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.
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