“A couple of guys disagreed with something I did,” she said. “They sank my boat right next to a dead whale.”
“I would have been terrified,” Gretchen said. “Let me get you a drink. Rob has a hidden stash of whiskey here somewhere.” She opened cupboards and drawers until she found it and then poured Penelope a healthy dose. “Knock that back.”
Penelope did as asked, enjoying the burn as the whiskey slid down her throat. It warmed her insides and strengthened her muscles.
“Sam was a sight,” Gretchen continued. “Barking orders, getting people to react quickly. I think half the women on board are in love with him. He only let go of the wheel when we got close to you, to pluck you out of the water.”
Penelope smiled at Gretchen’s enthusiasm. “He was definitely a knight in shining armour.” She glanced outside. “I should go outside and thank Rob and apologise to the passengers for the delay.”
“I didn’t hear any complaints,” Gretchen said, but followed Penelope out to the deck.
Chapter 18
Sam shook his head as Penelope apologised to the passengers for their delay. Trust her to think it was the least bit required. He stood back and listened as she was peppered with questions about the dead whale and the incident, and then stepped in when she was looking tired.
“I think that’s enough,” he said. “We’ll be back to the marina shortly, so make sure you have all your things.”
He took Penelope by the arm and steered her back into the cabin. “You look exhausted.” Her pale skin accentuated the dark rings under her eyes. “Sit and rest.” He pressed her into a chair and kissed her forehead. The cut there wasn’t bleeding any longer but it still looked like it might need a stitch.
“I’m fine, really.”
“Those dark rings say otherwise,” he said. “Let me take care of you. You terrified me.” He couldn’t stop himself from squeezing her hand, brushing her hair, touching her to convince himself she was here and safe.
He needed some quiet time to process the whole situation. Something about it didn’t sit right with him and it wasn’t just the fact her boat had been shot to bits.
How had Grant and Murray known she was there?
They might have been monitoring the radio, but for them to get there so fast meant they hadn’t been far away, and boats in the area were being monitored. That big a coincidence screamed at him to pay more attention.
Declan had sent Penelope there.
Maybe it was time he paid the man a visit.
He stayed with Penelope until it was time to dock and then he left her in the cabin while he said goodbye to the passengers and apologised for the delay again. Their enthusiasm told him there would be multiple videos of the rescue on the internet before the day was over.
Gretchen took them to the bus and when the crowd had cleared, Dot, Nhiari and Declan were standing on the docks. He waved them forward as Rob came down the ladder.
“Thanks for your help, mate.” Sam shook Rob’s hand.
“That was some pretty good driving you did,” Rob replied. “You barely needed me.”
Dot climbed on board. “I should have guessed it was you.” It was resignation more than anything.
“I was in the right place at the right time,” he responded.
“Where’s Penelope?” Declan asked, his eyes darting around. Was it concern or guilt in his expression? Sam couldn’t quite tell.
“In the cabin.” As he spoke, she walked out, still pale.
Declan hurried over. “You’re OK? What happened?” He glanced at Dot and then back at Penelope.
Definite guilt.
Sam narrowed his eyes. They would be having a little chat soon.
Around him the rest of his crew were washing stinger suits and equipment, and cleaning the deck. “Why don’t you take Penelope to the hospital?” he suggested to Dot. “Get her checked out and then she can answer your questions. I’ll finish packing up here and join you.” He didn’t want to leave Penelope, but better he get the answers he needed from Declan before the trail grew cold. “Declan, I’ll give you the coordinates for where the boat sank.”
Declan looked between Penelope and him, undecided.
