by Alex Just
~ Brisbane ~
Screeching tires forced Stan to wake up, as friction took over, slowing the plane down so that it could park outside the terminal. Stretching generously and yawning, like he’d no care in the world he looked first over at Adrianna. He saw she was also just coming out of a comfortable sleep, and then he glanced out of his small window onto a tarmac that shimmered in the midsummer heat of Brisbane.
Taxiing to a complete stop, they were allowed to unfasten their seatbelts. People rushed out of their seats stretching their legs, already savouring the ability to walk around freely again. Stan couldn’t be bothered joining in the rush, a few more minutes weren’t going to kill him and that way he wouldn’t have to hurry or get yelled at because he was blocking the passage.
They were the last to leave the plane, and together they enjoyed an unhurried walk to passport control and then to the luggage arrival belt. They arrived just in time to see their suitcase pop out onto the conveyor belt.
‘Right, Brisbane wharf now? Or would you rather do some shopping first? There’s no rush seeing as we can’t do anything till we are on the ship as it is.’ Stan asked.
‘Forget shopping, I want to get that outboard sorted and then find a way to get it onto the ship without being noticed by any of the crew.’ Adrianna’s reply was stiff.
‘Right, then that’s what we’ll do,’ he grinned crookedly at her as he replied.
Together they flagged down a taxi and told the driver where it was they wanted to go.
Unlike any other taxi service, the Aussie one was especially friendly. The driver chatted away, his odd accent even bringing a tight smile to Adrianna’s face. He drove with expert care along crowded streets, filled with people ambling along in golden sunshine gazing into shops, or just enjoying a coffee in the summer air. This is the life, thought Stan. Nothing seemed to be able to faze these people here, isolated from the rest of the world by miles of ocean. It would be nice to live here, in Australia. Maybe he could suggest it to Adrianna, once they were out of this mess of course, well if they survived.
It didn’t take long to reach the wharf, the taxi driving off with a friendly toot, leaving them to find a point of information and inquire about the whereabouts of Brian Brown.
A large man, hairs curling off his chest, proudly trying to poke out of his top and his bare shoulders and arms deeply bronzed, stared at them. Dark sunglasses hid his eyes from Stan and the stubble on his chin was the finishing touch to his rough appearance. His arms were crossed; a large tattoo of an anchor with a dragon curling around it was plastered onto a huge bicep that screamed testosterone.
‘You lot alright mate?’
‘We’re fine thanks…’ Adrianna had responded immediately, wanting to get away from the dodgy looking stranger.
‘Actually,’ Stan interrupted her before she could say a further word.
‘We’re looking for a man named Brian Brown and were hoping you’d know him or be able to point us in the right direction.’
‘Aye, I know him alright. Why’d you want to go seeing him now?’
Something about the way he asked the question made Stan think twice about lying to this man.
‘We have business with him. Looking to buy an outboard for the family boat you know?’ a half lie wouldn’t be too offending, yet it was enough so that it gave nothing away about why they wanted it, or who had organised it all for them.
‘Ah, I see. Well seeing as we’re all friends, why don’t you lot come into the shade before you get the sunburn of your lives and I’ll see about finding Brian for you. The sun’s mighty strong down here ya know.’ His voice was friendly, good natured; it took the edge off his daunting appearance.
Behind the guy, unnoticed by Stan, was a small building, it was part of the entrance to the marina. Inside it was cool and shady, both Stan and Adrianna immediately noticed the disappearance of the sun’s sting they’d experienced outside. The hushed hum of air-conditioning filled the room; a small office room with a water cooler placed next to the doorway had a potted palm tree for company. On the other side of the door, there was a small cluster of plastic chairs for those waiting to be served. This section was separated from the other by a receptions bench, behind which a few desks, computers and swivel chairs could be seen. At the moment the whole place was deserted.
The moment the door swung shut behind them, the large man turned round and smiled, removing his sunglasses. Surprisingly, he had small wrinkled and kind eyes, which reminded Stan of an old librarian’s.
‘By the way,’ he said, stretching out a hand first to Adrianna, who reluctantly shook it after getting a slight nod from Stan. ‘You can call me Brian, pleased ta meet you.’
He grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling.
‘I can get you the outboard you’re looking for; even better, I’ve a very good way of getting it on to the ship which you’ll be sailing on. She’s a beauty, the Singing Pearl, I gotta say. A lovely vessel, huge and of course you’ll be travelling under sail for the most parts. A dream. It’s got plenty of life boats for you to take your pick from, which can easily be lowered into the water. Now, there are large tarpaulins stretched over the top to keep out the rain and under those is where you’ll hide the outboard. I organised a 140 horse power one. I think that should do the trick. It weighs a ton, so you’ll need the two of you to put it in place once you’re away from the vessel.’
It took a while for Stan to process all this and yet he still couldn’t understand why he hadn’t told them who he was right at the start.
‘How come you didn’t tell us who you were before? And we were told we had to look for you?’
‘Relax mate. I didn’t say anything because I wanted to make sure you two were who you said you were, and besides, I can’t have people going round asking for me. Especially two complete strangers like yourselves, it looks bad for the harbourmaster. So yes, I waited outside here for you to appear. We cool mate?’
Still unsure yet with no choice but to accept what he was saying Stan nodded.
‘Yeah. So about this outboard… what’re we doing?’
‘Well, seeing as I’m the harbourmaster, I have certain, privileges,’ he said the word with a small smile, ‘that most people working here don’t. It’s my job to inspect commercial ships such as the Singing Pearl. Normally this kind of thing I do with a team but today I’ll be doing it by myself. You must be thinking “How’s that going to help us?” well, the thing about such an inspection is that it’s done when the ship is completely empty. Boarding time is in an hour and a half and my inspection starts now. So what you’re going to do is this.’ He briefly outlined his plan and they split. He went to the Singing Pearl and they made their way over to a small motor launch.
Starting up the engine to the motor launch was easy and went smoothly. Adrianna untied the mooring ropes and Stan eased the vessel out of its berth. Keeping the speed under the harbour limit he slowly steered his way over to the hulking shape that was the Singing Pearl. It was an impressive vessel; Brian had been right about that. Three lofty masts stretched impossibly high into the blue sky, the yard arms packed with sails rolled up. He could just make out Brian on the deck checking ropes and rigging to secure their safety and condition. Bringing the launch to the ship’s side, Brian made his way across a wide deck to where Stan held the launch. Adrianna threw the ropes up to Brian who caught them expertly and made two quick release knots, attaching the launch to the large ship.
‘Right mate’ Brian addressed Stan. ‘I’m going to lower the winch of the lifeboat. I want you to attach it to the outboard. We’re gonna have to be quick, don’t want any unwanted spectators now do we.’ His grin reminded Stan of a pirate’s before a raid. All that is missing, he thought with amusement, is a gleaming sabre clamped between his jaws. The tangle of hooks and rope dropped down onto the launches deck and Stan immediately went over to it. Slipping the hooks through the two loops either side of the large and powerful engi
ne casing. With a loud groan the heavy contraption rose into the air. It didn’t take long for Brian to carefully place it into the lifeboat’s centre.
Adrianna was quietly scanning the surrounding dockside for any sign of someone taking an unusual amount of interest in their activities. There was no sign of a single person, it was lunchtime and here, everyone was relaxing in the shade, eating lunch. Something caught her eye, a quick silver flash between two tug boats, on the opposite side of the marina. Closer scrutiny revealed nothing. Anxiety gnawed at the back of her mind. It could have been the flash of binoculars, though why someone would be watching them in secret she had no idea and it sent a cold shiver down her spine despite the burning sun.
‘Stan.’ She turned round just in time to watch the outboard disappear from view under the tarpaulin.
‘What is it?’ His tone was neutral. He was a soldier once again.
‘I think I saw the flash of binoculars over there.’ She pointed in the direction of the two tug boats.
‘Did you hear that Brian?’ Stan asked their unusual ally
‘I did mate, wouldn’t worry about it though, I’m sure it was just a porthole reflecting the sun’s light. You’ll be right missy, have no fear. Right you’d better get a move on. As we won’t be seeing each other again I wish you two the best of luck. Take care now, and if you get out of whatever you’re doing, be nice to have a beer mate.’ He grinned again, and saluted them once as their launch cruised back towards its mooring spot.
The time had come. A gangplank scraped along the concrete floor with the gentle motion of the water. Red carpet had been stuck down, to add elegance to the ships coarse outer appearance. Built to look like one of those old ships, it had a wooden shell, encasing a steel hull. The first impression you got was of a pirate ship, straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean. Ropes were tied down everywhere; the rigging that led up to the yard arms looked worn. The figurehead of an angel was supporting an elegant bowsprit on the back of its wings. Its face was carved beautifully, a mouth opened in song. On the decking, either side of the gang plank, the crew had formed a line that curved round to the entrance hatchway leading down to the under deck, red carpet segregating them like a river. Luggage had been deposited on the wharf, the captain himself welcoming all the passengers as they gave their names and luggage to him in return for the key to their cabin rooms.
A short beard jutted out from his chin framing a tanned face, two pin points of bright blue marking his eyes, and a crown of brown hair which sat on top of his head held slight wisps of grey that tinged the parts above his ears. The passengers were mingling amongst themselves whilst being offered refreshing beverages under a magnificent marquee, with waiters and waitresses hurrying round offering canapés, dressed in formal black and white. To Stan they looked absurdly like penguins. He and Adrianna had just been offered a champagne flute which they’d both gladly accepted.
‘A toast?’ he looked questioningly at her.
For the first time since the taxi ride back in Paris she smiled at him, a genuine loving smile, her eyes dancing in the summer light. Taking this as a yes, Stan spoke.
‘Here’s to a successful voyage and a new beginning.’
They clinked glasses and each took a sip. Stan let his gaze wander over the sprawl of guests, taking in their appearances and separating those from the crowd who’d pose a potential threat to him. This was a cruise for the wealthy and there was no-one here who could upset his plans if they got wind of them, through physical strength. Of course the sailors themselves were all well-muscled, sailing’s hard labour, but he had a way to sort that problem out.
A rustle of movement came from the direction of the captain and as Stan looked across he saw the man walking over to the guests standing under the marquee. The last passengers had arrived, two teenage boys with their parents. One of them was exceptionally tall, dark hair and eyes, a sombre look on his face bordering on grim, thin lips clenched tightly together and his square jaw set stubbornly. His t-shirt was stretched tightly over a well-muscled chest and large arms that screamed gym. The guy was obviously an athlete. Judging by his height Stan would’ve guessed basketball. He seemed to move with a grace which didn’t suit someone of his build. The other boy wasn’t as tall, he didn’t have the bulging muscles of his brother, but instead he sported a lean and wiry look. His nose, set in a slim face looked like it’d been broken at some point in his life and his hair was rugged and messy, a dark blonde almost brown. His eyes were a colourful hazel, radiating intelligence and he had a strong mouth that was engraved in a wide smile. Something about him seemed familiar, like it was somebody who he’d seen in a shopping mall or something. It tugged at his memory like the action of an impatient toddler trying to get his mother’s attention.
One of the penguin-like waiters handed the captain a microphone.
‘Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. Our final passengers have arrived, so it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all aboard the Singing Pearl. My name is Jasper Abner and this is my crew.’ He indicated the waiters who were standing quietly by the table with the food and beverages and then he turned around, with a sweeping gesture of his hand, introducing his sailors, who all as one saluted politely, smiles on their faces.
‘Together we hope to provide you with a unique and special sailing voyage, one which you won’t forget.’ There was a scattering of applause.
‘Your luggage will be brought to your cabins once you’re all aboard. So, without any further delays, you may board the Singing Pearl.’ Again applause followed his speech and everyone began to move towards the narrow gangplank, Stan and Adrianna amongst the first. As they walked along the red carpet laid down for them they were accompanied by a chorus of smiles and waves from the sailors. The stairs which led down were just wide enough to fit two abreast, and were of varnished wood that looked worn with age. Once inside they stepped on to a platform, smothered in the standard hotel carpet; a lush red decorated with golden yellow patterns. From here two staircases curved down either side, a long banister of dark wood curled the length of each staircase and every stair was marked with gold trimmings. Beside him, Stan felt Adrianna gasp in awe. He had to admit, it was a spectacular entrance. A splendid chandelier composed of shimmering crystals refracted the lights soft glow, suspended above a Persian carpet which rested on dark marble tiles that gleamed to a high polish. At the bottom of each staircase there were two chic vases nursing baby palm trees, their fronds curling prettily.
From the landing, they could see down into an antique British lounge, large artistic window panes set into the back of the ship added class. Stylish armchairs dotted the panoramic view, with small coffee tables of dark mahogany in between. To the right, a polished bar top stretched across, curving right round and meeting the edge of the stairs. High bar stools with swivel seats admired shelves stocked with an array of spirits and every type of glass imaginable.
Reaching the bottom of the staircase they found themselves in the middle of all the grandeur, they were led in the direction of the ship’s bow, through an arch which supported the platform they’d entered from, to the reception. A wide bench top stole the attention, with three receptionists standing patiently behind it. Either side of the reception were two corridors, framed by curved arches. Their room was on this floor of the ship, on the left side of the corridor, number six. As they walked towards their room they passed a set of lifts going down to floors below, as well as the entrance to a swimming pool.
The room was small; it was after all a cabin thought Stan. Walking through the door they faced a wall with a row of hooks for hanging up jackets. This wall ended after a couple of meters and an arch to their right led to the rest of the chamber. Facing through the arch two round portholes stared towards the open sea, beneath which was a double bed neatly made with two chocolates sitting comfortably on the pillows. A nightstand stood guard either side of the double bed, small night lamps perched delicately on each one. Two chairs and a small tab
le with an advertising brochure of the ship sitting on it completed the room. Directly opposite the bed was the bathroom. The toilet, wash basin and shower stood next to each other one after the other, in a narrow room; an array of glassy chrome and marble. The whole thing was illuminated by a line of small round bright lights.
Overall the room was cosy and Stan was about to comment on this when his eyes fell on the neatly wrapped parcel that was sitting in the middle of the bed. Addressed to “Adrianna Silver, passenger aboard the Singing Pearl” it looked innocent though Stan knew that its contents were far from that. He looked at Adrianna.
‘Anna? Will it bother you if I open this now?’
‘You know it will.’ She sounded bitter. ‘I will let you open it on one condition.’ He was going to open it regardless of what she said, but he held his tongue and waited to hear her ‘condition’.
‘Alright, name it.’
‘You forget everything that’s happened and enjoy the next weeks like a proper holiday with me?’ she sounded tired and fed up.
‘Yes, OK I’ll do that Anna and I’ll enjoy it as well,’ He smiled at her expectantly and was rewarded with a reluctant nod. He gripped the package and tore it open, the gun and four odd canisters spilling onto the sheets. Quickly he checked the weapon, pulling the bolt back to check the bullet was inside, giving the magazine a once over. He flicked the safety on and stored it in his drawer of the nightstand. The canisters he placed in his rucksack and zipped it up, this he slid under the bed. He turned around to see Adrianna looking at him.
‘Right, let’s go find out where and when we get dinner, I’m famished.’
‘Now that sounds like a great idea.’ She smiled, relieved to note that some personality had returned to his eyes and the tension had left his face.
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