Thin Slice of Life

Chapter 34

Captain Joe wasted no time maneuvering his jon boat into one of the Ransom Island boat slips. The two red-haired boys jumped onto the storm-damaged finger pier and scurried to throw lines over short creosote pilings while Charlie helped Marisol out of the boat. Captain Joe grabbed a short metal bat from his bag of gear. “For sharks,” he told Charlie as he hopped onto the pier. The group dashed down the sandy path towards the big pier and beam building. Over the tops of the sand dunes Charlie noted at least three boats tied up at the ferry dock on the other side of the island. HerecognizedtheflyingbridgeofJakeJacoby’sBertramamongtheboats. “Hey, I know this place,” said Billy D. “This is a great beer joint.” Marisol whirled around to face Billy D., who instantly regretted opening his mouth. “Listen, Billy Dickhead,” she said. “You say one word, or do one thing inside this place that puts us in harm’s way,” she jabbed a finger at his chest for emphasis, “…and I swear to God I will cut you into chum with a dull knife.” Billy D’s eyes widened and he took a step back. “Jeez lady, I won’t do nothing. I’m not a bad guy,” he complained. But Marisol was hurrying to catch up with the boys. CHAPTER 34 236 34| “Let’s go, Billy,” said Charlie from behind him. Sean and Little Joe were the first two through the swinging screen doors of the Shady Boat and Leisure Club, followed by their sandy-haired dad wielding his metal bat. “Hey-Ho, it’s Captain Joe!” bellowed Rupert from behind the counter, “…and his young protégés.” About a dozen patrons sat at the bar or around tables watching a TV hanging from a ceiling bracket. The Dallas Cowboys were opening a can of whup-ass on the Washington Redskins. Tucker Adderly was there, as well as Pete Jackson and Bob and Peggy Story. Jake Jacoby walked across the room, sipping on a can of beer and holding a Big Red for Raul, who was reading a comic book at one of the tables. “Why the long faces?” Rupert continued, noticing the fishermen’s grave expressions. The door swung open again and in walked Marisol, barefoot and wearing the Longhorn jersey. That got the attention of the male patrons in the bar. Billy D. and Charlie followed her in. “Rupert,” Charlie began. “We, ah, have a big problem.” Charlie quickly explained to everyone what had happened and what was getting ready to happen. “I expect they’ll be here in about two minutes,” he finished. “And I’m telling you, these two guys are bad asses.” Vita came around from the kitchen in time to hear Charlie. Without hesitation she suggested that the bedraggled group get out of sight and into the small business office behind the bar counter. “Are these guys armed, Charlie?” asked Rupert. Charlie looked at Billy Donathorn. “Billy?” Billy D. looked down at his ratty wet tennis shoes. “Yeah. I expect at least one of ’em has a pistol,” he said sheepishly. “Enough talk,” Vita broke in. “Into the office.” She put her hand over little Joe’s red head and steered him into the room behind the bar. The others followed. “Raul!” she yelled. Raul jumped. “You get in here too.” “Is the phone working, Rupert?” asked Charlie, before going in the office. “Still out,” he replied. “But the ship-to-shore works.” “Good,” said Charlie. He paused at the beaded door and addressed Vita and Rupert. “Sorry to bring trouble to your place.” Rupert raised his hand in protest. “Don’t worry about it son. You did the right thing.” 237 |34 “Smart move if you ask me,” said Tucker. “Listen y’all,” Charlie said, “If they start waving guns around, don’t try to be heroes. If they find us, let ’em take me. I’m the one they’re after. Then call Sergeant Hadnott.” “Let’s see how it goes, Charlie,” replied Vita as she shoved him behind the beaded curtain. Inside the small room lay scattered papers, nautical charts, assorted shells and other maritime souvenirs. A mounted tarpon hung on one wall next to a black and white photo of a younger and leaner Rupert with his big hands on the shoulders of two young boys holding a three-foot Wahoo between them—Johnny...