The Wager - a "missing scene" set during DMC
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“Cap’n,” Gibbs hesitated just inside the cabin door, fidgeting from foot to foot.
Jack looked up from his charts. “What is it, Mister Gibbs?”
Gibbs glanced nervously over his shoulder at the deck behind him and came further into the room. “It’s about Miss Elizabeth, Cap’n,” he continued, in a low voice.
“Well, what about her?” Jack’s voice had a peevish tone to it. “She didn’t find the rum, did she?”
Gibbs shook his head. “No, the rum is safe.”
“Well, then I see no other worries, mate.” Jack waved a vague hand towards the door. “Just close your eyes and pretend she’s not there; that’s how I get by.”
Gibbs didn’t leave, instead he stood his ground, looking even more miserable.
Jack threw down his dividers and took a long swallow from the rum bottle holding down a corner of the chart. Sighing, he handed the bottle to Gibbs. “So what seems to be the problem with Miss Swann?”
Gibbs took the rum with a grateful look and drank. “It’s just that it’s frightful bad luck to have a woman on board, sir.”
“Considering the luck we’ve been having, Mister Gibbs, I would say, it can’t get much bloody worse.” Jack leaned back and propped his boots up on the table. “Seeing how the blasted compass will only work for her, I see no other bloody course to take.”
“Aye, Cap’n.” Gibbs took another swallow and handed the bottle back. “But what if she starts askin’ questions of the crew, ‘bout what happened t’ young Turner?”
Jack scowled. “Curiosity’s bound t’get the best of her, aye?” His scowl deepened. “Weren’t suppose t’ happen that way.” Jack sat lost in thought for a moment, then brightened. “Nonetheless, we shall just have to get young William back, won’t we now?”
“Miss Elizabeth, she’ll be eternally grateful for that, Cap’n.”
“Will she now?” Jack smirked. “I am willing to wager she’s not as ‘in love’ as she thinks she is.”
Gibbs shook his head. “I dunno, Cap’n. Seems t’ be wantin’ her man right bad like, from the looks of it.”
“She just wants a man, Gibbs. Any man.” Jack grinned. “I bet you a shilling she’ll jump at the first chance she gets.”
“A shilling?” Gibbs smiled. “What terms might you be wantin' to wager, Cap’n?”
“A shilling says I can get her t’ kiss me.” Jack stood, donning his hat and coat. “Won’t take but a bit of persuasion.”
“Aye, Cap’n. She does seem t’ have an itch needin’ scratchin’.” Gibbs patted his pockets. “Best be findin’ Marty and collectin’ what he owes me.”
Jack nodded. “Shall we go find Miss Swann?”
“Aye, Cap’n.”
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