Catching Kate (Scenic Route to Paradise)

by Andrea Aarons

  Finally, he said in English, “Me thinks someone wants me dead.”

  Kate had seen the movies about the mafia and the Mexican cartels. She wondered if Zeff was mixed up the drug lords and the lifestyle that snuffed a life out for a pocketful of money. He was a handsome guy, she admitted but Merry had given her warning and after sulking about her sister’s words, Kate prayed and conceded.

  God reminded her of the times she overlooked the spiritual depravity of her acquaintances to their own detriment. Some of them were no longer alive. Kate wondered and worried about their eternal destination. For the most part, Kate had let her lifestyle be her Christian testimony but as she matured, Kate recognized the calm voice of her Savior, prompting her to speak out for Him and for them - the lost. Kate felt that prompting now.

  Kate cleared her throat. “Zeff, I hope what you have surmised is not true... someone wants you dead. That’s awful. Perhaps, they think you are dead. I mean, the tsunami came in a few hours later,” she said. “Someone wants me dead too,” she added after a pause.

  “What? ... Baloney,” he replied but Kate was sure he had planned to use another word.

  She said quickly, “No, really. I think you can understand this as your English is so much better than I realized... But see, the human race is caught in the midst of a battle. There is evil and there is good. Of course, everyone thinks they are on the good side. But God states that no one is good... absolutely no one!”

  Zeff said, “I perceive you... your family is very religious. My mother is very religious too. I miss her. I’ve debated about calling her but... I’ve put it off. They have probably had my funeral already.”

  Kate began explaining to him that the world was full of religion and most - all religions that she understood were about works atoning for a person’s sins. In reality, the Ten Commandments set the precedent for holiness. If none of the commandments were violated, then that soul was holy enough for heaven. The problem was as the scripture declares “all have sinned - none are righteous.” Eventually, one or more of the Ten Commandments is broken and at that point a Savior is needed to save that soul from eternal death. Kate was interrupted by an oddity in the night sky. She saw it first.

  Kate squealed and grabbed Zeff’s forearm. With her other hand, she pointed to the black sky above them about two o’clock. “Wh... what, what’s that?” she whispered hysterically.

  Zeff forgot the pain Kate was inflicting with her iron like pinch when he saw the strange lights. There was no sound but a gentle pushing of water as the mainsail was up and the motor, off.

  Zeff had never seen a UFO but he was sure this was one. “I don’t know. Hand me those binoculars,” he said also in a whisper.

  He said something in Spanish that Kate thought was cursing but in English Zeff said, “It’s huge.” He scanned the water and sky about them. After looking again at the silhouetted object which was blacker than the sky behind it, Zeff handed the glasses to Kate. “Have a look,” he said.

  To his relief, Kate unfastened her clenched fist to take the binoculars. There were rotating lights just like the old movies showed of alien ships. It was so close and so clear.

  After a few moments, Kate said, “Jesus, in Your name I rebuke this UFO. I command in Your name Jesus, that it go - now!”

  Zeff looked at her incredulous. When he looked back to the sky the peculiar site was gone. “Hey! What happened? Which way did it go?” he asked as he swiveled about the helms chair searching the night sky.

  Kate was astonished to find that her prayer seemed to work. She said, “I think it just got smaller and then there was nothing. It looked like it went straight up but I’m not sure.”

  “No one is going to believe us! We should have got a picture! But it was there... It was real. You saw it!” Zeff exclaimed.

  Kate knew she would not be able to fall asleep now. Kate was getting chilled and she was thirsty but she was afraid to go below by herself. She thought about asking Zeff to go below for her also, and yet she was terrified of staying on deck alone. Finally, they both went below. Zeff got drinks and snacks from the galley while Kate pulled sweats on over her lighter clothing.

  Then they talked until, Zeff lowered the sail and dropped anchor in Jamestown Bay.

  Chapter 10 The Tungi Pub

  Jamestown, the capital of the island of St Helena is picturesque, nestled between hills and bordered by the bay. The city although spread out was not overly populated when the Serendipity docked.

  Mac and Tino returned aboard with fresh supplies before noon. After a late lunch, Mac took Zeff and Junior with him to meet an old friend leaving the women in the shopping district and Tino on board.

  Kate exchanging some of her Euros into the local currency replaced several pieces of clothing that suited boat living, including another swimsuit, shorts and cotton jerseys. They had returned to the sloop, now docked for fueling and replenishing the water tanks when Zeff and Junior came aboard without Mac.

  Kate followed Junior as he went below, to bang on the Captain’s cabin. Merry came out and Junior said, “Mac sent Zeff back to take you and Kate to him. He told me to tell you that you will be having dinner in town at his friend’s restaurant.”

  The Tungi Pub owned and operated by Roger Cowels was mostly a restaurant. Locals and tourist ate at the pub and ordered drinks when dining. It is a smallish establishment with less than a dozen tables. Twenty years prior, Roger lived above the restaurant but now the rooms upstairs were used for private parties. Roger used it at times for entertaining and business meetings for his other financial enterprises.

  Roger had left England when he was 18 years old. His family, under pressure from his maternal grandparents, sent him to St. Helena much like Napoleon had been sent. Roger had embarrassed his family, especially his grandparents and they had given him an ultimatum. Choosing to move to the island to work with his namesake Uncle Roger had been an adventure but later became his destiny.

  Roger Cowels never married. For some years, he had nursed his wounded heart over his lost teen-love left in the UK and then after his uncle died when Roger was 23, his interest turned to business and island life.

  The sun was setting as Zeff ushered the women through the front door of the Tungi Pub. Friday evening was always busy for both dinner and later when locals and tourists stayed until closing at midnight. This Friday was no different as there were three men standing at the short bar and all but two tables filled with patrons.

  Neither Kate nor Merry got a very long look at the downstairs or its occupants as Zeff led them to the left and up the staircase to the second floor in a few fluid strides. Still, many of the pub’s customers got an eye full of the three newcomers and it was obvious to those in the know that they were meeting with the pub governor - Roger Cowels upstairs.

  The staircase was narrow but well lit and the walls smooth and white plastered. The ceiling was low and Kate wondered if Zeff behind them was stooping. At the last stair a landing opened unto the second floor with a dark wooden door to the right that was shut and an archway before them. When Merry and Kate hesitated at the landing, Zeff went before them through the archway. Merry and then Kate followed him.

  To the left a picture window revealed the ocean to the west and the reddened horizon where the sun had sunk. The room was a comfortable foyer containing a chaise lounge and coffee table with an ornate but tiny gas chandler hanging mid-room. Zeff continued to the right passing between partially opened French doors. A large room with an oriental carpet covering most of the wooden floor was before them. There were couches and small tables and lamps and a pool table at the farthest end. To the left was a large dining table that reminded Kate of the South African style tables that could seat 20 or more people but still look inviting, rather than imposing. Three chandeliers that matched the one in the foyer hung lengthwise and symmetrically down the room.

  Mac and Roger Cowels stood at the pool table. Both men came forward as Zeff drew near with Kate and Merry.

  At al
most forty years old, Roger’s hair continued the dark, dark brown almost black that it had become when he was a teenager. The island life, fresh air and wholesome food balanced his bachelor’s lifestyle keeping him both physically and mentally fit. His eyes, gray-blue and his shoulders square and muscular which was evident even under the turquoise, button-down collared shirt he wore.

  Mac introduced Merry, as his bride and Roger smiled widely at her, taking her forearm.

  “Yes, you are as pretty as Mac described you and to think, I was under the impression that Mac and I would be old bachelors together. Of course, now that I’ve met you... Well, I understand,” Roger said and lifted Merry’s wrist to kiss the back of her hand. Mac smirked at his friend’s congeniality, giving Merry a hug about the waist. Zeff had met Roger earlier and so he received a simple nod as Roger looked toward Kate.

  Knowing the proprietor was a great friend of Mac’s, Kate gave Roger a warm smile as she extended her hand.

  “Hi. I’m Kate Merriweather, Merry’s sister,” she said and taking his hand she shook it vigorously before letting go.

  It was an awkward moment as Roger looked from Merry to Kate and then to Mac and finally to Zeff before looking to Kate again. Kate was thoroughly perplexed by his reaction but then he spoke, “I had no idea but yes, of course! I do see a resemblance. This is wonderful! We shall have a regular dinner party tonight.”

  And they did.

  Rather than sit at the larger dining table, Roger led them to a glassed-in porch with most of the windows cranked open about an inch or less. There was one round table and a narrow buffet along the interior wall. Six chairs were about the table. Roger dispensed of the extra and the five people sat at the table as dinner was served.

  Roger, a gregarious host, was quite attentive to Kate. Business had been discussed if not finalized earlier with Mac and now it was time for good food and interesting conversation.

  Mac told Roger the story of being caught in New Mexico as “all hell was breaking loose.” He explained how he had made a tentative plan to head south and either make his way to the Gulf of Mexico to find a ship sailing for Europe or go south and west to a Mexican port to find an abandoned sloop. From that point, he would sail the long way home to D’Almata.

  “Of course, the Gulf of Mexico was impassable. I hear the entire gulf coast is destroyed. So you went southwest instead,” Roger commented.

  Mac nodded. He said, “That’s right. We soon realized that eastern Texas was no place to go. We stopped at two Mexican ports before Puerto Vallarta and there were dozens of boats but not for what we needed. Anyway, our patience paid off and we bought the sloop and found Zeff here as a willing crew member.”

  “Mac, I’m confused. Where did you meet up with Merry’s sister, Kate? There is more to this story, I’m sure,” Roger said this as he looked from Kate to Mac.

  Kate told her story. As she was concluding, she said, “They were on their way to D’Almata... the long way around and Roger, God had them break down so we could meet up.” Kate looked around the table. She said, “I’m realizing as I get older that God will go to great lengths to get our attention and have us recognize Him and His plan... His plan for our lives! Even the story of the cross makes this point.”

  They had been eating and talking for more than an hour but Kate was the first to mention the providence of God. Zeff was uncomfortable and he squirmed in his seat but the others including Roger, were nodding and their faces revealed calm agreement.

  Roger said, “Amazing stories and you know Kate, I absolutely agree with you about God getting our attention. Even the fact that He was willing to make a plan for our escape from... from... Well, from ourselves and from dark spiritual forces, and in the end - from Hell. I became a Christian a few years ago and recently I began to understand how much God values mankind’s free-will. I find, He makes me do nothing but He encourages me to do much... and yet, God wants me to make up my mind by faith to do what He wills me to do.”

  Mac asked, “Rog, when did you become a Christian? I mean why didn’t you tell me. I just became one myself back in May.” Mac finishing his meal tossed his napkin up on his plate.

  “Funny, you ask but I had planned this morning when I saw you down at the quay that I wasn’t going to let you leave St. Helena until I told you about my conversion and confronted you with your own need for a saviour... My Saviour!” Roger countered.

  In response to Mac’s recent American misadventure, Roger recounted how oppressive he had felt in the last months since the USA had taken its hit. Mac replied that he had no Christian experience to compare the spiritual climate to but on the surface the dynamics of the world had changed. Zeff listened.

  Kate said, “Honestly, I have been so caught up in my own personal struggles, especially thinking I was trapped illegally in a foreign country that the heaviness I sensed seemed my own. Watching the news about America was so depressing... All those hurting and displaced people helped me to understand how fortunate I really was.” Kate was not usually so transparent. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Kate and her siblings attempted to cloak their lives as much as possible. Merry, Kate and their older brother, Dale had become emotionally private people. All eyes were on her as she spoke. Kate recognized the difficult lesson she learned over the last few months and speaking about it was freeing.

  The glass windows on the porch allowed the steady breeze which had cooled considerably to pass through.

  Mac said suddenly, “Merry is getting cold. Kate you’re chilled too. Let’s return indoors.”

  It had been a lovely view of the mountains to the right and the light speckled bay to the left from the second floor of the pub, but Mac was correct. The women were cold.

  Dessert was served inside; pumpkin pudding and island coffee.

  It was almost midnight when Mac suggested it was time to go back to the boat. Roger led them downstairs. The pub was all but closed. Outside at the front door, several men stood about as they had just come from inside. They were talking as Kate and Merry came out with Mac leading but then they quieted. Kate could smell a strong mix of odors that included cardamom spice used in some of the local dishes, strong tobacco smoke and alcohol.

  Mac and Zeff went through the group ahead of Roger who took both women protectively by the arms guiding them past the throng of men. Roger nodded at a few but his face was stiff Kate noticed as they caught up to Mac and Zeff.

  Downtown Jamestown is a compacted area and so 10 minutes later, the group stood in front of the Serendipity. The men aided Kate and Merry aboard but they continued to stand and talk below on the dock. Merry retired to the Captain’s cabin but Kate stood in the shadows amidships with arms wrapped at her chest to stay warm, watching. The docks were mostly in shadow too but here and there were splotches of light from either street lamps or from the few large boats and small ships docked nearby.

  Kate couldn’t make out the conversation but she could hear Zeff’s voice, the distinctive Spanish accent. He was increasingly interacting with Mac and the other members of the boat. Tonight, Zeff had been very quiet. She wondered what he thought about the conversation and the attentive consideration Roger bestowed upon her over dinner. In a few days they would be leaving... leaving Roger behind.

  Last night, Kate had warmed to Zeff as they talked and then after the strange UFO sighting, they seemed conspirators together against the unknown. Still, she took Merry’s forewarning about keeping away from Zeff and Tino seriously. Merry was right. Kate decided to keep her relationship with both young men platonically correct.

  Movement to the left and behind the men, caught Kate’s eye. She stared and then a cat streaked through the gloomy area where she focused. She grinned at her own suspicions but before she turned away she saw two men move from the dark and walked up the hill, the same way Roger had brought them down from his restaurant. Watching for a moment, Kate wondered if they hadn’t been observing Mac and company. Kate looked about. She wanted to tell someone but the others were still talkin
g quietly below on the docks, oblivious to her or anyone else it seemed. Tino or Junior was on watch duty but she hadn’t seen either when she boarded with Merry some 20 minutes earlier. The sea breeze was cold and she was ready to go below.

  Kate decided she would tell Mac in the morning.

  Chapter 11 A Man in Exile

  A mild wind blew Kate’s hair about as she stood on deck surveying the morning. She thought to tie her long straight locks up if she were to go hiking with Mac, Merry and Junior as was discussed at dinner last night in the pub. After breakfast, they were to meet Roger.

  Zeff had the early morning watch and when Kate turned to go down to the galley, he was standing at the navigation station facing her; Coco at his feet. Her hair was capricious in the wind; she pulled it back with her hand.

  “Breakfast?” Zeff asked as he came toward her. She nodded and waited for him. He had slept for some hours but got up with the sun to take the early watch and to let Coco relieve herself ashore.

  “Yes, I made eggs and something you might like - tortillas,” Kate told him. His eyes lit up.

  “You? I have not had homemade tortillas since Christmas I think. No one in my family’s house makes them anymore,” he said with a lopsided smile.

  “Your mother doesn’t make tortillas?” Kate asked.

  “My mother?” Zeff repeated and then he let out a laugh. “My mother cannot boil water. She does not cook - at all!”

  “Oh,” Kate said as she followed him down the companionway. Kate thought all Mexican mothers cooked. “Well, my mother does make tortillas. She taught me several of her best recipes and so, I too know how to make them - including tortillas.” Neither Kate nor her mother, Toni had made tortillas for a few years but she knew Merry liked them and thought to surprise Zeff too.