It suffices to say that because this is one novel in a series, there may be things not understood unless one knows what has taken place in previous novels from this series. Here is a link to the first novel in the series: The Big Gamble in Paradise, paperback or Kindle.
I hope you enjoy.
Not Standing Alone
After fifteen minutes with his eyes closed, not knowing if he slept or not, Trace turned his head aft. A pale red/orange glow spread along the eastern horizon. He opened the back door and stood on the aft deck. The sun slowly rose and cast a shimmering red ribbon leading to The Tramp Islander. With the sun in full form, he returned to the pilothouse. From below came the sound of Makani preparing breakfast. The gulls who enjoyed the free ride on The Tramp Islander began to swirl overhead and squawk. Soon the odor of bacon wafted up the companionway.
Makani brought a breakfast tray with a fresh thermos of coffee.
He sat the tray on the chart desk. “Good morning, Cap.”
“Good morning to you, Makani,” Trace replied.
“I come up when you look at sun,” Makani said. “Get thermos for fresh coffee.”
“You never miss a trick, do ya?” Trace said.
“No trick,” Makani smiled. “My job.”
Makani grabbed hold of the top of the companionway. He made one step down and stopped. He turned and faced Trace.
Makani grimaced. Trace leaned formed. He squinted curiously because Makani’s only expression besides nothing was a big smile.
“Is something wrong?” Trace said.
Makani breathed deeply through his nose and pressed his lips. That was even more surprising to Trace.
“Just say it,” Trace smiled. “You want to leave the ship. I get it. You’re a rich man now. If I were you, I’d be doing the same thing.”
“No,” Makani said, “I not ready to leave. Like it here.”
“Then from the looks on your face, you need fiber,” Trace said.
“What you mean?” Makani said.
“Sorry,” Trace said, “I’m making a joke to make this easier for you to talk about. You have a look on your face like you haven’t pooped in a while.”
Makani chuckled. “I see now. That good.”
“They say if you have to explain your jokes then they ain’t that funny,” Trace said. “So, let’s have it. I’m glad you like it here and you want a raise, right?”
“Nothing like that,” Makani said. “Chuck and Sean they good to me. I like them. Two days they not treat me good.”
Trace’s smile turned to the face of a stoic judge. “If they hurt you, they hurt me.”
“They not hurt or hit,” Makani said. “First, they ask me if I think you have more gold. I say, no. And if more gold, it not my business. I got much. Then they treat different. No, ‘thank you,’ Makani.’ No, ‘please, Makani.’ No talk like friend. I hear them talk. I not listen, just they not know I close. They think more gold and you and Sage keep it for self.”
“Makani,” Trace said, “I tell you the truth, the only gold I have is the bag in my room. And we are going to split it five ways. Everyone will get the same amount.”
“I believe you,” Makani said. “But Chuck and Sean no believe.” Makani nodded toward the tray. “Eat, eggs get cold.”
Trace smiled. “Thanks.” He began eating and Makani turned away. “No stay.”
“You think, I go,” Makani said. “I in way of thinking.”
“Nah,” Trace said, “I think better when you and Sage are around. You are honest and true. Do you know why Sean and Chuck think I’m holding back on them?”
“They think you cheat Spence out of boat,” Makani said.
“How long have they been talking like that?” Trace said.
“Only since gold,” Makani said.
“It is strange,” Trace said, “when a person gets more than they expect or deserve they think more should be coming their way. It’s like if you get something more than what you hoped for; if you hoped for, you should get more. Hope doesn’t change reality.”
“I think I know,” Makani sadi. “If a man give one fish for nothing, he think man should give two if ask for another. Not respect first fish.”
“That’s right,” Trace said.
“I know other man who thinks that way,” Makani said. “Always want something not work for. They think Trace don’t need because you got big land in Texas. They say something about silver spoon in mouth. Do you have one?”
“That’s an American expression,” Trace said. “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth.”
“Yes,” Makani said, “that’s it. How can that be?”
“It means from the time you were a baby your parents had enough money to feed you with a silver spoon,” Trace said.
“Is that true?” Makani said.
“We have a lot of land and cattle, a big house,” Trace said. “We have men who work for us. We got tractors and trucks—a lot of stuff. We also have blisters, calluses, blood, sweat, tears, and worry. We go days without sleep. We work in blistering winds and sun. If I had a silver spoon, it was earned. And one thing for sure, my Dad made me work harder than any man who worked for us. That’s the way he was raised. That’s the way my grandpa was raised and so on. When my buddies were having a good time, I was repairing fence or shoveling manure. I don’t know how Sean or Chuck were raised but I can guarantee they never worked until their hands bled. And Sage was raised the same way.”
Makani stood motionless. He felt uncomfortable making eye contact with Trace.
“Sorry, Makani,” Trace said. “I’ve over-said my welcome.”
“You talk, I listen,” Makani said.
“You better head back down and fix breakfast for the crew,” Trace said. “And Sage has already told me much of what you have. So you’re not standing alone.”
No comments:
Post a Comment