This is the thirty-fourth episode 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.
Victory Feast
Trace and Makani prepared a meal good enough to satisfy an American’s appetite: steak, eggs, fried potatoes, and French toast. The passenger ate appreciatively, served by the crew.
At the end of the meal, Maxwell spoke up. “Trace, Makani, Coyote, Sage, and Adam at the wheel, we don’t know how to thank you. You risked a lot to free us. You could have let us stay there and sailed back to Suva. I really don’t know what to say, other than, thanks.”
The other passenger chimed in with, “Me too.”
“A young boy told us about what happened,” Trace said. “We had to do something.”
“No,” Maxwell said, “you didn’t have to do anything. I have to admit, if the roles were reversed, I don’t think I would have done what you and your crew did.”
“Who knows, the time may come for you to step up and do something good for somebody someday,” Trace said. He glanced at his watch. “We are well beyond the reach of the Cook Island authorities. You folks could probably use some sleep. Just leave your plates and we’ll take care of them.”
They all thanked the crew and made their way to their cabins. The crew quickly cleaned up. Sage, Coyote, and Makani retired to their cabins.
Trace climbed up to the pilothouse.
“I heard everything,” Adam said. “Nice, that was nice.”
“Dad,” Trace said, “why don’t you turn in, and I’ll watch things up here.”
“Not going to turn that one down,” Adam said. “We lawyers need our rest, have to stay sharp.” He tapped his temple.
The adrenaline still ran through Trace’s body. He felt as awake as if he slept all day.
Makani brought a thermos of coffee and a blueberry Danish.
“My favorite,” Trace said,
“I know,” Makani said.
“Thanks,” Trace said, and set the thermos and Danish on the chart desk.
“Makani sleep now,” Makani said and yawned.
“Long day, right?” Trace said.
“Long day,” Makani affirmed. “I be up in time for breakfast.”
“Sleep in,” Trace said. “Everybody else will.”
“That’s not how I run galley,” Makani said.
“No problem,” Trace said.
“Makani sleep a little, he be good,” Makani said. “Good night, Captain.”
“Good night, Makani,” Trace said and smiled as Makani slipped below.
From the opening in the companionway, Trace saw the lights go out. Soon, it was only the green glow from the instruments and the flashing deck lights. He relaxed. The Tramp Islander pushed on over the waves. A steady breeze whistled around the pilothouse. He turned on the shortwave radio and heard some chatter about the escape. ‘We are heroes,' Trace thought and smiled.
Trace switched off the radio. ’It will be more than two weeks before arriving at Gambier,’ he thought. ‘I’m starting to like those people, but not enough to trust them with my money.’
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