Had Jack stopped to think about this, he might've thought the compass broken.
It was meant to point toward what one wanted most. He knew what that was. Or at least, he thought he did. It was a person. A very specific person, and he had no idea where to find her. He had even less idea what he'd do or say when he did see her. So when the compass needle pointed right, and Jack went right, he did not realize he'd walked right past her on the other side of the street.
But he'd had to go right to pass her. To see her. For her to see him.
Captain!
Jack didn't recognize the voice right away, but addressing him by his title always got a response. Jack stopped, turning slowly, and watched the compass in his hand carefully, not looking up yet. The needle turned and pointed right at the owner of the voice, and only then did Jack's eyes sweep up to the face that belonged to the voice.
He smiled a little. "Yes, lovely Inara." He snapped the compass closed and stuffed it into his back pocket. "I'm sure you've noticed, love, but the City has gone all... bendy. D'you know why that is, by any chance?" He took a step forward, dark hair falling into his eyes.