The Jackdaw

Chapter 12: Mrs. Kenway

Adè returned with fresh water and food, encouraging you to eat with him instead of sulking on the couch. You both ate in silence. The food and water helped cure you of your hangover and emotional breakdown. It stayed silent for some time until Joey barged his way in, a loud voice booming through the house as he worked his way to the room you were in.

He dropped down into one of the chairs and let it groan under his massive weight. "Hosting a party and didn't invite me? I'm insulted."

You had been nervous to see any of the crew. You were worried about the state you had left things but Joey's positivity helped you to relax. He had always been understanding from the get-go. 

You teased, "The invitation must have gotten lost along the way."

He snorted, snapping up some of the food and chowing down on it. Joey made up most of the conversation, talking nonstop about one thing after the next. You were grateful that he didn't mention Edward or anything else that might have been painful to hear about.

When Adè had his fill of food and drink, he stood up and straightened out his garments. "Edward has business ties here on the island." He walked over to one of the nearby rooms and returned with a large book. "He invested coin into businesses and the businesses were supposed to return to him a percentage of the profits." He placed the book onto the coffee table and pointed at the paperwork.

"Why show me this?" You rubbed fingers into your forehead, still feeling like the drink was perhaps clouding your understanding.

Adè straightened out his spine, thick arms folded across his chest. "If you choose to live here, you might as well make a profit for yourself."

You shoved the book away and leaned back in your seat on the couch. "You mean you want me to sponge off of Edward."

"No." He pushed the book back to you and pointed a scolding finger at you. "I want you to work for Edward and take a cut of the profits for yourself."

Joey grumbled as he ate the last of his food. "Captain sure as hell can't do it himself."

Work for Edward? It was the least you could do for him after everything you said. It dawned on you that you had kissed a stranger just to spite him. You could have folded in on yourself and died from embarrassment.

You gave a meager nod of your head. "Alright. I'll do what I can."

"We're setting sail to meet with Thatch at a wreckage. We'll return soon." He gave a hesitant pat on your shoulder, squeezed it for a brief moment then left with Joey.

You sat there for a quiet moment longer. You stared at the window across the room until finally, you couldn't resist. You walked over to stare out at the harbor, to see the large billowing sails of the Jackdaw. You watched as she glided out to see towards the horizon.

You wondered if Edward stood at her helm, a proud and confident stance as he looked out over the vast dark blue of the ocean. Or perhaps he hid in his cabin, furiously tearing it apart in his rage.

Before you could mope over the events, you grabbed hold of the business ledger and headed outside into the Caribbean sun. You'd start with the general store first and then the tavern. You'd leave the brothel for last, uneager to deal with whoever owned that place. You followed the single and large dusty path towards the docks and walked the creaking steps of the store.

The man behind the counter greeted you casually, "Welcome, friend. Let me know if I can help you with anything."

"Are you the owner?" You sat down the ledger and removed the parchment that held all of the details to the business agreement.