Fic: Sinners and Saints
Jun. 4th, 2007 06:19 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
serafina20Title: Saints and Sinners
Pairing: Jack/Norrington
Rating: M (for mature)
Summary: An unexpected gift falls into James's life.
Notes: My tummy hurts.
Oh. This is in the same universe as "Silent as the Grave" and "Freedom", but veers off before DMC so the other two fics don't happen.
Previous Parts
The sun finally broke over the horizon to hang low in the morning sky. Light spilled into James's room, splashing across his face.
He stirred, eyes tightening. One arm reached out, searching for the warm body who'd kept him company the night before. Found only empty space.
James opened his eyes to find himself alone. Jack was gone, as he needed to be, of course. He knew this. Expected it. Had already been surprised twice: once by his reappearance and once by waking to find Jack and his son together.
Still. There was a twinge, just above his stomach. In his chest. Loneliness. Regret. Longing.
On the table was a small stone, like one of the baubles in Jack's hair. He picked it up and found an etching of a moon and star on it. A hole had been ground through the stone, small.
He smiled. Perhaps he could not adorn his hair as the pirate did, but he could keep this bauble close by. The hawk left last time was in his study, on top of his globe. This was small enough to keep closer.
Three days passed swiftly. Final preparations were made. The ship was stocked, crew readied.
And then the day came. The sun peeked over the horizon to find James awake and dressed already. He sat in Gavin's nursery, gazing at his sleeping son.
Never had he felt like this. Since birth, practically, James had longed to be at sea. Longed for the wind against his face. The tang of salt in the air. The swift movement that was the closest he would ever get to flying. It's where he belonged. Where his heart and soul were.
Until now. Until one tiny being was thrust into his life.
One little boy, with down wisps of hair. With eyes as green as the sea. With full cheeks and a full bow in his lips. Tiny hands and feet. So delicate. So fragile.
So very loved.
It was impossible to think of leaving him. And yet, he must. Because, as he'd told Jack so long ago, he served others, and not just himself. And it wasn't as if Gavin would know. Would understand.
Dear God, he was just a child. He wouldn't understand. He'd think James had abandoned him.
James took a deep breath. Rubbed his eyes.
Such thinking would only lead to madness. Gavin would be fine. He had Mariah. And the Turners. And, perhaps, Jack, should he choose to come back to check on the child.
There was a knock at the door.
He said nothing.
The door creaked open. Soft footsteps sounded on the floor. The light, delicate gait of his housemate.
A small hand on his shoulder. "He will be fine, James."
He nodded. Frowned. "He will forget me."
"Never."
"He will. He is young. Out of sight, out of mind."
She came around and knelt at his feet. "Very well. Then, when you come back, he'll remember you. He'll still be young, you'll shower him with love as you do now, and he'll become accustomed to you once more. Remember how he loves you. His father." Mariah reached up and touched his cheek.
"I never should have taken him in," he said. "It was the height of selfishness. To condemn him to a life with an absent father. I should have.. said no. Admit that... Allow the Turners to raise him."
Expressive blue eyes rolled. "And then you'd be down on yourself for not taking responsibility. For forcing the Tuners to raise a child not your own. Every time anything happened to Gavin, you'd blame yourself. The slightest illness, a scratch, all your fault for not doing what you perceived to be an honorable thing."
She was right.
James smiled wryly. "I'm impossible to live with, aren't I?"
"Not impossible, no. But predictable in your need to take the weight of the world on your shoulders." She sat back on her heels. "You managed well enough with a sailor father."
"Yes. But I had a mother." He realized what he said almost immediately. Horror blossomed in his chest, and he moved forward as Mariah pulled away. Caught her hands. "I'm sorry," he said urgently. "I didn't mean.... Of course, Gavin has you. He loves you. You're the only mother he's ever known, and words cannot express how much your... everything that you do has meant to me. Mariah, I..."
"Calm yourself, James." She sat up again, and with him bent forward, their heads were level. "I understand what you meant. There is a difference between a mother and... whatever I've become. More than a wet nurse, less than, well. A mother."
He swallowed, feeling as though his heart were in his throat. "You are more his mother than anyone else in the world. And I thank God every day for you."
Her cheeks colored and she looked away. "Thank you, James."
James cleared his throat. His hands tightened momentarily, then he pulled away. Stood. "I should be off. We leave in a few hours."
Mariah stood as well. "Off with the tide." She went to the cradle and put her hand on the side. "We'll be out to say farewell." She looked at him. "Everything will be fine, James. No child every died from missing his father. And no father has died of the same, either."
"Of course." He offered her a smile, then went to the cradle. Bending over, he pressed his lips to Gavin's warm cheek. Stroked his forehead. "Good-bye, little man. You take care of the city while I'm gone, right?" He slipped his finger into Gavin's fist. Smiled when it was lifted to Gavin's mouth to suck on. "And don't worry Mariah or your Aunt Elizabeth too much. Understand?"
Gavin sucked particularly hard on James's finger. Kicked his feet.
James smiled and kissed him again. "Good boy."
* * *
"And then they made me their chief," Jack said.
Gavin squealed loudly. Kicked his feet, his chubby little hands reaching out to grab at Jack's hair.
Elizabeth laughed when the pirate grimaced. "How many times do we have to tell you not to hang over him like that?" she asked. She shook her head, setting the stone she was using to sharpen the sword on the table. Picked up a cloth and began polishing.
"One more time, apparently." Jack gave up the struggle to free his hair and instead picked the child up. One hand went to his back and he lightly danced Gavin around the room. "We devils and liars and really bad eggs," he sang as he danced.
Elizabeth snorted. "I cannot tell you how happy I am James will be back before Gavin learns to talk. I don't want him returning to have his son greet him with, 'drink up, me hearties, yo ho!'" Then, she frowned and cocked her head, considering. "Of course, that he could conceivably blame on me. Gavin's first words being Papa he could not."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "And the dear Commodore is not the lad's Papa?"
"No. James is more definitely his father. And would be called as such." She sighed. Shook her head. "I'd can't imagine what he'd say if he knew I allowed you anywhere near his child. He'd never speak to me again."
The pirate gave her a sly, secretive smile. "You may be surprised, luv?"
"Would I now?" She dropped the cloth and crossed the room to him. "Give."
"Ah, now don't let a sudden attack of conscious ruin me fun. We was dancin'."
"Go dance with Will." She took the baby from him and kissed the auburn-furred head. "He's been itching to practice swords with someone besides me. He'd love a chance to go head to head with you again."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes. Just traipse off to get meself scratched and sweaty and humiliated."
"You? Humiliated? The great Captain Jack Sparrow? Never."
Gavin stiffened in her arms. Began to cry querulously.
Elizabeth sighed. Bounced him a few times. "Why do you cry every time I hold you, Gavin? It's not fair." She bounced him again and kissed him.
He cried harder.
"He's 'ungry," Jack said.
"How do you know?"
Jack gave her something that, on any other person, might be considered an innocent look. "That's his 'ungry cry."
A wave of frustration overcame Elizabeth. She didn't know if she wanted to throw something at Jack or simply run him threw. "What are you doing here anyway?" she snapped. "Ten years you chase after the Pearl, and now that you've got her, you're spending all your time playing nursemaid to the Commodore's son?"
"Like I told you before. The Pearl's got repairs. Gibbs is taking care of that."
"And you trust your crew not to run off again?"
He cocked his head. "This one? Mostly. But don't worry, luv; I'm leaving in a few hours. Just dropped in to see the little 'un and me friends. Bit of catching up."
"Except you were just here two months ago." She bounced Gavin a few more times, wondering where Mariah was. "You shouldn't risk it. Getting caught. Will and I won't always be around to save you from the noose, you know."
A strange, flittering smile crossed his face. "Don't worry your pretty head about it, luv. Got me own methods of avoiding the noose, I do."
"Oh, do you? And just what is that, if I may ask?"
He smiled again, eyes dark and unreadable.
Mariah entered the room. Her hair was mussed and eyes half-lidded and heavy. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Turner. I didn't hear him cry." She took Gavin and went to sit.
"It's quite all right, Mariah. You're exhausted, I understand that. I only wish there was something I could do."
"You watched him while I slept. You're a friend. That's enough."
"Then do I have to remind you again that you're free to call me Elizabeth?" She sat next to Mariah and tweaked Gavin's leg as he nursed hungrily.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. Of course." She looked from her to Jack. "Did I miss anything interesting?"
"I was just telling Gavin a story," Jack said.
"And then Jack informed me that he had a method of avoiding being hanged that didn't include him avoiding Port Royal at all cost."
"Oh, does he now?" Mariah looked at him, smiling. "And just what is that plan?"
"Nothing for you to be concerned about, darling." He pressed his palms together and bowed.
"I rather hope not." She inhaled sharply and readjusted Gavin on her breast. "I hate when he does that."
"Does what?" Elizabeth asked.
"Pulls too hard. I nervously awaiting the day his teeth break through."
"As you two women are seeming to be discussing womanly issues, I'm going to take a step out and talk to dear William." He pirouetted and traipsed to the door. On arriving, he turned and said, "I'll be leaving tonight, Lizzie love. Don't worry your pretty head at my ship or my neck."
When he was gone, Elizabeth let her head fall back against the cushioned back. Locks of hair falling out from her braid and across her face.
"What's wrong?" Mariah asked.
"Nothing." Then she reached out and rubbed Gavin's foot with her fingertips. "Jack's so good with him, you know? And Gavin adores him."
"Gavin adores you."
"No, Gavin tolerates me. I'm the one who holds him too tightly and squishes his arm. Who bounces him in the way that always makes him cry. That... I'm no good with him."
"Now that's not true," Mariah said. "You're good with him. You know what to do. But, sometimes, it takes time. Learning all the little things."
Elizabeth arched her eyebrow. "And a pirate knows better how to handle a baby better than I do, why?"
Mariah shrugged. "The ways of the world are many and strange. Some people seem to be born with the touch to handle babies. With others, it takes time. Besides, he's probably had experience."
"You mean... Jack has children?"
"Oh. Well, actually, I don't know." The idea seemed to surprise Mariah as much as it had Elizabeth. "I was thinking more, possibly, a sibling. Or, ah, members of his crew having children. But, yes, it is entirely possible that Jack has a child or two somewhere." She frowned, brow furrowing.
"How well do you know Jack?"
She shrugged. "Not very well. I began working in Port Royal, oh, about three years ago? Jack came to the tavern infrequently. Port Royal isn't really the safest place for him. But he's memorable. And draws people to him. Funny and mysterious."
"Good in bed?"
Mariah blushed and shot Elizabeth a sidelong glance. "Mrs. Tuner, I'm surprised at you."
Elizabeth giggled. "One does wonder. It's merely curiosity. I would never do anything about it. I have Will. And he's perfect."
"He very nearly is, isn't he?" She pulled Gavin, who was asleep, off her breast and covered herself back up. "Truth be told, I only knew him as a legend before. Even when he was my customer, there was no real knowing him. But after nearly a week in the same house..."
"Same house." Elizabeth sat up. "You mean, he's living with you?"
Mariah nodded and said, "Yes. I thought you realized. He's been helping with Gavin at night."
"At James's house. What about his cook? The butler?"
"The cook left the morning James did. She informed me she does not serve whores. And Mr. Travers has a lung infection. The doctor recommended he leave the house so as not to endanger the baby."
"So you're all alone? Why did you not say anything?"
"It's nothing. I have everything I need. Even before Jack came, I'm well able to take care of myself."
"But you should not have to. James left Mrs. Conway with you because you are a member of his household. You're not... and even if you are or were, he's paying her to do her job. She has no right." Elizabeth shook her head. "She'll simply have to be let go."
"Tis not your place," Mariah chided gently. "You are not the head of James's household."
"Who is when he is gone?"
Mariah shrugged. "I'm not sure."
Elizabeth sighed. "He won't mind if I take control to care for the two of you. I just... I feel a bit uncomfortable. I know wouldn't approve of Jack staying in his home. But, at the same time if he is of help to you, then I don't' want to send him away. Unless both of you come to stay here."
"There isn't room."
"We have an extra room."
"One only. Jack and I...." Mariah laughed suddenly. "You think we're lovers."
"Aren't you?"
She shook her head. "No. He's been staying... in the guest room. I've been in mine. We're not..."
Elizabeth frowned. Tried to sort out what she was being told and failed to make sense of it. "Then why is he here? I mean, what is his interest?"
"You'll have to ask him. I'm afraid I couldn't say."
But Elizabeth could tell Mariah was lying. And she intended to find out the truth.
Pairing: Jack/Norrington
Rating: M (for mature)
Summary: An unexpected gift falls into James's life.
Notes: My tummy hurts.
Oh. This is in the same universe as "Silent as the Grave" and "Freedom", but veers off before DMC so the other two fics don't happen.
Previous Parts
The sun finally broke over the horizon to hang low in the morning sky. Light spilled into James's room, splashing across his face.
He stirred, eyes tightening. One arm reached out, searching for the warm body who'd kept him company the night before. Found only empty space.
James opened his eyes to find himself alone. Jack was gone, as he needed to be, of course. He knew this. Expected it. Had already been surprised twice: once by his reappearance and once by waking to find Jack and his son together.
Still. There was a twinge, just above his stomach. In his chest. Loneliness. Regret. Longing.
On the table was a small stone, like one of the baubles in Jack's hair. He picked it up and found an etching of a moon and star on it. A hole had been ground through the stone, small.
He smiled. Perhaps he could not adorn his hair as the pirate did, but he could keep this bauble close by. The hawk left last time was in his study, on top of his globe. This was small enough to keep closer.
Three days passed swiftly. Final preparations were made. The ship was stocked, crew readied.
And then the day came. The sun peeked over the horizon to find James awake and dressed already. He sat in Gavin's nursery, gazing at his sleeping son.
Never had he felt like this. Since birth, practically, James had longed to be at sea. Longed for the wind against his face. The tang of salt in the air. The swift movement that was the closest he would ever get to flying. It's where he belonged. Where his heart and soul were.
Until now. Until one tiny being was thrust into his life.
One little boy, with down wisps of hair. With eyes as green as the sea. With full cheeks and a full bow in his lips. Tiny hands and feet. So delicate. So fragile.
So very loved.
It was impossible to think of leaving him. And yet, he must. Because, as he'd told Jack so long ago, he served others, and not just himself. And it wasn't as if Gavin would know. Would understand.
Dear God, he was just a child. He wouldn't understand. He'd think James had abandoned him.
James took a deep breath. Rubbed his eyes.
Such thinking would only lead to madness. Gavin would be fine. He had Mariah. And the Turners. And, perhaps, Jack, should he choose to come back to check on the child.
There was a knock at the door.
He said nothing.
The door creaked open. Soft footsteps sounded on the floor. The light, delicate gait of his housemate.
A small hand on his shoulder. "He will be fine, James."
He nodded. Frowned. "He will forget me."
"Never."
"He will. He is young. Out of sight, out of mind."
She came around and knelt at his feet. "Very well. Then, when you come back, he'll remember you. He'll still be young, you'll shower him with love as you do now, and he'll become accustomed to you once more. Remember how he loves you. His father." Mariah reached up and touched his cheek.
"I never should have taken him in," he said. "It was the height of selfishness. To condemn him to a life with an absent father. I should have.. said no. Admit that... Allow the Turners to raise him."
Expressive blue eyes rolled. "And then you'd be down on yourself for not taking responsibility. For forcing the Tuners to raise a child not your own. Every time anything happened to Gavin, you'd blame yourself. The slightest illness, a scratch, all your fault for not doing what you perceived to be an honorable thing."
She was right.
James smiled wryly. "I'm impossible to live with, aren't I?"
"Not impossible, no. But predictable in your need to take the weight of the world on your shoulders." She sat back on her heels. "You managed well enough with a sailor father."
"Yes. But I had a mother." He realized what he said almost immediately. Horror blossomed in his chest, and he moved forward as Mariah pulled away. Caught her hands. "I'm sorry," he said urgently. "I didn't mean.... Of course, Gavin has you. He loves you. You're the only mother he's ever known, and words cannot express how much your... everything that you do has meant to me. Mariah, I..."
"Calm yourself, James." She sat up again, and with him bent forward, their heads were level. "I understand what you meant. There is a difference between a mother and... whatever I've become. More than a wet nurse, less than, well. A mother."
He swallowed, feeling as though his heart were in his throat. "You are more his mother than anyone else in the world. And I thank God every day for you."
Her cheeks colored and she looked away. "Thank you, James."
James cleared his throat. His hands tightened momentarily, then he pulled away. Stood. "I should be off. We leave in a few hours."
Mariah stood as well. "Off with the tide." She went to the cradle and put her hand on the side. "We'll be out to say farewell." She looked at him. "Everything will be fine, James. No child every died from missing his father. And no father has died of the same, either."
"Of course." He offered her a smile, then went to the cradle. Bending over, he pressed his lips to Gavin's warm cheek. Stroked his forehead. "Good-bye, little man. You take care of the city while I'm gone, right?" He slipped his finger into Gavin's fist. Smiled when it was lifted to Gavin's mouth to suck on. "And don't worry Mariah or your Aunt Elizabeth too much. Understand?"
Gavin sucked particularly hard on James's finger. Kicked his feet.
James smiled and kissed him again. "Good boy."
* * *
"And then they made me their chief," Jack said.
Gavin squealed loudly. Kicked his feet, his chubby little hands reaching out to grab at Jack's hair.
Elizabeth laughed when the pirate grimaced. "How many times do we have to tell you not to hang over him like that?" she asked. She shook her head, setting the stone she was using to sharpen the sword on the table. Picked up a cloth and began polishing.
"One more time, apparently." Jack gave up the struggle to free his hair and instead picked the child up. One hand went to his back and he lightly danced Gavin around the room. "We devils and liars and really bad eggs," he sang as he danced.
Elizabeth snorted. "I cannot tell you how happy I am James will be back before Gavin learns to talk. I don't want him returning to have his son greet him with, 'drink up, me hearties, yo ho!'" Then, she frowned and cocked her head, considering. "Of course, that he could conceivably blame on me. Gavin's first words being Papa he could not."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "And the dear Commodore is not the lad's Papa?"
"No. James is more definitely his father. And would be called as such." She sighed. Shook her head. "I'd can't imagine what he'd say if he knew I allowed you anywhere near his child. He'd never speak to me again."
The pirate gave her a sly, secretive smile. "You may be surprised, luv?"
"Would I now?" She dropped the cloth and crossed the room to him. "Give."
"Ah, now don't let a sudden attack of conscious ruin me fun. We was dancin'."
"Go dance with Will." She took the baby from him and kissed the auburn-furred head. "He's been itching to practice swords with someone besides me. He'd love a chance to go head to head with you again."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes. Just traipse off to get meself scratched and sweaty and humiliated."
"You? Humiliated? The great Captain Jack Sparrow? Never."
Gavin stiffened in her arms. Began to cry querulously.
Elizabeth sighed. Bounced him a few times. "Why do you cry every time I hold you, Gavin? It's not fair." She bounced him again and kissed him.
He cried harder.
"He's 'ungry," Jack said.
"How do you know?"
Jack gave her something that, on any other person, might be considered an innocent look. "That's his 'ungry cry."
A wave of frustration overcame Elizabeth. She didn't know if she wanted to throw something at Jack or simply run him threw. "What are you doing here anyway?" she snapped. "Ten years you chase after the Pearl, and now that you've got her, you're spending all your time playing nursemaid to the Commodore's son?"
"Like I told you before. The Pearl's got repairs. Gibbs is taking care of that."
"And you trust your crew not to run off again?"
He cocked his head. "This one? Mostly. But don't worry, luv; I'm leaving in a few hours. Just dropped in to see the little 'un and me friends. Bit of catching up."
"Except you were just here two months ago." She bounced Gavin a few more times, wondering where Mariah was. "You shouldn't risk it. Getting caught. Will and I won't always be around to save you from the noose, you know."
A strange, flittering smile crossed his face. "Don't worry your pretty head about it, luv. Got me own methods of avoiding the noose, I do."
"Oh, do you? And just what is that, if I may ask?"
He smiled again, eyes dark and unreadable.
Mariah entered the room. Her hair was mussed and eyes half-lidded and heavy. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Turner. I didn't hear him cry." She took Gavin and went to sit.
"It's quite all right, Mariah. You're exhausted, I understand that. I only wish there was something I could do."
"You watched him while I slept. You're a friend. That's enough."
"Then do I have to remind you again that you're free to call me Elizabeth?" She sat next to Mariah and tweaked Gavin's leg as he nursed hungrily.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. Of course." She looked from her to Jack. "Did I miss anything interesting?"
"I was just telling Gavin a story," Jack said.
"And then Jack informed me that he had a method of avoiding being hanged that didn't include him avoiding Port Royal at all cost."
"Oh, does he now?" Mariah looked at him, smiling. "And just what is that plan?"
"Nothing for you to be concerned about, darling." He pressed his palms together and bowed.
"I rather hope not." She inhaled sharply and readjusted Gavin on her breast. "I hate when he does that."
"Does what?" Elizabeth asked.
"Pulls too hard. I nervously awaiting the day his teeth break through."
"As you two women are seeming to be discussing womanly issues, I'm going to take a step out and talk to dear William." He pirouetted and traipsed to the door. On arriving, he turned and said, "I'll be leaving tonight, Lizzie love. Don't worry your pretty head at my ship or my neck."
When he was gone, Elizabeth let her head fall back against the cushioned back. Locks of hair falling out from her braid and across her face.
"What's wrong?" Mariah asked.
"Nothing." Then she reached out and rubbed Gavin's foot with her fingertips. "Jack's so good with him, you know? And Gavin adores him."
"Gavin adores you."
"No, Gavin tolerates me. I'm the one who holds him too tightly and squishes his arm. Who bounces him in the way that always makes him cry. That... I'm no good with him."
"Now that's not true," Mariah said. "You're good with him. You know what to do. But, sometimes, it takes time. Learning all the little things."
Elizabeth arched her eyebrow. "And a pirate knows better how to handle a baby better than I do, why?"
Mariah shrugged. "The ways of the world are many and strange. Some people seem to be born with the touch to handle babies. With others, it takes time. Besides, he's probably had experience."
"You mean... Jack has children?"
"Oh. Well, actually, I don't know." The idea seemed to surprise Mariah as much as it had Elizabeth. "I was thinking more, possibly, a sibling. Or, ah, members of his crew having children. But, yes, it is entirely possible that Jack has a child or two somewhere." She frowned, brow furrowing.
"How well do you know Jack?"
She shrugged. "Not very well. I began working in Port Royal, oh, about three years ago? Jack came to the tavern infrequently. Port Royal isn't really the safest place for him. But he's memorable. And draws people to him. Funny and mysterious."
"Good in bed?"
Mariah blushed and shot Elizabeth a sidelong glance. "Mrs. Tuner, I'm surprised at you."
Elizabeth giggled. "One does wonder. It's merely curiosity. I would never do anything about it. I have Will. And he's perfect."
"He very nearly is, isn't he?" She pulled Gavin, who was asleep, off her breast and covered herself back up. "Truth be told, I only knew him as a legend before. Even when he was my customer, there was no real knowing him. But after nearly a week in the same house..."
"Same house." Elizabeth sat up. "You mean, he's living with you?"
Mariah nodded and said, "Yes. I thought you realized. He's been helping with Gavin at night."
"At James's house. What about his cook? The butler?"
"The cook left the morning James did. She informed me she does not serve whores. And Mr. Travers has a lung infection. The doctor recommended he leave the house so as not to endanger the baby."
"So you're all alone? Why did you not say anything?"
"It's nothing. I have everything I need. Even before Jack came, I'm well able to take care of myself."
"But you should not have to. James left Mrs. Conway with you because you are a member of his household. You're not... and even if you are or were, he's paying her to do her job. She has no right." Elizabeth shook her head. "She'll simply have to be let go."
"Tis not your place," Mariah chided gently. "You are not the head of James's household."
"Who is when he is gone?"
Mariah shrugged. "I'm not sure."
Elizabeth sighed. "He won't mind if I take control to care for the two of you. I just... I feel a bit uncomfortable. I know wouldn't approve of Jack staying in his home. But, at the same time if he is of help to you, then I don't' want to send him away. Unless both of you come to stay here."
"There isn't room."
"We have an extra room."
"One only. Jack and I...." Mariah laughed suddenly. "You think we're lovers."
"Aren't you?"
She shook her head. "No. He's been staying... in the guest room. I've been in mine. We're not..."
Elizabeth frowned. Tried to sort out what she was being told and failed to make sense of it. "Then why is he here? I mean, what is his interest?"
"You'll have to ask him. I'm afraid I couldn't say."
But Elizabeth could tell Mariah was lying. And she intended to find out the truth.
