Lethal Business by W. Soliman

Author:W. Soliman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Kara expelled an elongated sigh of relief as we waved the Davis brothers and their lady friends away.

“They were even more demanding than the usual type,” Wayne conceded, “but still fairly typical. You guys handled them brilliantly, though.”

“It was either that or throttle them,” I said.

Wayne chuckled. “Never mind, Davis showed his financial appreciation and there’s a share of that for you two. You sure as hell earned it. I’ll settle up with you now and then I’d suggest adjourning to the pub for a well-deserved pint or six.”

“Those are the first sensible words I’ve heard you utter in four days.” I whistled to Gil, who was taking avid interest in some evil-smelling spillage on the pontoon, and followed Kara and Wayne to the office.

“I’ve got another lot booked for next week,” Wayne said when we were on the second round of drinks. “Don’t suppose I can tempt you two to do it again.”

“Well, I suppose we could think...” Kara glanced at me and as quickly looked away again, her words stalling.

“Don’t think so, Wayne, thanks all the same.” I gave Kara’s fingers a warning squeeze, annoyed but not surprised that she was already prepared to renege on our agreement.

“But, Charlie, it was fun, really, and—”

“Give me a break! You never stopped complaining about how messy they were, to say nothing of dodging wandering hands.”

“Yes, but looking back it wasn’t all bad, and we did get to sample some good food.”

“Hindsight’s a wonderful thing.”

“I don’t want to cause friction between you,” Wayne said, “but at least say you’ll think about it.” He clearly set as much stock by Kara’s powers of persuasion as Monk did. “I won’t be able to do this one myself and I’d feel better having two people who know the score helping the skipper out. He’s fairly new, see. I’ve only used him a couple of times before.”

I knew then that we’d passed whatever test Wayne had set for us. If he wasn’t skippering the next trip, illegals would almost certainly be aboard. And we’d make perfect fall guys if something went wrong.

“Sure, we’ll give it some thought,” I lied, “but don’t hold your breath. Surely any decent crewing agency would find you the right people easily enough.”

“Don’t get me started on those bloody barracudas!” Wayne scowled off into the distance. “There are hundreds of people out there who romanticise the idea of working at sea but can’t hack it when reality sets in. Besides, most of them don’t know a bowline from a bloody granny knot. Those agencies charge a fucking fortune to supply a load of rubbish.” He paused mid-rant and grimaced. “Trust me,” he said in a more moderate tone, “I know about what I speak.”

And I knew he was lying. Respected crew agencies vet their applicants thoroughly. They don’t take anyone on unless they can prove they have both the appropriate qualifications and the necessary practical experience under their belts. Marine industry employees keep logbooks signed by the skippers of the boats they’ve worked on to back up their credentials.

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