Shark Eater

by K D McNiven

  They had already spoken to Carson earlier that morning, and the Jade was docked in Kona. After the ceremony, Carson and the others would go back to the Jade for a mini vacation. Garrett and Holly would stay through the weekend at the Hilton, then join Carson and the crew on the Jade for two weeks of snorkeling, diving and island exploration.

  They marveled at the sea of lava that blanketed the island as they drove toward Hilton Waikoloa Village. Periodically there’d be a few flowered bushes thrusting up out of the mantle of black, but for the better part of the twenty-two-mile drive, it was predominantly lava merging with the turquoise waves off to their left.

  They made their way onto Waikoloa Drive. Palm trees swayed in the breeze like Hawaiian dancers, and tropical flowers grew on either side of the road, their fragrance like a spray of perfume. The Hilton was expansive and elaborate, taking Holly’s breath away. She knew the hotel was going to be an extraordinary place, but it exceeded all of her expectations. She reached across the seat to squeeze Garrett’s hand.

  “Beautiful,” he said.

  “Incredibly so,” she replied.

  As the valet opened the door, they were greeted with heavenly scented flower leis, that draped over the ones they’d been given at the airport. A fresh breeze swept through the lobby as they climbed the stairs to register and when they’d finished up there, their luggage was taken directly to their rooms.

  They soon discovered that the hotel grounds covered sixty-two acres, so trams were used to take them to their room location. Since it was afternoon, they could also opt to take one of the quaint boats that ran along the scenic canals.

  Once settled into their rooms, they dressed in their evening clothes, then left for dinner at one of the local restaurants that served Japanese cuisine. The group admired the building’s elaborate architecture. Pausing at the beautiful wooden banister that bordered it, Callie viewed the tranquil landscape featuring a large pond with lily pads and koi. The interior of the restaurant was designed to create the feeling that they had stepped into a traditional Japanese washitsu home with its bamboo floors, shoji screens and decorative table sets.

  The group was escorted to a separate room that was sunken. To the center was a low table with benches and pillows tossed around. The aroma of spices, herbs, and smoke twisted up to mingle with the cool, air-conditioned room. The atmosphere was captivating and welcoming. It was the perfect representation of a traditional Japanese Teppanyaki culinary experience.

  As they were being seated, Carson hurried into the room. “Sorry, there was a ton of traffic coming from Kona. I was sure I’d be late.” He took a seat beside Decker. “The others are out looking for some adventure for the evening, except for Shane who’s watching over the Jade.”

  A knowing smile crossed Decker’s lips, and he snorted in humor. He was very aware of the fact the crew liked to make their own party. “I’m hoping they’ll be in good standing for the wedding tomorrow.”

  “Poker night. Anything could happen,” Carson said, looking rather handsome in his starched white shirt, dark blue tie and black slacks. His short-cropped brown hair was greased so that it stood on end, and there was a lingering scent of musk cologne wafting in the air. A fragrance the crew had become familiar with over the years.

  A few plates of the chef’s favorites were brought out for appetizers. It all looked and smelled amazing. Callie snatched a couple of thinly sliced salmon strips from the plate and closed her eyes with pleasure as she popped one into her mouth. She gave two thumbs up and remarked, “As good as they look! Dig in.”

  “So, Garrett,” Carson said, leaning slightly forward to see him seated on the other side of Decker. “Are you all ready? This is your last night as a bachelor.”

  “More than ready.” His gray-blue eyes strayed to where Holly was sitting, his adoration for her shown clearly on his clean-shaven face.

  “I’m grateful you agreed to perform the ceremony, Carson.” Holly reached across the table to pat his hand. “You’ve been a good friend to Garrett over the years, and I feel privileged that you’ll be the one to officiate.”

  “My honor,” Carson responded. “We’re all elated to have you on board, Holly.” His hazel eyes conveyed his sincerity.

  CHAPTER 8

  Big Island, Hawaii

  The small white chapel was situated on a sloped area at the Hilton hotel. Both double doors on either side were spread wide to allow a gentle breeze to flow through the intimate area which seated no more than twenty people. The walls were washed in white paint while the high ceiling was constructed of Koa wood, as were the benches where the crew had already taken their places awaiting the bride. The view of the Wailua Bay was breathtaking.

  Decker and Garrett stood in front of the podium. A large stained-glass window was set behind them, which helped to shade them from the intense Hawaiian sun. Garrett shifted back and forth nervously as he spied Holly and Callie coming down the walkway to the chapel.

  Polly, dressed in a black tuxedo with a white carnation pinned to his lapel, and a crisp white shirt with a burgundy-colored tie, looked rather striking. His rusty colored hair was drawn back into a ponytail, and his beard was neatly trimmed. His green eyes twinkled with delight, and Callie swore she saw the glint of tears rimming his eyes. Callie saw that Polly was wearing white Converse tennis shoes. She smiled. Indeed, he looked like the fisherman’s son that he was.

  Polly’s broad shoulders were squared off as he stepped forward to give his arm to Holly. He had offered to escort her to the front as a surrogate dad since her father was no longer alive, and Holly had been touched by the offer. She had only known him for a few months when they had been docked off shore in Honduras, but they had become quick friends, and she had grown very fond of him.

  Holly looked dazzling in her white chiffon dress, the hem of which swept the tiled floor. Her short-sleeved, laced bodice was a fusion of sparkle and glamour. She wore a short veil with a diamond studded crown nestled into her dark hair which was piled on top of her head. Her tear drop, chocolate diamond necklace, and studded earrings glinted richly in the rays of sunlight, and her face glowed with complete happiness and anticipation. In her trembling hands, she held a bouquet of earthen-gold, silk roses with burgundy ribbons.

  Carson winked at her as she took her place beside Garrett. Same as Polly, Holly had only known Carson for a short time, but in that time, she discovered a man of honor, grace, and a soft, tender heart.

  The service was memorable as Carson held their wedding bands and explained their significance. “These rings are a symbol of eternity. With no beginning and no end. The hole is a doorway, leading you into a new beginning and to a never-ending love.”

  There were bright tears swimming in Holly’s eyes as Carson had them exchange their vows. Midway through, Polly blew his nose rather loudly, and both Garrett and Holly held back laughter, good humor sparkling in their eyes. A giant of a man as Polly was, he was a marshmallow inside.

  “You may now kiss your beautiful bride,” Carson said with a grin.

  Cheers went up all around, and the crew encircled Holly and Garrett to congratulate them. Decker was first to throw his arms lovingly around his father, elated that Garrett had found a partner to share in his life. Callie embraced Holly, tears clinging to her thick golden lashes and joy flickering in her brilliant green eyes.

  After much celebrating, Garrett and Holly retreated to their suite, while the others headed back to Kona. Decker and Callie joined the crew for dinner at the Harbor Fish House Restaurant near the docks.

  The Harbor Fish House was a great place to go for fresh seafood and simply relax and look out at the docks, listen to the gulls, enjoy a glass of cold beer and some good food. It was a great spot to meet up with fellow seamen and share concocted fish tales about how the big one got away. However, on this day, for the crew of the Jade, it was a celebration of new beginnings.

  As he was finishing a plate of fish and chips, Decker’s phone rang. He answered to find it was Dax cal
ling. “Dax, good to hear from you. What’s happening in Florida?”

  “G’day mate,” Dax’s chipper voice sounded on the other end. “Wanted to give you a heads up. I got approved for the salvage from the OCHI!”

  “Wonderful news,” Decker replied.

  “I’m having the Shark Eater repaired. She should be good to go by the end of the week. You two still interested in coming?”

  “You better believe it. We’re looking forward to the opportunity, and I put a check in the mail for you. It’ll help with the expense and whatever extras needed for the trip.”

  “Fantastic, Decker! Can’t tell you enough how much your support means to me. We’ll be anchored in Miami. Come to Lonny Bank’s dive shop when you fly in, and we’ll go over the details.”

  “You got it,” agreed Decker, feeling his adventuresome spirit perk up.

  Callie glanced over at Decker “What’s up?”

  “Green light,” Decker replied. “Dax received the grant he’d applied for, and he’s hoping to set out by the end of the week.”

  “Good news.” She smiled, an air of excitement manifesting around her.

  “Can’t believe you two are leaving us here in this god-forsaken place,” teased Sam, slapping Decker’s shoulder. “While I’m excited for you, I just have to say, don’t have too much fun without us.

  Decker laughed. This would be the first time Decker and Callie would participate in an underwater exploration without them. However, they would be supportive. And Decker would Skype regularly to keep them abreast of their findings.

  For the next couple of days Decker and Callie, along with the crew, spent their time snorkeling. The sea life was abundant with a melding of diversity and color under the clear blue waves. And though it was a short reprieve for the two of them, it offered them some rest and relaxation before taking on another adventure.

  On their last evening, before Decker and Callie departed for Florida, the men sat in the dining area, cards and chips strewn out on the round table. Polly passed around a box of highly acclaimed Cuban cigars to his friends, and Callie set out a round of Heineken beer for them, then dropped onto a plush chair to the back of the room to read a novel.

  Polly bit off the end of the cigar and lit it. Grey smoke curled around his head. He spread out his cards and fought against revealing how bad his hand actually was. Bluffing, he tossed in some chips and tried his best to look smug.

  Decker twisted up his mouth contemplating whether he should fold or bluff. Since he was often hard to read facially, he opted to bluff. He tossed in some chips and said, “Raise you.”

  Carson and Ted, however, did hold hands worth bidding on, and in no time the two of them were in a bidding war, while the others slowly dropped out. Ted’s green eyes, flecked with gold, could hardly contain his excitement, making Carson a little more than nervous as he shoved out more chips.

  Sam Carter joined the table at this point. There was a boyish demeanor about him with a baseball cap patted down on his curly brown hair. He sat rearward on the chair, his arms folded on the high back, his chin resting on his arms so he could watch as Ted and Carson battled it out.

  “Ok, I call,” Ted called out, feeling confident that his hand would win.

  Carson laid out his cards. A full flush.

  Ted closed his eyes and sighed. “Three aces, dang!” he said, shaking his head and watching Carson scrape up the pile of chips strewn across the table with a broad smile tipping his lips. It was not as if they benefited from winning, as none of them bet money, however, it served simply as a healthy competition between them. Carson felt that the quickest way to end a relationship was when money was involved. He thought to ward off angry disputes by implementing the regulation.

  “Sorry, my good man,” Carson chuckled.

  Decker stood. “I’m done for the night. We’re heading out fairly early tomorrow. Catch you in the morning before we leave.”

  “You’d have much more fun here with us,” Polly teased, the fat cigar propped at the side of his mouth.

  “No doubt about it,” Decker said. “Next time.”

  Callie snuggled into the crook of Decker’s arm once they returned to their cabin. Because of their dictated agenda, the two of them had little time alone. It felt good to lie beside him. The gentle lull of the Jade rocked them to sleep.

  CHAPTER 9

  Cap-Haitien, Haiti

  Lito Chronis, a Greek entrepreneur, leaned back in his leather chair gazing intently with cold, steel-grey eyes at the man seated in front of him. Behind his steely gaze, there lurked a hard and calculating demeanor. He grabbed an expensive bottle of aged bourbon from his massive mahogany desk and poured the amber-colored fluid into the snifter in front of him. His round, fleshy face was creased with stress lines.

  “The Caribbean Environmental Agency has been snooping around and would like to inspect the facility again,” the Cuban man in his early twenties informed Lito, although hesitantly.

  “Nosey troublemakers, why don’t they mind their own business,” spat Lito, taking a large swallow of bourbon. “You will have to stall them until I can have this situation dealt with, Samuel.”

  “What should I tell them?”

  Lito shook his head and brushed his hand over his stubbled chin. His face was charged with irritation, his shoulders erect and stiff. “Whatever it takes, Samuel! Tell them I am away on business for a month and they will have to wait until I return. It does not matter. So long as you keep them off my back.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Samuel said quickly, wanting nothing more than to be out of Lito’s office. He had dealt with Lito’s uncontrollable anger before, and frankly, he didn’t want to experience it again. His broken arm had healed up from a couple of Lito’s goons who had worked him over good. That was when Samuel was trying to leave the company. He could not afford more broken bones, nor could his family deal with more medical bills. If there had been other jobs available when he had been searching, he would have jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, the economic stability in Haiti was at an all-time low and finding stable jobs were next to impossible.

  Prior to his current employment at Chronis Manufacturing, Samuel Debosse had been working at the cigar factory. He and Constance, the love of his life, had recently married and were expecting their first child when he got notice that he and seventy others were being laid off. It was only out of desperation he applied for a job at Chronis. He had heard the rumors about corruption and mistreatment of employees, but he took his chances anyway. With a baby on the way, what else could he do?

  “I’ll do what I can,” Samuel said, pushing himself to his feet.

  “I expect you will,” Lito snarled, bringing the glass of bourbon to his thin lips. He took a swallow, savoring the warm burning sensation in his throat, closed his eyes and released a long, irascible sigh.

  No sooner had Samuel left his office, Lito buzzed his secretary in the office adjacent to his. “Maela, call Bart Carrigan for me.”

  “Yes, Mr. Chronis, I will have it done.”

  It only took a half hour before Bart entered Lito’s office. His black eyes were filled with question as he strode across the carpeted floor and took a seat in the overstuffed leather chair situated in front of Lito’s desk. He tilted his head curiously.

  “What’s so urgent?”

  “The CEA is poking around again,” Lito explained. “I can’t afford for them to discover the barrels of toxic waste we have stowed near the beach. I want you to hire a ship to haul the barrels out and dump them as we did before.”

  “About thirty miles out?” Bart shuffled through his memory. It had been almost a year since the last dumping, and no one was the wiser, so he figured he would follow the same procedure as before.

  “Don’t care where or how I need you to dispose of it before the inspection!” Lito snarled with displeasure. He took another swig from his glass, then poured another drink for himself and one for Bart.

  Bart had been in his employment from the beginning,
twelve years all in all. He was loyal and always got the job done. So far, Lito had always managed to hide or dispose of things the inspectors would fine him for, thanks to Bart, so he knew these leaky barrels of chemicals would be no different. He didn’t take into consideration the toxic ramifications of his actions. Why would he? He was prospering, and he would continue his current mode of operation despite the suspicions of the CEA. All he cared about was making sure his company thrived, and that he maintained his stature as a prominent figure throughout Haiti and even in the Dominican Republic. He was rich and powerful, and no one dared to usurp his authority.

  When it was inconvenient to dispose of toxic waste properly, Lito had no qualms about eliminating it in other ways.

  “Not sure what their problem is,” Bart said, grabbing the snifter of bourbon from Lito’s hand and flopping back into the cushioned chair. “We’re merely doing business. This company employs a lot of people—they should be applauding us!”

  Lito laughed. “Yes, but if they find those barrels, they’ll shut us down or slap us with fines bigger than the Atlantic Ocean. Got to stay one step ahead of them Bart.”

  “I’ll round up the crew, and we’ll take care of it. It will take the better part of this week to have the barrels cleaned up and loaded, so you will have to stall that inspection,” advised Bart. “I’ll also need a wad of cash to buy off the captain of the Gabriel. I think he is well aware of the consequences should he cross us.”

  “And his crew?”

  Bart shrugged. “They have no idea what they’re dumping, and frankly, so long as they are paid well, they don’t care.”

  “I’ll have the cash ready,” Lito said. “Now, set fire to your feet. We haven’t a minute to waste. The authorities are breathing down my neck and would love to take me down. I’m not going to oblige them,” he growled, his black eyes dagger sharp.