Disney did it. I was in Chicago, or Oklahoma, or somewhere that isn't a musical.

I conceived this idea after distressing a few reviewers with Norrington's fate in A Question of Proof. I think of this not as a companion piece, but as an alternate ending. I haven't actually written the ending, yet, though, and can't promise it will make anyone any happier- but I am trying! For everyone who was good enough to review AQoP- this one's for you.

An Answer of Doubt

Having finished with his business in Tortuga, Jack figured it high time to commence with the pleasureable part of his visit. He wandered past several of his crew, out of the Faithful Bride, and swaggered toward the seedier part of town, where a man of Jack's means could buy anything, anything at all. He'd only taken a step or two, when he realized that he was being watched. Watched, and perhaps followed. Nope, make that watched, followed, and undressed with eyes, by someone with excellent taste in arses. Jack rounded a corner, pressed himself into the shadows, and stuck a boot out, at the opportune moment. The man sprawled arse over tea kettle.

"Evening matey, as you was walkin' so slow, figured I'd wait you up."

Puzzled to see that both of the man's hands were empty, Sparrow, tucked his pistol away, and offered him a hand up. As the man looked up, accepting the offered hand, some light from the street illuminated his face.

"Codpiece to a eunuch! If it ain't me dear friend James! We really should stop meeting like this, mate. Here spying on the other side? Or is this a visit of a more personal nature, seeing as how you really can't do an honest day's whoring in your own back garden, so to speak?"

As James stood, Sparrow was somewhat surprised he had recognized the Commodore, at all. The man had grown thinner, started a beard, and was wearing his own hair, for a change. His clothes were not Navy in origin, of course. His shirt was loose. His breeches were snug. At his hip, swung a new Turner blade, judging by the hilt, was somewhat less ornate than the old one. A pistol was tucked into his sash. By all the mysteries of the deep, from the top of his head to the toes of his boots, the man looked every inch a pirate. James moved toward the wall, joining Jack in the shadows.

"So you have not heard?"

"Heard what, James?"

"Commodore Norrington was court-martialed and sentenced to be hanged. Two of his officers, who were unswervingly loyal to him, risked their careers and probably their lives, to provide him a means of escape."

"That would the pretty one and the feisty little frog, ey? Good lads. But Norrington, court-martialed! For bloody what?"

A small humorless smile appeared, that did nothing to offset the pain in his eyes.

"What do you think? He has good reason to believe it was a set up. You did warn him, that society wanted all sodomites to swing, for which he is most grateful, Captain."

Jack reached a hand out to touch Norrington's shoulder. Norrington took a step back.

"James-"

"I am James Grey, now. Piracy is what is left to me."

"I see. Grey, not quite white, not quite black? Well, welcome to the brotherhood, Captain Grey."

"I am not a captain, Captain. I have no ship."

"So what? You're in the market."

"No. I am not."

"What ship are you with now, then?"

"No ship as yet. I'm ashamed to admit that the kindness of some of our mutual friends has gotten me this far."

"No worries mate. The Pearl would be bloody grateful to have someone of your special abilities and experience."

"Thank you Captain, but I fear I must decline your generous offer."

"Hold up, you haven't even heard my offer yet."

"Nor do I wish to hear it, Captain."

Jack took a deep breath.

"You won't find a better offer, Mr. Grey, in Tortuga, or anywhere else in the world for that matter, nor a finer ship than the Black Pearl, nor a friendlier crew, to someone with your particular past."

"I am well aware of all of that."

"Then I take it, your problem is with me?"

"Sparrow, I-"

"Captain Sparrow, Mr. Grey."

"Captain Sparrow. Yes, my problem is with you."

"Very well, then, just why are you following me, Mr. Grey?"

"I-"

Jack waited. Nothing else seemed forthcoming.

"Come on, mate, come have a drink and some supper with me. I do hope I'm not unfit company for a meal, as well?"

Jack smiled mildly.

"This was a mistake, Captain Sparrow. I have wasted your time. I would, however, be much obliged to you, if next time you see Mr. and Mrs.- Will and Elizabeth- you would thank them for me, as I did not have that opportunity."

"Be glad to."

"Thank you, then, and farewell, Captain."

With that, Jack watched Norrington as he crossed the street and disappeared into an alley. Jack waited a few seconds and followed, partly out of concern for the man, partly to satisfy his own curiosity. James walked by the taverns, brothels, shops, and houses, past stills, wood piles, pig pens, outhouses, and ramshackle huts, to a quiet stretch of beach. He sat on a fallen palm, and tucked his legs in, encircling his knees with his arms. Jack stayed back, wondering if this was a stop or a destination. When it appeared that Norrington wasn't going anywhere else, anytime soon, Jack sneaked a bit closer.

"Hello Jack."

"James, fancy meeting you here."

"I'm not worth your trouble, Captain."

Jack stepped over the log and sat next to James.

"No trouble. Was getting downright bored with all me drinking and swiving- both well known commodities, here abouts. Not every day I run into a full blown mystery in Tortuga, mate."

"What mystery would that be?"

"Well, I know we haven't been the very best of friends, but always assumed our differences were more due to our conflicting professions, than to anything personal. Comes as quite a blow to find out that I was wrong about that. If I've offended you, in the past, James, be so good as to accept my most humble apologies. Please allow me the chance to make it up to you, somehow."

There is a long silence. Jack mentally slaps himself, for the seventh time, for not bringing a bottle with him, out of the Faithful Bride. Of course, he had intended to go where he could drink the smoothest and tastiest rum in all Tortuga. Still, there is no excuse for being caught unprepared for the unexpected.

"Captain Sparrow, you have in no way offended me. My reasons for declining your offer are personal in nature and in no way reflect unfavorably upon you. It was wrong of me to give you that impression."

"And?"

"That is all I have to say on the matter."

"Oh, for love of gold, will you just tell me why you won't join my crew?"

"No, that is my concern. It is none of yours."

"Of course it bloody is, being that I want you on my crew!"

"No."

"Please tell me why, James."

"No."

"I'll trade you for the information."

"Trade me? Trade me what?"

"What do want?"

"Nothing you can trade me."

"I'll buy it. Name a price."

"That information is not on sale to you, Captain."

"Why bloody not?"

"Because it is not."

Another long silence stretched thin between them. When Jack had drank more than his fill of rumless quiet, he placed the fingers of pickpockets and conjurers on Norrington's knee, and said in the voice he uses to make hardened whores' hands sweat,

"Perhaps there is something you would prefer over money, James."

...to be continued...