The Captain's Cabin Boy

A/N: Hello, people! How are you?
A huge thank you to all the people who took some of their time to review the last chapter. Thank you for encouraging me to continue!
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AqoCJeyBee was kind enough to make a colored version of Josette so if you want check it out and send her some love because she did a great job!
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Now on with the chap. :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter 26

Josette slowly sat up on the bed and looked around for her discarded clothes. She found her shirt and leaned down to pick it with numb fingers. She didn’t know if she should feel stupid or not but all she felt was a large emptiness that was slowly spreading from the pit of her stomach towards the rest of her body.
Deciding not to dwell on things done she slipped on the shirt and threw her legs off the side of the bed, ready to stand up.
A hot hand at her lower back made her pause.
“Lass?” Jack’s groggy voice made her mad suddenly but she held her tongue, “You up?” he murmured as his devious hand slipped under her shirt and caressed the naked skin of her lower back, getting dangerously close to her bottom.
“Yes.” She made to move but he held her down by her hip.
“Where are you running off to?” he asked as he stretched on the bed and looked at her back. She could feel his eyes burning holes on her wrinkled shirt.
“I…I need to clean up.” She said softly and the hand released her immediately.
“’Course, love.” He murmured and Josette stood up. The shirt fell below her thighs and it was covering her up well as she made her way to the bucket of water by his desk. She picked it up and headed for the side cabin.
When she had scrubbed the skin of her inner thighs raw she slipped on her shirt again and headed for the main cabin once more.
She leaned down and grabbed her breeches. Jack was sitting on the bed clad only in his breeches and his hair curtaining his tanned back.
“Alright?” he asked softly as he followed her movements with his dark eyes.
“Yes.” She said laconically.
“Are you sore?” he asked and at that she snapped.
“Stop asking me these questions!” she exclaimed and his eyes widened.
“Well excuse me for caring.” He snapped back at her and she jerked on her breeches as she spoke.
“I don’t want you to care!” she told him and he froze.
“So you regretted it then.”
“I don’t regret anything I do, Jack.” She said as she finally looked at him, “Never.”
“Then why are you being such a bitch all of a sudden, Josh?” he asked her and she swallowed thickly.
“What are you going to do?” she asked him calmly and he frowned.
“About what?”
“Don’t play the ignorant, Jack. About Adele.”
“What can I do, lass? If you have any suggestions then please speak up because for now I am at a loss of what to do.” He opened his arms wide before he brought his hands down on his knees with a slap.
“You have to talk to her.”
“What if I don’t want to?” he challenged and she shrugged.
“It will be on your conscience.” She said quietly as she reached down and picked up her coat.
“Did I hurt you?” he asked and she turned still as a stone.
“What?” she whispered as she turned to look at him.
“Is that why you’re talking like this?”
“No. I just realized how stupid I am.” She said as she tucked her hat under her armpit.
Jack stood up at that, “Meaning?” he asked lowly as he approached her.
“It means that for the first time I followed your course of action.” She said as she looked him square in the eye.
“And what is my course of action pray tell?”
“To do things on an impulse. I didn’t think.”
“You think that’s a bad thing?”
“Yes. Because that thinking got you into this mess in the first place.” She said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“You mean Adele of course.” He cocked his head to the side.
“Yes.”
“So what would you do if you were in my place? Invite her here? So she can meddle with my business all the time?” he asked her as he placed his hands upon his hips, looking as fierce as ever.
“I don’t know.”
“You must know if you judge me like that. Are you going to blame me for last night too?” he raised an eyebrow.
“No.”
“Then never regret for something you wanted, lass. You can’t be a pirate if you are not selfish.”
“I did not come back here because I wanted to be a pirate, Captain. Not really.” she said as she took a step back.
Jack’s eyes narrowed at her words, “What do you mean?” he asked as he grabbed his shirt from the ground and put it on.
“I think you can figure it out on your own, sir.” She murmured as she turned to go.
“Back on that are we, Josh?” he called as he followed her to the door, “I can still taste you on my lips, you know.” He said and she froze with her hand on the door.
“You can say anything you want now but I remember how you fell apart in my arms just a few hours ago.” He murmured as he came to stand behind her, his hands on her hips, his thumbs barely moving in circles as he held her.
“If you don’t regret it, like you said, then prove it.” He breathed into her ear and Josette’s eyes closed as she swallowed hard.
“How?” she choked out as she felt her body betraying her for she pressed back against him.
“Turn around.” He said and she did.
She looked up at him and he smiled as he raised a hand and grasped her chin between his fingers.
Josette shivered.
“Don’t worry about my problems.” He said as he leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers, “I’ll find a way to make this work.” He said and she blinked.
“This?”
“Us.”
“There is no us.” She whispered and he looked down at her, “Not while you are not sure if her baby is yours or not.”
“She might not be…”
“But she might.”
“I don’t see how this could pose a problem for us.”
“Define the meaning of us.” She told him as he pulled slightly back.
Jack frowned, “I think last night illustrated pretty well what I am thinking about when I am talking about us.”
“You mean sex.”
“What else?” he chuckled and it was like he had just slapped her; hard.
“I see.” she murmured as she pulled his hand from her chin and stepped back.
“I have work to do.” She muttered as she turned to go.
“Josette.”
“Let me be, Jack.” She told him before she opened the door and exited the cabin.
“Hey! You can’t dismiss your Captain like that!” he called as he opened the door and followed her.
“Oh, so now you are my Captain? Oh!” she exclaimed as she heard the click of a gun.
“Stay where you are, boy. Your…Captain as well.” A deep male voice commanded and Jack’s eyes went straight to the man who was standing just a few feet away from them with his gun drawn.
Josette gasped, “The Navy.” She whispered and Jack’s eyes widened.
“May we help you, gentleman?” Jack asked innocently but his expression sobered when more men came up behind the man.
“I think you can, Mr. Sparrow.” He answered and with a motion of his head four men lurched towards Jack and Josette.
Jack’s hand went to his hip but he realized that his sword and pistol were still inside the cabin.
“Bugger.” He hissed before he reared his fist back and punched one of the officers in the face while he pushed the other one away.
The man he punched faltered but he straightened and managed to grab his arm.
Josette tried to sidestep the other two coming towards her but she was not quick enough. In a flash they had grabbed her arms, immobilizing her immediately.
“Good.” The officer said before he started towards them, “Keep still, Mr. Sparrow.”
“Captain.” Jack muttered but the man ignored him, “Who are you and what you’re doing on my ship?” he asked and the officer smiled.
“I am the First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy and I am here to execute the order for your arrest. My name is Officer Downer and you will address me as such. I assume you can manage that simple task of pronunciation, can’t you?” his eyes fell on Josette who was watching with wide terrified eyes.
Jack sneered, “Well, officer, what is a gentleman of your standard doing here? I thought there were whorehouses back in England as well.” He said and Downer glared at him.
“Cuff him.” He said simply and Jack groaned.
“What for? I’ll manage to escape. Again.” He smirked but the man was not impressed.
“We shall see about that.” Downer smiled, “Cuff the boy as well.” The officer drawled as he seethed his sword and pistol and slowly walked towards Jack who was roughly tugging at the handcuffs around his wrists.
“It’s me you want, isn’t it?” he hissed up at the man as his eyes shot a quick look towards Josette who was held by an officer while another one was in the process of handcuffing her as well.
“Well, you see Mr. Sparrow-…”
“Captain! Why do you people always forget the Captain?” Jack cut him off and the officer cocked his head to the side.
“Your title won’t matter when you’ll be facing the gallows, will it? As for your question, everyone who is found aboard a pirate ship has to face the law. That is no exception for your little mate.” The dark eyed man told him before he looked around him, “Where’s the rest of your crew? Tasting the delights of the island, are they?” his nose wrinkled in distaste and Josette tried in vain to escape the clutches of the man holding her.
“I thought this was a free island.” Jack said with wild eyes as he flexed his hands; the cuffs were biting into the skin of his wrists.
“I don’t think that should concern you…” Downer drawled as he ran his hand over the Pearl’s mast, “What should really concern you is whether you have a spy in your crew…or elsewhere.” He smiled and Josette’s eyes widened while Jack froze where he stood.
“Surprised?” Downer smiled as he kept his hand on the mast.
Jack eyed his hand with such hate that Josette was sure that he could kill the man for touching his precious ship.
“When you have to do with pirates you can’t be surprised, mate.” Jack said as he eyed Josette briefly.
“Indeed. Take them to the Defense. Place guards here.” He ordered two men who were standing aside.
“Sir.” They both said in unison as the other four took Jack and Josette away.
Josette was thrust next to Jack whose hand found its way to her cuffed wrist. One of the men holding them followed the movement with his eyes and raised an eyebrow at Jack who sneered at him.
As they moved, Jack scanned the deck for any other crew members but he saw none. He gritted his teeth and looked at Josette who was staring at him horrified.
After what seemed like an eternity they were upon The Defense and the redcoats led them below deck to the brig.
Once they were there, they un-cuffed them and then they unlocked the cell and thrust them unceremoniously inside before shutting and locking the door.
Jack grasped the bars and watched the retreating backs of the officers before he turned to Josette.
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing that I am locked in here with you.” He smirked, “I will never be bored.”
Josette covered her face with her hands in defeat.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“Lass, sit down. You’re giving me a bloody headache.” Jack drawled as he pushed the hat back from his eyes and eyed her from the rim of her hat, which he had taken from her the moment they had been thrust in there.
Josette paused in her pacing and looked down at him, “How can you be so calm?”
“Well, there isn’t anything I can do, is there? Not yet anyway.” He smirked and she blinked.
“What?” she asked with wide eyes.
“Well, it is still day so I can’t get us out, can I?” he told her as he pushed the hat back down his eyes.
“And how will you get us out?” she asked him and he grinned, showing off his golden teeth.
“Come here.” He told her simply and she huffed.
“No, I won’t.”
“Josh.”
“My name’s Josette.” She snapped and he sighed.
“Last night you said I could call you that if I wanted.” He pointed out and she faltered.
“I’m sorry.” She muttered and sullenly walked over to him and kneeled next to him.
He grabbed her hand and led it to his boot. Josette’s fingers slipped inside and she froze. The cool blade of his small knife greeted her.
“How…?” she gaped at him and he looked at her, fully removing her hat from his head.
“I always carry it around.” He grinned, “So just settle down and wait till the sun’s down.”
Josette breathed a sigh of relief and swallowed hard, “You’ve done this before.” She stated and he chuckled as he threw an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his surprisingly warm chest.
How was he so warm? She was already freezing in the dampness of the brig.
He cupped the back of her head and pressed her face against his neck and then frowned, “You’re cold.” He murmured and she could only nod as she nestled next to him.
He chuckled and she looked up, “What?” she asked him as sleepiness started fogging her mind. She hadn’t slept at all the previous night.
“I am thinking of promoting you once we get out.” He told her as he threaded his ringed fingers through her messy braid.
“No, thank you. I’d much rather remain as I am.” She said quietly and then, “What about the ship?” she asked and he tensed.
“They won’t let her unused…She is a fast ship and everybody knows that.” He murmured and then added, “Gibbs will think of something.” He said and she exhaled shakily before she let her eyes drift shut.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“Josette, wake up. Quickly.” Jack’s voice was urgent in her ear and her eyes snapped open.
“What is it?”
“Someone’s coming.” He told her and she immediately pulled back from his arms.
They both put some distance between them just as two guards appeared in front of their cell.
“You, boy. Stand up.” One of the guards said as he unlocked the door.
Josette looked at Jack whose face was impassive before she did as she was told.
The officer cuffed her again and pulled her out of the cell before he shut and locked the brig behind them.
She was led to the upper deck ad towards a large cabin. She was pushed in and she almost landed on her face.
A hand clasped her arm and steadied her and she looked up.
Downer’s eyes scanned her face and she realized that with her hair loose she didn’t look like a man.
“Well, isn’t this surprising?” he murmured as he released her and hooked his fingers into the neckline of her sweat slicked shirt.
He tugged and she flinched, “Of course. You’re a woman. Well, barely a woman.” He chuckled and pulled his hand away, “Please, sit down.” He motioned towards a chair in front of his desk.
“I’d rather stand.”
“Very well.” He shrugged and walked around to his desk before he sat down, “I only have a few questions.” He said and she remained silent.
“Your Captain, if he’s only that,” he smirked, “Was recently seen talking to a Captain Hawk. Does the name ring a bell?” he questioned and Josette tried to keep calm.
“I am not sure it does.”
“You’re a girl. A young one. Just answer my question and I’ll see that your sentence is not as harsh as your Captain’s.” he said with a smile which was obviously fake.
“I’ve been living with pirates. Do you really think that I’d be as gullible as to believe you?” she said shakily and the smile left his face.
“I think my word means more than the word of a pirate.”
“You think wrong.” She snapped and he leaned back in his chair.
“It’s just one simple question. Is the name familiar or not?” he asked and she paused.
“It is. I have heard of him. Why?” she asked and he stared at her. She could feel beads of sweat running down her spine from her nervousness and fear and the more she stood still the more her clothes clung to her skin.
“Mr. Hawk has something of value for me…I am simply trying to take it back.”
“What?”
“Now you ask a lot of questions but you still have not answered mine. Did Jack Sparrow talk with Hawk or not?”
Josette remained silent. What could she say? What if with her answer made Jack’s position even more vulnerable?
“I don’t think he would pay you the same vigilance, my dear girl. He would do anything to save his own skin so, you’d better answer me.”
Josette took a deep breath and responded calmly, “I have no knowledge of what he would be doing on his own time.”
Downer seemed disappointed, “Wrong answer, my dear. Because you see, you were also seen talking with Hawk.” He said as he slowly stood up and rounded the desk to get to her, “Don’t deny it. Loyalty that can be bought is never false. Trust me. My source is impeccable. So you might as well admit it.” He said as he grasped her chin in his hand and pulled her head up.
“What is the source?” she asked and he narrowed his eyes.
“What did Hawk tell you?”
“He didn’t tell me anything.”
“Wrong answer.”
“Is that why you caught us? To get to Hawk?”
At that he burst into laughter, “Oh, no, my dear. We caught you because of your deeds. You knowing Hawk is just one of the perks of this operation.”
“I know nothing.”
“What would his next journey be?”
“I don’t know.” She snapped as she pulled her head back and away from his touch.
“Pity. Smith.” He inclined his head and one of the guards moved forward. He unsheathed his sword and placed it over the fire of the candles before he turned to Josette.
Another officer grabbed her and pushed her into the chair before he grabbed her arm and raised her sleeve up just as the burning tip of the sword came closer to her skin.
Josette could only watch and fight against the man’s grasp with wide eyes and then she screamed. Fire spread up and down her arm as the blade clawed at her skin and then she knew nothing but darkness.

End of chapter 26

Author’s note: Ahem, yes. Still here? I hope I didn’t disappoint you with this chapter. Any ideas of what Downer wants from Hawk? Who could be the source? Will Jack be able to get them out? What do you think?
Please review and tell me your thoughts. Your feedback is my only payment for writing this.
Sneak peek will appear on FB.
Until then!


Xxx Lina :)