Two Tamas in Paradise; Episode 48, Two Thugs

This is episode forty-eight of the novel Two Tamas in Paradise. There are fifty episodes. This is the fourth novel in the Trace Troy South Pacific Adventure series.  

It may now be purchased on Amazon. It is available in paperback or Kindle digital format. 

Two Thugs

Two men walked from the darkness into the dim glow of light from a lamppost on the pier. They both wore dark sports jackets and pants. They appeared business-like. As they walked closer, the deck lights revealed their clothing to be dry-cleaned and pressed. Their faces, shadowed with stubbled whiskers. They stepped onto the gangplank and onboard. In the glow of the deck lights, they looked like thugs.

Holding cups of coffee, Trace, Adam, Sage, and Coyote watched them from where they sat on the cover of the forward hatch. 

Trace set the cup on the hatch’s cover and walked to within a few feet of the men. “Excuse me, gentlemen, my hearing may be bad, but I didn’t hear either of you asking permission to come aboard.”

“You’re hearing is fine,” one man said in a gravelly voice. “We didn’t ask permission.” 

“If that’s the case,” Trace said, standing, “step off and ask permission.”

The other man smirked. “No problem, but unload your cargo back onto the pier.”

Everyone stood and stepped closer to the two men, flanking Trace

“What’s going on here?” Trace said.

“We have the exclusive rights to ship the coffee from this island,” one man said. “We’re just taking what’s ours.”

Trace took another step. “Look, our broker has made the shipping arrangements. We accepted the cargo and loaded it. The only way it comes off is when it is delivered in Suva.”

The man stepped closer to Trace. “Unload the coffee from this piece of floating crap.”

“You don’t insult this boat,” Trace said.

Coyote stepped closer. 

“You have upset one of my crewmen,” Trace said. “I’d be careful.”

The other man who stood directly in front of Coyote pulled an automatic pistol from his belt. He held it on Coyote.

“Back off,” the man holding the pistol said.

“My name is Coyote.” In a snap, Coyote grabbed the man’s hand, twisted his wrist, and slipped the pistol from the man’s hand. It happened so quickly, the man’s face flashed with surprise. “Oh yeah, Coyote is where I left off. You’re standing way too close, and you didn’t have a round chamber anyway. You’re sort of new at this, aren’t you?. I, on the other hand, am not. Count yourself lucky, you and your friend don’t have another eye socket.”

Both men stepped back. 

Adam stepped over to see if the other man was carrying anything. “Nothing,” Adam said.

Coyote tossed the pistol overboard. 

“Look,” the one man said, “we just want what is ours.”

“It’s not yours,” Trace said. “So it’s best you lick your wounds and head back to wherever you came from. Here’s another thing, we just cut you some slack. Not only did we not shoot you, but we’re not going to report you to the island police. Carrying a weapon is against the law on this island. It’s two years in a French Polynesian prison. You have to get used to taking a crap in a ditch and wiping with a leaf.”

“We won’t leave until the coffee is unloaded,” the man said. “We can get other men to help us.”

Adam stepped forward. “Look, we’re all peaceful men by nature. But, it will take at least three of you to make it a fair fight with one of us. I’m not trying to pull your leg, it’s just a fact. We don’t want to hurt you and any of those phantom men you speak about. So please, sit and have a coffee with us or get off the ship. The coffee is very good.”

The men looked at each other. The one man motioned with his head toward shore. They stepped backwards until reaching the gangplank. They walked across the gangplank, and onto the pier.

Coyote stepped to the railing. “Hey, do you know why they call me Coyote?”

The men stopped and waited for a response.

“It’s because I’m so wily,” Coyote said. “Get it, Wile E. Coyote. You know the cartoon, The Roadrunner.”

They walked away, into the dark.

Coyote turned to the crew. “They have no sense of humor.”

“Maybe they don’t watch cartoons,” Trace said.

“Are you kidding me?” Adam said. “I bet that’s all they watch.”

“Between all the excitement and coffee, I don’t think I can sleep for a while,” Trace said. “How ‘bout the rest of you?”

“Are you thinking we should go ahead and shove off?” Sage said.

“Yeah,” Trace said.

“Let’s do it,” Adam said. “If you can take the wheel for four hours. I'll get some rest and relieve you.”

Sage and Coyote untied the lines and pulled the gangplank. Trace started the motor, and The Tramp Islander eased from the pier and turned to the open sea. Sage and Coyote hoisted the sails, and soon they were all at the bidding of the currents, the waves, and the winds.

 

Two Tamas in Paradidies: Episode 47, A Good Meal, Followed by Good Coffee

This is episode forty-seven of the novel Two Tamas in Paradise. There are fifty episodes. This is the fourth novel in the Trace Troy South Pacific Adventure series.  

It may now be purchased on Amazon. It is available in paperback or Kindle digital format. 

A Good Meal, Followed by Good Coffee

A four-mile drive from the boat to the cafe wound through scenic Polynesian island jungle. It occasionally skirted volcanic rock shores, and the edges of white sand beaches. The crew bounced along the road in the bed of a pickup truck. Upon arriving, they paid the driver and asked him to return in three hours.

The cafe needed some repairs. However, it had plenty of local charm. There was a small two-story home and five cabins, along with the small cafe.

Before settling down to the meal, Maxwell and Calvin showed the crew around. There was a need for cleaning and care. The previous owners were old, and allowed the resort to be taken over by weeds and neglect. 

Maxwell spoke enthusiastically about renovations and future plans. He wanted to add five cabins just off shore on pilings. The cafe had only three tables and four stools at the bar. That was fine with them. Each cabin had a dining table where tenants could eat. 

As they walked back to the cafe, Maxwell said, “Everyone on the islands wants this place to open again. It’s been closed for a year. The island turns people away because there are no rooms available. It was a stroke of luck we stopped here.”

“I don’t think anybody could be happier than we are, Maxwell,” Adam said. “It looks like you’ve carved out a little piece of paradise for yourselves.”

They moved on to the cafe and the meal. 

Darlene and Wilma tried Polynesian cooking for the first time. Makani was impressed, but gave them a few tips. The crew expressed excitement about Maxwell’s and Darlene’s, and Calvin’s and Wilma’s prospects. 

Trace leaned over toward Adam during the meal. “This is sure better than a scam.”

Several local officials came by to congratulate everyone on the new enterprise. 

The truck pulled up in front of the cafe and honked. The crew said their goodbyes, climbed into the truck’s bed, and headed back to The Tramp Islander. After paying the driver, the five-man crew walked toward the ship.

“Take this in the right way,” Trace said, “but I sure hope we don’t see them again.”

“Yeah,” Sage said, “they can sure suck the energy outuv ya.”

“Yep,” Coyote said, “that boat is a lot lighter—besides the cargo.”

“It’s like they say,” Adam said, “it’s not too many cows, it’s too many cowboys.”

“They’re good folks, though,” Coyote said. “It’s just they need a lot of tending.”

“Can’t wait to get out to sea without passengers,” Sage said.

“Four meals, that all,” Makani said. 

“What’s that?” Trace said, pointing to several pallets of full burlap bags.

A man in khaki pants and shirt sat on the burlap bags.

“How ya doin'?” Trace said to the man.

“Very good,” the man said. “Are you the captain?”

“Yes,” Trace said. 

“I was able to contact your broker in Suva,” the man said. “Can you haul this to Suva?”

Trace glanced at Sage and Coyote. “Well?” Trace asked.

“Sleep is really overrated anyway,” Sage said.

“We’ll all pitch in,” Trace said. 

“I’m good to go,” Adam said.

“What have we got?” Adam said to the man.

“Coffee,” the man said. 

“You grow coffee, huh?” Trace said.

“The best in all Polynesia,” the man said. He grabbed a five-pound bag from the top of the burlap bags full of coffee. He handed it to Trace. “Here is one for your crew, roasted and ground.”

“Thank you, sir,” Trace said. He handed the bag to Makani. “Have it ready when we’re done.”

Two hours later, the bulk coffee lay secured in the hull. The crew sat on the fore hatch, drinking the best coffee they had ever had.

Two Tamas in Paradise; Episode 46, No More Passengers

This is episode forty-six of the novel Two Tamas in Paradise. There are fifty episodes. This is the fourth novel in the Trace Troy South Pacific Adventure series.  

It may now be purchased on Amazon. It is available in paperback or Kindle digital format. 

No More Passengers

For three days, the crew had no contact with the passengers. Shortly after breakfast, on the fourth day, the crew checked over The Tramp Islander, preparing for the departure. 

Maxwell stepped aboard by himself. Trace held a small can of oil while checking the sailing blocks. 

“Hey, Maxwell,” Trace said, letting go of the block. He set the can of oil down. A concerned look fell over this face. “Where’s the rest? As soon as everybody gets here, we can leave.”

“There has been a change in plans,” Maxwell smiled. “A big change.”

“Really,” Trace said, “you want to tell me about it?”

“I bought a house,” Maxwell said.

“A house,” Trace cocked his head and looked as if confused.

“We’re staying here,” Maxwell said.

“That’s great,” Trace said. “I suppose you’d like to have your cargo.”

“Somebody will be coming in an hour to unload it,” Maxwell said.

“Well, let’s hear about it,” Trace said. “I’m excited to hear.”

“I’m excited to tell you,” Maxwell said. 

“Let me get everybody together,” Trace said. “If I try to relate it, there will be a thousand questions I can’t answer.”

“Sure,” Maxwell said, “I can’t wait to tell everybody.”

Trace whistled and waved at everybody to come to the foredeck. 

As soon as the crew arrived, Trace said, “Maxwell has some good news for everybody.”

“I know,” Makani said, “Darlene gonna have a baby.”

Everyone laughed.

“Okay, everybody,” Maxwell said, “you no longer have passengers.”

The crew looked at each other, surprised, waiting for more information.

“We like it here,” Maxwell said. “The island is great. We started asking around to find out what was needed on the island—good English speakers—nobody speaks better English than me. Lately, there are a lot more English speakers coming to the island. They need a resort where most of the staff speak good English. We bought into a hotel.”

“That’s great!” Adam said. 

Everyone chimed in. 

“I suppose we better start unloading your cargo,” Sage said.

“There will be four men and two trucks here in about an hour,” Maxwell said, glancing at his watch. 

“Well,” Sage said, “Let’s pull the hatches, and get the lift ready.”

“There’s one more thing,” Maxwell said. “You see, there’s a small cafe that goes with the place. The gals are planning a supper meal for everyone, tonight. Can you all make it?”

“I’ll be there,” Trace said. 

Everyone else agreed. 

The four men loaded two trucks with the help of the crew. Then they drove away along with Maxwell. The crew waved.

Sage said to the crew, “I wonder how The Tramp will sail without that cargo? It’s as if it were a part of her.”

Two Tamas in Paradise; Episdoe 45, Nearness

This is episode forty-five of the novel Two Tamas in Paradise. There are fifty episodes. This is the fourth novel in the Trace Troy South Pacific Adventure series.  

It may now be purchased on Amazon. It is available in paperback or Kindle digital format. 

Nearness

Three days after leaving Oeno, Trace spoke to the passengers after supper. 

“I don’t think anyone is in any hurry to get to anywhere,” Trace said. “Sure, we all want to get on with our lives, but you know what I mean.”

“If I don’t show up Monday morning, nobody’s going to fire me,” Calvin joked, “Come to think of it, I have no place to show up to.”

There was some mild laughter.

“Anyway,” Trace continued, “there is an island we come very close to. If you folks can promise to stay out of trouble, I’d like to stop there.”

“We promise,” Wilma winked.

“The island is Raivavae,” Trace said. “We could use some water before going too much further. Makani has a list of food items. If there is a meal you might like, let Makani know. If we can find ingredients in Raivavae, he’ll get it.”

“When will we be there?” Maxwell asked.

“Two or three days,” Trace said. “Would you like to stay there for a few days?”

Everyone looked at each other with no apparent objection. 

“Would it be okay with you and the crew?” Maxwell said.

“None of us has had much of a break in a while,” Trace said. “I don’t think the crew will object.”

A little more than two days later, Trace steered The Tramp Islander into a small harbor on the northwest side of Raivavae Island.   

Sage and Coyote tied the lines at a pier. A policeman soon showed up. He checked passports and asked the usual questions. He told them to stay as long as they wish, but stay out of trouble. 

A small hotel sat about fifty yards from the beach, and within a short walk of The Tramp Islander. Maxwell and Darlene, and Calvin, and Wilma got rooms there. They planned a three-day stay. That was fine with Trace and the crew.

Trace made arrangements for the water tanks to be filled and the gas tanks to be topped. Makani had a full list of items to buy. He completed his tasks immediately. Sage and Coyote went off on their own. They said they’d be back before sunset every night.

Trace and Adam found a nearby restaurant. They had a meal on the terrace overlooking a white sand beach. The table was cleaned, and they sipped on a couple of glasses of beer.

“You can’t even imagine something so beautiful,” Adam said. “It seems like every island is more beautiful than the last.”

“It’s kind of like picking Miss America,” Trace said.

“That reminds me,” Adam said, “aren’t Darlene and Wilma looking prettier? They’re not twenty-year-olds, but they’re not bad-looking women. And they’ve gotten better looking.”

“You’ve been at sea too long, Dad,” Trace smiled.

“Nah,” Adam said. “You know what I mean.”

“I remember working at that dude ranch over the summer for a couple of months,” Trace said. “You said it would be good for me to work somewhere else for a while. Anyway, five beautiful girls and one plain-looking girl came from Los Angeles. After three days, the beauties looked haggard, and that plain gal, my goodness, she was stunning.”

“I remember that one,” Adam said. “Took you three months to get her out of your mind, and back on the ranch and back on your school work.”

“Mom was like that, wasn’t she?” Trace said.

“Yes, she was,” Adam said. “When I first saw her, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I’d close my eyes and just see her. I still do.”

Adam gazed toward the surf. 

Trace followed his line of sight. “It must be hard wishing somebody was with you all the time.”

Adam smiled. “She’s here, you just can’t see her. She’s always with me. In fact, she helped me raise you.”

Two Tamas in Paradise; Episode 44, The Good Course

This is episode forty-four of the novel Two Tamas in Paradise. There are fifty episodes. This is the fourth novel in the Trace Troy South Pacific Adventure series.  

It may now be purchased on Amazon. It is available in paperback or Kindle digital format. 

The Good Course

Stormy weather greeted the day. Trace decided to wait for it to pass before beginning the return voyage. The small opening in the coral reef posed a threat. Shortly after noon, the bad weather passed. The seas and skies seemed as one; clear, calm, and blue.

The Tramp Islander seemed as if she agreed with all that occurred; the experience, the change in people, and the decisions made. 

Trace sat at the wheel. His face could not hide the contentment he felt. Adam sat on the aft bench. The sea breezes washed worry from his face. Makani worked in the galley. Sage and Coyote played hearts at the mess table. The passengers retired for an afternoon nap; emotions and disappointment left them exhausted.

Adam walked into the pilothouse. “It is strange how things come back to you.”

“Such as?” Trace said, turning to face Adam.

“Just the feel of the sea beneath you,” Adam said. “It is a strange memory; how something feels. You know, sights, sounds, and smells bring back memories, but feelings, not the feel of something, but how you feel. Sometimes you walk into a strange room and you think, Have I been here before? It feels familiar. It’s just a feeling I can’t quite grasp.”

“Feelings are sometimes the hardest things to define,” Trace said. “It’s like you can’t find the words, so you keep talking.”

“Yeah,” Adam said, “you either find out what’s going on or just run out of words.”

“Sometimes I sit here,” Trace said. “Suddenly, something flashes over me. For a moment, I’m on the Bering, on the bridge of my ship up there. A couple of days later, another feeling, a good feeling, comes over me. I’m leaning against a fence watching the sun set, and I hear a steer call out. That’s a good sound. Do you think that means I’m ready to come home?”

“When you’re ready to come home, you won’t wonder,” Adam said, “you’ll just start packing your bags.”

“What about you?” Trace said. “Are your bags packed?”

“No,” Adam said. “I needed to get away. I don’t know why. I just did. I wanted to come back here. For some reason, I think I left something here. Sometimes you leave home, and you have that feeling you left something behind. You pat down your pockets, scratch your head, and go back into the house, and look for what you think you forgot. You don’t know what. You just know you forgot something. Then you see it; it’s your pocket knife, it’s your list, it’s something. You know something ain’t right. Sometimes it’s nothing more than making sure nothing is left behind.”

“Did you leave something behind here?” Trace said.

“I’ve thought about that,” Adam said. “I wonder if I only want to be reminded that at one time I was young and full of adventure. I wanted the challenge of uncertainty in my life. The sea is full of uncertainty and challenges. Did I want that again? I don’t know. But I do think I wanted to live some things over.”

“How are you doing so far?” Trace asked.

“Good,” Adam smiled. “This trip reminds me of the old days. It seemed like The Tiki, Tramp Islander, attracted certain types of passengers and cargo. People who wanted to go somewhere without a lot of notice. They always brought more than their baggage. Kind of like the folks we have onboard now. Different people, odd, adventuresome, secretive, and desperate. Yeah, you kind of look at this boat, it might seem to some the last resort, or who would look for me here?”

“I’ve thought the same things,” Trace said.

“Of course you have,” Adam said, “you are my son.”

“What about us, Dad?” Trace said. “Are we that sort?”

“Nah,” Adam said, “we are the privileged few who have been chosen to take those folks on their journey.”

“In a way, we should be grateful to them,” Trace said.

Adam grinned. “Not all the time. But I’d like to think I’ve helped a few folks. Take the folks we have on board now; maybe their lives will be better from this point on. There’s a great deal of satisfaction in thinking you had a small part. The rest is really up to them.”

“You make it seem as if hauling cargo is a side job,” Trace said.

“Maybe everything is a side job,” Adam said. “Whatever we do isn’t it to make life better for others? There’s only a few who know that. That makes our own life a lot more meaningful.”

“When you came here the first time, were you looking to find meaning for your life?” Trace said.

“Yes,” Adam said.” I didn’t know it then. Back on the ranch, I began to see that. So why did you come here, Son?”

“At first, I thought I’d find something mysterious and untouchable that you found,” Trace said. “I wanted to see the things you saw, and hoped that it would impact my life.”

“Has it?” Adam asked.

“The beauty of this place is enchanting,” Trace said. “But it’s just that. For me, it’s standing on my own, facing adversity, not overcoming the sea, but understanding it, and working with it. Life is much like that. Storms, rogue waves, strange people, confusing events come along—you navigate through them.”

“Speaking of which,” Adam said, “how are we doing?”

Trace looked at the instruments and smiled at Adam. “Right on course.”