Chapter 11
11
T he overnight passage had gone without a hitch. Anything can happen when at sea, and I was glad when we finally pulled into the bay and were about to drop anchor. It was just coming sunrise, and the ship was quiet. Except for the deck hands, and Cindy–she was busy in the galley whipping up her special bakery treats.
I'd become used to Jessica bringing me my morning coffee and breakfast. She knew where to find me and what I liked. I appreciated it and had grown eager to see her each morning. But first, we had to position and anchor Intrepid in the bay. The deck crew were on standby and my First Mate was also on the bridge.
I kept an eye on the foredeck to double-check everything was going smoothly.
The radio crackled, and the lead deckhand’s voice came across the speaker. "Forward anchor, away, and holding.
I responded to him and watched the screen which showed the positioning of Intrepid with the forward anchor to see how she would swing with the current. This crew worked well together.
I made notations in the log book and finished when Jessica's bright voice greeted me from behind.
"Good morning, Cap."
I turned around. "Morning. Wow! How you manage those trays with so much on them is a wonder."
She laughed. "I've got my sea legs." She carefully put the tray down.
"You're spoiling me. I'll get used to this treatment and miss it when I'm gone." I reached for the carafe and poured coffee into the large mug then topped it with cream. "Mmm, smells delicious." I cupped the mug with both hands and raised it to take the first sip
"Oh, are you leaving soon?" she asked.
I looked at her confused. "I'm sorry, leaving?"
"Uhm, yes, you said when you're gone. You just got here and I thought you were staying longer."
I shook my head. "Oh, no. No. I'll be leaving when Fletch comes back is what I meant. Not that I'm leaving soon."
She smiled. "Oh good. I like you being here and would be sad to see you go so soon."
"Thank you. You know, I look forward to your visit every morning." I lifted the mug. "You can't beat the first sip of coffee.
She chuckled. "No, you can't. If you need anything, I'm here for you." She'd poured a cup for Greg, my First Mate, and carried it over to him. They made eye contact and smiled. Maybe they had something going on?
Sipping the coffee, I watched their subtle interaction and glanced away when Jessica walked to the doorway.
"Is there anything else I can get you, Captain?" Jessica inquired.
I shook my head having just popped a delicious chunk of pineapple into my mouth and swallowed. "No, thank you."
"It will be busy today. Is everything ready for the guests and their comfort? This is important for Mr. Steele, and we need to ensure everything goes off without a hitch."
"Yes, we are all ready." Jessica nodded and left the bridge.
It was just Greg and myself now. I checked the instruments and weather forecast for the day, and into the evening. The disturbance I was worried about was still hanging around.
"We'll have to keep an eye on that system; it may creep up on us," I advised Greg. "We should be prepared for a possible change of departure."
"Understood," Greg replied. "We can confer later about whether we'll be cruising back overnight to arrive in Love Beach tomorrow."
I nodded and finished my coffee to pour another one. I was hungry and made a pancake sandwich with bacon, topped with butter and syrup. My thoughts swung over to Beck. It was beginning to unnerve me how often he invaded my thoughts. He was taking up far too much real estate in my brain, which could be a huge problem all the way around.
"But I can't get that damn man out of my head," I whispered.
"Excuse me, captain?"
I'd forgotten Greg was still here. See! Too much of a distraction.
"Oh, nothing. Just mumbling. I'm going to get some sleep, it was a long night. You have the bridge."
"Right. Rest well."
"Thanks, and if you need me, just call," I advised him and carried my mug and pancake sammy to my cabin, finishing both along the way.
Inside, I drew the blackouts, set my alarm, and fell into bed. I was exhausted.
B eck didn't sleep well. His mind was full of the details planned for today. The guests came aboard last evening in time for dinner. This wasn't a pleasure cruise. It was a business meeting so it was hard for him to turn his brain off.
The business venture he was proposing had the potential to be profitable for all involved. The land he'd acquired on this island needed infrastructure. And having these investors make it easier to proceed.
He'd brewed coffee and went out on his private deck. He'd watched the mooring of Intrepid, just because it was Micki's first one.
The night had been smooth sailing, and he was satisfied with Micki at the helm. He knew Fletch wouldn't steer him wrong by recommending her.
He wanted to be alert in case anything happened, which thankfully, nothing had. He heard the deckhands and their radios, dropping the anchor, and imagined Micki up on the bridge, keeping an eye on everything.
He picked up his phone and started a text to Fletch.
She's doing okay so far. We're at the island after the overnight cruise
Glad to hear it. I have every confidence in her.
You could have told me she was a girl
Woman you mean. And would it have made a difference?
It might've
I can't believe you said that
No, whatever, just heal so you can get back on this boat and do your job
I have a bit of bad news, buddy... Seems like I'm going to be in a cast for at least four to five months and then I have physiotherapy. If you're happy with Micki, she's yours until I come back
For fuck's sake. Are you kidding me?
I probably won't be able to come aboard until closer to Christmas. And we're planning on overwintering in Love Beach anyway
Right, let's talk again. Burning daylight here
Beck slipped his phone into the pocket of his shorts and finished the now cold coffee in his mug. It was a brilliant sunrise over the island painting the sky a spectacular array of colors tinged with shades of red.
Red sky in the morning…