― John Steinbeck
Pier 5 - West Harbour
Ella and I were on a spying mission.
We were in West Harbour to nose around and see what we could find out about Brock Ferguson. To save his own skin, Harold Franklin pretty much fingered him as our serial killer, but I wasn't sure if this wasn't just another red herring...
But I was willing to go fishing and see as long as I could convince Ella I wasn't being distracted by the young girl who waited on our table.
It seems that Rosa was a bit exuberant in her friendly overtures, especially toward me, but I didn't want to lose her as an informant.
She gave us an in to getting close to Ferguson and his yacht by directing us to Jeb Hull at the marina and I figured who would know better about boats and their owners than a man who fixed them? Well, it seemed a reasonable to me.
But I hadn't figured on a dour, feral-looking man who seemed to shun all human contact.
Hull squinted at us suspiciously. "You say Rosa at the coffee bar sent you―now, why would she do that?"
"As I said," I smiled, "we were talking about boating and she said you'd rent us a sailboat."
"Oh, I don't get into that end of things―talk to my assistant, Ted―you'll find him out on the dock somewhere."
Ella arched an eyebrow at me, tossing her head slightly, indicating we ought to leave.
"Well, thanks for your time," I called out to the man who was already heading back inside the workshop.
"Guess they're not all friendly as your little Rosa," Ella smirked.
"That guy's a nightmare," I muttered," and besides, she's not my little Rosa, but a possible source I don't want to lose."
"I'm sure you don't," she replied sweetly.
We walked down the pier until we spotted a young man working on an outboard engine.
"Are you, Ted?" I asked.
He looked up and smiled, "I guess Jeb sent you."
"How'd you guess?" I laughed.
"Socializing isn't exactly Jeb's strong suit. What can I do for you folks?"
"We're looking to enquire about renting a sailboat."
The young man frowned. "I hate to disappoint you both, but the one boat I have is in dry dock and won't be ready to go until tomorrow, that is, if you're still interested."
I looked at Ella who nodded slightly. "Tomorrow will be fine. What's a good time?"
"We open early around seven, but I'd suggest a bit later in the day―it gets chilly until the sun gets high―say around eleven?"
"Sounds good," I said, taking out my wallet.
"Oh, no deposit required. Rosa's a good judge of character. I'll charge you twenty for each hour― we can settle up when you return to harbour."
I nodded and as we walked away, I whispered to Ella, "I think Ted and Rosa are a number."
"I hope you're not too disappointed, " she laughed, and looped her arm in mine.
“Why would I be disappointed when I’ve got you? You’re everything a man could ask for.”
“Smooth move, but tone down the charm, Lothario—I’ve seen Sarah Morris. You seem to attract pretty moths to your flame. Don’t blame me for being cautious.”
“Who me?” I said innocently, “I had nothing to do with choosing a security team—your dad arranged that.”
“I’ve already spoken to him. Next time he’ll think twice before making a snap decision.”
Seems we both got the message, I mused—no wonder Neil looked so uncomfortable— he was in Ella’s doghouse.
And I'd be next too, if I weren't careful.