Ordinary Man

 

Ten years had taken its toll on all their lives, not just Jack’s.  Though they had briefly discussed events he’d missed – births, deaths, discoveries, Will had never really asked for an account from Elizabeth of how she’d lived in the years he was gone. He knew she’d gone to England, shortly after finding herself pregnant, staying with relatives until Liam was old enough to travel. And how the harsh winters had driven her back to the Caribbean – that, and the need for closure.

 

Elizabeth had found on her return to Jamaica, that she had been exonerated for her actions, the account of her father’s death and other mitigating circumstances allowing her to move freely in society once again, although she chose not to. Instead, she had found a small cottage within sight of the sea, where she could raise her son and live her life free of prying questions and wagging tongues.

 

The townsfolk she had dealings with believed her husband away at sea, a merchant marine whose travels kept him away for long periods. To Liam, she explained only that his father was a good man, who had been given a duty to perform, one that he would be free to leave once his tenure was up. She assumed the name of Brown, and had ample means of support to allow for a household maid, who tended the child when Elizabeth was out.

 

Elizabeth had taken some of her income and purchased a small shop on the outskirts of town from the local smithy, whose health was failing along with his eyesight. He was more than happy to sell his forge and tools to the pretty young lass who’d shown up at his door one morning, small child in tow. She explained that her husband, who was away on important business, would be returning soon, and she wanted to give him the shop as a gift, to welcome him home.

 

That Will would return, Elizabeth had no doubt. She had faith in their love, in their promise to each other. The chest she kept safe, his heart secure. As long as she could hear its steady beat, she knew that all was well, its presence a comfort to her during their long years apart.

 

Will had not questioned her, on his return, nor did he discuss his years aboard the Dutchman. He seemed different in many ways, more inward and contemplative. She sensed he needed time to adjust to the everyday routine of life on land, a life not governed by watches and bells and the interminable parade of death that’d been his sole existence for so long. He took up blacksmithing again, finding solace in the earthiness and fire of the forge, spending most of his time there those first few months.

 

Liam had been frightened at first, of this dark stranger that shared their house and his mother. But soon, as with young children, timidness gave way to curiosity gave way to a boldness that did both his parents proud. And, by and by, the constant chatter and inquisitiveness of the young boy soon had Will smiling once again.

 

****

 

It was market day in the village. The town’s streets were jammed with peddlers and traders, both local and from the outer islands, along with a fleet of fishing boats selling their catch along the docks. Will had taken the day off from the smith, to pick up some supplies he needed while Elizabeth and Liam took in the excitement of the market. The three of them strolled past the many colorful stalls, stopping to sample the exotic fruits and watch the many tradesmen as they displayed their wares.

 

Elizabeth had her heart set on a serving set she found, but was determined to bargain for a better price. The haggling was part of the buying process in the islands, and Will had found his wife was very, very good at it. Will wandered off to look at a table spread with an eclectic collection of curios and objects, whileElizabeth continued to barter with the merchant. The wry smile on his face faded as he recognized an item on the table in front of him.

 

Keeping a neutral expression, Will casually reached over and picked it up. Snapping open the case he watched as the needle swung lazily around.

 

“You like?” the peddler’s voice broke into Will’s thoughts. “It is most unique.”

 

“It’s broken,” Will tried to keep the tremble out his voice as he casually closed the lid and tossed it back onto the table.

 

“I assure you, it is very special,” the man wheedled, retrieving the black box and handing it to Will. “You like? I make you a very good deal.”

 

Will fished a few coins out of his pocket. “I’ll take those dividers as well.”

 

“A very good choice,” the man agreed and quickly pocketed the coins.

 

Will didn’t answer, his mind far away, as he stared down at Jack’s compass in his hand.

 

****