by Mark Stewart
WADE FINALLY finished digging the trench from Charlotte to the waterline. He stopped when the sea covered his knees. Searching the shoreline, he hoped to see Anneli sitting back watching him. Failing to see her, he walked out of the water, leaned the shovel against Charlotte and started to search the rubble.
Five minutes ticked off before Wade came across the mechanic’s shed. Still marching up to the door he spied a tanned leg and the torso of a woman starting to slip through the narrow splinter of a gap. Leaning on the boat which crushed the roller door, Wade waited patiently for Anneli to emerge into the sunshine.
“I wondered where you got to,” he quizzed, bursting into a grin. “I see you’ve changed your clothes.”
“Wade, you’re just the person I need.”
“Nice outfit,” he continued.
“Be serious.”
“I am. I love the shorts. I especially love the legs which are in the shorts.”
“If you’re thinking along the lines of: did I go shopping or not, I didn’t.”
“The thought never entered my mind.”
“I came across the clothes when I investigated the inside of the boat you’re leaning against.”
“Did you happen to find a rope or an old tyre?”
“They’re both in the shed. I also found a trapped man. He asked for my help. I need you to help me so Eric can get to his daughter’s place; at least for new-years.”
“Lead on,” insisted Wade, quickly.
The tone of voice put Anneli at ease. For a few moments, she pondered the question; what it might take for him to lose his cool.
The two stepped into the interior of the large, hot, dust-filled shed.
“I can feel why you changed your clothes,” commented Wade. “It’s a sauna in here.”
“It sure is,” replied Anneli, pointing at the tyre and the rope.
“Excellent find,” stated Wade stopping to view the shopping list.
“Thank you.”
“What do you need me to do?” he asked trotting over to where Anneli stood.
“I can lift the side of the Mercedes I just can’t pull the hydraulic jack out at the same time.”
Wade pushed down on the long crowbar. The car lifted slightly. Anneli quickly pulled the car jack out.
“This way,” Anneli announced, dragging the jack across the floor in the direction of the truck. “Eric, I found some help. We’ll have you out in a flash,” she called.
“Thank you, Missy; a thousand times I thank you,” he croaked.
Wade placed the car jack under the side of the truck, pumping the handle. The truck lifted. Eric slipped his leg from under the truck and jumped to his feet.
“There’s no way I could get my leg free. The weight of the truck had a good grip on my overalls. I’m too old to rip my clothes. I tried at least a dozen times. I couldn’t even make a start.”
“Sir, I’m Wade Mackenzie,” he said pushing his hand out. “It wasn’t a hassle coming to help. I’m sure your daughter and wife will understand the long delay. Do you require any further assistance?”
“None thanks.” Eric shook Anneli’s hand then Wade’s. “Your wife is in need of the tyre and the rope. Take them as a thank you. Beyond everything, have a nice long life together.”
“Anneli’s not my wife,” mumbled Wade.
Eric pouted. “She should be. Brave and strong she is.” He slapped Wade on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s get out of here. It’s getting hard to breathe.”
Eric led the way to the door. After shaking Anneli’s and Wade’s hand for the second time, he walked off in the opposite direction.
“Nice man,” said Anneli.
“Yes, he is. Come on; we have work to do.”
Wade carried the tyre to the yacht. Anneli carried the rope. Holding onto her end of the rope Wade took hold of the other. Snatching the shovel up, he rolled the tyre towards the shoreline at ninety degrees from Charlotte’s bow. Anneli watched Wade start to dig a deep hole in the sand.
Dropping her end of the rope, Anneli marched over. “I can’t follow what you’re attempting.”
“You’re about to see.” Wade tied his end of the rope to the tyre and buried it in the sand. “If this works we’ll be home free.” He walked back to Charlotte, clambering aboard. He tied the other end of the rope to the twenty feet of anchor chain. Flicking on a toggle switch the anchor winch started to rotate. Not only did the yacht right herself the buried tyre started to drag Charlotte slowly towards the sea.
When Anneli saw the tyre was being pulled out of the sand. she sprinted over, standing on the exposed rubber.
Eventually, Wade stopped the winch by hitting the neutral button. When water lapped at Charlotte’s keel, he pulled the entire length of rope, including the original chain out to its stop and repeated the performance after digging a hole in waist deep water.
“It won’t be long now before Charlotte is free of the sand. When she’s floating, we’ll be able to hoist her sails,” instructed Wade.
Anneli grinned at the news. After helping her onto the yacht, Wade marched ahead to stand on the tyre. Anneli flicked the switch to start the winch. The machine whirred. Charlotte began to move. Soon water licked the side of the hull. In less than a minute, she started floating sideways.
Wade started waving his arms in the air. “Victory,” he yelled.
Anneli nodded. Her long black hair glistened in the warm sunshine. The dying wind from the cyclone sent a shiver down her back. Finally, she felt like she belonged to something extra special. Anneli lived in hope the feeling will last her entire life. She studied her hero. How she longed to believe he wanted her in his life for the remainder of his days. Her future looked perfect. There’d be no more influence from her stepfather.
Wade dived under the surface of the water, pulling the half-buried tyre from under the sand. Anneli pushed the button which extended the dive ladder to the waterline allowing Wade to climb aboard. Anneli flicked the winch switch to neutral, bounded over the deck to look Wade in the eyes. He wrapped his arms around Anneli, lifting her into the air.
Another monstrous kiss helped them celebrate the victorious moment.
The tyre and rope was quickly gathered. Wade slung the rope over his shoulder and carried the tyre back towards Eric’s garage.
On the return trip, five men stepped over the rubble. They jumped down onto the sand watching Wade walk back towards the yacht. Anneli saw the men approaching. Her young feminine facial features were instantly swept away, replaced by a cold murderous expression.
“Hey,” yelled one of the men. “Stay right where you are.”
Standing in ankle deep water, Wade froze in mid-step. He turned to face the voice. He didn’t think much of the hostile tone. He knew the meeting might end in disaster.
Anneli jumped into the water, sprinting over to stand next to Wade.
The group marched in unison down to the water’s edge. Each man looked ready for a fight.
“Anneli, I’ve been concerned for your safety,” snarled the eldest male. He stood two steps in front of the other four.
Quickly summing up the five men, Wade decided they were the same ones who ambushed him in the park.
“Father, I’m not injured,” yelled Anneli.
“Good to hear. I trust this young man has looked after you well?”
“Maybe too well,” snarled one of the four men.
“Quiet in the back stalls,” cussed Anneli’s stepfather.
“I take it you forgot your gun.”
Eyeballing Wade, the man stepped closer. The water started lapping the soles of his shiny black shoes.
“I don’t need a gun to get what I want.”
Wade came across the same type of men too many times before to be nervous by his attitude. In regards to the men standing behind him, he knew Anneli’s stepfather had the power over them and they would do exactly what he said. Wade held out his hand to taunt the man into action. He wanted to find out exactly what made the man
tick.
“I’m Wade Mackenzie.”
“I don’t care for your name. I don’t care to shake your hand.”
Retracting his hand, Wade frowned at the man.
“What’s the look for?”
“We met in the park. You were carrying a gun. The men at the back wanted to ruffle my clothes.”
Anneli switched her gaze between Wade and her stepfather, wincing slightly at the stand-off.
Wade glanced at the four men standing at the rear through squinted eyes before focusing on Anneli’s stepfather. “How are your ribs?”
The four men stood their ground, snarling.
The man in the foreground didn’t look at all pleased. He raised his hand, slipping it inside his jacket.
“Don’t,” Wade growled. “If you’re hiding a gun, be advised it should remain hidden.” Curling his fists, he stepped closer, staring the man down.
“I will have it known my name is Darryl.”
“I know exactly who you are,” barked Wade.
“Before you rudely interrupted me, I’m Anneli’s father. I loathe your defiant nature. I also detest you.”
“You’re my stepfather,” Anneli yelled.
“Yes, you’re right, I stand corrected. Needless to say, your brothers will escort you safely aboard my ship.”
“The young lady isn’t going anywhere.”
Darryl pointed his index finger at Wade. “You have no choice at the crux of this gathering.”
“This so-called gathering is over. Anneli has decided to stay,” advised Wade, folding his arms across his chest.
“We’ll see. Anneli, it is time to go.”
“The only place I’m going is where Wade wants to take me.”
“You’ll do what I tell you.”
“No.”
The four young men standing behind Darryl stepped forward.
“Sons, stay where you are,” he growled.
Wade stepped slightly in front of Anneli. He wanted to make it known he didn’t fear the man.
“I’m sure Anneli is old enough to make up her mind in such matters.”
“You’re either a cop or a lawyer. Which one is correct?” snorted Darryl.
In a heartbeat, Wade decided on an answer. “It’s for me to know. You will never hear the answer from me.” He stepped closer, looking directly into the man’s eyes. “I despise the way you’re stating your business. Put your fangs back into your mouth. I’m sure we can discuss this rationally, perhaps even calmly.”
“You are no gentleman,” spat Darryl.
“I believe our conversation has come to a close,” Wade informed keeping his voice calm. The way he glared at the man he looked far worse than Cyclone Tracy. “If you don’t leave the beach immediately I will take further action.”
“Meaning?” jeered Darryl.
“Take some advice don’t stick around to find out.”
“I don’t take threats lightly. Boys, show Mr. Wade Mackenzie some good old-fashioned manners.”
Darryl’s sons clenched their fists. They quickly marched closer. Anneli yelled at the top of her voice.
“Don’t bother to fight. No matter the outcome I’m leaving Darwin onboard Charlotte.”
Darryl pointed directly at his daughter. “I don’t care what you think. You will do what I say.”
Wade raised his fists. He’d entertained the worse characters imaginable. Murderers topped the endless list. Anneli’s four brothers reminded him of the last murderer he interviewed. The man stayed calm, friendly; even well mannered. Reassuring the guard, he’d be okay; Wade insisted the man step outside the room. The moment they were alone the big man launched himself straight at Wade. His hands were around his neck squeezing his spirit out of him before he knew what happened. Wade managed to jab him hard in the ribs. He had heard a crack before the big man retreated. The scuffle lasted no longer than five seconds.
The four young men standing behind Darryl didn’t look professional. If they insisted on the fight, Wade felt more than confident of another quick win. He set himself in an attack stance, eyeballing the men one at a time. In five seconds, he decided in which order the men will eat sand. The one on the left will be first, followed by the one on the right. He felt positive the two in the middle were the weakest and the most nervous. They’d be third and fourth on the list. Darryl will be the last one standing. He’d receive the all his attention.
The fight lasted three seconds.
The young men were trying to stand on the soft sand when Wade turned his attention to Anneli’s stepfather. He was reaching out to grab hold of Anneli’s collar. Wade clipped him behind the ear. When the man turned around Wade’s fist, hit the bridge of his nose. The man went down. Wade didn’t stick around long enough for a second round. Besides, Wade had accomplished what he set out to do by stating his intentions.
Grabbing Anneli by the hand, they sprinted into the water towards Charlotte. They hurriedly climbed the aluminum dive ladder. Wade pushed the switch, retracting the ladder. Running towards the bridge the moment he stepped through the doorway Wade started the engine. He eased the yacht towards deeper water while the five men pounded their fists into the air.
“Thanks for rescuing me,” puffed Anneli throwing her arm over her hero’s shoulder.
“Not a problem,” replied Wade.
Anneli watched the distance to Darryl widen, shrinking him and her brothers by the second. The open water looked relatively calm. Wade cut the engine, walked over to the main sail and started unclipping the canvas.
“Is there something I can do?” asked Anneli walking over.
Wade pointed to the handle at the base of the mast. “You can start winding.”
Anneli began to turn the handle in a clockwise direction. The main sail started to lift. Immediately the breeze filled the canvas. The boat slowly picked up speed, easily slicing through the small waves.
Wade tied off the sail after it reached the top pulley. Returning to the bridge, he gripped the navigational wheel, lost in his thoughts. He didn’t hear Anneli step up behind him nor did he feel her place a hand on his shoulder. She stood on her toes, leaned slightly forward to whisper in his ear.
“There’s no need to apologize. Darryl deserved it. My brothers are just as bad.”
“How did you know what I was thinking?”
“A while ago you confessed how you know what people are thinking by any slight movements they make. I don’t need the talent. I know due to the fact I am a woman.”
Wade grinned at her confident expression. “Your father strikes me to be a man who doesn’t give up too easily.”
“He doesn’t. I’m sure by now he’ll be working on a solutiooon so he can follow us. Wade, I don’t care for his ideas. I’m my own person. It’s the way I’m determined to stay. There’s one vitally important piece of information you must always remember about my family. Darryl is only my stepfather.”
“I’ll remember the fact. What happened to your biological father?”
“He’d been a soldier; deployed to Vietnam. He died. Please, don’t say another word on the subject.”
Wade returned a silent signal stating. ‘I respect your wishes.’ He tethered the wheel in place using two short pieces of rope to hooks screwed into the dash. He took Anneli by the hand and led her outside.
“Why are we going outside?” she asked.
“We need to check the weather.”
The sunshine felt warm. The sea looked crystal clear and inviting. Wade walked to the amidships. Reaching out he pushed the button to activate the aluminum dive ladder. He watched it slide into the water up to the bottom rung. Sidestepping, he lowered the main sail. Glancing around the deck, Wade expected Anneli to be standing by his side. Feeling slightly puzzled over her vanishing act he got ready to call out when she appeared on deck dressed in a towel.
Wade swallowed the lump in his throat. The whole time the pair looked at each other, he wondered what she wore underneath the towel.
“The m
oment you lowered the dive ladder I thought you might have been thinking of a swim?” confessed Anneli, a mischievous expression plastered on her face.
“Yes,” he stammered. “Care to accompany me in a swim?”
“I’d love to. There’s only one problem I didn’t bring a bathing costume. I thought this big old towel might suffice.”
Wade’s Adam’s apple bobbed violently for the second time when he tried to swallow another lump in his throat.
“Wade boy, you look slightly embarrassed,” taunted Anneli. “I’m not an expert on what people are thinking. At a guess, I believe you’re wondering what I might be wearing under this towel.”
“The thought has stuck in my consciousness.”
Anneli waltzed over to the dive ladder. Looking over her shoulder, a seductive expression swept her face.
She winked at the man staring at her.
“Come on, the last one in gets to cook dinner.”
She dropped her towel on the deck and dived overboard.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN