The Adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow

Suspicious Minds

The next day Gabriela was the talk in town. Everyone talked about the governor of Cuba's visit to Port Royal.

Unaware of the Duke's suspicions, Gabriela had organized her first trip to Havana. She needed to test her communication system and see if it was safe to send and receive messages from the Governor.

Fermín and Joaquín got up very early to take the shallop out of the cave and load it with the things Gabriela was taking to Havana. At 6 a.m., everything was ready to set sail. Gabriela wasn't going to travel alone. Fermín, Joaquín, Fernando, and two former slaves called Jeremiah and Isaiah joined the crew, Isabela was also traveling with Gabriela. Fermin was worried because the trip could last at least 12 hours or more. But unfortunately, there was no other way until they could use the other way of sending messages.

They set sail, but not far from Port Royal, they were stopped by the HMS Interceptor. Admiral Davenport wasn't alone. When his spies told him that Gabriela's men were preparing the shallop he told the Duke. He was also on board of the Interceptor.

Admiral Davenport asked, "Where are you going so early, Madam?"

Gabriela smiled, "Good morning, gentlemen. I am going to the Port of Havana."

Admiral Davenport looked at her in disbelief, "On that small shallop? Do you even know how to get there?"

Gabriela was getting angry but she concealed her feelings and calmly said, "Of course, I told you I used to sail with King Felipe."

Admiral Davenport chuckled, "And may I ask what is the purpose of your travel to La Havana?"

"Well, as you may know, I need the King's authorization to get married. I am visiting the Governor. I'm taking a letter for him to deliver to my uncle asking for his consent."

Duke Nottingham spoke, "I am afraid that we cannot allow you to sail that small ship. I am concerned about your safety and at the same time due to the current tense situation between our two kingdoms it is our duty to check your cargo."

"Excuse me but what tense situation between our kingdoms are you talking about?" Gabriela pretended to be ignorant of this issue.

Duke Nottingham explained, "Well, it's all an unfortunate misunderstanding, but until this situation is solved these waters are dangerous for a small boat like yours. There are many corsairs, buccaneers, and pirates attacking Spanish Galleons and looting their precious cargo. And believe it or not, the Spanish crown blames us."

Gabriela looked shocked, "But you cannot control what French corsairs do! Or those buccaneers. How are you to blame? I think this marriage will bring peace between our crowns, don't you think, James?"

"Oh, I couldn't agree more. Yet I cannot allow you to sail for about 15 hours in a sea infested with sharks on that little boat."

"Fair enough gentlemen," Gabriela was now showing annoyance, I know I can reach Cuba without any problem but since you are so concerned about my safety, I will please you and hire somebody's service to go to Cuba. If you could be so kind as to escort me to port, I will be able to hire someone and you will be able to inspect the cargo."

Admiral Davenport agreed and proceeded to tow Gabriela's shallop to port. Once they docked both ships, Gabriela said, "Alright, gentlemen, Fermín and I will go and hire somebody while you check everything is in order. Then I will go to Cuba and one of my men will take my ship home." She said goodbye and went into town. Fermin took her to the tavern Jack's family used to visit. There, they met Edward and Jack's uncles. They were shocked to see a fine lady like her in a place like that. Gabriela ignored what the drunk sailors said to her and walked straight to Edward's table. They greeted them, and she asked them about Jack who was feeling much better but was still repairing the Pearl.