by John Day
“The resting place for a World War II wreck. It is a slim possibility that his tribe came in prolonged contact with the crew from the vessel and might have some idea what happened to her.”
“Not a Spanish Galleon then, loaded with treasure. There must be a few of those on the bottom, the fisher men avoid certain areas because of damage to their nets.”
Alan pressed him. “So, Jake, where did you meet the native?”
“I was up along the north-east coast at Cabo San Juan del Guia at the small village there. It’s at the end of a valley, where it meets the shore. It seems your man, Oona I believe his name is, came from the interior, a remote jungle area in the mountains.
“He met a girl from the village and wanted her to come back to live with his tribe. He traded skins and hand-crafted items for dried fish. He is a frequent visitor. I just happened to be there when a fight broke out and because I speak fluent German, amongst 5 other languages, Oona explained what he was after. The girl wanted to stay with her boyfriend and family, so that was the end of that.
“He went back with just the fish, for company. He visits about every 7 to 10 days, so if you go at the right time, you might meet him.
“I caution you not to go off exploring the interior in the hopes of finding him. His tribe keep to themselves for their own reasons and they are quite menacing. Not only that, the jungle is a dangerous place and if you go in, no one will care if you come out or not.
“You might have the luxury of GPS to find your way out, but if you are scratched with a dart, bitten by a snake, infected with disease carried by insects, drink contaminated water, or any contact with them, you are as good as dead.
“It is rumoured that the tribes in the interior practice cannibalism. They believe that if they eat the muscle of a strong man, the heart of a brave man or other attributes like virility, they will enhance themselves accordingly.”
Alan laughed. “Sounds reasonable to me, they say you are what you eat.”
“So they say,” Jake laughed.
“I don’t see any need to venture into the jungle, I will wait till this man Oona shows up and take it from there.”
“Very wise Mr Patterson. People from the civilised world have the mistaken notion that because natives are primitive they must be stupid. This is quite wrong of course, most are quite intelligent and inventive, particularly this man’s tribe. They are well fed, happy and healthy, what more do they need?”
“Quite so Jake. When the internet stops working the civilised world grinds to a halt. What a precarious life we lead.”
“I wish you luck with your research Mr Patterson. You will find the chief of the fishing village speaks very good English, so introduce yourself to him and mention my name. He and I get on well and he will probably be more helpful.
“Oh! and before I go, a donation to the Park would be most appreciated.” Jake ended the call, leaving Alan with a broad smile on his face.
Sarah looked up from her phone. “I have just looked at the map to see where Cabo San Juan del Guia is. It’s right up on the north-east coast of Columbia. How do you propose to get there?” Alan looked at the map and rubbed his chin as he thought about the problem.
“Why don’t we hire a decent sized boat, take scuba gear as well and sail there. That way we will have all the comforts of home while we wait for the native to turn up.”
As Sarah saw it, the prospect of all the modern conveniences, not to mention a hair dryer, had no downside.
“Let’s go get a boat then, big brother.”
Alan interpreted the term ‘brother’ to mean their relationship had returned to normal. It was fair to say he now felt alone and empty. Much more so, having tasted the illusion of real love at last, only to lose it, unrequited.
Together they went with Ivan to the port. Like most things in the City of Caracas, it was a busy time for boat hire, they could only rent a huge 5-birth catamaran called Lady Jane and she would not be available for two days.
The boat was ridiculously large for their needs, but fate was about to deal a wild card, one that would threaten their very existence.
Meeting.
Alan’s phone rang, it was the loveable Russian. “Good afternoon Alan, Benny here. My two friends and I will be in Caracas at mid-day, the day after tomorrow. We would like to get together with you then. How about dinner with us in the evening?”
“Sarah and I were looking forward to meeting you, but we have chartered a large catamaran and plan to follow the coast, do a bit of diving and get away from it all.”
Benny tried to read between the lines. He thought Alan had seemed ok with the suggestion, but he had just created a good excuse for avoiding the meeting.
“Perhaps some other time, Benny? My sister and I planned to be sailing that very day.”
The meeting had to take place. The image of Walter’s pounding fists spurred him on to overcome any obstacle.
“As I said, we will be there in two days’ time, and the meeting could be to your benefit. Perhaps you could set off the following morning. How does that fit with your plans, Alan?”
Benny lied of course, he didn’t want to give information, but to seek it.
“You’re right Benny, we could wait. Why not join us aboard, there will be plenty of room. We can have a deck party and then you can go on to your hotel.”
Benny’s devious mind became convinced Alan had actually found U-159. Inviting him and his friends to a party and then sailing away as soon as it finished, so they couldn’t easily follow, was exactly what he would do.
To follow they would have to hire a boat and by the time they got one, Alan and his sister would be long gone. Sneaky.
Still, he already had a boat, in the form of the Celeste. Charles Henshaw must be his next call. Pleased he had turned things back to his advantage, Benny sounded delighted. “That sounds like a plan, Alan. I will phone you again as soon as my friends and I land and get directions to your boat. Bye for now.”
Benny rang off and immediately called Charles Henshaw.
“Hi Charles, I have a feeling I can find the sub. How soon can you get to Caracas?”
The owner of the Celeste thought for a moment, calculating time and distance in his head. “I guess 30 hours at 30 knots should do it. What do you have in mind?”
“You can be there before me, so that could work well. Make sure you bring everything you might need to raise the vessel from scuba depth. I believe there is a chance Alan Patterson has located the wreck off shore and plans to dive on it. He has already hired a boat, so we need to move fast.”
Henshaw snapped back. “Who will be paying for my costs?” He wasn’t prepared to spend his own money.
“I have two partners you haven’t met yet. They will be prepared to pay. If they don’t, then I will, so that shows how confident I am that we have it this time.”
“I’ll hold you to that Benny. I will load up as you say and see you in two days, giving you time to get to Caracas yourself.
“I will call you soon with a progress update.” Charles strode off, supercharged with purpose, to haul his men out from the tavern. He was excited and eager to arrange the loading of all the equipment.
Excited, Benny called Ellen Fox. “Hello Ellen, I have arranged to meet the Pattersons on their charter boat. I explained I was meeting two friends, you and Walter, so we have been invited aboard to a party in two days’ time.
“My salvage team will also arrive then and shadow the Pattersons. It will be a bit rough on his ship, but at least you will see first-hand what is happening.
“Is that alright with you?”
“That sounds perfect Benny. Who will be pay…”
Benny cut her short. “I thought you would be pleased and I look forward to meeting you in Caracas. Oh, …I said you were paying for the ship. Bye, see you.”
Benny hung up. Ellen started to object, but he had gone.
He decided not to mention the turn of events to Mr Mendez. Charles didn’t like the man a
nd to bring him back in now, with the Pattersons, Fox and Norris would be too dangerous. However, Mr Mendez was having Benny followed and his phone bugged.
The recording of the conversation put Mendez in an evil mood, and he laid his own plans accordingly...
Party intrigue.
In anticipation of the visitors’ preferences, Sarah phoned around and did a deal with a small family business to cater for a party of five aboard Lady Jane. She wanted simple food, but well presented. From the way Alan had described Benny, she doubted anything more exotic than beans on toast would be known to him. However, the eccentric business man’s two friends would probably be better class and have money, so they were the ones she aimed to impress.
She decided on simple food, because it was universal and there was limited space on the vessel. Good tasty food in ample quantity, with plenty of drink, was the basis of a good party.
***
The moment Benny, Ellen and Walter landed in Caracas, Alan received Benny’s phone call.
“Hi Benny, get the taxi to bring you to dock 6 and ask for a man called Raul Gomez. He has a launch that is immaculate, so it will be safe to wear your best party frock. He will bring you out to us and take you back after the party. I paid for his services, so no need to bother about paying him.”
Benny felt relieved at how things were working out. “Thank you, Alan. My friends, Ellen and Walter are looking forward to meeting you and your sister. Just a little hint, Ellen fancies herself as upper class, so what should she be expected to wear?”
Knowing what his sister had in mind, he was relieved to be asked.
“The food will be simple, but well presented by a quality caterer, napkins and cutlery, no fingers. We will be smart casual, you know me, so let that be your guide.”
Ellen and Walter will fit in well then. “Sounds like we will have a classy evening together out on the water.
“I think you will find my friends particularly interesting, they are treasure hunters, very successful ones I might add, so I am sure you will have lots to talk about.”
Alan had partied a lot and knew from experience that you could only judge a party after it was over. Still, this was a positive start.
“Thanks Benny, see you aboard Lady Jane at 6.30pm.”
***
It was a glorious tropical evening in the harbour. The setting sun turned the clouds blood red and the gentlest cooling breeze was most welcome. The sea had barely a ripple and cast reflected light from the harbour buildings as shimmering fingers on the water.
Raul Gomez skilfully navigated his small launch out to Lady Jane, with Benny, Ellen, and Walter on board. It gave both host and guests time to form some sort of opinion about the other, as the elegant boat drew closer.
ALAN
Alan noticed Ellen immediately. She looked a million bucks dressed in a sapphire blue toga style cotton dress. It billowed slightly in the gentlest breeze. She languished like a film star on the white upholstered rear seat. Setting off the rich red hardwood, Venice style launch, to perfection. It’s polished varnish and gleaming chrome fittings reflecting the sunset and sparkling waves, as it glided through the millpond smooth sea towards them.
Alan gazed awestruck at her sultry beauty. He studied her facial expressions as she spoke to Benny and Walter. She mesmerised him with her fluid gesticulations and he suddenly realised her eyes were locked on his. She had caught him staring at her.
Ellen gave a brief knowing smile, looked back to Walter, and resumed their casual conversation. The fact she had caught him staring would be awkward during introductions, he thought. On the other hand, she did smile.
A man would have to be dead not to be stirred at the sight of her. She had probably become accustomed to being admired.
Alan could see Walter was a handsome young man and was not surprised to see such a perfect couple together. Of the two, Ellen clearly wielded the authority. Walter was the cool, collected quiet type, yet he was good humoured, a warm side even, judging by the way he frequently chuckled, even with Benny.
Hopefully Walter and Ellen would be interesting conversationalists and make the party go with a swing. Based on their appropriate and immaculate clothing, they were familiar with the social graces. Sarah would be pleased.
***
SARAH
Sarah was quite familiar with rich bitches like Ellen. She had encountered them at work and at high profile gatherings throughout her social life. Their attitude cut no ice with her and because she appeared not to notice or antagonise the species, they usually gave up and became friendly towards her.
This woman was quite a work of art though, she emitted an aura that left others wanting to be dominated by her. Sarah hadn’t come across that kind before and felt undecided how to play her.
A glance at Alan, as he studied Ellen, revealed an attraction and there was no mystery as to why. It prompted Sarah to draw close to him and wrap her arm possessively around his waist. The pose loudly proclaimed, ‘this one is mine, back off bitch!’
Sarah’s move on Alan was the reason why Ellen had broken eye contact with him, as she smiled and turned to Walter.
Sarah decided to give Ellen some of the same and perused the cool, well-dressed, warm spirited Walter Norris. He seemed to be aware of her looking at him and melted her with a full-on smile, sending Sarah into a momentary flummox.
Seeing them close up, as Ellen and Walter were boarding Lady Jane, Sarah felt suddenly awkward, the way shy people feel on a first date.
The gentle breeze carried Walter’s fragrance and pheromones in her direction… or was it Ellen’s pheromones?
Ellen left the launch as sure footed and femininely fluid in her movements as a dancer. At that moment, when Ellen locked eyes with Sarah, panic set in. It was nothing to do with Ellen’s style, or her clothes, but the sultry sexuality she exuded.
***
WALTER
Now on deck, Walter smiled warmly again at Sarah, putting her at ease. It was as far as he was prepared to go, this was a business strategy in the guise of a party. There was no doubt in his loins that Sarah could and would satisfy his every carnal desire, but at the right time.
So as not to rock the emotional boat, and to avoid any social tension, Walter extended his hand to Alan. “Hi Alan, I’m Walter Norris. Thank you and Sarah for inviting us aboard to your party, I am certain it will be a memorable time.”
“Our pleasure Walter, according to our mutual friend, Benny, we have common interests. That should make interesting conversation.”
Walter smiled knowingly as he replied. “Benny mentioned you were hunting for a submarine together, but it seems to have gone missing. Most disappointing when that happens.”
“Not as disappointing for me as the person who paid out for a sonar survey and found nothing.” They both laughed.
“Help yourself to a drink, Walter, the bar staff will sort you out. I will join you in a moment.”
ELLEN
Whilst Alan and Walter became acquainted, Ellen approached Sarah.
“Thank you for joining us Ellen, I am Sarah, Alan’s stepsister.”
She held out her hand. Ellen took it and lingered a moment, savouring the warmth of her firm feminine grip.
“The pleasure is all mine, Sarah, I do hope we will be close friends. I travel a great deal on business and seldom get the opportunity to meet genuine people like you.”
A wonderful fragrance caught Sarah’s attention. “I love your perfume, Ellen, what is it?”
“Oh, it was a present from dear Benny actually, Chanel Grand Extrait. I will ask him to let you have a bottle if you like, I understand he has the only remaining two bottles in the world. I am sure he won’t mind.”
“Are you really sure, it smells divine and very expensive.”
“It is definitely exclusive. If everybody could buy it, it wouldn’t be worth having. Besides, it is plain silly Benny hanging on to it, he will never use it. Walter will persuade him, Benny will do anything for Walter. Be
st buddies, you might say.”
Sarah was overwhelmed with awe at the woman’s audacity, but never doubted Benny would bend to her will.
Alan came over and greeted Ellen. She sensed a tension in Sarah and realised there was something going on emotionally with her stepbrother.
Under other circumstances she would have delighted in stirring the pot, but there was too much at stake, just now. Ellen simply smiled warmly and shook his hand rather formally.
Alan tried to read her, but she remained an enigma. “Do come to the bar Ellen, I have started Walter off in the right direction already, I hope you don’t mind?”
She smiled again. “Walter is a big boy, I let him make his own mistakes.”
She gracefully linked arms with Sarah and the girls sauntered off to find a drink.
BENNY
Alan and Sarah were pleased to see Benny looked part of the scene and was blending in. Sarah could see the man was quite eccentric and most definitely an acquired taste. Fortunately, Alan had warned her.
“Alan has told me a lot about you Benny.”
His smile dropped with his chin, and his mouth opened in shock.
“Don’t worry, it was all good.” She added hastily.
His face returned to the smile and then he let out one of his hideously embarrassing squealing laughs.
“So, Alan lied then,” and his laugh turned to braying like a hysterical donkey. Alan and Sarah looked at each other and joined in with the laughter. It was probably the only time Benny uttered a humorous rejoinder that evening. Ellen and Walter also looked at Benny with surprise and laughed.
***
With the introductions, out of the way, everyone settled into the party spirit and conversation flowed freely. Both Alan and Sarah had the odd feeling they were honoured to receive their guests.
Ellen was always the centre of attention, and no one felt the need to challenge that or resist her charm.