The Captain's Cabin Boy

A/N: I want to dedicate this chapter to Jandra1969, my beloved friend, who has done a lot of work for my stories’ covers. Send her some love by reading her story and by liking her pics! She is amazing! Kisses to you, love!! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter 31

“Gibbs!” Jack’s voice was sharp as he looked at his first mate.
The older man stopped his humming and looked at his Captain, “Aye?”
“Will you stop that infernal singing?” he muttered as he snapped his compass shut and grabbed the helm with both hands.
“Sorry, Cap’n. What has you in such a sour mood, I wonder?” Gibbs murmured and Jack sighed as he hung his head.
“No sign of Hawk. That is my problem. I also have to worry about the blasted woman who thought it a good idea to hand herself over to Downer. Bloody Downer. The man who hurt Josette.” He replied as he gazed at the darkening horizon with narrowed eyes.
“What was Adele thinking?” Gibbs muttered and Jack pursed his lips.
“She knew what my compass pointed at, Gibbs. We had a huge argument about that earlier that day.” Jack told him as he looked down. He saw Josette moving about the deck, assisting the other crewmen.
“Oh.” Gibbs winced, “That must have been hard.”
“Aye… I have to leave her off at home after this is done. This goes nowhere with her here.”
“And…the kid?” Gibbs ventured and Jack inhaled sharply.
“I’ll keep supporting her like I’ve always done. It’s dangerous for her to be here. In contrast to what is believed I am not that much of a git.” He said as he shot a lopsided smirk to his first mate.
Gibbs chuckled, “Aye, aye, sir.” He laughed.
“Josh!” Jack suddenly called and she looked up at him. She wiped her brow and nodded her head. She handed Dave’s water flask back to him and headed for the helm. She climbed up the stairs and came to stand next to him, brushing her hands against her breeches.
Jack smirked and then his hand shot out and grasped her around the waist. Josette yelped as she collided with his chest and he snickered.
“You’re sweaty.” He commented as he kissed her quickly, surprising her.
She blinked and cleared her throat, “I’ve been working.” She said and then looked at the sky, “It’s going to rain again.” She commented and he nodded.
“Aye.”
“You think she is alright?” Josette motioned towards Downer’s ship and Jack stiffened.
“I hope so or there is no deal.” He said darkly.
“Thanks to her we have a heading.” Josette said and Jack grimaced. He already knew that but hearing her say it out loud was bothering him.
“I knew it would stroke your ego if you knew that the bloody thing was pointing at you.” He said almost petulantly and she smiled.
“Thankfully I am not like you.” She stuck her tongue out at him and he narrowed his eyes.
“I’ll get you for that.” He said and then slowly released her to turn the wheel to starboard.
“What if we don’t get to Hawk?” she asked as she bit her lip, “What happens then?” she looked at Jack who straightened his posture.
He turned to her and smirked slightly, “Then we improvise.” He grinned and she frowned at him.
“Improvise?”
“Aye. Like you did every time I asked you to take your shirt off.” He said, his eyes dancing in amusement as her cheeks flushed.
“That was different.” She defended herself while crossing her arms over her chest.
He quirked an eyebrow, “Different?”
“Yes, different. This is serious.” She scowled and he chuckled.
“Aye, it is. I’ve got to admit though that you’re a pretty good liar, love. You had me fooled there…How long was it?” he asked and she averted her eyes.
“A year.” She mumbled and he placed a contemplative finger on his chin.
“A year. That is a bloody long time. Finally a lass of my own heart.” He winked as he focused on the horizon again.
Josette stared at him for a moment before she spoke up, “That still bothers you, doesn’t it?” she asked quietly and Gibbs who had been standing there in silence quietly excused himself and walked away, leaving them alone.
“No.” Jack shook his head, his expression serene, “You want to know since when?” he asked and she pursed her lips.
“Since the day you finally got me into bed.”
He laughed heartily at that but shook his head, “No, but that is a nice memory.” He smirked at her blush, “When they brought you back into that cell and I saw all that blood on you. That is the moment I forgot everything that had happened before that.” He said as he looked at her arm, “How is it by the way?” he asked and she swallowed hard.
“Better. It still hurts though.” She frowned, “It’s not going to heal, is it?” she whispered and Jack breathed in deeply before he barked out, “Gibbs!” he called and the older man looked up from the mast.
“Aye, Cap’n?”
“Take over the helm.” Jack said as he beckoned him upstairs.
Gibbs groaned, “But I just got down.”
“And now I am asking you to come up.” Jack told him with a scowl.
“But I was there just a second ago.” Poor Gibbs mumbled as he reluctantly climbed the stairs, “My bloody back.” He muttered as he took over.
Jack looked at him with a blank expression, “Told you you’re old.” he said under his breath as he placed a hand on Josette’s back and led her downstairs.
Gibbs glared at him but remained silent.
“You’re strange, you know that right?” Josette mumbled at Jack but he only shrugged.
“My charm.” He winked and she chuckled as he opened the door to the cabin and pulled her in.
“Why are we here?” she asked as he shut the door and shrugged out of his coat.
“I need to check on your arm again. Sit on the bed.” He motioned towards the bunk and she did as she was told. She sat down and rolled up her sleeve while he grabbed the rum bottle from his desk. He took a sip while he approached her and she had to laugh when he sighed contently.
He offered her the bottle and she shook her head, “I haven’t eaten anything.” She explained and he shrugged as he took another generous sip and then kneeled down in front of her.
“Hold it.” He gave her the bottle as he untied the bandage around her forearm. She hissed as the material was pulled away from her skin.
Jack grimaced but quickly smiled, “It’s bad but it’s better. Bottle.” He outstretched his hand and she looked at him horrified.
“You’re just going to pour that over my arm?”
“Aye.”
“Last time you did that I jumped five feet in the air.” She said but handed him the bottle nonetheless.
He chuckled.
“Aye, I do recall that. Now…” he tipped the bottle back and let it soak her skin.
“Ow! Bloody hell, Jack!” she cried out when he squeezed the skin around the wound. A thick liquid oozed from the cuts and she almost gagged.
“That is why it hurts so much. Hang on. Just one more time.” He said as he pressed his fingers again against the skin.
“Jesus Christ!” she exclaimed as she gritted her teeth.
Jack grabbed the bandage and wiped her arm clean before he poured more rum on the wound.
This time is stung less but it was uncomfortable nonetheless.
“Disgusting.” She stated and he smirked.
“Aye. I’ve seen worse.” He replied as he placed her hand on her lap and stood to fetch a fresh bandage. He returned and leaned down to inspect her arm.
“We’ll do it again if we have to.” He told her before he started wrapping the bandage around her arm.
“Did that happen with your arm too?” she asked him quietly and he paused momentarily.
“No. Mine was a burn. They cut you up instead.” He said before he cleared his throat.
Once he was done she slowly grabbed his left arm. He stiffened when she rolled up his sleeve and turned his arm over. She gazed at the long scars that were running up his skin and looked up at him.
“There’s a story behind these?” she asked as she gently ran her fingertips up and down the scars. He shivered and his breathing became shallower.
“The same as this.” He motioned towards his right branded arm.
“What did Downer mean…when he said that the Navy isn’t the EITC?”
“I was employed under the EITC.” He replied as he turned his hand over and took hold of her hand. He entwined their fingers together, pressing his roughened fingertips against the back of her hand.
“Something went wrong and I mutinied against them…” he trailed off with a shrug.
“What went wrong?”
“I value freedom and so I don’t conform to any type of slavery. That’s what went wrong. Different opinions.”
Josette realized that the whole discussion bothered him so she changed the subject, “What happens if we do get Hawk?” she asked and Jack locked eyes with her.
“We hand him over to Downer. I won’t get into their personal little conflicts.” He said with a grimace.
“You think Downer will leave us alone then?” she was doubtful.
“That’s what I agreed to.” Jack said as he leaned closer and brushed his lips against hers. Josette closed her eyes and gave into the kiss as he pressed his mouth more firmly against hers. His hands slipped around her waist and he pulled her closer to his chest while she twined her arms around his neck. His lips captured her lower lip and he sucked gently before he pushed her backwards on the bed. She went willingly and her legs parted on their own as he covered her body with his own and settled between them. Her fingers played with his hair as he kissed her deeply, plunging his tongue into her mouth. The taste of rum and Jack made her dizzy and she squeezed her eyes shut as his hands travelled up and down her sides.
“Jack.” She breathed as he broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers.
He smiled and looked down at her. She laughed when he went cross eyed in order to make eye contact with her and kissed his upper lip, his moustache tickling her lips.
“Josh.” He murmured in reply when she pulled back and he eagerly followed her lips again, capturing them with his own as his hands slipped under her back. He pulled her up and pressed her against his chest tightly, his hand cupping her bottom and pulling her pelvis up.
“I wish I could stay in here.” He murmured between kisses, “But I have to check on Downer. Believe it or not I worry about Adele. And not in the way you think.” He said quickly as he pecked her nose.
“I understand.”
“I’ve known her for so long…She wasn’t this annoying before…” he trailed off and she blinked up at him.
“Before me.” She finished for him and he looked guilty.
“Aye. She feels threatened.” He said quietly and then added, “And she should feel that way.” He smirked and Josette gaped at him.
“Me?”
“Aye.” He grinned and nuzzled her cheek, “Isn’t it obvious that I am madder about you?” he chuckled and she smiled a bit.
“Madder than usually you mean.”
“Well, of course!” he exclaimed, “Daftness is the first quality a pirate must possess.”
“Of course.” She chuckled.
“Cap’n!!!” Dave’s sudden yell caused them both to freeze.
Jack looked at the door and yelled back, “Aye?”
“Hawk’s ship’s in sight, sir!” Dave yelled back and Jack’s eyes widened before he scrambled to his feet.
He pulled Josette with him and together they walked out of the cabin.
“Are you sure, Dave?” Jack asked as he arrived at the helm and grabbed the spyglass from Dave’s hand.
“Aye, Cap’n. It’s The Defiance.” Dave nodded breathlessly and Jack turned to Gibbs.
“Signal for Downer to come out. That’s his battle. Prepare the cannons and be ready. We might as well wind up in the middle.” Jack said before he took Gibbs’ place at the helm and motioned Josette to come closer.
“Stay where I can see you.” He told her and when he saw her ready to object he held a hand up, “This is an order from your Captain, not Jack. Savvy?” he narrowed his eyes and she rolled her eyes, “I saw that.”
She stuck her tongue out and placed her hands on her hips as she looked at The Defiance.
Gibbs signaled for Downer and he appeared at the deck of The Defense. Josette watched as his expression changed from annoyed to satisfied and shivered at the look in his eyes as he stood near the rail of his ship.
Downer’s eyes found her and Jack and he tipped his hat at them, causing Jack to grimace.
“Git.” He muttered as his eyes perused the other vessel’s deck for any sign of Adele.
Josette looked as well but they saw nothing, there was no sign of her.
“Slow her down. Keep trailing behind The Defense.” Jack bellowed as he held the helm steady.
Josette watched as The Defense sailed ahead of them and her eyes widened when she saw them ready to fire.
“Jack.” She turned to him but his eyes were focused on The Defense.
“What in bloody hell is he doing? His bloody fiancee is in there and he’s ready to sink the bloody ship!” he exclaimed and Josette gulped.
“Cap’n!” Gibbs’ voice was panicked and Jack waved him away.
“I saw. We need to bring her about!” he spoke loudly as he swiveled the wheel to port. The Black Pearl gained speed and it moved to sail alongside Downer’s ship.
“Come here.” He told Josette as he pulled her in front of him and grabbed hold of her hands, “Hold on tight and keep her steady. I need to have a chat with Downer.” He told her and her eyes widened.
“No, I can’t!”
“Just don’t let go.” He told her before he walked towards the rail, “Bloody hell! What the hell are you doing, Downer?” he barked and the officer turned to look at him with a grin.
“Getting my revenge of course.” He answered loudly.
“By sinking the ship?” Jack asked incredulously.
“That’s none of your concern.” Downer dismissed him and Jack’s eyes narrowed.
“It is when Hawk is ready to fight back.” He pointed at The Defiance which had already taken a defensive position.
Downer’s eyes widened before he grinned, “Well, we just need to hurry up then, yes?” he replied and Jack covered his face with his hands.
“Fine. Give me back Adele. Now!” Jack said with a snarl.
“Not yet, Mr. Sparrow.” He replied before he nodded to his first mate.
Josette watched the exchange and she gulped when the first sound of a cannon fire rang in the open air. She flinched and tightened her hold around the spokes of the helm in reflex.
Jack walked back to her and wrapped an arm around her waist as he spoke to Gibbs, “We stay here.” He said firmly and the older man nodded.
The crew lowered the sails and the Pearl slowed down as The Defense went ahead.
Jack’s dark eyes watched as The Defiance returned fire but he was perplexed when he saw the ship moving forward and away.
“What in hell?” he muttered when something caught his eye and Josette looked up at him.
“What?”
“They threw someone in the water!” he exclaimed and Josette rose up on her tiptoes. True enough a person was in the water and Downer’s men were getting ready to haul whoever it was up on the ship.
Jack picked up the spyglass and grimaced, “It’s a woman.” He said as The Defense fired her cannons again. Only one managed to hit the target and Hawk’s entire ship was shaken from the impact.
“Downer’s fiancee?” Josette asked.
“Probably.” Jack replied as he looked down at Gibbs who was also watching the scene.
“Oi, Gibbs!”
“Aye?”
“What the hell did just happen?” Jack asked with a groan.
“Hawk must have thrown the woman off the ship, sir. Downer pulled her up…And now he is signaling for another round of cannon fire.” Gibbs yelled up at them.
“Bugger.” Jack watched with wide eyes, “He is going to sink the ship.”
“Why isn’t Hawk doing anything about it? Why did he turn the ship around but is not firing back?” Josette asked and Jack turned to her, his eyes glimmering.
“Because he is not inside.” He replied suddenly as he raised his eyes up and looked at Downer’s ship, “And that woman is not Downer’s fiancee.” He replied with a smirk.
Josette gaped at him, “How do you know?”
“Look.” He motioned towards the other ship and Josette squinted.
Downer was grasping the poor woman’s arms and was shaking her madly. Her clothes were old and tattered and she was too young.
“Oh, Jesus.” Josette said as she covered her mouth with her hand and laughed at the irony.
“Hawk’s smart. I’ll give him that.” Jack chuckled but then Downer looked back and locked eyes with Jack. His expression spoke of fury and embarrassment and Jack froze.
“Bugger.” He muttered as he turned to Josette, “Uh oh.” He said as he cleared his throat, “Full canvas! Let’s have her moving, lads. Looks like Mr. Downer wants to talk to us.” Jack said loudly as he took over the helm, gently pushing Josette away.
Downer clapped his hands in the distance and Jack rolled his eyes, “What am I? Your lapdog?” He sneered as glared at the ship ahead.
Slowly but steadily, the Pearl gained speed and soon it was sailing smoothly next to The Defense.
Gibbs took over the helm as Jack walked down to the deck so he could face Downer.
“You knew about this!” Downer called angrily.
“I did not. You asked me to find you Hawk’s ship, well your ship, and I have.”
“I wanted Hawk and my fiancee!”
“Well, you didn’t specify the individual. I am not a mind reader. But hey, you found the ship.” Jack smiled innocently.
“I do not care about the ship. I want him!” Downer almost spat out and Jack shrugged.
“Not my fault.”
“Is it not?”
“I have no interest to help Hawk, Downer. That applies for you too by the way.” Jack smirked and Downer narrowed his eyes.
“But you will if you want your life and your wench. Both wenches.”
Jack stiffened and leaned forward, his hands curling around the rail of the Pearl, “Admit it, mate. Your woman left you for him. You won’t ever find him if he doesn’t want to be found. And frankly my compass can only do you a little amount of good. I have no interest in your witch hunt. Savvy?” he said lowly and Downer sputtered.
“You agreed.”
“Aye, I agreed but this is ridiculous. I won’t risk my ship and my crew for such little compensation.” Jack replied darkly.
Josette watched from behind him as Downer mulled over Jack’s words.
“Fine then. I shall-…”
“Captain! Captain, sir!” a crewman from Downer’s ship spoke breathlessly as he came running.
“What?” Downer spat angrily.
Jack’s eyes went on the young sailor who stood there with bloodied hands. Jack did a double take. Bloodied hands?
“What is it boy?” Downer asked impatiently.
“The lady in the brig, sir.”
Jack leaned forward to listen and Josette stepped closer to him.
“What about her?” Downer asked with irritation.
“I found her lying in a pool of blood, sir. Her clothes…” the sailor faltered, “Her clothes are ripped and she’s bleeding heavily.”
Downer’s eyes widened and Jack lurched forward.
“You bloody idiot! What the hell did you do to her?” he barked as Josette covered her mouth with her hand and turned to John who had just arrived and was clutching his leg as he walked.
“What happened?” he asked as he leaned into her for support.
“Adele.” Josette replied and she watched as Jack grabbed a rope and jumped onto Downer’s ship, his eyes flashing angrily.
He leaned close to Downer’s face and spoke lowly as the other man took a step back, “Take me to her. Now.” He told him and Downer nodded.
“Take him to her. Call the ship’s physician. I want every man interrogated. Is that clear?” Downer told the young man who nodded and led Jack below deck.
Josette, John and the rest of the crew waited with bated breath and when Jack appeared minutes later on The Defense’s deck Josette screamed in fright.

End of chapter 31

Author’s note: Thank you for reading. I hope it was worth the wait. If you liked it please review! Your comments are my only payment and they are for free!

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Xxx Lina :)