Two Tamas in Paradise; Episode 3, Where's The Plank?

 

This is the third episode of the novel Two Tamas in Paradise. It is the fourth novel in the Trace Troy South Pacific Adventure series. It will be posted in episodes. The plan is for two or three a week. There are fifty episodes. It has not been published yet. The reader is given a sneak preview. 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. 

Where’s The Plank?

The sound of Sean and Chuck muffled talking rose from the companionway. It sounded as if they were eating breakfast with their mouths full. 

Sage came from below with a cup of coffee and a toasted egg and bacon sandwich. He took a bite and sat on the bench. With a bulge in his cheek, he said, “I can’t eat with those guys anymore. They’re getting bold.”

“Makani confirmed what you told me,” Trace said.

“When?” Sage said.

“A little while ago,” Trace said. “He brought me breakfast and we had a chat.”

“How are you going to handle it?” Sage said gulping the coffee. “Do they still make mutineers walk the plank?”

“Do me a favor,”  Trace said, “In a few hours we’ll be docking in Bora Bora. We have to take on water and some food supplies. Until then treat those two as if you know nothing.”

“I ain’t gonna eat with ‘em,” Sage said. 

“That’s okay,” Trace said. “I get it, but just don’t be rude or hostile.”

“You have a plan?” Sage asked.

“Yeah,” Trace said. “I want to run it over in my mind a few times before I do it.”

“Will it be a surprise?” Sage said.

“I can guarantee it will be a surprise,” Trace said, “especially to Sean and Chuck.”

“Can ya give me a hint?” Sage said.

“I did,” Trace grinned. “It will be a surprise.”

“Okay,” Sage heaved a swallow of coffee, “where’s the plank at?”

“Actually, I had a rope and yardarm in mind, matey,” Trace said with a gruff pirate voice. “But just in case, find me a plank. That sounds like a good plan B,”

“I think it’s best I go and catch up on the sleep I lost last night,” Sage said.

“I’ll make sure you're up when I spot Bora Bora,” Trace said.

Sage took another gulp of coffee and inquired, “Not even a hint?”

“Not even. Who knows,” Trace said, “I may be the one surprised.”

“Now ya got me worried,” Sage said and climbed down the companionway.

Trace heard Sage say in a friendly cowboy way, “Keep it down out there, boys, I going to catch a beauty rest.”

‘He’s great,’ Trace thought. ‘If those guys knew him they’d know something was up.’

Trace stepped onto the aft deck with a sextant. He took a reading and returned to the wheel. He made a slight starboard turn and waited for Bora Bora to appear over the horizon.