An Eye for a Bargain

Title: An Eye for a Bargain 6/?

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 profit from this.

Summary: A romance of sorts for Jack Sparrow.

Notes: Thoughts are surrounded by **

Comments: The escape plans were laid by the wonderful Quinn, whose efforts provided me with much needed inspiration to get this bloody chapter written. If not for her, poor Jack’s neck would be stretched, and we’d have no story left for our mutual enjoyment. For those who like what they read here, I would suggest you take a look at Quinn’s “Landlovers.” Beautiful piece of work, if I do say so myself.
*Tips hat in recognition of Quinn’s work. * Thank ye mate!

~*~*~*~

Abiageal opened her eyes at Norrington’s shout. She felt herself abruptly thrown aside, a swift tumble that sent her to her knees. Looking up, she was shocked at the sight down below on the gallows. Sparrow had hung for all of a moment, and now lay beneath the platform, surrounded by civilians. She watched in amazement as her fiancée bounded towards the fallen criminal, wondering how such a thing had happened. Confused, she allowed Governor Swann to help her to her feet. What was happening? Had the pirate planned an escape? Had they hung him with faulty gear?

“I’m of the opinion this scene is no place for a lady such as yourself, Miss McLeod. Things are about to erupt, and I believe it would be best if you followed me.”

Abiageal nodded numbly, her eyes never drifting from the gallows. Governor Swann took forceful hold of her arm, and began to steer her away from the ruckus, and toward the safety of the town.

~*~*~*~

*It happened too fast. All I could see was Jack, struggling for life at the end of his rope. Jack, once a vibrant life force, was fighting a losing battle against the reaper’s iron fist. His life was flickering in and out, such as a candle when it struggles to stay aglow. My only thoughts in that moment were saving my friend. The world wany any things, but it surely wouldn’t be the same if we lost Jack Sparrow. Things had obviously not gone according to plan. The rope ought to have been slack, but it appeared to be doing its job well enough. Perhaps my decision was rash, and I didn’t think it through, but to hell with the consequences. So long as Jack was free from that cursed rope, I knew he’d find his own method of escape.
As a raced forward to free him, my mind flashed to my beloved Elizabeth. I briefly wondered how she would fair when Norrington had me hung for assisting in Jack’s escape.
I once said that my place was between Norrington and Jack, and sure as I meant it that day, I mean it now.
I would never hold my wife in my arms again. I’d never again make love to her while the raindrops pattered outside our bedroom window. Never hear her soft sighs, or taste her sweet breath. Was this choice worth such a loss? Was saving my friend worth the loss of a life with my dearest wife? I didn’t have time to decide. Apparently, I didn’t need to. The choice was made for me.
Cotton, attired in the robes and cowl of the hangman, came out of his daze and cut the thread that held his captain afloat. Jack tumbled to the Earth, his body hitting the stone with a crack.
The sight of my dearest brother gasping for breath on the cobblestones broke something inside me. Captain Jack Sparrow is a pirate, yes, but, as my wife always said, he is also a good man.
I prayed for his soul, prayed that the breath would return to his battered lungs. If nothing else came of this, Jack had to survive. We’d risked so much not to ensure success in this venture.*

William was on his knees at Jack’s side in an instant. The pirate was having a hard time catching breath, a combination of his pneumonia weakened lungs, and his near death experience in the noose. Gasping, Jack allowed Will to help him up, ever grateful for the young man’s presence. “What’ the devil is goin’ on” he rasped, his voice course, his breath ragged.

Will started when Jack began to vibrate in his arms, convulsions racking the pirate’s body. This wouldn’t do at all. That’d been too close. Jack had almost died. “Jack, listen to me. We must get you out of here and now. We don’t have time, Norrington is coming, and the whole of the ported navy will be on our tale in a matter of seconds.”

Taking a deep breath, grateful to the gods above when the air finally reached his lungs, Jack made to stand. He leaned heavily upon Will, struggling to achieve a balance. *And bloody hell, ere I just got to walkin’ again proper yester eve’.*

“You must have a plan Jack! It’s not like you’ve had noe toe to think over a possible escape.” William cried, exasperated at the captain’s dazed expression.

“Listen whelp! Me own life just flashed before me eyes, would ye give me a moment’s peace!”

William frowned. This was not the jack Sparrow he knew. There wasn’t time to contemplate the situation. They had to make haste. “We don’t have time Jack.”

Sparrow nodded, finally digesting the scene around him. The crowd was in a panic, confusion washing over their faces as they wondered where the soldiers had gone. The civilians rushed around, trying to escape the walls of the fort with little success. Jack noted that several members of his crew had taken position on the upper walls, and they were all heavily armed. “Where be the bloody navy?” He asked.

Will smiled. “We took care of a few of them. Don’t worry about it, Anna will explain later. It’s up to you to get yourself past Norrington, and he’s headed this way.”

Thinking fast, Jack hobbled in the opposite direction of said angry Commodore, William trying his best to keep the pirate on his feet. “I think I can manage, mate. Get yer ass home to yer wife, and don’t want you apart of this.”

“We’re already apart of this Jack. Elizabeth is helping prepare The Pearl for your departure.”

“Aye, and the Commodore didn’t see Elizabeth help me to my feet, did he? Get whelp, and get goin’ quick. I don’t want you riskin’ your tale for ol’ Jack. Not when you got a future to be lookin’ forward to. Remember boy, I am, Captain Jack Sparrow, savvy?” Each word was a struggle for the older man. T’was better not to chat right now it seemed.

Nodding his understanding, and knowing this might be the last time the two saw one another, Will made a mad dash toward the exit. Perhaps his mind was elsewhere, but he certainly wasn’t expecting to crash right into his father in law. “William? Now how did I know you were involved in this insane venture?” The Governor inquired, an edge in his voice that denied argument.

“Sir, if you please, now isn’t the time.” William pleaded. He felt a weight upon his back, and turned to see Jack standing behind him. Well, he was almost standing, using Will for support yet again.

“Sorry mate, but once again, yer between me and my way out.” Jack smiled weakly. This little adventure was costing him dearly, his physical health wearing thin. He reached for the pistol strapped to Will’s hip.

“Governor Swann, so nice ta be seein’ ya again!” He waved the weapon in greeting.

The Governor took a step back from the pirate, nervous about his motives. He’d not time to think before Jack’s eyes fell upon his companion, and darkened with pleasure. Sparrow smiled, a wicked grin widening across the planes of his face. “Well, if it isn’t Miss McLeod. Milady, I don’t believe we’ve yet had the pleasure.”

Abiageal hadn’t said a word until that point, and instinct told her it would be best to keep her words to herself. She could hear the Commodore shouting in the background, but her attentions were focused on the man directly in front of her. He was practically leering at her, his eyes grazing over her body, making her skin crawl. A shiver raced up her spine and she had to force herself to breathe. T’was his eyes mostly, that held her attention. They were dark, tinted with insanity. Or was it desperation? She couldn’t really tell.

“Halt!” Norrington called, approaching the scene with a small brigade of soldiers, each one heavily armed. Jack Sparrow almost laughed. This was too bloody easy. Grabbing hold of the young lady in front of him, he whipped her around, using her to shield himself from perspective gunfire. His ironed hands on either side of her shapely neck, the chain link pressed savagely to her throat, and his pistol pressed tightly at her head, he addressed the Commodore.

“Aye Commodore, here be a familiar scene, eh?” He laughed, a hearty cackle, even with his strained voice. “Let’s switch it up a wee bit, just for kicks.” He turned Abby in his arms, and placed a rough kiss upon her lips. He devoured her sweet, innocent flavor like a man starving to death. Her lips were soft and supple, like flower petals dripped in early morning dew. In her state of shock, Abby had made the mistake of opening her lips, and Jack took advantage, ravishing her mouth with his tongue. It only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like hours, and he was loath to stop. Like hell this girl had nothing to offer a man but money. “Sorry mate, I couldn’t help myself.” He addressed the Commodore, who’d turned a delightful shade of purple is his fury. “Seems I got me arms’ full of yer woman yet again, mate. I confess, I never understood it meself, but the women just can’t keep their hands to themselves when Cap’n Jack Sparrow’s ‘round.” He smiled, his grin growing wider when he noticed the trembling of the body in his arms. He pressed the pistol tighter against her temple, drawing a whimper from her lips. “Aye, luv, I don’t mean you any harm. Tis’ nothin’ personal, yer just gonna help me escape, savvy?”

Abby paled. This could not be happening. She was not being held as this savage man’s hostage.

“I demand you release her immediately Sparrow.” Norrington stammered. He’d lost his calm demeanor. Jack had just dishonored him yet again, and had made the gesture personal.

“Now why would I be doin’ that?” Jack despaired. Were all soldiers this daft? “The game is still on, Commodore. Look’s like I’m winnin’.”

He drew the girl closer, and stepped away from Norrington and his men. “I wouldn’t be followin’ me. Seein’ as how this young lady’s worth so much to ye, ye best be doin’ as I say. Lest I do somethin’ ‘unfortunate.’ Savvy?” The pirate then bolted, taking his hostage along for the ride.

Gillette came up beside Norrington and sighed. “He’s done it again, sir. I can’t for the life of me figure out how, but he’s done it.”

Norrington scowled at him, his eyes a storm of anger. “Your comments are neither warranted nor appreciated.”

“My apologies Commodore. But I should add that that’s the best bloody pirate I’ve ever seen.”

Despite his foul mood, Norrington couldn’t help the small smile that cracked upon his lips. “Indeed.”

~*~*~*~

The Pearl’s crew had followed Jack’s lead out of the fort. Jack had held the girl close until they’d hed hed the beach, and then ditched her in favor of a rowboat, and Gibbs flask. He downed the bitter drink, allowing it to drain back into his body, pleasant warmth settling into his stomach. He called to Abby, whom he’d left in a heap on the sand. “My apologies luv, but it never would have worked between us. We’re just too different, you and I. Give me love to that fiancée o’ yers. Needless to say, I’m afraid I won’t be available for yer weddin’. Cheers luv.” He saluted the dear girl, and turned his attention toward his ship.
He was free again.


Abby watched as the pirates rowed away, headed off towards some secreted vessel. Salty tears flowed freely down her face, and she made no effort to stop them. What had just happened? How had such a thing happened? She released a choked sob, and buried her face in hr hands. The man had just used her to forward his own ends. She was disgraced. So involved was she in her won sorrows, she failed to notice the approaching footfalls. She jumped when she felt a soft hand on her shoulder, and looked up into the comforting eyes of William Turner. Though she didn’t know the man very well, his pres cal calmed her nerves significantly. “Miss McLeod, are you alright?”

She wiped her tears away from her face, and nodded. “I’ll be alright.”

“If it helps Miss, you ought to know that Jack would have never done anything to bring you harm. He’s not that kind of man.” William supplied, doing his best to set things right with her. “Let’s get you back to your family Miss.”

“You know him well then?” Abiageal asked, as William helped her to stand. Her curiosity toward the man seemingly natural as far as Will was concerned.

“Yes, I know him. We’re friends. That’s why I helped him escape. He’s a good man, Miss. I assure you.”

“Then, explain to me, Mr. Turner, how you’ve allowed a friend of yours to dishonor me. What have I ever done to any of you to deserve such treatment,” she cried, her fists beating into his shoulders.

“Miss, please relax. There’s naught can be done about that now. Jack meant you no harm, and I daresay if anyone’s reputation has been tarnished this day, it’s that of Commodore Norrington.”

“Commodore Norrington is my fiancée!” Abby replied, her shoulders sagging with resignation.

“Really? Now that does make things interesting doesnt?” t?” Will was more surprised than anything else. What an interesting development. This certainly put things into perspective. He wondered what Norrington would have to say about Jack’s earlier display, and silently prayed poor Abby wouldn’t bear the brunt of the naval officer’s frustrations.

~*~*~*~

They were arguing something fierce over their next destination, various suggestions flyin’ here and there, every man wanting to make one stop or another. All had investments in different ports, be it good ale, food, or company.
Jack sat on deck, relief spreading through him like a wild fire. He’d almost lost his life today, and he’d rather not be repeating such an event if it could be helped. Still, even safely aboard The Pearl, something nagged at him, lurking in the back of his mind.

“I don’t care where we go,” Annamaria intervened. “Just get us the hell outta here.”

“We depart immediately then, eh Cap’n?” Gibbs inquired. “Lads, raise the anchor, we got places ta go and people ta see.”

Captain Sparrow considered the order, instinct telling him he’d better not run away just yet. No. Something was wrong, and he couldn’t leave until he found out what it was. “Nay Mr. Gibbs. I have unfinished business in Port Royal as yet, and I cannot depart until it is dealt with.” Sparrow replied, his gazed fixed on the island, no trace of emotion upon his weathered face.

“Jack, are ye daft?” Gibbs exclaimed. Sparrow’s entire crew stared at the Captain, at loss for words. Sure, the man had done some crazy things before, but he’d clearly gone off his rocker this time. “We just helped ye escape from yer own execution. Norrington will be huntin’ for ye somethin’ fierce.”

“Aye, I know.” Jack replied, his voice heavy. “But he certainly won’t be expectin’ me ta stay on the island, now will he? I want the lot of ye lot ta take The Pearl and sail east. Give me two days from sunrise, that outta give me enough time ta takes care of things.”

Annamaria broke her silence then. “What sort’a business is this Captain? Be it so important to risk yer neck?”

“Let’s just say it be a private affair to be dealt with between a friend and I, savvy?”

“But the Turner’s bid ye ta flee.” Gibbs pointed out.

“Aye that they did. This has naught to do with Will and Elizabeth, even tho’ I never got a proper goodbye to em’. Just go. Give me two days, and I’ll meet ye back here. I’ll explain the rest then.”
He departed The Pearl with haste, stopping in his cabin for only a moment to retrieve a few belongings before he rowed back to shore. All the while, he wondered exactly what he was going to do with himself, and how he was to explain his actions later.

~*~*~*~

Suggestion Box: nymuea@yahoo.com
Please review! All comments are certainly appreciated.