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.
Planning For Suva
Shortly after breakfast, Sage and Makani jacked up the anchor. Trace started the engine and motored away from Palmerston Island. The sails were hoisted and Trace began tacking west, toward Fiji.
Sage came back to the pilothouse, and Makani went below.
“We needed that,” Sage said, sitting on the bench in the pilothouse.
“We need two more hands,” Trace said, steering the boat and looking over the bow. “I don’t like strapping too much on a small crew. It leads to mistakes and accidents, and injuries. Out at sea, a man is injured, there’s little you can do.”
“We’ll find a couple of deckhands,” Sage assured.
“Guys who want to work on a schooner?” Trace said. “Hoisting and trimming sails and everything in between. It’s hard work. The boat is old school.”
“But it goes where few can go,” Sage said. “You have a corner on the freight market. It’s a niche business.”
“You sound like you want to open a candle shop,” Trace said. “Where did you get this niche business jargon?”
“I’m sophisticated,” Sage feigned snobbishness. “Haven’t you noticed? You know, we could make candles in our spare time,” Sage joked.
“Let’s not forget the gift basket market too,” Trace replied.
“Now you’re thinkin’,” Sage said. “By the way, how far to Fiji?”
“Twelve hundred miles,” Trace said, “eight to ten days.”
“Any breaks in between?” Sage asked.
“There is an island a little past halfway,” Sage said. “It’s about thirty miles south of our course. We’ll see how we feel in a few days. I think we’d all like to get back to Suva, but not in any hurry.”
“What about Suva?” Sage asked. “What are we going to do with the gold? Things have changed. It’s no longer a five-way split, it’s three—I’m assuming.”
“It is,” Trace assured. “Before we left Suva the last time, I checked about getting The Tramp Islander into a dry dock. They said if there’s an opening when we return, they can do it all in a week. There’s some serious updates planned; sonar, global positioning, and a new roller for toilet paper. That will give me a chance to find two men, line up some freight, and paint the town a couple of nights.”
“Paint the town?” Sage asked.
Trace chuckled. “Believe it or not, I’m getting to the age where a three games at the bowling alley is painting town. You know me, I never quite liked the night life. And the last time I tried it, I ended up owning a boat. I’m quitting while I’m ahead.”
“So it sounds like art museums, flower shows, and walks on the beach,” Sage said.
“You’re not far off,” Trace said. “That’s what I came here for. You can find yourself and meaning at an art museum or a beach, but find trouble at a bar or casino.”
“They got horses on Fiji,” Sage asked. “I’d like to ride. I’m losing my butt calluses.”
“I think they do,” Sage said. “If you don’t mind, we can do that together. And if some cattle need to be herded, we’ll do that for free.”
“Just so ya know,” Sage said, “I ain’t goin’ nowhere on ya. What I mean is that I’m sticking around. I kinda like what I’m doin’ for now. When it gets old, I’ll be tellin’ ya.”
“That goes for me too,” Trace said. “I’ll be tellin’ ya. And by the way, I want you around when I pick a new crew. I wouldn’t buy a horse without a second opinion.”
“I never thought about this,” Sage said, “I might be the seasoned veteran on the deck.”
“How many men do you think have sailed on a schooner, know the knots, a jib from a jibe, and a mainstay?” Trace said.
“A few months ago I didn’t know port from starboard or bow from…” Sage paused, “What’s that called?”
“Well, for sure,” Trace said, “we’ll look for deckhands that can take a joke.”
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