine.” Her voice was stronger and firmer with only a slight hint of a shake. Jack wasn’t certain who she was trying to convince; herself or him.

He turned his head to look at Hock over his shoulder. “Give me five minutes,” he said quietly to them and watched as they nodded before turning to go back to the others. They were partially hidden from the others by the reeds, but still within relative safety.

He pulled her backwards into his arms; he couldn’t care less if they could be seen or not; couldn’t care less if Bryant had made a prior claim. She was his responsibility; he’d brought her here and he’d be the one to make it right for her again. Bryant could go to hell.

“Nell.” He cradled her in his arms. Her hands wrapped around the flask tightly. He buried his head into her neck, breathing in her scent, kissing the soft skin beneath her ear. He felt her breathing hitch and she reached up with one hand to hold his arm. She gripped tightly to him, her head tilted to one side allowing access to her neck.

“Forgive me,” he whispered quietly. “Please.”

“It’s not your fault,” she muttered, her voice thick with unshed tears. “My fate was sealed the moment Beaumont took me from Port Royal.” She turned her head, pulling forwards to be able to see his face.

“You shouldn’t be here, Nell,” he whispered. His liquid black eyes filled with regret and sorrow, and Nell realised that this was probably the one and only time she’d ever seen him completely showing his real feelings.

“Jack, at this moment, I want to be anywhere but here, even in my cell at the convent. Let’s talk about this when we’re back aboard the Pearl and my thoughts will be completely different.” Nell grinned wanly at him, handing him back the flask, watching as he stuffed it into one of his coat pockets.

Jack closed his eyes briefly before bringing one hand up to cup the back of her head. He drew her head forwards gently and brushed his lips over hers before deepening the kiss. The sensations that flooded her the moment his lips caught hers made her sink into his arms. There was nothing missing here and Nell knew where she belonged.

Jack curled his other hand around her waist under Norrington’s coat. He spread his fingers across her warm skin and deepened his kiss even further, his tongue running across her lips. She opened her mouth in a gasp and he slid his tongue in, delight racing through him at her response. He ravished her mouth, lost in her taste. Her hand lifted and cupped his cheek as they finally drew apart, breathing heavily.

He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths before moving back from her reluctantly. “Aye, Nell, this isn’t the right time.”

Nell slid her fingers over his cheek, her fingers playing over his beard as she looked into his eyes. “It never is.” She tried for humour but failed totally.

“It will be,” he promised, and stood up bringing her up with him. He turned and, taking her hand, led her back to where the crew were gathered around the bank working out how the ropes would form the bridge needed to take them across safely.


<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


A/N: Argh!!!! You’ve made it to the end of this chapter… thank you very much for reading and all your lovely reviews.

This isn’t finished yet, as you’ve probably realised, I tend to waffle, so it’s safe to say that there are a few more chapters to go yet. I’m having fun at the moment so even I don’t know when they’ll get off the island…

As for the piranhas; I did some real research for these! I hadn’t realised that they were even in the Caribbean, but apparently they are… some of them are vegetarian and some are carnivorous. But the most interesting thing I found out about them is that (as long as you’re not bleeding) you can safely swim where there are Carnivorous piranhas, as long as they’ve already eaten and are not hungry. Not sure I want to put it to the test mind…. And I’m not certain how you find out whether they’re hungry or not… unless you sacrifice someone…

As for did Jack see Bryant kiss Nell? Hmmnn, he was right behind them, and he was rather cool to Nell, and he has just decided that he doesn’t care if Bryant has made a claim on her… so, he might have seen something.

And for the rosary and the monks…. Well that I can’t say yet or it’ll ruin things. Unless, as previously discovered, my plans are as transparent as glass and you all see it coming anyway!

But thank you for any and all reviews. It is nice to read them and I will admit to checking daily to see what you say and think about this story.

Take care of youselves.