FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA

by Jennifer Bohnet

  Cassie swallowed hard, but the lump in her throat refused to go away and the tears started to trickle down her cheeks.

  James moved across and took her in his arms.

  “It’s over Cassie. She did it and now she’s safe in New Zealand. Look at the crowds. They love her. She’s the heroine of the day.”

  As the rescue video finished, the cameras went back to witness live the emotional reunion between Jean-Paul and Polly.

  “Thanks Little Polly. I owe you,” and Jean-Paul held her tight.

  “Clotted Cream and Polly now have to spend the statutory three days here in port before leaving to try and catch up with the rest of the fleet. During this time, Polly will sleep as much as she can and her shore crew will be preparing the yacht for not only the Southern Ocean but also the notorious Cape Horn.”

  The commentator went on to discuss how Polly’s final position would be affected by the time spent rescuing Jean-Paul.

  “Because of the handicapping system, Polly will have to finish the next two legs in higher than seventh place to achieve a podium position. We wish her well.”

  As the report finished and the programme reverted to domestic news, the telephone in the cottage rang.

  James was nearest and he automatically picked it up. He smiled at the note of surprise he detected in the caller’s voice.

  “James? It’s Tom. Have you got the TV on? Polly seems to be on every channel! We’ve recorded one report just in case Mum missed it.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be pleased about that. We’ve just seen the rescue video on the news,” James said.

  “Do you want a word with Cassie?”

  “No, don’t worry. I’ll catch up with her tomorrow. Sorry for interrupting your evening.” Tom hung up quickly, leaving James amused.

  ”I think Tom was surprised to hear my voice,” he said to Cassie. “You didn’t tell him I was coming to supper after the race?”

  Cassie shook her head.

  “No. I didn’t feel the need. Besides, I’ve barely seen him since he and Mai got back yesterday. I haven’t even had the chance to tell him about the lead on the burglars.”

  “We’re not too sure about that, yet,” James warned. “It isn’t enough simply to be convinced that the men who were arrested last week are also responsible for the break in and fire at the boatyard.

  We need hard evidence before we can charge them. I know the police are hopeful that forensics will be able to come up with matching finger and footprints.”

  “When will they have the results?” Cassie asked.

  “Sometime this week. Then the police will decide whether to press charges or not.” James sighed.

  “Crime on the river is becoming a real problem - and the merging of the two Harbour Masters jobs isn’t going to help.”

  He looked at her.

  “I shall be glad to hand over the responsibility to someone else.”

  “When are the changes likely to come into effect?” Cassie asked.

  “Some time after the end of the season. They want me to stay on for a month to hand things over to the new chap. And that will be the end of my official working life,” he said pensively.

  “Look on it as an adventure.” Cassie smiled. “It could be exciting.”

  “Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I should think about moving to another area, but I really like it around here. I definitely like the company.”

  The look in his eyes made Cassie blush. Before he could say more Cassie spoke quickly.

  “Finish your coffee, James. I’m going to turn you out in about five minutes. I’m whacked after all that fresh air and exercise. I need an early night.” She deliberately kept her tone light.

  James sighed as he watched her carry his empty coffee cup through to the kitchen. He picked up his jacket, and then kissed her lightly on the cheek.

  “Thanks for a good day. I’ll give you a ring in the morning.”

  Without another word he was gone, the door closing behind him with a sharp click.

  EXTRACT FROM POLLY’S PRIVATE JOURNAL

  Saturday 18th

  The rest of the fleet left New Zealand ten days before I arrived and are now well ahead of me. Colin on Flight of the Seagull is currently in the lead – again – and the others are well spread out behind him.

  This leg has already given me some difficult sailing. I know there is still more to come if I’m to finish in a decent position in Brazil.

  It’s raining hard at the moment with some tremendous seas out there and I’m very tired.

  Getting only three days rest in New Zealand instead of the three weeks everybody else got, didn’t give me enough time to regain my strength.

  I’d hoped by sailing a slightly northern course I’d find some better weather, but so far that hasn’t worked.

  Everyone warned me this would be the toughest leg of the race and the closer I get to Cape Horn the more I realise how right they were.

  Two days ago I sailed through an iceberg field.

  Seeing those huge, huge, towering lumps of ice was an awesome experience. Considering the consequences of Clotted Cream connecting with one of them, however, was a sobering thought.

  I have never felt so alone and so vulnerable in my life.

  It took me hours to get through the ice field and away from all the dangerously loose floating growlers that had broken off. Finally I passed my last berg - the largest of them all. Its menacing beauty was breathtaking.

  I feel absolutely drained now. All that concentration and lack of proper sleep has taken its toll.

  Dexter phoned before I started to write this and he insisted that I get some sleep.

  “You have the Cape to face in a few days. You’re going to need all your strength for that. And remember, Polly, I’m rooting for you. Please take care.”

  Cassie stood in front of the hotel mirror and surveyed her appearance. For a woman who’d just passed a milestone birthday she didn’t think she looked too bad.

  Anna had been right about the dress. It was perfect.

  Cassie had felt distinctly guilty about spending such a large amount of money on one dress but having refused to allow Doug to buy her an outfit for the occasion, the bill was all hers.

  She smoothed a stray piece of hair back into place, pleased with the new highlights.

  Cassie had just pinned the second one of her favourite pearl stud earrings when there was a quiet knock on the door.

  “Cassie it’s time we went downstairs,” Doug called from outside.

  “Come in. I’m ready. Will I do?”

  Doug, looking debonair in his tuxedo, smiled at her before taking her in his arms and gently kissing her.

  “You look beautiful. The guys are going to be so jealous of me this evening.”

  “I hope I don’t let you down. I’m not used to businessmen en masse.” Cassie moved out of his arms and picked up her bag.

  “Cassie, they’ll love you. Don’t worry.”

  He glanced at her wrist and sounded disappointed as he said, “You’re not wearing my bracelet?”

  “I didn’t think the amber stones went with this dress,” Cassie explained quietly. “It really needs silver and I don’t possess a silver bracelet. But the amber is in my case if you’d like me to wear it.”

  Doug shook his head. “No you’re right. It doesn’t go. Oh Cassie, I’m just so pleased you agreed to come this evening.”

  He caught hold of her hand in his and raised it to his lips.

  Downstairs, they crossed the foyer and joined the throng making their way slowly into the large ballroom.

  There was a couple already seated at their table. With his arm possessively around Cassie’s waist, Doug made the introductions.

  “Josie, Ben, this is Cassie a very special friend of mine. I’d be grateful if you’d look after her for me while I make a quick phone call.”

  He turned to Cassie.

  “I won’t be long.”

  It was only a matter of minutes before the
rest of their party joined them and Cassie found her head swimming with the effort of trying to remember which name went with which face.

  A man who introduced himself as “Edwin” sat in the empty seat on her right. Apparently he was Doug’s technical right-hand man.

  He and his wife also seemed to regard themselves as having some sort of proprietary right over Doug, and when Josie introduced Cassie as a special friend of Doug’s, both sets of eyebrows went up and the inquisition began.

  “How long have you known Dougie then?” Edwin asked.

  “Where did you meet?” his wife wanted to know.

  Cassie took a breath before replying, keeping her answers brief. Then she smiled at Edwin.

  “And you, how long have you known Doug?” she countered.

  “Forever. I was best man at his wedding. My wife’s Godmother to both the girls. Vanessa’s usually with Doug at these functions.”

  Josie, who clearly thought Edwin was out of order, tried to stem the flow of questions, but Edwin simply ignored her and carried on cross-examining Cassie.

  “How long have you been a widow?”

  “Twenty years. How long have you been married?”

  “It’s our pearl anniversary this year,” Edwin said smugly, looking at his wife.

  “Congratulations,” Cassie said, wondering what the next personal question would be.

  Looking around she was relieved to see Doug making his way back towards them and she pointedly turned away from Edwin.

  If Doug noticed the strained atmosphere between Cassie and his ‘right hand man’ he made no comment.

  Inevitably there was a lot of business talk around the table as they ate, but Doug made a point of including Cassie.

  When dinner and the short awards ceremony were over, the tables were cleared away and disco music began to fill the air. The doors leading out onto the terrace were opened and people began to circulate.

  Doug stood up and held his hand out to Cassie.

  “I need some fresh air. Will you join me on the terrace?”

  Once outside, Doug turned to Cassie.

  “I always seem to be apologising you,” he said. “Josie tells me Edwin gave you the third degree.”

  “Your family and friends are obviously very protective of you,” Cassie said diplomatically.

  Doug sighed.

  “What none of them seems to realise is the amount of time I spend on my own these days. Edwin goes home to his family. Vanessa - well Vanessa is a popular girl and leads a busy social life.

  For me, after work it’s invariably either a TV dinner or a hotel meal, alone.” He looked at Cassie.

  “I realise we haven’t known each long, but I’m already really fond of you. I want you to know I’m offering more than friendship.”

  Cassie felt herself blush under the intensity of his look.

  ‘Doug, I…” She took a deep breath, before continuing.

  “I’ve been on my own for so long, it’s difficult for me too. I’ve only just started to step outside of the world I’d hidden in for so long. I need time to sort things out before I make any commitments to anyone.”

  “So long as you’re not frightened away even before we begin.” He lent forward and gently brushed her forehead with his lips.

  “I have a small thank you present for you.” Doug said reached into the inside pocket of his dinner jacket.

  The twisted bands of silver made an unusual bracelet.

  Cassie looked at him in surprise. “Where and when did you get this?”

  “The hotel shop was still open. I couldn’t resist it. I hope you like it. Certainly goes with your dress.”

  “Doug, I wasn’t hinting.”

  “Shh. I know. No protests. Like I said, it’s a thank you present.” This time he pulled her into his arms and kissed her properly.

  He smiled as he released her.

  “Cassie we’re going to make a great couple.”

  Sunday afternoon saw Cassie pacing the floor of the cottage, trying to put worrying thoughts of Polly out of her mind. Dexter had rung earlier to say that Polly was a bit low. She was due to call any moment.

  “Maybe talking to you will do the trick,” Dexter had said to Cassie.

  He was already in Brazil waiting for the yachts to arrive and was clearly concerned.

  “Once she arrives in Brazil I can give her all the TLC she needs but right she’s very vulnerable.”

  When the telephone rang Cassie grabbed the receiver.

  “Polly?”

  “Hi Mum. Got time to talk?”The tension in Polly’s voice was obvious.

  “Are you all right, love?” Cassie asked, forcing herself to keep calm. “Has something happened?”

  “No. Nothing. I just need to talk to you.”

  Cassie stiffened when she heard the desperation in Polly’s tone.

  “Mum, I think I’m cracking up,” Polly wailed. “I’m not cut out to be a solo sailor. I’m exhausted, fed up with my own company and I’m going to let everyone down. There’s no way I’m going to win the race even if I do manage to sail round Cape Horn and get to Brazil. The whole thing has been a pointless exercise. I just want is to come home.”

  Her sobs travelled down the line in great gulps.

  Cassie took a deep breath.

  “Now, you listen to me Polly Lewis. You’re the one who was determined to do this race. You’re the one who badgered everyone into agreeing to give you the chance. And you’re the one who WILL see it through. Do you understand?”

  Cassie sensed rather than heard Polly swallowing her sobs, trying to regulate her breathing.

  “The fact you won’t win the race has nothing to do with anything. What is important is that you’ve tried, you’ve done your best. And more. Polly, you saved a man’s life. Winning any race has to take second place to that. Now, how much sleep have you had recently?”

  “Catnaps.”

  Cassie was silent. With Cape Horn looming it was extremely unlikely that Polly would get more than catnaps for the foreseeable future. If she could only hove to and get a couple of hours’ decent sleep, she might see things in a better perspective.

  “How far are you from Cape Horn?”

  “About two hundred miles.”

  “Well, I suggest you increase both your cat naps and your food intake. Try to get some strength back that way. Have you spoken to Dexter or Tom recently? They’ve both done a lot of single-handed sailing. They’ll know much better than me, what you’re going through. Keep talking to them.”

  Cassie paused.

  “And Polly, remember we all love you. We are all proud of your achievements so far and we know you CAN do it. Get to Brazil and see how you feel then.”

  The delayed action of the satellite phone seemed to accentuate the tension. The sigh that travelled down the line was as deep as ever. Cassie held her breath. Had her pep talk worked?

  “Mum, I’m sorry but I don’t think I can carry on.”

  The connection died.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Cassie and James were enjoying an after supper coffee sitting on the tiny flower filled patio of River View Cottage. A lingering smell of sweet honeysuckle filled the air and in the quiet of the evening all they could hear was the gentle lapping of the river and the occasional call of a homeward bound curlew.

  Cassie glanced at James thinking how much a part of her life he was now and how much she enjoyed his quiet uncomplicated company and the things they did together - sailing, theatre visits and simple suppers together like this evening.

  It was all so different to the hectic social life Doug was introducing her to.

  James caught her glance.

  “You OK?”

  Cassie nodded.

  “I’m fine. If I’m honest I haven’t been this good in years.”

  During the last few weeks their relationship had slipped effortlessly onto a new level. She’d been so worried about Polly and his support had been tireless.

  Sitting here compan
ionably together, Cassie was suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to tell him how much he meant to her. But before she could say a word James spoke.

  “You’ve turned this place into a real home Cassie. I love coming here.” He looked around appreciatively.

  “Mind you I love the company too.”

  Cassie knew that he spoke the simple truth. She could see it in his eyes. He did love her.

  He raised his hands in resignation, “Sorry Cassie. I promised myself I wouldn’t push you.”

  “James, I…”

  He shook his head.

  “You like living on your own then? You’re not lonely?” Even to his own ears James sounded wistful.

  Cassie smiled.

  “I’ve really enjoyed setting up home here and I don’t have time to be lonely. What with work at the boatyard, sailing with you, helping Tom and Mai out, seeing Anna, walking Solo, not to mention all the suppers we have together,” she teased, “time flies by.

  Then there are all the social events Doug invites me to.”

  She ignored the grimace that crossed James’s face at the mention of Doug. He’d made his feelings clear about that association.

  Cassie knew he was unhappy on the days she went out with Doug, but she couldn’t deny the fact she enjoyed the luxurious side of life Doug had introduced her to recently. It was exciting.

  “My life has turned into something of a social whirl. Changed days.” She bent down to stroke Solo, who was lying at their feet.

  There was a short silence before James spoke.

  “Cassie, I’m leaving in a few days for a holiday in Wales.”

  “That’s a sudden decision isn’t it?” Cassie sounded surprised.

  James shrugged.

  “I thought I might as well take the last of my holiday entitlement. I need to think about my future too. I don’t suppose there’s any chance of you coming with me is there?”

  Cassie shook her head.

  “You know I’ve got a golf charity tournament with Doug at the end of the week.”

  “Will you come up afterwards? No of course not,” James tersely answered his own question.

  There was a strained silence for several seconds.