An Eye for a Bargain

Title: An Eye for a Bargain 3/?

Genre: Action/Romance

Pairing: J/OC, W/E, N/OC

Rating: R/NC-17

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I am serious. Even this machine is a rental. Pirates of the Caribbean, all its characters/places/things belongs to Disney. I take no credit for the recognizable. I make no it fit from this.

Summary: A romance or sorts for Jack Sparrow.

Notes: This is a shorter one. Didn’t have as much time to write as I’d hoped.

Comments: I am the queen of terrible typing. There are more typo’s in my work than I would care to admit. It usually takes me a week to get my term papers clean. However, after numerous attempts with numerous beta readers (for fictional writing purposes), I’ve given up. If you want to read my work, do so with the warning that it will continue to be un-beta’d. I sincerely hope I do not offend anyone who takes his or her craft seriously. I am serious about what I do, but a lack of time prevents me from taking necessary actions to prevent typographical errors. Please forgive me.

Ah, and the cursed Mary Sue syndrome. Try as I might, I just can’t seem to get rid of her. I do promise to work on her though. If anyone knows of a way to shut her up, please let me in on the secret. Though, in my defense, I must make it known that she does have an audience. Young girls come out in droves for my fiction. It’s plain and simple: If you don’t like Mary? Read slash fics:) *goes to find some…*

Also, thanks to everyone who took the time to review. It’s nice to know people are reading this, and what’s more, enjoying it. I truly appreciate all your kind words.

Cheers

~*~*~*~

Elizabeth wept openly into Will’s arms, her sobs echoing in the empty hall. "They can’t do it, Will! He’s our friend! He saved my life! He saved your life! We’re in debt of him! Please Will, we have to do something!"

"Hush love. I know it hurts, but there’s naught we can do." Will pulled her closer, enveloping her in his strong arms. "Jack has been charged with high treason in the British Court. It’s the nobles in London that put the price on his head, and those nobles want to see him dead. In the past year alone, The Black Pearl has been responsible for sacking well over a hundred ships! Some of those ships carried precious jewels and gold for bartering with the natives in the Northern andtherthern America’s. Jack’s not satisfied with merchant ship attacks anymore. He’s attacking ships that sail for diplomatic missions throughout the British Empire. The Lords in England are scared love. They’re scared. They’ve invested a great deal of money in the New World, and they can’t afford to allow Jack to steal it."

"I don’t care what he’s done, Will! I know he’s a pirate, and I have accepted that about him. He’s taken money, and armory, but they left survivors Will! Jack hasn’t killed anyone, at least not in cold blood. We have to help him! Please help me." She pulled out of his embrace, her eyes wild with desperation.

"Come here Liz." Will asked softly. She returned to him, once more falling into his embrace. He held her tightly, for he knew what he was going to say would brear her heart. His own eyes welled with tears, thinking about the loss of his friend.

"Elizabeth," he whispered. "I love Jack. He was like a brother to me, maybe even a father. You know that I would never willingly abandon him, but if I so much as raise my voice in protest over his execution, they will put me away. Norrington told me so himself. I am not permitted to attend the execution, nor will I be permitted to so much as lay eyes on Jack Sparrow until after he is dead. Liz, I love you, and I know what this means to you, but I am not willing to sacrifice you, or allow you to come to harm over Jack. It’s simply not going to happen." He kissed her temple softly, holding her trembling body close. He could feel her tears through his tunic. She sniffed.

"I love you Will. But you have no right to govern me. I will help Jack. I cannot simply sit back and allow them to kill him."

Will’s eyes darkened considerably, his temper, usually held in check, coming to the surface.

"When we took our wedding vows, I relinquished the line where you were instructed to obey me. I never made you promise to obey me, as I knew you were not capable of making such a promise. But Elizabeth, listen to me! You cannot forsake your existence fhe lhe life of one pirate. Jack would never allow it, and I certainly won’t. Think about Jack, Liz. He’d be devastated if he knew you gave up everything for one hopeless attempt at saving his life. Think about the consequences!" He all but shouted.

"How can you sit back and do nothing?" She asked, confusion coloring her voice and her eyes. She drew away, to the other side of the room, distancing herself from the stranger before her. The man sitting before her was not the man she’d married. The man she’d known would not play it safe at the expense of a friend’s life.

"I never intended to sit and do nothing. Elizabeth, you have to understand that actions can be taken indirectly as well. The right words dropped in the right ears can work wonders." He replied softly.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, bewildered.

Will looked around, watchful of peeping eyes and hungry ears. "I’ve sent word to the Pearl. I know that the crew will do everything in their power to get here in time for the execution. It’s out of our hands Elizabeth."

"But, even if you’d sent word a week ago, when Jack arrived, they’d not reach us in time. You don’t even know where they are! No one does!" She hissed. He pressed a finger to her lips, quieting her. His chocolate eyes gazed upon her, and she was so close to drowning in them.

"I didn’t send word a week ago. I sent word the day I knew Commodore Norrington held the deed for Jack’s arrest. That was three weeks before Jack was even captured. He knows, Elizabeth."

"Deed for his arrest? Since when was a deed necessary for the arrest of a pirate?" She shook her head, confused again.

"Since the bounty was set at five thousand gold pieces and immunity of the British court." He replied sagely.

"Immunity? On whose authority?" She cried, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"The British Crown, love."

~*~*~*~

Twas’ a sunny day in Port Royal. The sky was as blue as mermaid’s tears, a comfortable breeze coming in from the open sea. At least, that’s what Jacke ofe of it inside his prison dwelling.

Jack had recovered some of his former strength during his weeklong stay at the Port Royal Prison facility. At least he now had enough strength to stand on his own two feet without assistance. If a man was to be led to his death, he ought to have at least the dignity of his head held high before the end.

Commodore Norrington had gone to great pains to ensure that Jack survive his imprisonment. For one thing, he was in an upgraded cell, if one could call it that. This "room" at the "Hotel Jailett" was quite lavish, even considering Jack’s tastes.

Healers had been brought in to mend Jack’s broken body, and he’d been thoroughly cleansed, his wounds treated and dressed. They had bathed him twice that week, and a nurse had cut the knots from his scraggly hair. They’d brought him three meals a day, and ensured he’d seen plenty of bed rest. The pneumonia, while not completely cured, was disappearing from his lungs. Apparently, the natives of the isle knew of an ancient remedy for the ailment.

It was the finest treatment Jack had received in his entire life. It was rather ironic, that the same people who had cured his illness were the ones parading him to hell. Earlier that morning, he’d inquired as to why he’d been treated so well. Apparently Norrington was looking forward to seeing him hang, and the execution would not have been as entertaining or satisfying if Jack were unable to make a stand.

It was a rather unsettling thought.

Stretching out on the cot, he wondered idly what it would take to get a bottle of rum. He knew better n’ to push his luck, but as a dying man’s last with, perhaps one of the guards would take pity on him.

He was countin’ on it. He then wondered what ad’ happened to young William and Elizabeth Turner. As yet, neither one of the youths had made any effort to see him. He’d kind of been expecting a breakout, and was disappointed that he’d seen no action form his friends as yet. But then, the Turner’s were young, likely expecting children soon. William was not stupid. The young man knew his game well, and would play accordingly.

Elizabeth however, was a different story. She was far too feisty to simply sit on her arse while someone was in need of her aid. Aye, if anyone would make an attempt to set him free, it would be that young woman. God bless her. She was, however, far too trusting if him. She believed him a man redeemed of his past crimes, and while Jack had his days where he agreed with that notion, he had just as many where the idea of him becoming respectable was laughable.

Today was one such day.

A sly grin broke upon his lips as he heard the unmistakable voice of commodore Norrington down the hall. The voice grew louder, closing in on Jack’s room. Jack stood, mock bowing to the Commodore as he came to a halt before Jack’s chamber door.

"Aye, Commodore, tis a pleasure ta sees ya. Yer looking well me good man. To what does a scoundrel such as myself owe ye for the occasion?"

"Hmm, yes." The Englishman sniffed. "It’s good to see you’ve regained you sense of humor Mister Sparrow."

"If ye pardon me sayin’, sir, there’s nothin’ humorous about this situation. The hostility between us is breakin’ me heart, if ye know me meanin’." Jack winked, his charm switching into high gear. "I was about ta be makin’ a request of yer overwhelming hospitalities, and see about gettin’ meself some rum. Tis a dyin’ man’s last wish, after all."

"Rum? Do you hear that gentlemen?" Norrington addressed the soldiers flanking him. "Mr. Sparrow would like some rum. See to it that a bottle of Port Royal’s finest is brought to him immediately. We wouldn’t want him to die of thirst after all our efforts."

"I thank ye, Commodore." Jack saluted the Englishman, his eyes filled with mirth.

"Well, don’t thank me too soon Mr. Sparrow." Norrington clucked. "It seems you’ve worn out your welcome here in the infirmary. I believe it had something to do with Miss Bowen, your attendant this morning? She reported an act against her honour Mr. Sparrow, and I do not take such disrespect of my staff kindly."

"Twas nothin of the sort, I assure ye. The Lady had some difficulty adjustin’ the buttons of her dress. I kindly offered my services." Jack smiled. "I’m a man of me word, Commodore." To demonstrate, Jack placed his hand over his heart, and sworn his sincerity.

"Gentlemen, if you will escort Mr. Sparrow to his new chambers?" Norrington ordered, and then stepped back to observe.

They opened the door to the cell cautiously, a band of six surrounding the pirate on all sides. Jack wasn’t concerned however, as he’d taken more than six at a time before. The key was that they’d opened the door, and he wasn’t about to let the opportunity escape him.

He threw his fist into the jaw of the first man, sending him to the floor, but before he could get much further, a pair of arms encircled him from behind, effectively preventing further movement. The guard who held him was strong as an ox, and his hold was tight. Jack fought for breath, but it wouldn’t come to him. The guard he’d knocked to the floor was before him now, his bloody nose and scuffed uniform evidence of Jack’s minor victory.

Too late, Jack remembered that he’d only recently recovered from severe pneumonia, as the angry guard’s fist connected with his gut, forcing all air from his lungs. The other guard released him, and he tumbled to the ground, struggling for breath.

He felt something hard connect with his side, and then his head, and for a moment, he saw stars swarm before his vision. He felt them pick him up and drag him somewhere, though the brutal journey wasn’t long. Tossing him into his new chambers with no regard for his well being, he heard their mocking laughter.

Finally catching a breath, Jack managed to utter as they moved to make way down the corridor. "What about me rum?"

"Think, Mr. Sparrow, in less than twelve hours you will be hanging from the highest mast in the Port, your body displayed for all to see." Norrington announced. "You have no need for rum. Now, I encourage you t think back upon your pathetic existence, and be at peace with the knowledge that it was I who caught you. Good day, Mr. Sparrow."

~*~*~*~

"You have deceived me, Montgomery, and I’m not the type of man to take deception kindly."

"How have I deceived you, Commodore? Pray tell, I do not understand where these accusations come from."

Norrington paced his office, the leather chair at his desk no longer comfortable. He’d arranged to meet with Montgomery to discuss the arrangements for his marriage to Abiageal, but instead, he found himself arguing a way altogether out of the marriage. After having seen Abiageal, he wasn’t sure he would be able to attend to her needs. She certainly didn’t meet the requirements to attend to his.

"Abiageal is not your daughter, is she Mr. Montgomery?"

Montgomery swallowed. "I thought I’d made that clear sir. She is in fact my wife’s child, sired by my wife’s first husband."

"You did not tell me she took after her father in appearance. You led me to believe she was as her mother is. I was rather shocked when I met her, seeing her to be much of my height, and nothing like her mother."

"Is that what this is about? Abby isn’t pretty enough to be your wife? Well, I’ll admit, she is no Elizabeth Swann," Norrington stiffened at the mention of Elizabeth, "but Abby’s a wonderful, generous woman. She has a great deal to offer a man such as yourself."

"I’m afraid I am not the type of man to fully appreciate Abiageal’s charms, and as such, I must withdraw from our agreement."

"You cannot do that!" Montgomery stood, his face full of anger. Taking a deep breath, Montgomery continued. "We had a deal! Please sir, reconsider. I want my daughter to be happy, and this might be her only chance."

Norrington paused, and re-seated himself at his desk.

"I am afraid my decision is final. I am not the right man for Abiageal. I’d risk much for this union, and it’s a risk I dare not take. My ogieogies Mr. Montgomery, but if you’ll excuse me, I have some important matters to attend to." Rising again, he made to usher the elder man form his office.

"Wait. What if I told you that the risk wasn’t so great? That Abiageal had more to offer to a prospective husband than beauty? You were correct, Commodore, I wasn’t completely honest with you about Abiageal's heritage."

Norrington paused, curiosity entering his eyes, and piquing his interest. Now this was interesting. He returned to his desk, leaning back into his chair. "You have my attention, Mr. Montgomery."

With that, Montgomery sealed the deal, and sold his daughter’s soul to Satan.

~*~*~*~

"Formally engaged? Father, you cannot be serious?" Abiageal wailed, the last pieces of her heat falling into an abyss of despair. There had to be some mistake. Her father would never arrange a marriage for her without her knowledge.

"The Commodore and I sealed the agreement this afternoon. We both signed the declaration, It’s official. Dear Abby, what’s gotten into you, I thought you’d be happy?" Montgomery was utterly confused. Abby was always so lonely, this was exactly what she’d wanted, wasn’t it?

"Oh Lawrence, how could you?" Laura chastised. "You’ve gone about this all the wrong way. Certainly there is some way of breaking the agreement? I’m sure the Commodore would understand."

"There is no way of breaking the agreement. Do you know what it took to even get him to agree?"

"That’s wonderful. Not only have I been formally engaged to a man without my consent, my husband to be had to be persuaded to even make the agreement." Abby’s tears were free flowing now; her choked sobs the only sound in the room.

"Hush Abby," Cate soothed. "It will be alright. Hush" Sending a glare at her father, Cate ushered Abiageal from the room.

"Well, husband mine. You’ve made a grave mistake this time. I don’t think she’ll ever forgive you."

~*~*~*~

She wanted to die. Every dream she’d ever had in her life was dead. There was no hope, no peace, and no joy. Her soul was tethered to this world with but a tiny thread, her anguish over her father’s betrayal cutting deep into the fabric of her being. She briefly contemplated taking her own life, but knew better. That was a coward’s way out. Cate was singing softly, rubbing her back in comfort. Her tears had long since dried out.

"Thou shall honour and obey thy husband."

Obey thy husband indeed.

~*~*~*~

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