Jax had offered the Firstmate Doctor Seawitch a wager. She declined. In a way Jax was sure he would evaluate more than a few times she had just placed a book to borrow on her table. Not in his hands not saying his name, her stiff language - knowledge does no one good in unread books- made him lower his eyes and shake his head. Even her kindness felt chilly. 

“Suit yourself.” He reached for the book and held it in both hands. For a few minutes he studied the cover. With two fingers he felt the leather and almost began to open the book. Stars, he was drawn. But Jax stopped. No, this book would be enjoyed and savored in his own privacy. Not in front of the sea witch. “You’re mistaken if you think these torturous acts of goodwill I force you through will lessen my bite when I,” Jax looked up at her and let a sly smile unfold, “hold cards.” 

He gestured toward the door. “You missed your opportunity to arrange for your mercy.” He waited for her leave her cabin first and then waited for her to close the door behind them. He pulled a rather clean kerchief which he never wrapped around his hand because he valued the cloth, and quickly covered the book. Keep it clean and unseen. 

“Or” with the book wrapped and tucked under his arm Jax threw his shoulders back in the crisp dark sea air and walked beside her. “Or, do you save your needs for mercy to be played upon and satisfied by the good Captain?” Jax snorted a laugh. “Perhaps he is the type that does not like to lose and all his fair charges,” he glanced to her as he kept a quick pace down the dock and back to the streets , “know well their place around his table if not his ship.” He felt light and his feet showed it. In his mind the night had been grand, his pocket filled with coins a few swigs of rum, a victorious rumble, and a surprise never expected, a book. Now he was off to play games with this new odd and strangely interesting crew. It was a good night. 

“I am very curious to find out,” he looked to her his eyes teasing, “because of course knowledge does me no good unread.”