LOST AT SEA CH. 2 Pt. 4 of 4

LOST AT SEA CH. 2 Pt. 4 of 4


John Reed said an elaborate and length grace, giving thanks for my dodging the bullet on the ship and for my safe rescue in the storm, and for a whole host of other things. He finally put an end to it when the boat captain's stomach grumbled.

John inquired about my family. I told him my parents had died, and I was alone. When I told him I had my first officer's license, he perked up.

"That's good," he said.

The boat captain smiled and continued eating.

After lunch, Anita, Muriel, and John went on an inspection tour. He inspected the house, which was spotless, the grounds, and the light.

They took a long time looking at the engine and the fuel tank. Anita was waving her hands; I knew she was telling him about the fuel.

I stayed inside, well out of the way, and sat with the boat captain. He did not say much for a while, then went to the window and peered out.

"You wouldn't be having a wee dram, would ye?" he asked in a thick Scottish accent.

"No, this is a lighthouse, and alcohol is forbidden."

"Ballocks," he said. He went to the wall next to the cupboard and pushed on it. It sprang open to reveal a small recess, which contained a bottle. It was the same bottle that Muriel had the other night.

I looked at him and burst into laughter. He rinsed out our coffee cups and put a finger's worth in each. He handed me the cup and said,

"Cheers, son."

It burned as it went down.

"How have you been, lad?" he asked.

"Fine." Now I recognized him. He was Reginald "Snuffy" Macadams, proprietor of a large restaurant and drinking establishment on the docks in Port Anne. I had been there many a time. "How's your bar doing?"

"It's become something of a burden. I am getting on in age and am thinking' about retiring'.

"Soon?"

"In a year or two."

If we have time when we are in Port Anne, I'll stop by."

The three of them returned, finished with the inspection.

"Muriel will be going with you. She's in some kind of trouble."

"I hope it's not because of me," I said.

She shook her head and replied, "Jesse."

Muriel had changed and was carrying a bag full of reports and logs.

She did not look happy. She and John headed for the boat.

"It's time to say goodbye," Anita said. She gave me a kiss and a hug.

I met them on the pier with what little worldly belongings I had.

I boarded the boat and turned to wave as we pulled away. Anita was already gone.

On the way back, Captain Reed tapped me on the shoulder and motioned for me to go up on the bow.

It was an enjoyable day, and the sun sparkled off the blue-green waters. Ahead of us, a couple of dolphins played, leaping out of the water.

He said, "I'm not sure how to ask this, but have you seen anything funny about Muriel and Anita?"

"No, why?"

"There's been talk."

"They both work hard and are good friends," I replied.

"How good?"

"Just friends, as far as I can see."

"You haven't seen anything untoward?"

"No, sir." I knew what he was asking.

"Are you sure?"

"I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary," I replied. I held his gaze as I said that.

"How about this business with Jesse Roberts?"

"I saw everything there."

"He claimed that Muriel shot at him and barely missed. He's showing off a wound on his leg."

"He wasn't hurt. He tripped on the dock when he left."

He blinked and said, "Just so. I supposed Snuffy told you you'll have to go up before the Magistrate."

"Yes."

"Do you have your papers?"

"I do. Passport, birth certificate, and license. I also have a visa."

He smiled. "Good."

At the dock in Port Anne, the Customs and Immigrations officer met me. I had dealt with him before, and we greeted each other warmly. I presented my papers and he examined them and found everything in order.

"It's not often a shipwreck survivor has a visa, too."

"I was on my way here," I replied. "It was a devil of a time getting the visa and also getting here."

He laughed.

"Anything to declare?"

"Just personal belongings and fifteen thousand dollars in cash."

He scowled when I saw that. Drugs were a problem on the island, and fifteen thousand dollars were therefore immediately suspicious.

"What are you planning to do with it?"

"I'm going to deposit it in the Royal Bank," I said. "I already have an account there."

"Thank you, sir."

Two tall, very proper men were standing patiently nearby. They took Muriel in custody and walked off with her.

There was nothing I could do, so I headed for Snuff’s Island Bar and Grill.

He was behind the bar and waved as I walked in.

"They arrested Muriel," I said.

"That no-good son of a bitch Jesse is pressing charges against her.

Assault. Attempted murder."

To be continued