by S. E. Smith
Adjusting her backpack strap on her shoulder, Makayla bent and pulled up the handle of her carry-on and headed down the long dock. She gazed across the long line of boats to the coastline, enjoying the gentle, cool breeze against her face. The temperature was a nice seventy degrees Fahrenheit, but she knew it was expected to drop after sunset.
Her steps slowed as she came closer to the slip where she could see the Defiance moored. A slight movement and a tuft of gray hair peeking out near the back of the sailboat told her that Henry was there and probably working on one of a probably endless list of repairs. A rueful smile curved Makayla’s lips. She had once heard that the acronym for the word ‘boat’ was ‘bring on another thousand’. She imagined that was true, especially if you owned a sailboat and were sailing it around the world.
“You know, old man, I heard tell that the two happiest days in a man’s life are the day he buys a boat and the day he sells it,” Makayla called out in greeting.
Henry turned in a quick circle, surprisingly fast for a man in his late sixties and grinned up at her. He wiped his hand across his cheek, leaving a dark smear of grease above the silver whiskers that coated the lower half of his face. The smile on her lips grew when he realized what he had done. He muttered a soft curse and pulled the rag out of the back of his pocket and scrubbed at his cheek while staring up at her.
“Well, seeing that I’m not of a mind to do either one at the moment, I guess you’ll have to wait to find out,” he replied with a huge grin. “You made it.”
Makayla nodded and looked over the deck of the sailboat. “Yeah, I made it. It’s good to see you, Henry,” she said, pushing the handle of her carry-on down and handing it to him when he reached up for it.
“You, too, girl,” Henry murmured, setting her bag down and reaching up to help her onto the sailboat. “I’m glad you’re here,” he added, pulling her into a tight bear-hug the moment she was on board.
*.*.*
Makayla finished stowing her clothes in the cabinet that Henry had emptied for her. It didn’t take long. She glanced up through the companionway and saw that the sun was about to set. Quickly pulling out some lunch meat, cheeses, and condiments, she prepared two turkey and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat with a side of potato chips. She grabbed two bottles of water out of the small refrigerator, carefully balanced them with the stacked plates, and slowly climbed the steps.
“Perfect timing,” Henry said with a grin. “I just finished cleaning up. Let me go wash my hands. Mm, that looks delicious. I haven’t eaten since this morning. I wanted to have the blasted engine maintenance done before you got here, but had to wait on a part.”
“No problem,” Makayla replied, placing the plates and bottled waters down on a teak table that Henry had cleared and uncovered. “Take your time. I’m going to enjoy this beautiful sunset.”
Henry chuckled and looked over at the mountains. “It is a beauty, isn’t it? I’ll be right back. I might take a quick shower as well,” he muttered with a wrinkle of his nose. “I stink.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything about that, old man, but since you brought it up, you smell like a diesel engine,” Makayla laughed, relaxing against the seat and laying her arm along the back of it.
She affectionately watched Henry head down the steps muttering about ungrateful passengers. She chuckled and tilted her head back to look up at the sky when he disappeared from sight. She took in a deep breath, and held it for a few seconds before releasing it. She gazed upward, staring at the faint dots of light beginning to appear. Against the darker backdrop, she could just make out the first few stars that were beginning to shine through the twilight hues.
Her mind drifted in a kaleidoscope of thoughts and images. She turned and tiredly rested her chin on her arm. The last six years of her life had been a blur of activity. It was hard to believe so much had happened in such a short span of time. Most of it had been good, but some of it had been sad as well, she thought.
“Why the sad face? You aren’t having second thoughts, are you?” Henry asked, emerging from the galley.
Makayla turned and smiled. It was a good thing Henry was practically bald on top, otherwise his hair would be sticking up everywhere from the way he was rubbing it dry. As it was, it looked like he could use a haircut for the sides. She’d have to see if he had any electric clippers on board.
“I’m sorry about Breaker,” she murmured, twisting back around. “He was a good dog.”
Henry grunted and hung the towel over the side of the opening to dry. He grabbed two beers out of the refrigerator while Makayla watched him in silence. He twisted the tops off and held one out for her.
“I think we can celebrate your arrival and Breaker’s long life with a beer instead of water,” he said, picking up one of the plates and sitting down. “He was a damn good dog. It’d be hard to find one like him again, so I didn’t bother trying.”
“Kind of like Grandma?” Makayla asked with a raised eyebrow.
Henry’s hand paused as he raised the bottle of beer to his lips and he shook his head. He took a long swig of it before he set it down on the table. Makayla could see the amused twitch to his lips and in his eyes.
“Anyone ever tell you that you are a lot like your Grandpa?” Henry asked, picking up his sandwich and taking a bite.
“Only everyone who knows you,” she retorted, picking up her own sandwich and biting into it. “So, tell me about your trip so far. How was the trip from Australia?”
They spent the next three hours eating, drinking, and talking. Makayla slowly felt her body relax from a combination of exhaustion and contentment. It felt good after the exhausting flight. Being back on the water aboard the Defiance soothed her soul. She raised her hand to smother a yawn. She should have stuck to the bottled water, she thought, lowering her second bottle of beer.
“So, are you seeing anyone?” Henry suddenly asked.
Makayla blinked and dropped her hand to her lap. Her lips pressed together and she rolled her eyes, a habit that she thought she had given up when she was sixteen. Leave it to Henry to bring up her love life on the first night.
“That is none of your business,” she replied, lifting the bottle of beer and finishing it. “You know most grandfathers wouldn’t give their grandkids a beer, don’t you?”
Henry shrugged and grinned. “You’re over twenty-one and won’t be driving. Plus, I hoped between the jet lag, exhaustion, and the slight buzz that you might let me know if you’ve found someone,” he said.
“Well, you’ve got those three things right, but I’m not talking,” Makayla retorted, pushing up off the seat and lifting a hand to her head. “I’m done for the day.”
“You get some sleep. You can have the front bunk and I’ll take the one in the galley. Don’t worry about this stuff, I’ll clean up,” Henry instructed, rising to his feet.
“Thanks. I’ll be more coherent tomorrow,” she replied, holding onto the side of the companionway to keep from stumbling.
“Makayla…,” Henry called quietly.
Makayla glanced over her shoulder, her foot on the first step leading down into the galley. She could see the love and concern in his eyes. A part of her wanted to look away, while another part wanted to reassure him that everything was fine. In the end, it was the need to reassure him that won.
“I’m okay, Henry. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not broken. I’ve just been a little busy with school. I haven’t exactly been out of touch with the world, either,” she murmured. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Have a good night, sweetheart,” Henry said after searching her face to make sure she was telling him the truth. He seemed satisfied with what he saw there. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Makayla nodded and made her way down the steps. She passed through the galley, grabbed her small toiletry bag from off the shelf, and made her way to the head. It didn’t take her long to brush her teeth, hair, and wash her face. She didn’t bother with a shower. She w
as too exhausted and would probably fall asleep in it. Instead, she changed into a pair of pajama pants and an oversized T-shirt.
She barely made it to the bed before she collapsed. Rolling, she pulled the covers over her and wrapped her arms around the pillow. For a fleeting second, the image of a face from her past flashed through her mind before it was gone. Makayla didn’t even bother trying to hold onto it. The memory was gone before she knew it, lost in the fog of her exhaustion. She was too tired to think about anything but sleep at the moment.
3
Two days later, Makayla sat back and gazed out over the water. She could already feel the itch to leave. She refocused on where she was polishing the safety railing. Henry had made some modifications to the Defiance over the last few years to make it more of an ocean-going vessel. She was still amazed that he had made it over halfway around the world already. This would be her fifth time joining him en route and the longest distance since he had started.
“What do you think?” Henry asked, standing near the mast.
Makayla glanced over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “I try not to,” she joked, watching an expression of exasperation cross his face at her snarky response. She laughed and turned to face him. “I was just thinking how impressed I am that you have made it this far. It is an incredible feat. You know, Mom still thinks that you’ve totally lost your mind.”
Henry bent and sat down next to her. She could see the thoughtful expression on his face while he gazed out across the harbor. His fingers played with the wire he was holding, rolling it back and forth between them.
“I’ve been smart about it,” he commented, turning back to face her. “I watch the weather and stay in the major shipping lanes. I’ve made some of the longer legs along with other boats. I’ve been planning this trip my whole life and I have to admit – I don’t have a single regret. I’ve seen places and met people that otherwise would have been impossible.”
“You’ve also had a few close calls,” Makayla reminded him. “The Philippines….”
Henry waved his hand. “I know, but that’s life. There are never any guarantees. One thing your grandmother made sure I never forgot was that there are never any guarantees in life. Her death was a huge blow not only to your mom, but to me, Makayla. When Mary Rose was dying, she made me promise that I wouldn’t let fear stop me from living my dreams. She reminded me every day to grasp life with both hands and live it, because as she pointed out, you never knew when your last day might be. I raised your mom and uncle as best I could. I wasn’t perfect, but I can say I did my best. Having you back in my life made me realize just how fortunate I am.”
Makayla sat in silence for a brief moment before she shook her head. “I think that’s the longest thing I’ve ever heard you speak,” she reflected with a grin before it faded and she grew serious. “You did good, Henry. Mom doesn’t blame you for what happened in her life. And as for me – well, I’ll be the first to admit you changed mine,” she said in a quiet tone, glancing away to look at the water again.
“You already had a good head on your shoulders, girl. You just needed to know what you had inside you,” Henry replied in a gruff tone. With a grunt, he stood up. “I’d better get the wiring completed if we are going to leave the day after tomorrow. We’ll be following a couple of cargo ships down to Guam, then over to Honolulu.”
Makayla nodded. “I saw the charts. It’s good to know we won’t be alone. The Pacific Ocean is a mighty big place to get lost in,” she said, picking up the polish and pouring more onto the rag she was using.
“There’s a market about a mile or so from here. I’ve got a couple of bikes and thought we could stock up on some supplies later,” Henry commented. “I went there the day before you arrived. They have a nice selection of items.”
“That sounds like fun,” Makayla said. “I could use some exercise.”
Henry nodded. “Looks like a good day to go, tomorrow it’s supposed to rain,” he reflected. “I’d better get the new wire run for the lights if we want to be able to see where we are going.”
Makayla turned back to her task. Henry turned on some music and all around them other boat owners talking could be heard. She glanced up when she saw a helicopter flying over the marina. Shielding her eyes, she saw it land on a yacht anchored offshore.
“That must be nice,” she muttered under her breath before a familiar song caught her attention and she became lost in it while she worked.
*.*.*
Makayla brushed her hair out and twisted it up into a messy bun. Several strands of dark brown hair fell and she impatiently tucked them up into the mass of twisted hair. Her gaze flashed to the clock on the microwave.
“Henry, if we are going to go shopping, we need to do it before it gets much later,” Makayla said, grabbing a pile of canvas shopping bags from off the table. She frowned when she heard Henry’s muffled reply. “What?”
“I’ve got at least another hour or two of work,” Henry said, glancing up at the sky. “I need to get this done now, especially since the front is expected to move through starting tonight instead of tomorrow.”
Makayla could see the frustration and regret on his face. She could also see the dirt and grease. Shaking her head, she glanced up at the sky before looking at him again.
“I can go,” she said. “It isn’t far. I saw it the other day when the taxi brought me here. I’ll go get what we need and be back before the weather turns bad. If you need my help here, we can wait and go tomorrow.”
Henry gave her an appreciative smile and shook his head. “If you can go today, it would be better. I’m not that wild about shopping, if you remember. At least if you go, I know we’ll have something worth eating,” he said.
Makayla nodded her head in agreement. They had been living on turkey and cheese sandwiches for the past two days. She had quickly discovered that was all Henry had in his refrigerator. At least he had also purchased some bread.
“If you’re sure you’ve got this, I’ll handle the food,” Makayla promised, stepping up onto the back of the sailboat before jumping down onto the dock.
“Coffee!” Henry called out behind her. “Don’t forget the coffee.”
“I won’t,” Makayla responded, placing the canvas bags in one of the baskets attached to the bike Henry had placed on the dock. “Anything else?”
“Just whatever you want,” Henry said, already focusing back on the wiring. “Don’t talk to strangers.”
Makayla didn’t even reply to Henry’s last comment. Instead, she adjusted the small purse she had draped across her chest and slid the straps of her empty backpack on. Grabbing the handlebars of the bike, she turned it and pushed it up the dock. Once at the end, she slid her leg over and kicked off.
She enjoyed the exercise of riding the bike. She followed the road around to the front entrance. Raising her hand in greeting to the security guard, she rode down the short drive before turning right onto the bicycle path.
*.*.*
“What did you discover?” The man standing in the elegant office overlooking the bay asked.
Sun Yung-Wing poured himself a cup of tea from the small, antique silver teapot. The steam rose from the delicate white china teacup. He lifted the fragrant brew to his nose and inhaled with appreciation. The tall, slender, elegantly dressed man that had entered the room politely waited until his employer turned before he answered.
“Mr. Harrington is still in a coma,” the man stated.
Yung turned to look at the new man in charge of his security. The last one was now at the bottom of the ocean. He carefully studied Ren Lu. The man’s slender frame, perfectly cut black hair, and calm face were very deceptive. There was an air of something dark and barely controlled under his polished exterior. Ren Lu had dispatched with his previous boss without hesitation when Yung gave the order after the man screwed up with dealing with Harrington.
“He is still alive?” Yung asked with mild surprise.
“Yes, Mr. Sun. Until we ca
n locate the information that was stolen, I thought it best not to kill him. There is no guarantee that he will survive. If he wakes, I have personnel in position to extract the information before eliminating Mr. Harrington,” Ren Lu explained in a quiet tone.
“And what are you doing about locating the information that was stolen from me?” Yung asked in a deceptively pleasant voice before he took a sip of his tea.
Ren Lu stared back at his employer with a cool confidence. “I have accessed the security cameras situated around the marketplace. I was able to narrow in on an encounter Mr. Harrington had with another individual shortly before he was struck by the van. The video was inconclusive, but I believe Mr. Harrington may have given the information to the man. There is a section of the video where it looks like he pulled something out of his pocket. It is unclear if the American was a contact of his or not.”
Yung walked silently over to his desk and placed the teacup down on it before he pulled out the chair behind the desk and sat down. Sitting back, he once again studied the man in front of him. The recent discovery of Harrington’s double cross had stung. He had prided himself on his ability to recognize someone who was being deceptive.
“Have you located this individual?” Yung asked.
“Yes, sir. The American has a vessel berthed at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht club,” Ren Lu replied.
“Bring him to me,” Yung ordered. “I have business offshore. I want no mistakes this time. I want the information that was stolen returned to me and anyone involved eliminated.”
“Yes, sir,” Ren Lu replied with a slight bow.