The Collectors Book Six: Black Gold (The Collectors Series 6) (18 page)
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Authors: Ron Sewell
BOOK: The Collectors Book Six: Black Gold (The Collectors Series 6)
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He took a sip of his coffee. “None. You’ve finished training the security team and you go home the day after tomorrow.”
“I agree but let’s assume you’re correct and this ship is attacked, do we fight until the last man’s standing or surrender after five minutes?”
Petros stood and walked around the table. “If the captain agrees, we eliminate the problem.”
Barry raised his hand. “I’m up for a fight but the moment we show our hand the element of surprise vanishes like a rat up a drain pipe. We have a few automatic rifles and three water cannon. Not much of a defensive arsenal.”
“You’ve forgotten something,” said Petros. “For the pirates to attack they have to be ready and waiting for us to arrive. To do that someone has to tell them our course and speed.”
“The ship’s AIS will keep them updated as to our present position,” said Colin.
Petros appeared to be contemplating his next words. “I believe a member of the crew activates a beacon when this vessel is in the zone. It makes sense. Your attack force is wide awake and you have two tankers nearby.”
Bear interrupted. “As far as I’m concerned one thing is important. Do you want me to stay and watch your back?”
Petros held back a sigh. “Yes, I do, but it’s not part of our agreement. You can go home. If you stay it’s your decision.”
“No pressure then. I’ll talk to Jocelyn. Out of interest, what have you told Maria?”
He smiled. “I’m waiting until the decision is made tomorrow. Then I’ll just say it’s taking longer than we planned.”
“And if I go home?”
"You can visit me in hospital. Bring grapes. I hate cut flowers.”
“Despite my better judgment, and I hate ships, I’ll stay and watch your back. Maria would murder me if I didn’t.”
“And what excuse will you give Jocelyn?”
“I’ll tell her it’s your fault.”
@@@
Henry gave some thought to his time with Petros who at least brought him up to date. Before he made up his mind to do anything he sat in his room and read his notes. To find his father’s murderer he needed to be on Leviathan when the pirates attacked.
At eight, Annie arrived in a taxi. Henry smiled at her as he jumped into the rear seat. “Look, I’m wearing a tie. Where are we going?”
“Charlie’s, it’s one of the best restaurants in town. It’ll take us twenty minutes to get there.”
Annie was attractive; her trim figure looked brilliant in a black silk dress which had risen above her knees. She kissed him on the cheek. “It’s the place a receptionist cannot afford to go. When I dine out, I should be able to enjoy food that I’m not capable of making at home.”
Annie held Henry’s arm as they entered Charlie’s. The receptionist beckoned to a waiter who guided them to their table and presented them with a menu with their names on the front cover.
“Our names, a nice touch.” He stroked the back of her hand. “You can’t beat good company and good food.”
She grasped his arm and chuckled. “Whoever said I’m good company?”
“I did.” He called the waiter over and ordered an expensive bottle of champagne.
The waiter returned and presented the bottle to Henry who nodded.
Annie raised her glass. “To happiness.”
The glasses clinked. “I’ll drink to that,”
She opened the menu and glanced at the page.
A waiter approached. “Ready to order, sir, madam?”
She ordered a T Bone and fresh vegetables and Henry, Lobster.
Annie’s choice of restaurant proved superb, with each course accompanied by an appropriate wine. He found her easy to talk to and time disappeared in a haze. After several glasses of wine he asked if it were possible to hide onboard Leviathan.
She lifted her purse from her bag and removed a diary. “Barry Higgins, one of the ship’s security team, has been asking me out since he arrived in Cape Town. I’ll give you his phone number on one condition.”
“I need to settle a score. What’s your condition?”
Her eyes sparkled. “When we return to your place, you invite me to your room for coffee.”
Henry gave her a debonair smile as she grabbed his hand.
Her eyes flashed. “Time to pay the bill and leave.”
She lifted her napkin and patted her lips.
He called the waiter and paid with his credit card.
Chapter Fifteen
Chief Officer Andy Young, wearing a spotless white uniform, paced the deck while he waited. For the umpteenth time he checked his watch. He sighed as a taxi stopped at the far end of the gangway. Captain Richard Scott, dressed in casual clothes, stepped out and onto the quay. His eyes searched the ship from bow to stern.”
Andy smiled; he and the Bosun had walked the jetty the night before and rectified a couple of minor points.
Richard paid the driver and turned as the duty gangway rating picked up his cases. With the man following he strode across the gangway.
Andy saluted.
Richard glanced at his watch. “You’ll not get much sleep tonight. Are we ready to undock?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Very good. I’d go and grab a few hours if I were you.”
Andy nodded. “When gangway security returns, sir.”
“She looks good, Andy. Well done.”
Richard did not wait for an answer but walked towards the accommodation and his cabin.
@@@
Andy scanned the stern where gangs of dockers worked wires from the Leviathan to winches on the dockside. Satisfied, he turned his attention to the bow. Both anchors were ready to slip just in case something went wrong. To date, it had never happened but there was always a first time.
He was proud of his position as Chief Officer on the Leviathan, a vessel he knew intimately from her bulbous bow to the vertical stern. With purpose in his stride he made his way forward and peered into the depth of the dock. The open sluice valves enabled the dock bottom to be flooded with seawater. In a couple of hours the ship would be afloat.
He looked aft, aware his captain was on board and discussing with the yard manager the tasks completed during the docking.
Petros and Bear, along with the security team, stayed out of the way. To pass the time they played cards and drank coffee. Above them were the sounds of wires being dragged and heavy footfalls on the deck.
On his way from the bow to the bridge, Andy looked in on his other team.
“How’s it going?” asked Bear.
“We’ll soon be off the blocks but the dock-master’s men still have plenty to do before the dock’s full. Then the dock gate is pumped
dry
and floated out. Next the tricky bit starts. With the clever use of wires and capstans they’ll begin to ease us out. A tug will pull us clear with two others standing by. It’s a skilled task but these guys could do it in their sleep. My job while this is happening is to keep the ship safe from damage.”
Bear nodded and asked, “What time’s lunch?”
Andy grinned. “When we’re secured alongside. For the next few hours stay off the main deck. If a wire parts it can cut a man in two like a hot knife through butter.”
“We know when we’re not wanted,” said Barry as he dealt the cards.
Andy left and shut the door. Fifteen minutes later he reported to Captain Richard Scott.
Richard turned from the yard manager. “All’s well, Mr Young?”
“The dock-master has it under control, sir, and I have men stationed forward, aft and amidships to assist as required.”
“Carry on, Mr Young. I’ll need to talk to you along with a Mr Kyriades and Mr Morris later. The President of the company has given me some unusual orders.”
“Yes, sir.”
@@@
With the necessary papers signed, Richard wandered around the bridge checking everything he found and saw. In harbour the bridge was spotless which made him feel sure the rest of the ship was at the same high standard. He had never been happy with the company’s policy of one trip, a break and then join the next to arrive in port, but he understood a ship in harbour was an unnecessary expense and not a profit.
@@@
Her hand stroked the soft pink skin until the body beside her shivered. “I have unreasonable desires when I’m with you.”
Frankie caressed her face. “Pleasure is a moment in time and it passes. Soon you’ll pack your bag and leave. I never ask where and you never tell me. We have fantastic times together but I know nothing about you.” She waved her right hand in the air. “Who lives in a place like this apart from old retired judges and generals?”
Linda sat on the edge of the bed. “I must make a few phone calls. Can you disappear for a few hours?”
“We’ve run out of booze. I’ll take a trip into town and buy another half a dozen. That Chilean red is delicious. I suppose I’d better get dressed.”
Linda laughed out loud. “Go into town as you are and you’ll be arrested.”
“I love those female police officers. I wonder how many are like us?”
“They’re out of bounds. I’m going for a shower, want to join me?”
“You’re without doubt a one-off. Do you know that?”
“Frankie, we shower, put our clothes on and you disappear.”
Showered, they dried each other and dressed.
Frankie put on the coffee machine and made breakfast.
Linda sipped her coffee. “Time you went shopping.”
Frankie nodded, picked up her handbag and left.
@@@
Linda punched a number into her sat-phone and waited until an answering machine clicked. “Dai, it’s Linda. Contact me.”
She sat by her balcony for a long time. Annoyed, she made her next call to India to find the number was no longer obtainable.
Troubled, she reached for her iPhone and operated the search mode for Boy-Girls, China. One telephone number appeared. At that moment she remembered the six hour time difference between Cape Town and Beijing.
The telephone at the other end was answered at once by a man. “Ring this number, let it ring seven times, ring off and then call again.” Then the line went dead. She called the number.
“Your name?”
“Linda Liu.”
“The name of your contact in Singapore?”
“I have no contact in Singapore.”
“I agree but let’s assume you’re correct and this ship is attacked, do we fight until the last man’s standing or surrender after five minutes?”
Petros stood and walked around the table. “If the captain agrees, we eliminate the problem.”
Barry raised his hand. “I’m up for a fight but the moment we show our hand the element of surprise vanishes like a rat up a drain pipe. We have a few automatic rifles and three water cannon. Not much of a defensive arsenal.”
“You’ve forgotten something,” said Petros. “For the pirates to attack they have to be ready and waiting for us to arrive. To do that someone has to tell them our course and speed.”
“The ship’s AIS will keep them updated as to our present position,” said Colin.
Petros appeared to be contemplating his next words. “I believe a member of the crew activates a beacon when this vessel is in the zone. It makes sense. Your attack force is wide awake and you have two tankers nearby.”
Bear interrupted. “As far as I’m concerned one thing is important. Do you want me to stay and watch your back?”
Petros held back a sigh. “Yes, I do, but it’s not part of our agreement. You can go home. If you stay it’s your decision.”
“No pressure then. I’ll talk to Jocelyn. Out of interest, what have you told Maria?”
He smiled. “I’m waiting until the decision is made tomorrow. Then I’ll just say it’s taking longer than we planned.”
“And if I go home?”
"You can visit me in hospital. Bring grapes. I hate cut flowers.”
“Despite my better judgment, and I hate ships, I’ll stay and watch your back. Maria would murder me if I didn’t.”
“And what excuse will you give Jocelyn?”
“I’ll tell her it’s your fault.”
@@@
Henry gave some thought to his time with Petros who at least brought him up to date. Before he made up his mind to do anything he sat in his room and read his notes. To find his father’s murderer he needed to be on Leviathan when the pirates attacked.
At eight, Annie arrived in a taxi. Henry smiled at her as he jumped into the rear seat. “Look, I’m wearing a tie. Where are we going?”
“Charlie’s, it’s one of the best restaurants in town. It’ll take us twenty minutes to get there.”
Annie was attractive; her trim figure looked brilliant in a black silk dress which had risen above her knees. She kissed him on the cheek. “It’s the place a receptionist cannot afford to go. When I dine out, I should be able to enjoy food that I’m not capable of making at home.”
Annie held Henry’s arm as they entered Charlie’s. The receptionist beckoned to a waiter who guided them to their table and presented them with a menu with their names on the front cover.
“Our names, a nice touch.” He stroked the back of her hand. “You can’t beat good company and good food.”
She grasped his arm and chuckled. “Whoever said I’m good company?”
“I did.” He called the waiter over and ordered an expensive bottle of champagne.
The waiter returned and presented the bottle to Henry who nodded.
Annie raised her glass. “To happiness.”
The glasses clinked. “I’ll drink to that,”
She opened the menu and glanced at the page.
A waiter approached. “Ready to order, sir, madam?”
She ordered a T Bone and fresh vegetables and Henry, Lobster.
Annie’s choice of restaurant proved superb, with each course accompanied by an appropriate wine. He found her easy to talk to and time disappeared in a haze. After several glasses of wine he asked if it were possible to hide onboard Leviathan.
She lifted her purse from her bag and removed a diary. “Barry Higgins, one of the ship’s security team, has been asking me out since he arrived in Cape Town. I’ll give you his phone number on one condition.”
“I need to settle a score. What’s your condition?”
Her eyes sparkled. “When we return to your place, you invite me to your room for coffee.”
Henry gave her a debonair smile as she grabbed his hand.
Her eyes flashed. “Time to pay the bill and leave.”
She lifted her napkin and patted her lips.
He called the waiter and paid with his credit card.
Chapter Fifteen
Chief Officer Andy Young, wearing a spotless white uniform, paced the deck while he waited. For the umpteenth time he checked his watch. He sighed as a taxi stopped at the far end of the gangway. Captain Richard Scott, dressed in casual clothes, stepped out and onto the quay. His eyes searched the ship from bow to stern.”
Andy smiled; he and the Bosun had walked the jetty the night before and rectified a couple of minor points.
Richard paid the driver and turned as the duty gangway rating picked up his cases. With the man following he strode across the gangway.
Andy saluted.
Richard glanced at his watch. “You’ll not get much sleep tonight. Are we ready to undock?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Very good. I’d go and grab a few hours if I were you.”
Andy nodded. “When gangway security returns, sir.”
“She looks good, Andy. Well done.”
Richard did not wait for an answer but walked towards the accommodation and his cabin.
@@@
Andy scanned the stern where gangs of dockers worked wires from the Leviathan to winches on the dockside. Satisfied, he turned his attention to the bow. Both anchors were ready to slip just in case something went wrong. To date, it had never happened but there was always a first time.
He was proud of his position as Chief Officer on the Leviathan, a vessel he knew intimately from her bulbous bow to the vertical stern. With purpose in his stride he made his way forward and peered into the depth of the dock. The open sluice valves enabled the dock bottom to be flooded with seawater. In a couple of hours the ship would be afloat.
He looked aft, aware his captain was on board and discussing with the yard manager the tasks completed during the docking.
Petros and Bear, along with the security team, stayed out of the way. To pass the time they played cards and drank coffee. Above them were the sounds of wires being dragged and heavy footfalls on the deck.
On his way from the bow to the bridge, Andy looked in on his other team.
“How’s it going?” asked Bear.
“We’ll soon be off the blocks but the dock-master’s men still have plenty to do before the dock’s full. Then the dock gate is pumped
dry
and floated out. Next the tricky bit starts. With the clever use of wires and capstans they’ll begin to ease us out. A tug will pull us clear with two others standing by. It’s a skilled task but these guys could do it in their sleep. My job while this is happening is to keep the ship safe from damage.”
Bear nodded and asked, “What time’s lunch?”
Andy grinned. “When we’re secured alongside. For the next few hours stay off the main deck. If a wire parts it can cut a man in two like a hot knife through butter.”
“We know when we’re not wanted,” said Barry as he dealt the cards.
Andy left and shut the door. Fifteen minutes later he reported to Captain Richard Scott.
Richard turned from the yard manager. “All’s well, Mr Young?”
“The dock-master has it under control, sir, and I have men stationed forward, aft and amidships to assist as required.”
“Carry on, Mr Young. I’ll need to talk to you along with a Mr Kyriades and Mr Morris later. The President of the company has given me some unusual orders.”
“Yes, sir.”
@@@
With the necessary papers signed, Richard wandered around the bridge checking everything he found and saw. In harbour the bridge was spotless which made him feel sure the rest of the ship was at the same high standard. He had never been happy with the company’s policy of one trip, a break and then join the next to arrive in port, but he understood a ship in harbour was an unnecessary expense and not a profit.
@@@
Linda rolled over onto her stomach. “Frankie, you’re the best lover I’ve had the pleasure to fuck.”
Her hand stroked the soft pink skin until the body beside her shivered. “I have unreasonable desires when I’m with you.”
Frankie caressed her face. “Pleasure is a moment in time and it passes. Soon you’ll pack your bag and leave. I never ask where and you never tell me. We have fantastic times together but I know nothing about you.” She waved her right hand in the air. “Who lives in a place like this apart from old retired judges and generals?”
Linda sat on the edge of the bed. “I must make a few phone calls. Can you disappear for a few hours?”
“We’ve run out of booze. I’ll take a trip into town and buy another half a dozen. That Chilean red is delicious. I suppose I’d better get dressed.”
Linda laughed out loud. “Go into town as you are and you’ll be arrested.”
“I love those female police officers. I wonder how many are like us?”
“They’re out of bounds. I’m going for a shower, want to join me?”
“You’re without doubt a one-off. Do you know that?”
“Frankie, we shower, put our clothes on and you disappear.”
Showered, they dried each other and dressed.
Frankie put on the coffee machine and made breakfast.
Linda sipped her coffee. “Time you went shopping.”
Frankie nodded, picked up her handbag and left.
@@@
Linda punched a number into her sat-phone and waited until an answering machine clicked. “Dai, it’s Linda. Contact me.”
She sat by her balcony for a long time. Annoyed, she made her next call to India to find the number was no longer obtainable.
Troubled, she reached for her iPhone and operated the search mode for Boy-Girls, China. One telephone number appeared. At that moment she remembered the six hour time difference between Cape Town and Beijing.
The telephone at the other end was answered at once by a man. “Ring this number, let it ring seven times, ring off and then call again.” Then the line went dead. She called the number.
“Your name?”
“Linda Liu.”
“The name of your contact in Singapore?”
“I have no contact in Singapore.”
“The organisation has been scratched but your operations have been lucrative to our cause. We agree the next high-jacking. Continue as planned. A suite is booked for you at the Nyali International Beach Hotel, Mombasa. You will receive further instructions.”
“I will make the necessary arrangements with my contact this end.” She listened to the continuous tone. The line was dead.
Linda stared out of the window at the wind-swept waters of the bay as she wondered what had happened to two powerful men. “Not my problem,” she muttered as she booked her flight from Cape Town to Mombasa.
“Have I gone deaf or has it gone quiet?” muttered Bear.
“I’ll go take a look,” said Colin. He chucked his cards face down on the table and left.
In a couple of minutes he returned. “Time for lunch. They’ve finished.”
“Just when I have a good hand,” said Bear. “What’s the food like in the crew’s mess?”
“Same as yours but we don’t have a steward to serve us.”
Petros laughed. “That’s the way the cookie crumbles. You’re crew, we’re guests.”
The five men washed their hands and made their way aft.
@@@
The officers’ mess was full as Petros and Bear waited to be served.
Andy Young approached and leant on the table. “The captain wants to see you, the chief engineer and myself for a meeting at four. You can guess what it’s about. It seems the president of our company has spoken. By the way, if you’re staying on board it’s not a problem, but we sail before sunrise tomorrow.”
“Bear swallowed a mouthful of vegetables. “What time does the cruise begin?”
“Five on the dot.”
“See you at the meeting,” said Petros, glancing at the time. “I expected Henry Wood here for lunch. Pound to a penny he overslept this morning.”
Bear smiled and shook his head. “I wonder who shared his bed?”
“I don’t believe he’s the kiss and tell type.”
“Are we jealous or is it wishful thinking?”
Petros whistled. “Time we weren’t here.”
@@@
Richard Scott, wearing a pristine white uniform, sat at his desk signing stores requisitions and reading reports. A knock on his cabin door interrupted his train of thought. “Enter.”
Andy Young stepped into the cabin. The officers’ mess steward followed carrying a tray of cups and saucers, tea and coffee pots. “For your guests as requested, sir.”
“Thank you. Place it on the table.”
Tony Wilson, the Chief Engineer, a large, bearded man in pristine white overalls arrived next. “Welcome back, Richard.”
“Everything ready for sea, Chief?”
“Of course.”
Petros and Bear arrived at four on the dot.
Andy stood. “Captain, sir, let me introduce Petros Kyriades and William Morris.”
Richard nodded and glanced at the clock on the wall. “Pleased to meet those who have a direct line to our President.”
“It’s not actually us but someone we know,” said Petros.
“Andy, will you serve the refreshments please?”
He grinned. “Am I qualified, sir?”
“If you don’t mind I’ll begin while our acting steward serves tea or coffee. As we well know the tanker market is being affected by the demand of oil. Some particular variables include winter temperatures, an excess of tankers and now pirates. Our President has suggested if more tankers are lost to piracy, Ocean Shipping may be forced by increased insurance premiums to close. Andy, you experienced these people on Goliath. I’d value your thoughts.”
Andy told them everything that had happened on Goliath during the attack. He placed his cup and saucer on the table to stop it rattling.
Richard noticed but said nothing. “Tony, your thoughts.”
“Full power and don’t stop. If they get in the way sink the bastards. We must remember we’re not at war.”
Richard’s voice shook. “I disagree and the pirates are winning. I understand they boarded Goliath when she was steaming at twenty knots. Not something I’d want to do.” He motioned to Petros. “Mr Kyriades, your recommendations?”
Petros shrugged. “It’s your ship, Captain. The decision is yours. But in my opinion this vessel is a lucrative target and they’ll hit you again.”
“Mr Morris, you have the last word.”
“I’ve trained your security team to the best of my ability. The last word is yours but remember, you can’t sneak up on the enemy when they know you’re coming. You can run and pray or hit them between the eyes.”
Richard churched his fingers and frowned as he stared at Petros and Bear. An aura of fierce determination encircled them. He remembered his navy days and directed his words with force. “Years ago I served in a destroyer of the United States Navy. I loved the camaraderie, the buzz when we trashed drug smugglers’ million dollar boats. My wife hated the Service so tankers with a duty of one month on and one off is my compromise. As we know, a ship is not a democracy and providing I follow the law and company regulations, what I order will be done. For once I need your assistance. We will take a vote on whether we fight or surrender. Mr Kyriades and Mr Morris, your votes will count. Those in favour of a fight raise your hands.”
Four men raised their hands.
Richard then raised his. “The rules have just changed. This time, gentlemen, we fight back.”
Petros and Bear glanced at each other and smiled.
@@@
Petros and Bear returned to the mess.
“More coffee?” asked the steward.
“No, thank you,” said Petros. “Have a few things to do before we sail.”
“What are you going to tell Maria?” asked Bear.
“The truth.”
Bear gave him a surprised look. “I believe you.”
“No point in lying. She can read me like a book.”
“You and me both.”
“I’m going on deck to make my call.”
“At least at this distance she can’t hit you.”
A smiling Petros returned to the mess twenty minutes later.
Bear put the paper he was reading on the table. “What did she say?”
“I forgot it’s the school holidays. She’s taking Lucy and Alysa to Cyprus for four weeks. I’ll have to take care of myself until they return.”
“And you told her the truth and she let you off the hook.”
“I said the company asked us to remain on board in case of problems.”
“So you missed out the bit we might have to defend ourselves against a pirate attack.”
Petros shrugged.
“Oh well, I’d better make my call. Jocelyn has our holiday to Montserrat booked in six weeks. With luck I’ll be going with her.”
@@@.
Third engineer Arthur Stevenson watched three tugs manoeuvre another vessel into the dry dock. He jumped when the mobile inside his overall pocket began to ring. “Stevenson.”
“You know who this is. Wait for me outside Simon's Town Guest House at eight.” The call ended.
“Stupid bitch, she’s cutting it fine this time.” He scurried below, showered and changed into his going ashore clothes.
The gangway sentry reminded him they were sailing at five in the morning. He turned and smiled. “A couple of beers and stretch my legs. I’ll be back and in my cot by ten.”
“Not getting your leg over then?”
He waved. “Fine chance.”
At five minutes to eight Arthur waited outside the hotel. He had no warning when a slim woman arrived dressed from head to toe in a shapeless black cloak.
“You’re on time.” She handed him a package. “You will place this transmitter on the stern of Leviathan three nights after you leave the Gulf of Oman. I understand further anti-piracy measures have been installed. You will put them out of action.”
Arthur swallowed hard. “Not so sure I can do that.”
“You can and will,” she said, her voice ice cold. “The trick is not to get caught.”
“And if I am?”
The woman laughed as her eyes sparkled. “Then you have a problem.” She strolled into the shadows.
He shoved the package inside his jacket and at a brisk pace returned to the ship.
Henry Wood glanced at the clock in the complex’s reception. “Sorry it’s so late but I have to leave. Can I have my bill?”
The middle-aged man behind the desk frowned as he printed out the outstanding account. “It’s usual for guests to pay in the morning. It’s midnight and this is not my job.”
“Can you please hurry, I’ve a taxi waiting.”
“I’ve no change and I can’t accept a cheque.”
Henry handed over his card. “Will this do?”
The man snatched it out of his hand and processed the account.
“Thank you.” Henry grabbed his bags and hurried out the door.
“Hi Darren. Sturrocks Dry Dock, please. Drop me out of sight close to the yacht club.” He handed across fifty dollars. “Thanks for your help. I doubt if I’ll be back this way but if I am, I’ll give you a call.”
“Cheers. It’s been my pleasure.”
Darren stopped his car in the yacht club car park. He watched as Henry, carrying his suitcases, walked away. “One of the good guys,” he muttered. “Oh well, seeing as I’m wide awake the airport beckons.”
Under the cover of darkness, Henry walked towards Leviathan. He sidled behind a large packing case and waited.
The ship appeared lifeless; a giant soon to be roused from its sleep. Even the gangway looked unattended. He could not be sure and waited as agreed.
“Henry, where are you?”
He stepped out from behind the wooden crate. “Hi.”
Barry Higgins grabbed one of the cases. “Shift your arse. I suggested to the sentry he could take five and have a coffee in the mess.”
The two men raced across the gangway where Colin waited. “I’ll stay here until the sentry returns. You two scarper. I’ve made a bunk up for you but don’t show your face until we’re miles away.”
“Cheers, guys. This means a lot.”
“Go or I’ll be blushing in a minute.” Colin leant on the ship’s side and stared at the empty quay.
@@@
Richard stood on the port bridge wing waiting for the big rail crane to lift the gangway clear and lower it to the dockside. Happy, he informed the tug captains his ship was ready. His eyes glimpsed the company flag flying stiff in the strong breeze from the west. With empty tanks the two large tugs would need every ounce of power to prevent the hull acting as a sail. He turned. “Andy, order the chief to start his engines.”
“Aye, sir.”
A belch of exhaust drifted into the morning sky.
On the bow and stern men prepared to secure the tugs and then wait for the dockside crew to cast their mooring lines free.
Andy stood back and watched his team at work.
At the rear of the bridge the other ship’s officers stood in silence, while cadets assisted on the bow and stern.
“Mr Young, Tug Alice approaching the bow,” shouted the captain.
“Understood, sir.”
The heavy towing hawser was dragged through the bow fairlead and wound around the capstan.
“Ready fore and aft, sir.”
Richard turned to the pilot. “Please take her out.”
The pilot nodded and picked up the loud hailer. “Cast off forward and aft. Tug Alice pull.”
The sea boiled under Alice as she backed away, towing the bow off the wall. The stern tug maintained its position.
“Slow ahead. Port twenty,” ordered the pilot.
The bow swung out until it pointed into the Atlantic.
“Amidships. Steer north,” ordered the pilot. “Tug Alice and Tug Freda recover your lines.”
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