A Pirate's Love

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

               Jack dressed in a rush and flew down the stairs.  He prayed that she wasn't gone yet, but in his heart, he knew it was too late.  He hurried into the dining room and found Will and Elizabeth sitting there.

               "Where is she?" he demanded of them both. 

               "She's gone Jack."

               "I know that Elizabeth.  Tell me where she went!"

               "Jack, sit down."  Will said.  Trying to remain calm.

               "I will not sit down William!  I want to know where Maddy is!"  he began to pace.  Elizabeth got out of her chair and walked to him.  She put her hand on his arm.  He turned and threw her a heated glance.

               "Elizabeth.  Let go of me arm."

               "No Jack.  She's gone.  I know where she went, but I have no idea how to get there."

               "What do you mean?"

               "Jack, do you love her?"

               "More than anything."

               "More than the Pearl?"  Elizabeth thought she saw a wince in his eyes, but she wasn't sure.

               "Aye.  More than the Pearl."  Elizabeth led him to the table to sit down.

               "And she loves you Jack.  She always has."  Jack slammed his fist onto the table.

               "Then why did she leave? Not just today but all those years ago?  Then go off and marry some dandy just to spite me!  Have a child with another man? When all I wanted to do was love her!"  It broke Elizabeth's heart to see Jack this way.  But there was nothing she could do.  She had no idea how to get to Madeline's island.

               "She went to her island Jack." Will said quietly.

               "Her island? Where is that?"

               "We don't know.  When she took Elizabeth there, she blindfolded her so she wouldn't know the location."

               Jack smirked.  "Smart pirate."  Elizabeth smiled.

               "If I knew how to get there Jack, I would go with you.  Will and I both would.  But I don't.  I don't know how we can help you."

               "It's not yer fault Elizabeth.  Maddy's always been her own person from the time I met her until now."  Jack leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

               "What are you going to do Jack?" Will asked.

               "Search for her I guess.  But it appears she has made obvious plans not to be found."  A maid placed a plate of food in front of Jack and he slowly began to eat.

               Madeline stood at the bow of her ship.  The Caribbean breezes flowing through her hair.  All of her thoughts on the man she left behind.  The love she left behind.  If only life were simpler.  She and Jack could be married.  Live together happily.  And share in the joy of their son.  Her hand went to her stomach.  Did she and Jack create another child after last night?

               "Captain."  She heard her first mate Mr. Taylor behind her.

               "What is it Mr. Taylor?" she asked noticing the concern on his face.

               "It's JJ Captain.  He's not here!"  Pure panic set into Madeline's face.

               "What do you mean he's not here?"

               "We've searched the entire ship for him and he is not aboard the Intrepid."

               "Damnit JJ!" she yelled out loud.  Her mind racing back to the hours earlier as they departed Port Royal.  She had told him to go to his cabin.  But then she hadn't paid much attention to him after that.

               "Bloody hell.  He probably didn't even get on the damn ship!"  Madeline turned and look back to the direction of Port Royal.  They were already a day out at sea.  It would be another two before they reached the island.

               "Captain?" Mr. Taylor asked.  "What is your plan?"

               Madeline sighed out loud.  "There are no plans.  Continue course for the island.  I can only hope that JJ is still in Port Royal with Will and Elizabeth."

               Jack stood at the wheel of his ship as they departed Port Royal.  His mind wavering on which direction to go.

               "Captain?" he turned around to see Mr. Gibbs with his hand firmly grasped on a young boy.  Jack couldn't believe his eyes.

               "Well, whelp.  What are ye doin' on me ship? Stowing away?"  JJ shrugged off Mr. Gibbs' hand and came forward.

               "Now see here." Mr. Gibbs tried to grab JJ once more but Jack held up his hand.

               "Do ye love me mum?" he asked

               "Why do you care?"

               "Do ye love me mum.  It's a yea or nay question Captain."

               "Aye whelp, I love yer mum."

               "Do you want her back?"

               "Bloody hell yes I want her back."

               "I'll take you to her."