This is the sixth 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.
Surprise Surprise
Trace switched off the engine and cautiously navigated The Tramp Islander tight against the dock. Sean stood near the bow and Chuck was astern. They tossed the lines and jumped ashore. They tied the lines and walked to the middle of the boat yet still on the dock. They stood on the dock and talked privately.
Makani jumped ashore and sprinted away.
Sean called out to Makani, “Where ya goin’ in such a big hurry.”
Makani didn’t stop or look back. “Very busy. Must hurry.”
They made amusing remarks and laughed.
Trace stood at the companionway and called below. “Hey, Trace, you got everything?”
“Just about,” Sage shouted back.
Trace grabbed the mic, “Hey, Sean and Chuck, stay where you are. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Sean and Chuck flashed a thumbs-up and continued their private conversation.
Trace hurried down the companionway. He checked the shelves and under the benches of the salon for anything belonging to Sean or Chuck. He found two videos and tossed them in the two bags of gear that Sage had placed in the hallway.
Trace went into his cabin, counted out some money, and placed them in two envelopes.
Sage stood at the doorway of Trace’s cabin and asked, “Final pay?”
“And severance,” Trace replied.
“Their rooms are empty except for the smell,” Sage said.
Trace grabbed one bag of gear and Sage the other. They made their way through the quarters and up the forward companionway.
Sean and Trace stood on the dock talking, oblivious to Trace’s and Sage’s presence until the gear was tossed at their feet. They looked at the bags as if dropped from heaven. Unbelievably, they looked heavenward. Then they turned, surprised again, to see Trace and Sage.
“What’s this all about?” Chuck said.
“If this looks like what I think it looks like,” Sean said, “you can’t do this.”
“You’re both fired,” Trace said.
“Where’s our share of the gold?” Chuck demanded.
“You have no share,” Trace said, “you did have it but you decided to open up negotiations. In other words, that makes the previous offer, my offer invalid. It’s that simple.”
“You're a thievin’ crook,” Sean protested.
“We’re getting the police,” Chuck said.
“You have nothing,” Trace said. “In each of your gear is an envelope. There is money that pays for this entire trip and severance pay.”
“This won’t be the last you hear from us,” Chuck said.
“I hope it is,” Trace said. “From this moment on you are not welcomed aboard The Tramp Islander. I never want to see you on her again. You men have been good and diligent deckhands. I appreciate it. I can’t put up with what you men have done recently. You are unappreciative and disloyal. If either one of you falls on hard times, I’ll give you what I can, but you can’t board The Tramp Islander ever again.”
Chuck slowly grabbed the handle on his bag of gear and walked away.
Sean stood for a moment staring at Trace. “You cheated us,” he said.
“You cheated yourself,” Trace said.
Sean picked up his gear and walked away.
“That was quick and easy. Do you think we’ll ever see those two again?” Sage said.
“Not on The Tramp Islander,” Trace said.
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