The Cursed Caves: The Tales of Tupuqa by Hulse Adam

Author:Hulse, Adam
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Raven Tale
Published: 2021-10-27T00:00:00+00:00

10

The Port

The hue of the security monitors always gave Devontae a headache, and so he scrunched up his eyes and pinched at the flesh between his thick eyebrows. He could feel his colleague, Larry staring at him. Devontae chanced a glance at the older man and winced at the smirk that was lying in wait over Larry’s cheap coffee.

“Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time, Devontae.”

“It’s not a hangover, Larry.”

“Sure, sure.”

Devontae eyeballed Larry’s balding head which was tanned with liver spots. He was near retirement age but had mentally retired some years ago. Devontae had only been in the job for a few months after moving from Chicago, and so Larry behaved as his superior in every way possible.

The reason for Devontae’s move had been to be closer to his girlfriend, Alicia who was studying art at California State University. However, due to the shifts he was having to put in at the port he was beginning to think he’d probably have seen Alicia just as much if he’d just stayed in Chicago.

“Drink some coffee. It will help your hangover.”

“What did I just say, Larry?”

The old man raised his coffee cup in a mock toast.

“Yeah, but I don’t believe you.” He smiled.

“I don’t know how you drink that shit anyway, man. It’s too damn hot.”

Devontae stood up suddenly feeling claustrophobic in their small portacabin. He grabbed his bottled water.

“Gonna puke?” Larry goaded him.

“Maybe if I keep looking at your old ass. I need some air.”

“Don’t shoot anyone because you’re boozed up.” Larry cackled as Devontae stepped out into the sunshine.

“I’m not boozed up.” He muttered to himself. “It's too damn hot.”

The door creaked open, and Devontae turned to see Larry adjusting his pants in a way that made him feel uncomfortable. Larry squinted into the sun and continued his alterations.

“Do me a solid and pick up some torch batteries from control.”

“Larry, I’m just taking a five-minute walk around to clear my head.”

Larry scowled in disappointment.

“Why didn’t you pick them up after we had the briefing?” Devontae asked.

“Didn’t know I needed them then.” Larry shrugged.

Exasperated, Devontae turned and pointed at the SUV parked ten metres away.

“Just take the Ford if you’re feeling lazy.”

“I’m not lazy. Someone has to watch the screens while your drunk ass is sobering up.”

“God dammit, Larry!” Devontae yelled. “I had like two beers.”

“So, you’re a lightweight.”

“No, I just need some fresh air and some water.” Devontae wheeled away.

“Will you get my batteries?”

“Get them yourself.”

“You’re a real friend.” Larry cried after him.

“We’re just colleagues, Larry.”

Devontae swilled water around his mouth as he peered up at the golden sun. He shook his head at all the ship containers that were stacked so high that they created a perfect windbreak. Devontae walked around them so that he could get his fix of sea air. He gulped it in as the harbour patrol boat roared into view. Devontae shielded his eyes so that he could see better. The outlines of two members of the harbour patrol came into view before their boat turned and sped out to sea.

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