The Jackdaw

Chapter 3: Crooked Island

It had been a few days into the voyage, your skills as a cook were appreciated by the crew, a ravenous lot every one of them. The atmosphere of the ship was homier than what you were used to. You always lived as a solitary thief, stealing when you could, scrounging enough coins for food and a place to sleep. Amongst the men, you had a solid place to call your own, and life was easier than you'd ever experienced it.

You were lying comfortably on your bunk, hands tucked leisurely behind your head. The men were telling stories over drinks, their laughing and goading ringing against your ear. Somehow they managed to gather themselves in the bunks around you.

"Jack, you devil!" One of the men lifted his drink to you, Joey, his large form taking up most of the room around him. "You're awfully smug over there!"

"He's probably got a better story than us all, hey lad?"

"He hasn't any stories," another coaxed. "A young whelp like him."

You hadn't any stories, none like they had been telling. The sleazy "best night of my life" kind of stories. You had flattered your way to freedom numerous times but no man or woman had ever been able to keep you for long. At some point, the con always had to end one way or another. But, you were an excellent liar and flatterer. And wasn't that what most stories were made of, lies and flattery?

"Aye, boys, I do." You slid your eyes closed, a wide grin spreading along your features. "I'm a thief by nature, boys. Always been one. And I'd been watching this place for days, you see, nice little mansion. Wealthy-looking family had been visiting, living in the place. I'd been keeping an eye on their comings and goings. That's when I saw her, boys."

"A busty maiden," someone barked.

The men laughed, jeering at one another.

You let the men fill their imaginations with how attractive she was. It was, of course, the easiest route. "Aye, boys, aye. I snuck into the house later that night. Found her there, at her mirror, admiring her fashions and jewels. Her skin smooth as silk without a single blemish." You sat up and caught sight of all the men hanging on your words. "I had only planned to take the jewels, you see, but, ah, what a woman." You winked, getting to your feet and leaning against the ship's support beam.

"What happened, Jack?" One of the men was leaning forward, Bill, his wooden mug tipped over, nearly spilling its contents.

"Of course, I charmed her. I snagged a few of her jewels. And I was on my way..." You grinned. "After her father caught us together, that is. She couldn't resist the allure of danger."

The boys laughed, rowdy and drunk, and one managed a weak slap against your back.

"You're a lying snake," one of them grumbled half-heartedly.

"Kingston, then," you retorted, snapping up an unattended mug. "Maybe we'll catch sight of that fine lady." You threw back a good mouthful of rum.

"To Kingston!" A few lifted their glasses, the rest were too busy chugging theirs.

You tossed a quick glance over your shoulder, catching sight of Edward leaning against the wall. He looked smug as ever, arms crossed with leisure, holding back his laughter over the story.

"Captain!" One of the men shouted, drunk and swaying in his seat. "Bet you have some stories to share!"

He gave a light chuckle. "None quite as fine as the one I just heard."

Someone started off with the words of a shanty and the others quickly joined.

Edward flashed a charming smirk, somehow drawing your steps towards him, bringing out a smile of your own. "Fine story, lad. Tell me now, what did this woman look like to compel you in such a way that you might risk imprisonment."