Ms. Anna by Bill Lockwood

Author:Bill Lockwood [Lockwood, Bill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fiction, romance, vintage, action-adventure
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2018-03-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

It was full daylight when Max fumbled his way out of the cramped captain’s cabin into the galley the next morning. Anna was already up. She was seated at the little table, dressed in her La Salida Bar T-shirt and a different bikini bathing suit bottom than before. Max had put on his good shirt, tie, good shoes, and long pants for the trip to the tuna plant. Cofresí had appeared at the bar in a white suit. Max figured business was business even in Puerto Rico, and it was done on the executive level in business suits. He carried, but did not put on, his jacket.

“Señor Cofresí’s driver has been waiting for you,” Anna said. “He is up on deck drinking coffee and eating some of our leftover tostones and arroz con frijoles. He is not unhappy at having to wait.”

Max kind of nodded. His head was far from being clear. It was hot and humid in the cabin, and he felt it was probably even worse outside.

“Have some arroz con frjoles, and I’ll scramble you some eggs. You should have some coffee, too. You should eat before you go.”

“Yes, thanks,” Max agreed.

“In port, I’m still the cook, it seems.”

“Aye, aye,” Max agreed again.

“I’m working at the bar today and tomorrow. I’m missing some shifts for the trip to Key West, so I’m trying to work as much as I can.”

“Ah, I can tell you’re the kind who keeps all her bases covered.” He nodded.

“That I am.”

Max sat in silence for a moment while she fixed him scrambled eggs, leftovers, and a mug of steaming black Puerto Rican coffee. He tried to focus his mind on the task of the day that was ahead. “Thanks,” he said when she served him the food.

Max ate quickly and in silence. He knew people in the Caribbean looked at time differently than mainlanders, but he still didn’t want to keep his driver waiting too long.

When he was done, Max said, “Okay, thanks again.”

“So you’re off to the plant to have a look for yourself. Be careful, and I wish you luck.”

“Thanks, I remember your warning from yesterday, and I hope that wish means your saints and gods will be with me.”

“Oh, they will be,” Anna assured him.

Max set down his mug. “Okay then, I’m off. Where is that driver who’s been waiting for me?”

The driver appeared to understand and speak English very well, but he was basically silent during the ride. Max remained silent as well. He did his best to enjoy the air conditioning and the comfortable back seat of the expensive car. The sky was bright blue again, but the traffic was as crazy as always. The warehouse building they stopped at appeared to be in definite need of repair. They were next to what had to be the main office door. The driver got out, walked around, and opened the car door. The smell of dead fish and hot, muggy air rushed into the car.

“Señor,” the driver said.

“Thanks.” Max smiled.

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