Against the Sea II: Tales On and Under the Sea Read online

  “Where did that come from?” Josh was first to compose himself.

  “I don’t know.” Buddy wiped his brow. “It just appeared out of nowhere.”

  The light hovered at least fifty feet above the surface of the waves. It gently swayed back and forth in a well-measured rhythm. The intensity grew with each excursion back and forth.

  “Take out the signal light and wave back.”

  Buster stopped barking and stared at the light until Buddy returned. He then growled softly clearly unhappy with what he saw. A beam of light went out toward the stranger. The light continued its oscillations without any acknowledgment or change.

  “Josh, we may be seeing an unmanned light on the top of a mast. We need to get closer. This may be the ship that smashed into the other one.”

  The closer they moved to the mysterious light, the more they realized the light was hanging on an arched tubular structure coming out of the water. Regardless of what it looked like, they approached the light with little fear.

  “What do you think it is, Josh?”

  “From where we're at, I'd say it’s a mast from a semi-submerged boat. I think we need to start calling for help and search for survivors.”

  “But the radio is out from the storm.”

  “Try again. We’re going to need help.”

  The light moved higher into the air. Buster barked wilder than before. He danced back and forth in an ever increasing fury. Buddy had never seen him this agitated.

  “Calm down, Buster, there’s nothing out there.”

  The boat rose again on another massive swell nearly knocking Buddy overboard. Josh remained on his feet at the wheel. He slowed the boat further to avoid getting any closer, however, the light was moving toward the bow.

  “I’m getting that bad feeling again.” Josh began perspiring. “There is something wrong about this whole picture. That light is not what we think it is. We’ve got to get out of here and fast!”

  The light moved higher into the air. The mast which supported the light appeared attached to a large mass akin to a small island. On each side of the mast at least twenty-five feet away were large circular masses onto which Buddy immediately flashed the signal light. The reflection back startled him. He was looking into the pupil of a giant eye.

  “Geez!” Buddy screamed. “Josh, get us out of here and fast!”

  Buster ran back beside Josh as he gunned the engines and turned the wheel as far to port as possible. The light moved quickly closer. Before Josh could warn Buddy, a huge mouth with sharp spike-like teeth appeared out of the water.

  Buddy saw the huge fish for what it was. A giant angler from the depths had come to the surface to lure unsuspecting prey into its hungry maw. He did a quick prayer hoping they would be spared the fate of the other ship, but then he knew it was too late when he heard the loud sucking noise from the water drawing them into its mouth. The power of the boat was no match for that of the giant fish. In one swallow the boat was within the fish’s mouth.

  The last thing Josh thought was that he was dreaming and he would wake in a comfortable place. Death came quickly as one of the sharp teeth mercifully pierced his chest. Buster managed to jump clear of the boat for a few minutes, but even he succumbed to the sucking force of the fish and was swallowed whole. Buddy tried to follow Buster’s example but was no match for the current. His last wish was to tell the story to his drinking buddies. No one would ever believe him.

  When the boat was finally consumed the unneeded trawler materials were expelled. The angler settled below the surface poking its light above the surface. It would only be a matter of time before the next victim came along.

  Turnabout

  A bright August sun beat down through scattered clouds on Sean at the helm of his pride and joy, the 32-foot sloop Gusty. A light breeze filled the mainsail and jib pushing the sailboat through one to two foot waves at a leisurely eight knots. The only noise was the gentle slap of the waves across the bow and an occasional groan from the rigging.

  Sean smiled true contentment. The sea had been in his life from the very beginning. He could not envision a time when he was not involved with being on the water. A lifetime goal was to own a boat and cruise the Caribbean islands. At age 53, after nearly a lifetime of work, he finally was able to fulfill his dream. The cost was not cheap, but for every moment spent on the ocean there was no doubt it was worth every cent and more.

  “Are you hungry?” Jake shouted from the cabin below. “I have sandwiches and beer.”

  “Yes, bring it on!” Sean shouted. “You know how hungry this salt air makes me.”

  “In that case I hope I made enough for both of us.” Jake laughed. “I am just as hungry as you are.”

  “Quit the yammering and bring on the grub or I’ll throw you to the sharks!”

  “Aye, aye, Captain!” Jake carried the sandwiches and four bottles of beer on a deep plastic tray. He set the tray next to Sean. “Is there anything I’ve forgotten?”

  Sean looked over the contents of the tray. “No, sit down and let’s eat!”

  The wind gusted slightly and the rigging groaned softly. Sean adjusted the helm and grabbed a sandwich. Jake opened two beers.

  “This is the life.” Sean sighed. “I wish I was able to do this a lot sooner.”

  “If you had done this any sooner, you wouldn’t enjoy it as much.” Jake took a long swig of beer before biting into the first sandwich.

  “I guess you are right, but it would have been nice.”

  “Where are we?”

  “You want the GPS coordinates?”

  “No, I want the old-fashioned answer.”

  Sean pointed to a map on the deck near his feet. “We are somewhere in this channel between these cays and Andros Island.”

  “There is someone coming directly after us.” Jake pointed directly astern. “I just noticed a black spot on the horizon a while ago but wasn’t sure. It looks like a racing boat out of Miami.”

  “How can you possibly tell?”

  “Just a guess...” Jake squinted. “I think I can see the spray.”

  “So you think it’s going fast.” Sean squinted. “Your eyes are better than mine. I don’t see anything but a black something.”

  “Trust me on this one. I am almost positive.”

  “What would a racing boat be doing way out here?” Sean shifted attention back to the helm. “It’s pretty risky going offshore even on a calm day like this.”

  “Some people don’t have any sense.” Jake shook his head. “Any body of water is considered safe for them. Not everyone has a respect for the weather like you and me.”

  “Yeah, even with respect I have made mistakes,” Sean said flatly. “Especially out here.”

  Jake gazed astern. “I will give those fools about a half an hour to get to us. Then we will see who they are.”

  “I saw several reports on the news and in the papers about several instances of piracy out here. You don’t think a pirate is after us do you?”

  “Anything is possible,” Jake said slowly. “Anything is possible.”

  “But you don’t think so?”

  “But I don’t think so,” Jake said softly. “That boat is still coming straight at us. I wonder...”

  “What do you wonder?” Sean looked astern. “What are you thinking?”

  “I am thinking we better be prepared for anything. We could never outrun that racing boat. I think I will have our guns ready when they get here.”

  “That’s not possible.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I left them back in Lauderdale...” Sean blushed. “I don’t believe in carrying guns anywhere, especially on my boat.”

  “What?” Jake exhaled. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have convinced you otherwise.”

  “Don’t worry, I did bring a couple of stun guns.” Sean smiled weakly. “That should be worth something. Shouldn’t it?”

  “If that’s all we got,” Jake huffed. “Give me mine. I want to
be ready.”

  “Don’t be mad with me,” Sean said softly. “I always act by my convictions. I don’t believe in violence of any sort. By arming myself, I am inviting trouble. I am afraid that like tends to find like when it comes to a real confrontation. That boat behind us is probably a bunch of teenagers or young rich out for a good time. We just happen to be the only object out here that can be used as a reference. When they get here we will have a good laugh, exchange greetings and they will again disappear on the horizon.”

  “Well, the other scenario could be nothing like that at all,” Jake said firmly. “First, there will be smiles and apparent comradery. Then out come the guns pointed at our noses. We will have no choice but to do what they want with us.”

  “You’re exaggerating.”

  “Not by much. Haven’t you read about what happens to the victims of pirates?”

  “Not really.”

  “Most of the victims never return home to talk about it. There have been more abandoned boats found out here than you can imagine. That doesn’t count the ones that disappear never to be seen again. Whoever the pirates are play for keeps and leave no witnesses.”

  Sean turned astern. “You worry me. I hope you’re joking.”

  “At this point I can’t be sure about anything. All I want you to do is think and stay alert. We have nothing with us anyone would want except the boat itself.”

  “You’re not very encouraging.” Sean faced forward and adjusted the helm. “I hate to think I am about to lose Gusty.”

  “They are traveling faster than I thought,” Jake said softly. “They will be on us in a matter of minutes. I see three men and possibly one woman. They are all dressed in casual clothes which to me is a good sign.”

  “Does clothing make the pirate?”

  Jake thought for a moment. “No, I see you are starting to think like me. A little bit of paranoia is healthy. The woman is waving at us.”

  Sean turned around. “She’s a blonde with a bikini top. This is going to be okay after all.”

  “Don’t bet on it,” Jake muttered.

  The roar of the black boat’s engines overpowered the gentle whisper of the wind and waves. The closer the boat came, the more details they could make out. The blonde stood next to a grim faced man with a full black beard at the helm. The remaining two men were seated behind those standing. The blonde smiled and waved. The man remained unmoving and expressionless.

  “Here they come.” Sean held the helm steady. “Now we will see who and what they really are.”

  “That blonde seems friendly enough.” Jake leered and waved back.

  The black boat unmarked with either name or numbers sped by the port side. The following wake rocked Gusty slightly. Sean watched the boat race ahead thinking it would be the last he would see of it. One hundred yards ahead of the bow the boat made a sharp arcing turn heading stem to stem with Gusty. Sean quickly turned the helm to starboard hoping he would not lose the wind. Unfortunately, the turn plus a sudden lull allowed the sails to sag limply. If the wind did not pick up, Gusty was totally dead in the water. Jake responded to the situation and adjusted the sails in anticipation of a return of the wind. To maneuver Sean had to start the auxillary, but before he could the black boat was at the starboard side slowing to a stop.

  “Ahoy there!” The man with the beard turned control of the helm to the blonde. “We are lost and need directions. Can you help us?”

  “Where are you from?” Sean said.

  “We have just come from Freeport, Grand Bahama,” the man said. “We are trying to get to Nassau.”

  “If you keep traveling slightly south of east you should get there easily.” Sean pointed. “We are headed for Andros for the night.”

  “Do you have a radio we could use?” The man with the beard smiled. “I would like to tell my friends we are running behind schedule so they won’t worry about us.”

  “Something’s not right,” Jake whispered behind Sean. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

  “On the high seas everyone is obligated to help a fellow sailor in need,” Sean whispered back. “We have no choice but to help.”

  The man with the beard reached down and picked up what appeared a broadsword. The bow of the racing boat edged to the side of Gusty. In a series of deft moves the man was up on the deck of the bow jumping across onto Gusty.

  “Hey, what you think you are doing?” Jake yelled. “We didn’t invite you on board.”

  “I have invited myself.” The man grinned. “And what are you going to do about it?”

  Jake pulled out a stun gun. “Get back or I will have to use this.”

  “What?” The man laughed. “That is a mere toy compared to what we have. Let’s show them, boys.”

  The passengers of the racing boat all held automatic weapons. Jake looked at Sean, nodded and lunged toward the man standing in front of him. Stepping aside the man swung the sword whacking Jake on the side of the head with its broadside. Jake dropped immediately to the deck completely dazed. The stun gun fell from his hand.

  “What are you looking at?” The man growled. “Unless you follow our instructions, I guarantee I can do a lot worse.”

  “What do you want from us?” Sean said slowly. “We are not carrying anything of value. We will give you all the money we have. Just leave us in peace and go.”

  “It is not as simple as that.” The man pointed the tip of the sword at Sean’s neck. “We don’t need your money. We need your boat. Either you help us or you get out here.”

  “You can’t just expect me to hand over my boat to you,” Sean said firmly. “There are laws against that sort of thing. I think it is called piracy.”

  “Call it what you may, but I think you have no choice in the matter.” The man laughed. “I think your friend here can testify I am a man of action.”

  The wind picked up filling the sails. Gusty began making headway. The man with the sword instructed Sean to lower the sails. Jake slowly got up from the deck, shook his head and composed himself. He proceeded to lower the sails while Sean held the helm.

  “And after this, what shall we do?” Sean said. “Do you have any further specific instructions?”

  The man with the sword nodded.

  “Does it include more knocks in the head,” Jake said under his breath.

  “I am not an unreasonable man,” the man with the beard said. “You can either help us or you can swim home. The choice is up to you.”

  “What would you have us do?” Sean remained behind the helm. “We really don’t have a choice. I can’t swim.”

  “A sailor that can’t swim?” The man laughed. “I find that quite unbelievable. Perhaps you should jump in the water and prove it to me.”

  “I can’t swim.” Sean visibly trembled. “You have to take my word for it. I have a deathly fear of deep water.”

  “If that is so, I find it ludicrous you are out here in deep water on such a fragile craft as this one.” The man sneered. “I should throw you overboard on principle alone.”

  “And what would that prove?” Jake said loudly. “That you can take advantage of a man’s disability because you can. There is no sport to that. I think you would find it far more interesting to keep us alive.”

  “I actually have no reason to take your life. In one way, you are more in the way than anything else.”

  “How can we help you?” Sean moved slightly to the left of the helm. “All we have is Gusty.”

  “Gusty?”

  “The name of my boat is Gusty. You may not like the name but I do.”

  The man with the beard ignored Sean and waved to his companions. They began transferring cardboard boxes from the racing boat onto Gusty. After the twelfth box the two men and woman transferred over to the sailboat setting their boat adrift.

  “This is not how we planned it,” the first man said. “I don’t like it.”

  “Boss, we need to get rid of all witnesses,” the second man said.

  The man with
the beard responded to the name of boss. Even though it was obvious from the beginning he was the leader, it was now confirmed. The boss scowled at his men. “I will do as I please and you shall follow without question,” he said. “Every operation has to be dealt in different ways. I think it is best we keep the crew of this ship alive. I get tired of killing everyone we cross.”

  “Do we have any input into this conversation?” Sean said slowly. “It seems like we should.”

  “No, you have nothing to say in this matter,” the boss snapped. “This is something we will decide amongst ourselves.”

  “Don’t be so hard on him,” the blonde said. “I think we will have no trouble from them. Am I right, Mister?"

  “Right,” Sean said quickly. “No trouble. No trouble at all.”

  “And what is your name?” The blonde almost cooed.

  “Sean, and yours?”

  “Can I tell him?”

  The boss smiled. “Sure, go ahead.”

  “My name is Teri.” She extended her hand.

  Sean reached out to grasp it but was slapped down by the boss’s sword. “There will be no touching,” the boss yelled. “We are not here to socialize. Boys, let’s get underway! Raise the sails!”

  “Do you need any help?” Sean said softly. “We will help you in any way we can.”

  “Stay at the helm until we get the sails up. We need to put some distance between ourselves and our boat.”

  Sean was tempted to ask why. He had a sinking feeling the expensive racing boat was history. When they were fifty yards away the boss pulled a remote switch from his pocket. On activating the switch the racing boat exploded. The smoke barely cleared and the boat was under the waves.

  “That was a pretty expensive boat to do that way,” Jake said. “You must be pretty rich to afford that.”

  “The boat was not ours,” the first man said. “I am sure it is insured and will be replaced when the owner finds out.”

  “What is going to happen to my boat? I have insurance, but I am sort of attached to it.”

  The boss was quiet

  “You can’t sell my boat. Even if you could, it is not worth much.”