Manchineel by John Ballem

Author:John Ballem
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC022000
ISBN: 9781554885695
Publisher: Dundurn Press
Published: 2000-04-01T00:00:00+00:00

But, as I mentioned before, your reputation as a successful investor is well known. Maybe I could give you a brief tour of our beautiful island so you can see for yourself its potential as a resort.”

Investing in a resort, in the Caribbean or anywhere else, was the last thing Skye would think of doing. But he wasn’t about to turn down a chance to find out more about this mysterious and forbidding island. “That would be very interesting, so long as we leave plenty of time for the birds.”

“Of course,” Baker agreed and launched into what was obviously a well-rehearsed spiel. “Our research indicates that the time has finally arrived for this island to be developed. The big tourist islands, Barbados, Jamaica and the like, are touristed-out. More and more, sophisticated travellers are seeking a different Caribbean experience, one that is well away from the crowded tourist haunts. Manchineel is no competition; there are only a few building lots left and, in any case, it can accommodate only a small number of people. Our plans call for much higher density, but without losing the unique Caribbean ambience that people will pay for.”

“I’m interested to hear that your plans are so far advanced.” Skye grabbed the handhold on the dash as, with a final lurch, the jeep gained the level ground at the top of the cliff. “I was under the impression that development had been indefinitely delayed.”

Baker sighed gustily. “It’s a matter of obtaining the necessary financing. That’s something you might be able to help us with. With all your contacts. But let’s not talk about that now. Just enjoy the view.”

Baker stood up as the jeep jerked to a halt and pointed to the north. “Just take a look at that!”

Skye had to admit the view was breathtakingly beautiful. Manchineel dominated the foreground, but other islands could be seen beyond it, receding in a gentle curving arc into the blue distance. Skye’s gaze travelled down to the base of the cliff. The dark cobalt blue colour of the water revealed a precipitous drop into the depths. There was no beach, just a narrow band of black volcanic rock.

Seeing the skeptical look on Skye’s face, Baker said, “This would be a perfect place for scuba diving.”

“No doubt. But from the air, the island looks to be completely rock-bound.”

“Sand can always be imported,” replied Baker as they bumped their way across a field of tough brown grass.

And be swept away by the next tropical storm, thought Skye, but he merely nodded noncommittally. Whoever had purchased the island with the idea of turning it into a resort was either deluding themselves or had very deep pockets.

They came to the top of the hill where a well-worn, rutted track led down to the dilapidated buildings of the abandoned fish-packing plant. The buildings faced the field with the boulders. “Those, of course, will have to go,” said Baker. “The land is perfectly level where those buildings are, and I can see tennis courts and a communal swimming pool there.

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