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.
The Decision
A little more than half a mile from the marina, Trace was at the wheel. He grabbed the mic and put it close to his mouth. “Let’s drop the sails and prepare to dock. We’ll motor in the rest of the way.”
Sean’s and Chuck’s conversation stopped. They slowly moved from leaning against the roof of the forward cabins. Trace eyed their movement. They were casual and slump-shouldered. They moved reluctantly and with scorn. It did not set well with Trace. They appeared ungrateful.
‘Three hundred years ago,’ Trace thought, ‘those men would have been flogged.’
Trace hung the mic on the hook. And Sage came up the companionway.
“You don’t look so good,” Sage said.
“I’m fine,” Trace replied.
“I saw you talked with Sean and Chuck,” Sage said. “How did it go?”
“They want the gold split three ways, them and Makani,” Trace chuckled. “They claimed you and I already have enough and I’m holding out on them.”
“I was in the forward cabins’ hallway, listening to them,” Sage said. “They were right above me. I heard every word. They think because you gave in so easily that you do know where more gold is.”
“That’s what I wanted them to think,” Trace said.
Trace started the engine and steered toward the marina.
He grabbed the mic. “Makani, pilothouse.”
Makani climbed up the companionway immediately. “Yes, Captain.”
“You got a list of rations we need?” Trace asked.
“Sure do,” Makani said.
“The moment we dock, I want you off the boat,” Trace said. “Can you get everything in an hour?”
“Sure, Cap,” Makani said.
“Go and make sure of what we need,” Trace said.
Makani gave an affirmative nod and slipped down the companionway.
“What have you got for me to do?” Sage said.
“In one way, I hate to do this,” Trace said, “but in another way, it will be best for the ship.”
“Hard decision?” Sage asked.
“Yeah,” Trace said. “Go below and pack all of Sean’s and Chuck’s gear.”
Sage paused and said. “That is quite a decision.”
“Makani, you and me will be sailing The Tramp Islander back to Suva,” Trace said. “We all know enough about what to do to get us there.”
“Do they have any clue?” Sage asked.
“Until a moment ago, I didn’t wasn’t sure,” Trace said.
“What about the gold?” Sage said.
“What about the gold?” Trace replied.
“Do they get their share?” Sage said.
“I made an offer weeks ago,” Trace said. “I have to assume they agreed to that offer. They sailed and worked under that assumption.”
“So do you want me to split up the gold and give them their share?” Sage asked.
“They reopened negotiations with me,” Trace said. “They could have said they were getting off at Bora Bora, and I’d given them their share; no questions. I’ve tried to justify sharing with them but I can’t. Ever since I won The Tramp Islander, I’ve paid them back wages I didn’t have to pay. I gave them extra pay when it came my way. I’ve improved their conditions on this boat at my expense. I can’t hate them but I can’t trust them or reward them.”
“I better get busy,” Sage said and hurried down the companionway.
