Chapter 16

As they passed through the shark infested passage Lexa crept late at night to where they had stored the treasure, on first try she was surprised to see that the stone casement they were stored in was so light. She didn’t want to contemplate that maybe someone or something unearthly was helping her, it was dark and her nerves were on end as it were.

Men milled about, but most of them had gone to sleep, the weather had stayed tranquil and it only took a few to keep the ship running as it should be.

“The gold it goes, back to it's watery grave. Silvery and pure the battles finally staved. Two souls put into the balance, it matters naught from here on. Take it back, ne’er to be seen again, now rest in peace so mote it be.”

The chest slipped into the water and with another flash of bright light disappeared. She wanted to feel Jack’s arms come around her and promise they’d find the horizon soon enough. They had all the time in the world, but she couldn’t risk visiting him again that night.

She had already snuck down enough food to feed two men, and Norrington might grow suspicious if she hid any more food in baskets claiming she got hungry late at night. They would set port late tomorrow evening and from there she’d decide what to do.

James had decided she was better off staying with the Turners. She knew them at least and they certainly had room for her.

Jack Sparrow got a jail cell, however much improved, without Will’s guidance, from last time, with the same guard dog watching over him.

There were no other prisoners, which told him just how respected Norrington had gotten to be. No pirate was willing to cross the man who had, albeit briefly, captured the infamous Jack Sparrow. He hadn’t heard word of a hanging yet, so he didn’t know how long it would be until they reached a decision. Not that it would be a hard one to make.

Lexa wore a new dress, this one had a lower cut bodice and straighter skirt, it was a blue color reminding her of the dress Jack had given her. She still wore the necklace, had refused to take it off, in fact.

Elizabeth had insisted that they attend a soiree, which Lexa reluctantly agreed to for Elizabeth’s sake. Will hadn’t wanted to go either, he much preferred staying at the blacksmith shop than facing a bunch of starry-eyed giggling girls who whispered about him as if he couldn’t hear, nor did he like the men who looked at Elizabeth with far less propriety than warranted considering she was his wife.

So far it had been alright, Lexa was able to stay out of the way of amorous males and the gossipers. She was able to hear everything that was going on without actually having to partake in it herself. Though she was grateful for all Elizabeth had done for her, she sometimes found herself growing annoyed at Elizabeth’s outlook on piracy and, more importantly, Jack Sparrow.

Elizabeth kept saying how fortunate it was that Lexa got away from the whole pillaging and plundering act, and although she wished she could do something for Jack, it was basically hopeless this time. Will couldn’t go gallivanting off to save Jack when the Navy had threatened to arrest them for it.

Now that Jack was back on the island she heard various women talking of how much they would want one night with him just to prove they’d slept with a pirate. Lexa had to sip her glass of port to keep from strangling the lot of them.

Elizabeth was dancing with William, they did look awfully terrific together she noticed, the sparkle in the couple’s eye proved their love to all who looked upon them. It was almost like the movies, the curse had ended, Jack Sparrow was caught, and she was... she didn’t know exactly where she stood.

She almost hated herself, if this had been a story she would have hated her character. When reviewing she always admonished characters when they didn’t fight for the ones they loved, if they just stood amicably aside because they were women, but what was she doing? She was no better than they.

“Have you heard? Sparrow’s in one of the cells that belong to the Navy!”

It was yet another voice speaking in boastful tones the fate of Jack. She clenched her knuckles around the wine glass fighting down the consuming anger. It was the high voice of a girl not yet a woman, but there lay a malicious edge to the tone.

“Do you really believe all the stories, Martha?” a squeaky voice entered the conversation this one, Lexa was sure, belonged to an even younger girl.

“Course I do, Polly! Mmm.. can you imagine all the wicked things he’s done? Little more than a savage, I bet.”

What was she doing just standing here in the middle of a crowded ballroom? Where she wanted most to be was with Jack.

“Can you believe the Commodore is betrothed?” that last sentence brought her up short, hope flaring in her heart. If the Commodore was engaged she had an excuse, Jack would have to risk fighting now!

“To that red-haired lass from the corner, eh?” Martha replied her tones hushed, “He called on her right after Jack made his escape. Again. Speaking of, I heard Sparrow’s not in the least bit civilized. He has women and then he kills them so they can't ever bed another man.”

“Sounds dreadfully terrifying! Are you going to watch him hang?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for anything, Ma already said I could.”

“You self-serving, low-born, vile wretches!” Lexa couldn’t take it anymore, she didn’t plan on staying on Port Royale anyway, nor did she care one whit what they thought of her.

“Just who,” Martha looked conceitedly down her nose at Lexa though she stood a good two inches shorter, “are you?”

“Jack Sparrow is far more civilized than the two of you put together. He’s better than any titled gentleman in this room. Standing here thinking of his death, you’re not fit company for pigs! Instead of spiteful gossip did it ever occur to you brainless twits to actually go and acquire real knowledge instead of the mindless prattle you engage in?!”

“How dare you!” Polly hissed, “I’m titled, Papa says so. I can have you ruined, who’re you to talk to us that way? I could have Jack Sparrow if I wanted!”

“Could you?” Lexa grinned evilly, “I’m his, I wouldn’t think of owning him, your lot would already consider me ruined. But you know what? I’m still standing. He didn’t ‘kill me in my sleep’, or terrorize me with his ‘savage’ ways. The only savages here are you. Stupid, insensitive, shallow bitches. The only way he’ll hang is if I'm strung up next to him. Take that and go to hell.”

She left the two girls pale and justly chastised as she left the ballroom and walked the long way to the jail. If anyone were to follow her they’d think she headed home, most of the people were at the soiree anyway, so she doubted she’d encounter anyone.

Adrenaline still ran through her veins and she belatedly realized she’d stolen a port glass. She laughed as she changed her mind and ran up the stairs to Elizabeth and Will’s house. Changing before she went to the jail would be good, running around in dresses and finery wasn’t her style. She had been missing her boots and pants, Elizabeth hadn’t allowed her to wear them since the night they’d welcomed her into their house.

Her shirt still had the salty smell of the ocean upon it. It felt so good to finally go back to being simple Lexa, pirate lass. Commodore Norrington was engaged to the woman whom she had seen peering wistfully outside the window near Will’s smithy. She had left a note for Will and Elizabeth, and the soiree served as perfect cover for escape.

No one on Port Royale would consider helping Jack escape, Will and Elizabeth were firmly being watched at the ball, and she had free rein to their jail. All she had to do was find the keys and Jack’s effects. She couldn’t expect a pirate to leave without his compass, pistol, and sword!

The keys weren’t hard to unearth they were all hung on a rusted ring on the inside of the jailers office. It was a good thing she knew how to pick door locks otherwise she would have had a slightly larger complication.

Jack had his hat over his face, but he was facing towards where boats were docked in the harbor. She unlocked the door and as he put the tricorn hat back in place on his head she had her arms wrapped around him.

“God, Jack, I missed you so much.” She buried her face in his shoulder and hugged him until the empty ache inside her stomach and heart subsided. He hugged her back after the initial shock wore off and then proceeded to do more than just hug. He smoothed back her hair and when she looked at him, kissed her, a long deep kiss that erased whatever heartsickness she had.

“What’s wrong, love? Who hurt you?” his eyes were liquid amber and at the thought of someone causing her pain he reached for the sword that was no longer there. Pure instinct had him reacting despite the fact the cell’s door was wide open tempting him with freedom.

“No one.” She grinned impishly, “We’re free, everyone’s at a party. Come on, Captain. You owe me a horizon and a trip to Singapore.”

“Well, a promise given...” he kissed her again before escorting her out of the cell. He found his effects hanging on the same peg as before, and Lexa patted the dog good-bye vowing never to see it again.

The two ran through the night down to the docks careful to avoid anyone’s searching eyes. They were almost scot-free when upon untying one of the ropes the click of heels was heard behind them.

“I should have known something like this would happen.”

Lexa turned calmly facing whomever was trying to stop them, she didn’t care if it was the whole Royal Navy, no one was taking Jack back to jail. To her surprise it was only James who looked amused at the sight of them.

“James, you found a wife...” Lexa let the other half of the sentence say itself.

“Really? Who’s the lucky lass?” Jack raised a tankard that Lexa had taken in a toast.

“I trust the Navy will be far less hassled than ‘tis now?” James sighed in resignation.

“I promise, I’ll keep him away from your ships.” She smiled, “Most of the time, I have to visit, you know? Preferably away from this port.”

“Yes, jail security here will never be the same.” He said sounding so much like Jack Davenport Lexa found herself laughing about it.

“Thank you, Commodore.” Lexa boarded the ship with Jack, but before they left she threw a large bag of coins where the rope was coiled. “The owner can afford to buy three boats with that, I’m not all pirate yet...”

“Yes, you are.” Jack turned the wheel and guided the ship out of the port. Lexa gasped, she finally understood the verse part that hadn’t made any sense. ‘Find the wine twas mine...’ her grandmother had always had a glass of port before she went to sleep. What had they been drinking at the ball?

Her mind was already made up, there was no way she could go back to the twenty-first century. Life was just about perfect here and she couldn’t leave Jack again. If she did it would end up destroying her, she had a whole world to explore and to do so as a pirate?

“I love you, Jack.” She said, with the night sky where she could actually see the stars, and the rocking motion of the ship that she’d always love, this was where she could live.

“Love you too, Lexa.” Jack rigged the wheel in place and pulled her over to the balcony... another of her fantasy’s come true. She laughed wickedly and knew that she was home.

Authors Note 2: It's finally done, oh my goodness, I know what you’re all thinking. If it took her only two days to write why did she take so bloody long to update?! I'm sorry for that, lol, but it's here now, and I hope you like it!!! Should she have been sadder at not going home? I don’t think so, she didn’t really like it there, and here’s where her soul belongs. Also, was the whole I love you thing a little too fluffy? I thought it had to be said, but maybe not. Any suggestions, I’ll delete it if it doesn’t fit...