On
Board the Little Minnow
by
Jean Darneal
Knotty
and I are staring down at the scene below us as we hear Lieutenant Starboard
utter, "Oh, my God, not another one."
Tears
well up in my eyes. My mind is racing. Who is responsible? First, Flora found
floating in the water. Now, Lucas, who was trying to tell us something important
about Flora, yesterday. Something I didn't hear. What is happening?
As
we stand there, we hear Johnny Starboard calling the SHPD dispatcher. “This is
Lieutenant Johnny Starboard. I am at the Sloop Harbor Municipal Marina. You know
where we had a dead female found floating yesterday. I've got an apparently dead
male, approximately 70 or so years old, in his boat surrounded by blood from a
head wound with his hands tied. We need and ambulance and forensics here as soon
as possible. Boat's name is 'The Little Minnow' in slip #37."
Knotty
and I can't hear the police dispatchers reply, only Starboard's acknowledgment,
"10/4 and out."
"Woody,"
says Knotty looking a bit ashen, "what is the motive for this carnage? We have
never experienced any tragedy like this before. True, we have lost special members to
accidents and illnesses over the 27 plus years of our club's history. But!
But, never to apparent
murder."
I
just shake my head and seek her hand to hold.
My
mind is on overdrive. I am thinking about the partially consumed liquor
bottle we discovered in Flora's
car. Her erratic behavior that
involved too many boats and cars,
And the angry exchanges of words between her and the gals whose boats and cars
suffered so much damage.
"It
is all so confusing to me," I finally reply.
"Poor
Lucas. How did he ever get involved in all of this? He was always such a
friendly, helpful person. Oh, there they are" ... as the ambulance and police
arrive.
Lieutenant
Starboard tells us to wait nearby as the paramedics and police come on board the
boat.
As
we wait, Knotty and I share our thoughts. We are both still in shock and disbelief.
Starboard
returns to us and says, "Looks like we need to get all the ladies who were
involved yesterday and discuss this. I am going to get in touch with your
Captain, Skipper Bowline, and set this up. How do you both feel about
this?"
Knotty
replied, "I will help as much as I can." "Me, too", I chime in, "and I am sure
you can count on the others, Sir."
"OK!
then you two, I'll be seeing you soon. Thanks for your help. I realize this is
very distressing for both of you. Don't worry. We will do our best to resolve this as
quickly as possible."
With
that spoken, Starboard turns and heads back to those working on the
boat.
Knotty
and I agree to contact each other later in the day.
I
head for my car and wonder... What is this craziness all about?