Tactics
They finally ran Jack Sparrow to ground in New Providence. Lieutenant Gillette was the one to lay hands on Jack, down a dark and foetid alley.
"Yes, yes," said Jack and spread his hands wide. "My compliments to the King's Navy."
Gillette had Jack by one shoulder. One filthy shoulder. Gillette almost shuddered. This time he'd see that Jack was bathed before he was hanged. "Come," he said and yanked Jack forward.
"Have mercy," Jack said and swayed back against a wall. "I'm a tiny bit unsteady at the moment." He passed a hand over his forehead. "You wouldn't have your rum ration on you, by happy chance?" He leaned in and gave Gillette the full benefit of his breath. "Hair of the dog," Jack confided.
"Certainly not," Gillette said and yanked Jack upright. "Now, march."
Jack grimaced. "Patience, Lieutenant. I'm in a delicate condition." He put his arm around Gillette's shoulders. "If you'll just give me a moment--"
"What do you need a moment for?" Gillette was anxious to get Jack back to the Commodore. Anxious to receive his praise.
"For this, Lieutenant," Jack said and swung around, throwing his weight on Gillette. Staggering, Gillette got a sudden close view of Jack's wild eyes and then Jack's mouth was on his and Gillette realised that Jack was kissing him.
Gillette felt he was at a tactical disadvantage. Not to mention Jack was the worst thing he had ever tasted. When Jack's hand squeezed Gillette's arse, Gillette realised he hadn't actually stopped Jack yet. And that Jack had put his tongue into Gillette's mouth. And that Gillette had let him.
He pushed Jack away and went for his pistol. But it was in Jack's hand now and Jack's eyes were glinting over the barrel.
"I don't think I'll be joining you today, love," Jack said, smiling. "But if you'd like to come along with me, I'm sure I could find you a ... position among my crew."
Gillette couldn't speak. His breath was trapped inside his body and his arms wouldn't move.
"No?" Jack said, backing away. "My respects to the Commodore, then, and to you--" He blew a kiss to Gillette and then he was gone.
Lieutenant Gillette sat down on a heap of trash and didn't move until his men found him half an hour later.