Checking up on Anne

Since that fateful day, Anne has lived a more low-key life. Her case became a story of public pity, and one of the Senoras who examined her magnanimously took her on as a maid. Since then you haven't heard much, and have mostly focused on work. As it is a small town, there has been little for you to do except break up the occasional drunken brawl and watch for thieves at night.

As you have plenty of free time, you decide to visit the Englishwoman. You quickly find the house she works at and stroll around, waiting for a chance to talk to her. As soon as she comes out of the house, to do some chore or another, you make your move. "Good morning Ms. Anne, how are you today?" you ask, feigning the polite indifference of a relative stranger.

She looks at you with a smirk. "Well hello to you too soldier boy," she says with a smile. Her Spanish has improved to near-fluency it seems. "Are you here to admire your handiwork, my virile savior?" she asks suggestively, rubbing a hand around her small but noticeable bump in her maid uniform.

After you quickly glance around to see if anyone is in earshot, she laughs. "You are too easy to mess with" she says, smiling. She walks close to you, helping to settle your anxieties. "Come now, why be so ashamed of me? I'm a good girl" she ironically implores.

"You were a pirate, that's not very good" you retort quickly. Anne shrugs.

"Good by ex-pirate standards, I mean" she says, grinning.

You shake your head, wanting to change the subject. "i came to see if you are alright. Are yo being treated well?"

Anne nods. "Yes, the lady here is taking good care of your baby's mother. The pay is decent, my room is clean, and she only beats me in the most just circumstances". You wonder is she can take anything seriously. Still, she seems to have no complaints, which is reassuring.

You get ready to leave, until you feel her grab you by the arm. "Soldier boy" she says, looking into your eyes shyly, "it is nice here...but it does get lonely sometimes. Come back soon?" You haven't seen this side of the little redhead before. There's something, dare you say it, endearing about it.

"Of course" you say, planting a furtive kiss on her cheek. She brings a hand to her cheek and smiles warmly, and you walk away with a light step. She really isn't so bad, at least by ex-pirate standards.