42. Henrik
FORTY-TWO
HENRIK
Eirik and I wanted to do something fun before the start of the crabbing season, so we flew to Anchorage and then drove to Homer to participate in a two-day halibut fishing charter.
It’s just what I needed before the stress of heading back out to sea for months.
There was no shortage of laughter while we hauled in some nice-sized fish on our first day.
It was a great time to let loose and stock our families’ freezers for the winter.
We had a great time, and it’s just another reason to be grateful for what the ocean provides.
Following the charter, and after the fish are cleaned and processed, we grab dinner at the Oldtown Tavern.
“To a fantastic day of fishing,” Eirik says with a relaxed tone.
I tap my beer bottle to his before taking a swig of the cold, refreshing Alaskan ale. “Damn, that’s good. Why does a cold beer always taste better after a long day of fishing?”
Eirik laughs. “Who the fuck knows?”
Sitting back, I feel my best friend’s stare and I look up. “What?”
“You and Carina have gotten pretty close these last few months.” He pauses, and I wait for his question, but it never comes.
“Aaannd?” I drag out.
He fiddles with his beer bottle, a dead giveaway that he’s nervous. “Just ask what you need to ask me, Eirik.”
He takes another swig and then swallows hard.
“Well, I guess I’m just wondering if you think she’s the one. The perfect fisherman’s wife?”
Thinking about Carina brings a smile to my face. She’s perfect… for me. “I do.” My answer is short and succinct. He takes that in, then nods.
Being that he’s my best friend, I feel compelled to convince him.
Help him see what I see. “I know we haven’t been dating that long, but the way she makes me feel is unexplainable.
I know there are hurdles we’ll need to overcome, like me being at sea for months, and her past trauma of losing her uncle, but I’m confident we can figure it out. ”
Eirik shakes his head. “What she’s experienced can’t be easy.”
“No, it can’t be. I’m grateful I haven’t lost anyone close to me, but I think that’s because the industry has become safer, and we’re free to make safer choices. I think she’s most nervous about the unknown factors like the rogue waves and unpredictable weather.”
“That makes sense, but she knows you’re in the wheelhouse as captain. You aren’t exposed to most of the weather the crew has to handle.”
“She does know that, but she’s still worried.” I take another drink. “I wish I could quiet her fears, but honestly, I don’t know what to say. As a captain of a crabber, I have my own fears.”
Agreeing, he lifts his beer to me and nods.
When the food arrives, our conversation halts.
A delicious aroma surrounds me. My mouth waters and my stomach growls as I stare down at my toasty cheesesteak.
Glancing across the table, I laugh. “Hungry?” I ask.
Eirik’s already halfway through his French Dip.
It looks just as amazing as my sandwich.
Following dinner, we head back to our rooms. Before he unlocks his door, Eirik asks, “Tomorrow we’re doing the combo charter, right?”
Stopping, I scratch my beard. “It is. We’re back on the FV NautiLady.”
Eirik smirks. “That’s a great boat name, but not as good as ours.”
I chuckle. “No way. Nothing compares to Master Baiter and Wasted Seaman.” We nicknamed the boats when we were in our early twenties. Out of respect, and probably fear, we’re careful not to use them around our fathers. They wouldn’t think we’re funny or clever.
“Fuck yeah,” Eirik says while pushing into his room. “Night, man.”
Turning back to my door, I say, “Be ready at nine to slay more fish.” In Kodiak, we’ve caught plenty of silver salmon, so we’re hoping tomorrow will bring us some king salmon.
Fishing on the second day is nonstop busy.
It seems every time we drop a line, we catch a fish.
Our guides are constantly on the move as they help us bring in fish after fish.
After six hours of fishing, we’re going home with more fish than we expected.
The charter helps us clean and package everything before we head back to Kodiak.
Tired and stinky, I arrive home late that night. When I finally crawl into bed at eleven, I toss and turn. No matter what I do, I can’t get comfortable.
“Ugh.” My bed has never felt so empty. Since we got together, Carina’s been my sleepover guest more nights than not. And I’ve grown accustomed to having her next to me. Where she belongs.
Finally, at four in the morning, I throw in the towel.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I growl for no one’s benefit but my own.
Stalking into my bathroom, I splash cold water on my face and then groan when I see my sunken eyes.
I look like shit. Three nights away from her and I’m already falling to pieces. How pathetic.
I dry my face and then head for the kitchen.
Dragging my hand down my face, I tug on my scruffy beard.
I need coffee. It always makes the day better.
While I wait for it to brew, I pace my house, making a mental list of everything I need to get done before I leave for crabbing.
I’m going to be busy getting the Brina ready too.
When I hear the coffee maker finish, I inhale a deep breath of the hazelnut roast Carina got me hooked on.
My tight shoulders relax at the first sip, and I hum in contentment.
An hour later, I’m showered, dressed, and mainlining my third cup of liquid crack when my phone buzzes. It’s T-minus three days until we head out, and I have more things on my to-do list than hours to do them.
Kai
You up?
Me
Yep.
Kai
I know it’s early, but when are you planning to head to the docks?
Me
Now. Too much to do before we leave.
Kai
I’ll meet you there.
Me
Sounds good.
The morning flies by as Kai and I check over the Brina, making sure everything is operating smoothly.
While in the engine room, changing the oil, a familiar voice hollers down. “Ahoy, mates.”
“Hey, Edgar,” Kai says.
While descending the metal steps, his boots make a clunking sound. Without looking up, I shout, “Are you here to help?”
“I am. I wanted to check the fluids on the lift, and see what spare parts we have on the ship in case something goes sideways when we’re at sea.”
“Great thinking. I’m making a list of things we need to get, so let me know if I need to add anything to it.”
Wiping my hands on a rag, I nod to Kai. He heads to the wheelhouse to start the engine. While waiting, Edgar looks at me. “Did you add a fire extinguisher to the list?”
“Do we need one?”
“Don’t we have the Coast Guard safety check tomorrow? The extinguisher we have in the kitchen expires this month, so we should probably replace it.”
“Good call. Just to be safe, I better check the other ones too.”
The engine rumbles to life, and I wipe my rag over it to make sure there aren’t any leaks. With that task complete, my brother and I make our way to the galley and then part ways. He heads to the deck to check the hydraulic lift while I head to the wheelhouse.
“Kai, the engine sounds great.”
Killing the engine, he turns around in the chair with a smile.
“Ready to check pots?” Since the opilio season was canceled last year, we never switched the openings.
But since no one likes a surprise at sea, we always double-check them before leaving Kodiak.
By the time we finish half the pots, it’s late afternoon.
“Why didn’t we have one of the younger deckhands come help with this?” I complain from on top of the stack. Kai chuckles from below.
I flip him the bird just before Edgar yells, “I need to get a few parts for the lift. Do you want me to grab the other things on your list?”
“That’d be great. Thanks,” I answer before crawling over to another stack.
An hour later, when he returns, Kai and I take a break from the pots to tend to other things the Coast Guard will check tomorrow during their visit.
While I’m busy replacing two fire extinguishers and restocking the medical kit, Kai checks our personal flotation devices and survival suits.
Once I’ve got the medical kit organized, it’s apparent that since our last safety check two years ago, the number of Band-Aids the crew has gone through is ridiculous.
Pulling the replacements I had Edgar get at the store, I grumble his name.
Dipshit. I shake my head. The guys are going to love the new unicorn design. Nothing but the finest for our crew.
Next, I organize our medicine drawer, restocking anything needed in a medical situation. Hopefully, it’ll remain unnecessary, but I prefer to be prepared while we’re at sea. Having Carina getting sick while on the survey strengthened my desire to always be ready for anything.
“Hey, Cap,” Kai says on approach.
“Yeah?”
“All looks good with the safety gear. When’s the food being delivered?”
“Tomorrow afternoon,” I answer.
“Great. If it’s okay with you, I’m going to call it a day since we’ve been here since the ass crack of dawn. I’ll clean up the galley tomorrow before the safety check.”
I give Kai a fist bump. “Sounds great.”
Not long after Kai leaves, I head to the deck to see how Edgar is doing. “How’s she running?”
“See for yourself,” he answers, moving to the gears. In minutes, I can see it’s running smoother and more efficiently than it has in a long time.
Smiling, I clap him on the back. “Edgar, she runs like a dream. Great job.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll service and lube the pot launcher and rope coiler tomorrow. Anything else I need to look at?”
“I think that’s it. I’m so glad that between you, me, and Kai, we can problem solve or jury-rig most everything on the Brina.”
Edgar laughs. “It’s gotten us out of some sticky situations from time to time.”
I smirk because he isn’t wrong. “I think I’m going to call it a day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”