The Caribbean by Rob Kidd Read Free Book Online

translate,” Diego pointed out. “If you capture any Spanish prisoners you want to question—or desire Parlay with Spanish crews—or want to spy on Spanish sailors…”
    “Hmm,” Jack said, stroking his chin. “And you say you have some interesting information for me, darling?”
    “ Very interesting,” Carolina said.
    Jack knew that Barbossa—and probably most of the rest of his crew—would disapprove, but his curiosity always got the better of him. Besides, nobody said he couldn’t change his mind later, once he knew what he wanted to know.
    “Very well then,” he said. “Welcome aboard!”
    Carolina clapped her hands excitedly and hugged Diego.
    “Now,” Jack went on quickly, before Barbossa could start his bellowing and bellyaching, “what were you going to tell me?”
    “It’s about Villanueva,” Carolina said. “I overheard some of the soldiers talking while they had me locked up. The Pirate Lord is working for the Spanish now. He made a deal with them so he can eventually retire into the Spanish aristocracy. They’re planning to take over the whole Caribbean together and then divide it up between them.”
    “What?” Jack cried.
    “What?” Barbossa bellowed.
    “That’s what I said,” Jack pointed out.
    “You see?” Diego said. “No honor! He does not even follow the Pirate Code!”
    “What do you know of the Pirate Code, boy?” Barbossa snarled. “Your grandfather wasn’t even born when captains Morgan and Bartholomew set down the Code for the Second Brethren Court. Some of us have been living by it for our whole lives.”
    “Not Villanueva, apparently,” Diego said.
    “If this is true,” Billy said seriously, “then it’s a good thing we ran. He was coming not just to steal our gold but to free the soldiers…and probably sink us, if he could.” He shook his head.
    “That is their plan,” Carolina said. “To sink every pirate ship in the Caribbean and drive out the English and the French forever. The Spanish once controlled these waters completely, and they want to control them again.”
    Jack set his jaw. “Not while I’m alive,” he said. “I am the Pirate Lord of the Caribbean.”
    “Yes,” Barbossa muttered, “and after tonight’s dazzling display of courage, I’m sure Villanueva is absolutely terrified.”
    N ew Orleans!
    The city glittered in the distance as they sailed closer—although not as much, of course, as it had glittered when it was made entirely of silver.
    “I’m counting on you, Billy, old chap,” Jack said, pulling his friend close. The wind tugged at his long hair, but he knew it wasn’t just the wind; it was the strange shadows lurking in the corners of his vision as well. He needed to get rid of them as quickly as possible, before he went truly mad. “It’s up to you to keep an eye on the Pear l and the crew while they stagger about spending their ill-gotten loot. My advice is to get them as drunk as possible. That should keep ’em busy while Barbossa and I go see Tia Dalma.”
    “I don’t trust that mystic,” Billy said. “I don’t know why you need to go see her.”
    “Ah, she’s not so bad,” Jack said, ruffling Bill’s hair. “We go way back. Old friends. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to see me. Probably forgotten all about last time. I don’t think she’s the type to hold a grudge.”
    “Say, Jack,” Barbossa said, joining them at the bow with an apple in his hand. “You know, I could stay with the Pearl instead. Wouldn’t be any trouble. Happy to keep an eye on it for you.” He winked and took a large bite of the apple.
    “Quite all right,” Jack said breezily. “Billy can handle it. And remember, it’s Captain Jack.” He tapped Barbossa lightly on the nose and swiped the apple from him.
    Barbossa scowled and stalked away, muttering something about mangy bilge rats.
    The Black Pearl sailed grandly into the port, and Jack remembered his visit to the town long ago, when he was captain of the Barnacle . Now