November-Charlie (17 page)

Jim didn’t look happy but whether it was bad news about the boat or because we had company, I wasn’t sure.

“This is Jim,” Staci said. “The grown-up I was telling you about.”

Jack held out his hand. “Jack Fitzgerald,” he said. “I met Lou in Cornwall a while back.”

“Jim Kirk,” Jim replied, shaking Jack’s hand. “Thanks for helping the girls with the bags.”

“Anytime. I got to dash, but maybe we can meet up again before you leave.”

“Maybe. Thanks again.”

Captain’s log supplemental point 19.

We watched as Jack walked off down the quay. I looked at Lou. “Cornwall?” I asked.

“The guy with the car—he helped me with the bags then. He followed us round the market today. I thought it was you following us. I couldn’t believe it when I saw him. What are the chances of him being here now?”

“We’ll discuss this later. Right now we have a bigger problem to worry about.”

Once the shopping was unpacked and stowed safely away in the galley, we sat round the table over a pot of tea and one of Staci’s sponge cakes. I filled the girls in on my trip to the boat yard. “Nice chap called Jonathan Hynds owns the repair yard. They don’t have too much on at the moment so they can fit us in. That’s the good news. He says we can’t sleep on the boat while she’s being repaired for insurance reasons. He says there is a fairly cheap hotel nearby. I’ll try them later.”

“They’ll be booked solid this time of year,” Lou said.

“He didn’t seem to think so. Anyway, he’ll collect Avon in the morning.”

Staci looked worried. “What’s the damage?”

“Two new engines—one of which needs to be ordered in from the States, new mast, four new windows and new decking.”

Lou laughed. “And where do we get that kind of money? Rob a bank?”

“Yeah, I’ll go now shall I?” I snapped. “The money isn’t a problem OK?”

Captain’s log supplemental point 23.

Admittedly, funds are a bit low but we are not broke yet. I shouldn’t have yelled at Lou like that, but she does have the ability to rub me up the wrong way at times. The Panama Canal money is set aside safely. There is a slight chance that I can do the work or at least some of it myself, and we have a month before we have to leave, so that would help. A stay longer than a month means you need visas. But time is passing and every day we delay is a day longer Mum and Dad are lost.

Anyway, it is late, very late and it’s time for bed. By the way, I found the hotel and we are booked in from tomorrow for a week provisionally. More expense, but it can’t be helped.

Captains log sea date 25/07 point 10.

Another two weeks at the best. I don’t believe it. The storm must have done more damage than I originally thought. What I don’t understand is there was no sign of a leak before we docked. The storm was a good three weeks ago. Why now? Jonathan said he’d send a diver down to take a look before they move her. If needs be they will put her in the dry dock and repair the hull first.

Captain’s log supplemental point 13.

The diver reckons it wasn’t storm damage that caused the leak. There are several holes in the hull. They are moving
Avon
to the dry dock to have a closer look. Good thing too, as there were several inches of water inside the hull by this point.

Captain’s log supplemental point 20.

OK. There are ten holes in the hull, consistent with a sharp metal spike being forced up into it. The holes were definitely made from the outside. Staci suggested it could be this American chap. Rather farfetched idea that, even if I don’t like the guy. Dashingly handsome he may be, according to the girls, that is. Scores 9/10 on the hunk scale (whatever that is). Personally, I’d trust him about as far as I could throw him. There is just something about him. I don’t know what. Lou reckons I’m just jealous of his perfect white teeth.

The good news is I can do some of the work myself and just pay for the parts. That will help a bit. But it means a lot longer before we can find Mum and Dad. I’m hoping and praying they are safe.

1st Officer’s log 02/08 point 17.

I got bored with the sea date in case you’d wondered where it had gone. Jim is working flat out on the boat, hence the lack of Captain’s log entries. He says he’s too tired. And I’m too busy sitting on a beach working on my tan.

Jim hasn’t asked anymore questions about Cornwall or Jack. Hopefully he’s forgotten.

Staci and I have been trying to keep a low profile—on the beach or in our room. I know that when Jack helped us with the bags last week, he recognized the boat. It won’t take him long to put two and two together and make five. Although I’m pretty sure he knows anyway. There was something in his eyes when he saw Staci and when Jim introduced himself.

At least with Jim not writing the log we get a rest from mentions of sharks. Sharks do not live in the Atlantic. Anyway, when we leave here we will be in the Caribbean Sea.

1st Officer’s log 09/08 point 21.

Still no sign of the boat repairs being completed. Bored with the beach, Staci and I went to the Turks and Caicos National Museum. It was neat.

We’ve managed to persuade Jim to take tomorrow off. It being his eighteenth birthday and all. Not that we are planning on doing anything. We’re saving money by not splurging remember? It’ll be the first eighteenth birthday in history not to be celebrated with a party, cake, and presents. But that is what he wants so there you go.

Captains log 10/08 point 06.

Lou’s right. It’s pointless putting sea date in all the time. Just don’t tell her I said so, I’ll never live it down if she knows she’s right about something. Repairs are coming along slowly. The hull is now repaired and the new engine has been ordered so hopefully we can be underway again soon.

Today is my eighteenth birthday. I’ve been awake since three. I’ve given up trying to sleep. It’s not excitement. Its memories. I’m not going to go into details here, but I shall find today hard. In a way, I’m glad the girls haven’t planned anything. I can hear movements next door. Sounds like they are awake. This hotel is OK but it’ll be nice to get back on the boat again. That is the only home I have now
.

1st Officer’s log same date point 09.

He’s fallen for it. Yes...

1st Officer’s log, supplemental point 22.

Well I’m shattered. We packed so much into today and finished it with a picnic party on the beach. I think Jim enjoyed himself. I know he wasn’t looking forward to today, but we couldn’t let his special day go by without some kind of celebration. I’ll let Jim explain.

Captain’s log supplemental.

I did enjoy today. We started by going diving. Staci came out on the boat but didn’t dive. It is so beautiful. The Atlantic is so warm here. There is a seven thousand foot vertical wall just a five-mile boat ride off shore. The coral formations are incredible. We swam amongst seahorses, manta, turtles, and dolphins. Didn’t see any humpback whales though, unfortunately.

Then we visited the lighthouse and the ruins of the air force base. We had lunch from a very swish restaurant—typical Caribbean food. The picnic on the beach as the sun set was lovely. Birthday cake with eighteen candles, jam and marmite sandwiches (together of course) and cheese and pineapple on sticks. I must say whoever thought of putting cheese and pineapple together deserves a medal.

The girls even gave me a present. Shorts and t-shirt, sandals, and a pair of jeans. They shouldn’t have spoilt me like that but it was nice that they did. I just wish...well you know what I wish.

1st officers log 12/08 point 21.

I know Jim reads this, so it isn’t exactly confidential, but I need to talk to someone and I guess the logbook is it. Hopefully he won’t say anything, because I feel awful as it is and I don’t know what to do. I went shopping this morning. Staci and Deefer came too, obviously. This is more difficult than I thought. A lot more difficult.

Anyway after the market, Staci wanted to go for a drink in that place we went to before. We eventually found it and guess who we bumped into. Jack. Staci insisted that he join us, as he was stopping there for lunch anyway. I was hoping he’d say no, but he didn’t.

He seemed surprised to see us. “I thought you’d be long gone,” he said as we sat down with our drinks.

I tried to think of a suitable answer without giving too much away but before I could say anything, Staci answered.

“The boat needs more repairs than we thought.”

“If it’s a hire boat that’s not your problem. The company should give you a replacement.”

“Avon’s our boat. Well, Jim’s,” Staci said before I could stop her. “She was damaged in the storm and needed lots of repairs.”

“Staci,” I said.

“But then after we got here, someone made holes in the hull and...” She broke off as I kicked her under the table.

“Staci, I’m sure Jack doesn’t need to know all this.”

He smiled awkwardly. “No it’s fine. If you own her, then the repairs must be costing a fair bit.”

“Yeah, but we’re managing. So what are you doing here—you can’t still be on holiday?”

“No, I’m working.”

“Do you live here?”

“No, I go where the job takes me and at the moment it’s here.” Jack finished his soda and ordered curry and another drink.

Staci ordered burger, chips, and soda, and I just ordered another drink. How she can eat like that and not put on weight, I don’t know. It’s not fair.

“So Staci, are you enjoying your holiday?” Jack asked.

“It’s good. Well most of it.”

“What bits weren’t so good?”

“My fall. The storm, but then I missed most of that. Not having my parents here.”

Lunch and the drinks arrived and we ate in silence for a bit. Well I didn’t eat, not having ordered myself anything. A couple of Staci’s chips perhaps but nothing more.

Jack asked, “So how much damage was done to the boat, Lou?”

“Both engines, the mast, four windows, the odd bit of decking. The hull was the final straw.”

“Phew. What kind of a storm did you run into anyway?”

“Erika,” I told him. Well there was no point in hiding it.

“Hurricane Erika?” he asked, shock registering on his face.

“Yeah,” Staci said. “The boat turned over. We should have drowned but we were saved by an ang—”

I interrupted her. “Staci, eat before it gets cold.”

She sighed. “OK.” She finished her chips and got up. “Back in a sec.”

Jack watched her go. Then he fixed his piercing brown eyes on me. “Can you afford the repairs? Be honest.”

I avoided his gaze. “I don’t think so. Jim says things are OK, but I’m not convinced. We just have to be careful.” I stood up. “We’d better be going.” I opened my bag to get my purse out, but Jack stopped me.

“Put it away,” he said firmly. “I’ll pay.”

I shook my head. “I can’t let you do that.”

“I want to.”

“We aren’t that broke that we need charity yet.”

He lowered his voice. “Don’t argue with me. It’s not charity, I’m treating a friend to lunch—even if she didn’t order anything for herself. Aren’t you hungry?”

“No,” I said quickly. He looked at me, knowing I was lying. “All right, yes I’m hungry,” I said. “But we can’t afford—”

“Sit down, and I’ll get you some lunch. You’ll only be ill otherwise and then who’ll take care of you? You need to think seriously about things.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I think you do. Now sit down.”

I sat and allowed him to buy me lunch. Staci returned and eagerly ate the chocolate gateau he’d bought her. After lunch, he looked at me. “There is no shame in admitting you were wrong,” he said. “Or in changing your mind.”

“And sometimes you have no choice but to continue.”

“There’s always a choice, Lou.”

“No there isn’t. Not anymore. Thanks for lunch. Bye, Jack.”

We headed back to the hotel and dropped off the bags. Then we sat on the beach until teatime. As we got back to the hotel to get ready for dinner, Jim met us with a big grin on his face. “Hey guess what?” he said.

“The repairs are finished?”

“No.”

“The new engines arrived?”

“Well yes, but that’s not it.”

“Tell us then.”

“Look at this.”

“What is it?”

He handed me a piece of paper. I glanced it and said, “It’s a bill from the repair yard. For a lot more than we can afford.” I gave it back to him. “That’s no reason to celebrate.”

“Look at it properly. Read the bottom. Paid in full.”

“Paid? We haven’t got that kind of money. Paid by whom?”

“I have no idea. Jonathan said someone came in this afternoon and paid cash for all the work.”

“Who? What did they look like?”

“He wasn’t in the office at the time. But the repairs will be finished by the day after tomorrow.”

Staci was ecstatic. Neither could understand my lack of enthusiasm over our unknown benefactor. I think I know who it was and I just hope I’m wrong. Look at the time— almost 2300. It’s taken ages to write this. This log reads like a fairy story at times. Dramatic bits, escapes by the skin of our teeth, angels, and now being bailed out by lots of money. If this was a book people would be shouting totally implausible, need a better script. So much they know.

Jim when you read this, if it was him, I didn’t ask for it. You should know me better than that. I shall try and find him tomorrow and find out for sure.

1st Officer’s log 14/08 point 16.

Well, the repairs are finished. I’ve spent the last couple of days looking for Jack but he must be working or else his job has moved back Stateside. I don’t know whether I’m relieved or not.

Avon
is being moved back to the marina so we are packing up at the hotel, hence the scribbled note at this time of day. Next entry will be back on our boat.

Captain’s log supplemental point 23.

Back on the boat at last. Jonathan suggested we tour some of the other islands for a week and then return to have the new engines checked. Sea trials if you like. So we are keeping the berth here and going out for days and returning each night. I’d rather not wait any longer, but better safe than sorry.