Lighthouses by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Beacon Books
Published: 2015-11-05T05:00:00+00:00

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A few months later, as Tony repacked the mandarins from the fruit stall, a woman approached. Her willowy frame stood out amongst the other stall holders who were busy packing up and counting their day’s takings.

‘You the boy that works for Frank?’ she said, squinting awkwardly.

Tony nodded. ‘That’s me. Frank’ll be back soon. He’s just gone to get the van.’

‘Actually, it’s you I want to talk to.’

‘Oh,’ Tony said, stopping what he was doing to focus on the woman.

‘I hear you’re looking for your dog.’

‘That’s right. Jimmy, his name’s Jimmy.

‘I see.’

‘I’m working here to save money. I need to catch the boat across the river. Someone told me I’d probably find Jimmy there.’

‘Well, I have a job that just might suit you. You see, I have some friends over that way and I need to get something to them.’ Tony looked around, expecting Frank to turn up at any moment.

‘I’d pay for your boat trip, return, and a little extra too.’

Tony was excited by the thought, but what would he tell Frank. He’d been so kind, and even helped him find a place to stay.

‘Don’t worry about Frank. I’ve already spoken to him. He said it’s fine, and you could keep your job even if you don’t find Jimmy.’

Tony looked at the woman carefully. ‘Are you friends with Frank?’

‘Look, young man, I don’t want to pressure you, but if you’re interested, come see me tomorrow morning at the brown cottage at the northern end of the village, the one with the coloured glass.’

‘Thank you.’

She nodded, turned and was soon out of sight. Tony continued to pack the last of the mandarins.

‘Have you finished?’ Frank hollered out the window of the van as he reversed it. He came to a full stop just an inch or so from a box of eggplants. He jumped out of the van and made his way toward Tony.

‘Come on, Tony. Let’s get this done so we can get outta here. You’ve got a big day tomorrow.’

‘Tony looked out from the bow of the boat, the vastness of the river stood before him as the wind lashed his face. He’d never seen another thing like it, the water stretched before him as far as the eye could see. The package he was carrying was tucked deep inside his bag, a small towel wrapped around it to prevent its damage. The address of the woman he was to deliver it to was inside his wallet, next to his family photo, the one where Jimmy, just a few months old, lay fast asleep in his lap. The woman had told him to tell no one he met of the package or its destination.

As the Tony stood on the deck watching the slow ripple of a wave move toward the boat, he caught sight of something from the corner of his eye. A small piece of paper drifted slowly to the deck. He bent down, picked it up, and when he raised his head again, he made eye contact with a portly man whose eyes shone like lights on a carousel.

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