Tom volunteered to take over the kitchen duties.
Trace ordered Makani, Franks, and Paul to stay in their seats. He felt there was no need for them to be guarded.
Trace, Sage, and Kelsey climbed up to the pilot house and waited for the Navy’s frigate. Trace sat in the captain’s chair, Sage at the chart desk, and Kelsey on the bench opposite Trace and Sage.
“That was some good detective work,” Kelsey said.
“Thanks,” Trace said. “No matter how it turned out, I knew it wouldn’t be good. There were times I trusted Makani with my life and the lives of my crew.”
“He was a good cook,” Sage grinned.
“Well, partner,” Trace said to Sage, “We’re going to have to sail her with a skeleton crew.”
“Should be no problem,” Sage said.
“I’m not doing too good when it comes to crews,” Trace said. “In all the times I’ve owned The Tramp Islander, I’ve had four crewmen turn on me. I wonder what the average is?”
“Don’t try to compare this with ranch hands in Texas,” Sage said. “You know as well as I do that some of those guys will rustle a steer or two for his own. It’s just baked in. It’s expected. Your dad and my dad turn a blind eye to it, as long as it's under control.”
“I wonder what Makani’s motivation was,” Trace said. “He had plenty of money.”
“It’s something we’ll probably never know,” Sage said.
“If I may,” Kelsey said, “some guys don’t need motivation. Some guys do it to improve their lot in life. They might have an addiction to feed. Some like the challenge, which gives them an adrenaline rush. And some guys—well, l it’s like getting up in the morning. It’s just something they do. They’d rather still have a dollar than even have it given to them.
“Looky there,” Sage said, pointing starboard, behind Kelsey.
Kelsey turned around. “There ya go, mates, the Royal Australian Navy!”
The frigate hailed The Tramp Islander. Arrangements were made for the frigate to move alongside at a distance of 50 yards.
The frigate stopped, and they lowered a launch. It motored cautiously to The Tramp Islander. Sage and Tom grabbed the tossed lines. Two Naval Police Coxswains awaited to receive Makani, Franks, and Paul.
Trace stood close to the launch. He wanted to speak to each man before leaving The Tramp Islander.
Franks faced Trace.
“You’ll be tried in Australia this time,” Trace said. “You won’t be able to buy your way out, there. I can’t be angry at a snake that bites me, because that’s what he does.”
Franks stepped onto the launch.
Paul smirked, facing Trace
“You still have a chance,” Trace said. “Don’t waste it as your dad has. Break away from his spell. That’s your weakness, admiration of men you perceive as great.”
Patterson walked by next. He stopped. “Kelsey said he’ll put in a word. He said probation might be all I’ll get. I can live with that.”
“It’s sure better than murder,” Trace said. “Good luck.”
“Same to ya,” Patterson said.
Makani walked by, ignoring Trace.
Trace grabbed Makani’s shoulder. He turned Makanii to face him. “Why?”
“White men come here and make big money off us,” Makani said. “They use people. Treat like not smart. Treat like dog. I was going to show white man how to be really big. I wanted to have many white men work for me.”
“I always treated you good,” Trace said.
“Yeah,” Makani said, “you treat me like poor dumb island boy.”
Makani stepped onto the launch.
Kelsey stepped next to Trace.
Trace shook Kelsey’s hand.
“It’s been good, mate,” Trace said with an Australian accent.
“Same to ya, partner,” Kelsey said with a Texas accent and went back to his normal accent. “Don’t leave until you get the all clear.”
“I’ll wait,” Trace said.
Sage tossed their gear aboard the launch.
Kelsey stepped onto the launch, and it motored back to the frigate.
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