| <!-- @page { size: 14.8cm 21cm; margin-left: 2cm; | | | | offer which had been accepted. Thus the stage had |
| margin-right: 2cm; margin-top: 1.5cm; margin-bottom: | | | | been set, and she could hardly contain her excitement |
| 1.5cm } P { margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; | | | | at the thought of the prospects that lay before her. |
| page-break-before: auto } P.western { font-family: | | | | There was still the problem of finding a suitable berth |
| "Palatino Linotype", serif; font-size: 11pt } H3 { | | | | for Easterly. She was due for delivery in about a |
| margin-top: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center | | | | week's time. Not long, but she lived in hope. The firm |
| } H3.western { font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif; | | | | had given her a month to settle in, before she was due |
| font-size: 11pt } H3.cjk { font-family: "MS Mincho" } --> | | | | to take up her new position and she was sure that |
| | | | | she would need every minute of it. |
| Chapter 1 | | | | The local service had arrived and she boarded and |
| The waters, fleets and marshes of the Blackwater | | | | settled herself in a window seat, anxious not to miss |
| Estuary, extending Easterly toward the North Sea, | | | | her first glimpse of the sea and the surrounding |
| looked strange and unreal in the early morning light. | | | | countryside which was to be her new home. "Hello |
| John Francis had known the area from early childhood | | | | Miss!" She was startled by the voice which had come |
| and now surveyed the scene with mixed feelings of | | | | from the opposite side of the carriage. At first she |
| familiarity and excitement at the prospect of his | | | | could not place the speaker. Then it came to her. It |
| homecoming. He banked the Cessna to port, steadying | | | | was the small man in the overalls, except he was now |
| on a bearing of 30 degrees magnetic, Just ahead he | | | | wearing a sports jacket and grey trousers. "Been to |
| could see the outline of Osea Island, his final destination. | | | | town shopping" He offered the explanation, and then |
| There was just two miles now to his objective. This | | | | continued, "The name's Robert. Robert Prentice, but |
| would not be an easy landing. A steep descent, full | | | | my friends call me Bob." She was not sure that she |
| flaps, flaring-out just above the sea wall that bordered | | | | welcomed the intrusion, but smiled in reply. "Bethany |
| the Southern end of the small grass field. | | | | Holden, hello! it's nice to see you again." "How's the |
| It had been ten years now since he had sailed these | | | | yacht progressing?" he asked. "She's nearly completed. |
| waters with his wife Beth. Long, lonely years that he | | | | Due to launch next week." "Make a good job of her, |
| still bitterly regretted. They had met as students and | | | | did they?" "Yes, I'm very pleased with the work and |
| married in the Spring of the following year, 1975. Both | | | | the price was reasonable too. I'm calling her Easterly." |
| were in their late teens and perhaps somewhat over | | | | "Good name that" He beamed at her across the |
| optimistic in their endeavours. The summer of that | | | | carriage, and she began to feel more at ease in his |
| year had been idyllic. They had rented living space in | | | | presence. She paused in thought for a moment and |
| an old sail loft close to the river, and sailed regularly in | | | | then asked "You wouldn't know where there's a berth |
| the evenings and at week ends throughout the | | | | for her, would you?" "Got just the thing" he replied. "I |
| season. In the August Beth had fallen for his child, but | | | | purchased the lease on that piece of foreshore, last |
| as summer turned to winter the loft no longer offered | | | | year. The wife and I needed a bit of extra income for |
| the haven of comfort that it had previously afforded | | | | our retirement. Could fit you in there." "Thank you very |
| them. Then in the Christmas week Beth had slipped on | | | | much" she replied. "You have no idea what a relief that |
| the loft stairs, fallen badly and miscarried. | | | | would be to me." Their conversation lapsed for a while |
| An angry obsessive mother had insisted that her | | | | as her attention was drawn by the view from the |
| daughter should return to the family home, and he was | | | | window. The river lay in all of its splendour to her right |
| hardly in a position to argue, having realised that his | | | | hand, wending its way through the Essex countryside, |
| prospects were at the very least non existent. After | | | | and glinting in the sunlight. The beauty of it took her |
| that they had somehow drifted apart and he had not | | | | breath away. "Lovely, isn't it?" His voice interrupted her |
| contested the divorce that followed. A ten year flying | | | | thoughts. "Yes it is, very lovely" she replied. "Gets to |
| commission in the Royal Air Force had helped to | | | | me every time, and I've' only lived here all me years" |
| alleviate the deep feelings of lose and failure after the | | | | he continued. She laughed, realising as she did so, how |
| event. Having completed his flying training he was | | | | absent the sound had been from her life. They |
| appointed to transport command. There had been a | | | | completed the journey in silence, content with their |
| point when feeling more complete and secure with his | | | | own thoughts. At the station they took leave of each |
| situation, he had tried to contact Beth, only to find that | | | | other as friends. She walk the short distance to the |
| the family had moved abroad. | | | | terrace of cottages, turned the key in the lock and |
| His attention was drawn to a small flashing light on the | | | | was home . |
| island. This was his landing beacon as promised. He set | | | | |
| his fuel mixture to rich, fully extended the flaps and | | | | Chapter 4 |
| started to let-down towards this point in the half-light. | | | | Easterly lay to her anchor in the shallow waters off of |
| This landing was to be one of so many that he had | | | | Mersea Stone. The lad sat relaxed in the cockpit, whilst |
| experience, but still difficult in these conditions. He | | | | Beth Holden busied herself below with the preparation |
| remembered Harry his instructor saying "They are all | | | | of their lunch. It was a brilliant day and he had been |
| easy when your feet are on the ground." This advise | | | | watching the various small craft navigating the stretch |
| had stood him in good stead through out his career. | | | | of water that lay before him. A large motor yacht had |
| Harry Tenant, Aitch to his friends, had really put him | | | | anchored some distance inshore of them. It seamed |
| through the mill during his in-flight training, For which he | | | | strange to him that nobody was to be seen on deck |
| was eternally grateful. It had eradicated many of the | | | | on such a pleasant day. It just lay there, as if deserted |
| mistakes and bad habits that young pilots could | | | | and yet he had seen no one leave the vessel. He |
| succumb to, and allowed him to gain the wealth of | | | | watched it for a while longer, then turned his attention |
| experience that he now had under his belt, so to | | | | his present situation. He was pleased to have such an |
| speak. They had become firm friends over the years, | | | | agreeable sailing companion, and had begun to realise |
| and were always please to see each other when their | | | | that the next few days could be a pleasure, rather |
| paths crossed as they often did. In fact their last | | | | than the arduous task that he had expected. She had |
| meeting had occurred in the City only a month earlier. | | | | taken to Easterly like a duck to water, and he had |
| "Hello chum!" he had always called him chum. "Didn't fly | | | | been pleased to help her in any way that he could. |
| the desk then?" Aitch continued, "not likely!" he replied. | | | | The previous morning, they had left Pyefleet very |
| His involvement with transport command had ended | | | | early, being anxious to catch the last of the flood tide |
| after an ear infection had landed him in doc for a while. | | | | up river. Their arrival had to coincided with a good |
| They had offered the desk job, but he decided to | | | | depth of water to enable the safe delivery of the |
| resign his commission and try his luck elsewhere. "Got | | | | yacht into her berth on the foreshore. After breakfast, |
| just the thing for you," said Aitch, handing him a small | | | | Joe packed his gear ready to go ashore. Margaret |
| neatly printed business card. "Chap I know, out on this | | | | was meeting him with the car for the return journey to |
| island in the Essex marshes. God knows what he is | | | | Maldon. In the meantime he had to call upon the owner |
| doing there. Wants a pilot! urgent! Give you a start! got | | | | and deliver the final documentation for the rebuild. |
| to rush! good luck!" and he was gone, lost in the | | | | "Now you behave yourself, remember the young |
| evening commuter rush. | | | | lady's from the City." "Yes Joe!" Right then! I'll leave you |
| The meeting with the agent in his Holborne offices had | | | | to look after things here," and he was gone. The Lad |
| been brief, perhaps a little too brief. Upon inspection of | | | | was not quite sure that he welcomed this intrusion into |
| his CV, documentation and logs he had been | | | | his everyday routine, but it seamed that he had little |
| commissioned to collect the Cessna from the | | | | choice in the mater. He was just beginning to feel |
| dealership and deliver it to the island at an allotted time, | | | | restless, when a voice hailed him from the river bank. |
| He had also been given two thousand pounds for | | | | "Hello there! Easterly! Permission to come aboard?" |
| expenses and offered a rather large monthly salary, | | | | She was young, probably in her late twenties. Her |
| for which he promptly signed on the dotted line. The | | | | figure was slim and pert, displayed to perfection by a |
| next two weeks had passed quickly, as he put his | | | | white short sleeved blouse and fitted jeans. A bob of |
| affairs in order, transferred his bank accounts and | | | | brown hair framed her features, which were warm |
| gathered the gear and resources that this new | | | | and generous, with eyes to die for. All of this and |
| endeavour would require. | | | | more, became apparent to him, as she descended the |
| His approach was almost complete, He was down to | | | | bank and drew closer. His heart skipped a beat. She |
| 200ft and could clearly see the extent of the landing | | | | was not at all what he had expected. |
| field. The beacon was still flashing at the far end, and | | | | "A penny for them!" She had returned to the cockpit |
| he estimated that the sea wall stood no more than 5 | | | | bearing bowls of steaming soup and a large plate of |
| to 6ft above the level of the field. The waters of the | | | | sandwiches. "There, I think that should keep us going |
| estuary slid by beneath him. He throttled back the | | | | until tea-time," He grinned in reply, and they both tucked |
| engine, pulled back on the control column, and the | | | | into the fare that lay before them. After a while, she |
| Cessna crossed the sea wall boundary and settled | | | | asked, "what do I call you? We can't be friends you |
| softly but firmly onto the grassland beyond. He | | | | know, unless we have names." He thought for a |
| surveyed the field as he taxied to a parking area | | | | moment. It had never occurred to him before. He had |
| which fronted a large shed. He manoeuvred the | | | | always been called the Lad, but he liked the idea. "I |
| aircraft onto this hard-standing and switched off the | | | | know," she continued, "how about Jamie?" He thought |
| engine. He sat in the silence for a moment and then | | | | for a moment longer and then said, "yes, why not, |
| opened the door and stepped to the ground. He | | | | Jamie suits me just fine." She smiled, "hello Jamie!" |
| removed four large travel bags from the rear of the | | | | "hello Beth!" he replied, and they settled to the rest of |
| aircraft, and stood there surveying his surroundings. He | | | | their lunch, content with their solution to the problem. |
| was a James Stuart look-alike, No wonder Beth | | | | The horizon over the Thames Estuary had become |
| Holden had fallen so helplessly for him. He was tall and | | | | dark and foreboding. It had happened without their |
| slim with quite grey eyes and a generous smile. | | | | noticing it. A wind was rising from the North East and |
| "Mr Francis?" A large figure of a man had arrived at | | | | there was a definite chill in the air. "We had best be |
| the field. "Hello Sir, my name is Johnson. The Governor | | | | moving, I don't want to be caught here in that." He |
| has asked me to meet you and escort you to the | | | | gestured towards the ever blackening squall that was |
| house. I see that you have luggage. Please allow me." | | | | descending upon them. Let's get some water under |
| He lifted the heavy bags placing one under each arm, | | | | her keel." And so saying he set about rigging the storm |
| and one in each hand, as if they were rag dolls. "This | | | | jib and try-sail. "They look very small?" she ventured. |
| way please Sir! it's only a short distance." They walked | | | | "You wait until this wind builds, that's all she''ll need. I'll |
| along a narrow path that ran parallel to the side of the | | | | shorten the anchor cable. When I give the signal, sail |
| shed and came to a small road running to left and right | | | | her out will you?" " Yes of course," she replied, taking |
| of it. A golf trolley was park by the end of the path. | | | | charge of the tiller in readiness. He went forward to |
| "Sorry about about the transport, best we can do I'm | | | | recover the anchor. When he had shortened the |
| afraid." "That's OK !" he answered. "I've had worst." | | | | scope of the cable sufficiently, he waved his hand. |
| The bags were deposited in the back and they turned | | | | Beth hardened the sheets and eased the tiller to |
| right onto the road which led them towards the river, | | | | lee-ward. Easterly responded by surging forward |
| at which point the it turned left and ran parallel to the | | | | driven by the raising wind, and then turned and headed |
| frontage a large manor house, before turning left again | | | | away from the shore, into the deeper water beyond, |
| to give access to the rear of the property. He had | | | | lifting the anchor free from the seabed as she did so. |
| noticed the building during his approach. An elegant | | | | He completed his task and secured it in its housing on |
| structure with a large dormer window and twin towers | | | | the foredeck. He had just re-joined her in the cockpit |
| topped by spires. "Have to use the back entrance Sir, | | | | when it hit them full blast. Easterly heeled to the |
| the front is locked for security. This place is up for sale. | | | | onslaught, steadied, then marched staunchly across the |
| We only have it for a month, just for this operation." | | | | short seas that had been whipped up by the |
| Having offered the information he wrapped himself | | | | gale-force wind. With the wind came the rain, ice-cold, |
| round the bags again, like a crab carrying eggs and | | | | torrents of it. It took their breath away. It lasted |
| proceeded to enter the building through the back door, | | | | perhaps two or three minutes at the most, before |
| which gave access to a kitchen and a small dinning | | | | moving on. There had been little time to prepare, and |
| area. | | | | they were both soaked and extremely cold. He |
| Three men sat at the table sharing the first meal of | | | | started the motor and headed inshore towards the |
| the day, whilst a fourth, moved silently around them | | | | Pyefleet Channel. It was the closest point to offer any |
| attending to their needs. The elder of the three stood | | | | shelter and he knew that they needed to regain their |
| up as he entered the room, offering his hand in | | | | body heat as soon as possible. On arrival, they |
| welcome. "Hello! I'm Graham Spencer. For my sins, I'm | | | | anchored and secured the yacht, and went below to |
| in charge of this little lot. Have a seat." He nodded to | | | | recover. |
| Johnson. "Take the bags up will you. I'll show Mr | | | | Easterly's cabin offered them little comfort at first. The |
| Francis to his room later." "Yes Sir! right away," came | | | | main hatchway had been partly open and a |
| the reply and he withdrew to attend to the request. | | | | considerable amount of water had found its way |
| There was no doubt that this man commanded | | | | below decks. He started the heater and set about |
| respect. He was tall and slim, with dark hair combed | | | | pumping the bilges. He became aware that Beth was |
| back from his temples and a pencil thin moustache. | | | | shaking uncontrollably with the cold. She looked almost |
| "Let me introduce you. Tim Western and David Cox." | | | | blue and it was obvious that she was unable to fend |
| he said, referring to his two companions. "Tim is your | | | | for herself. He realised that he must get her warm as |
| flight engineer and David will be installing the camera | | | | soon as possible. She looked at him in desperation. |
| and handling the photo-graphical side of things." They | | | | "Jamie, please do this for me. Its fine, really!" Her voice |
| both nodded and smiled in recognition. Tim Weston | | | | was no more than a whisper. He seated her on the |
| arose from the table. "Please excuse us for now, we | | | | edge of the bunk-bed and proceeded gently to attend |
| have lots to do if we are to be ready in time." They | | | | to her needs. |
| took their leave, and went about their business. | | | | They sat opposite to each other, wrapped in blankets. |
| Graham Spencer looked at his watch. "Good Lord is | | | | The heater had done its work, and the cabin was |
| that the time?" He beckoned to the house keeper. | | | | habitable again. She had the colour back in her cheeks |
| "See that Mr Francis gets a good breakfast and then | | | | once more. "I must look a mess?" "You look fine to |
| show him to his room, will you?" "Of course Sir, one | | | | me," he replied. "I'm sorry! Have I embarrassed you?" |
| breakfast coming up" the man replied and busied | | | | she asked. "Well a little," he replied. "You're so beautiful." |
| himself at the stove. His attention returned to his guest, | | | | She flushed and lowered her eyes from his view. "Oh |
| "I'll see you back here for launch, at 12.30hrs. Do make | | | | Jamie! I can't remember the last time that anyone said |
| yourself at home and have a look around the grounds | | | | that to me." She reached over, took his hand and |
| if you wish," and then he was gone. Moments later a | | | | drew him to her. Her mouth was soft and warm as it |
| very large plate of bacon and eggs appeared upon | | | | sought his. She reclined backwards upon the bed, |
| the table and John Francis realised that he was ready | | | | opened her thighs and accepted him, thrusting forward |
| for every scrap of it. | | | | desperately in her search for completion. Their desire |
| It had been a very full day. His room on the upper floor | | | | for each other seamed insatiable, but was eventually |
| looked out across the river. The furniture and | | | | rewarded, and they lay in each others arms, lost to the |
| decoration had seen better days, but it was adequate | | | | world in repose. |
| and he had spent an hour stowing his gear and settling | | | | He had been awake for some time, laying there, |
| in. He had to admit that his situation gave him some | | | | watching her sleep, her breasts raising and falling gently |
| concern. They had lunched together, and on the | | | | to the rhythm of her breathing. He was completely |
| surface it had been friendly enough and he was | | | | mesmerised by her. He could never have imagined |
| pleased to be working in a team again. After lunch, | | | | meeting some one like her, and to be as close as this |
| they had attended a briefing at the large shed. A | | | | was beyond his wildest dreams. She stirred, "Hello |
| camera pod had been attached to the underside of | | | | there!" her voice was low and lyrical. Their eyes met, |
| the Cessna. A monitor screen in the cockpit displayed | | | | and just for that moment time stood still. They were in |
| the camera view, plus navigational information to the | | | | another world and neither wished for the spell to be |
| operator. A small hand-held unit enabled control of the | | | | broken. They consummated there relationship again, |
| camera. They discuses the flight procedures and | | | | gently, lovingly, deeply, then slumbered on content in the |
| camera operations in great detail. The level of | | | | moment and with each other. |
| knowledge present at the meeting impressed him. It | | | | |
| was early evening before they returned to the house, | | | | Chapter 5 |
| and he was now sitting in his room by the window | | | | The Cessna was above the squall, having climbed to |
| considering the events of the day. The project | | | | avoid it. John Francis and Tim Western surveyed the |
| involved an aerial survey of the island and surrounding | | | | scene from their lofty vantage point. They could see |
| area for the new owners. But why assemble such a | | | | the small yacht clawing its way into deeper water, and |
| specialist team, when an aerial survey company could | | | | then all was obliterated from their view. "Hope they |
| have completed the task at a fraction of the cost. He | | | | make it OK." "Yes so do I." John Francis had |
| put the mater from his mind and turned his attention to | | | | experienced similar conditions in the past and he did |
| the view from the window. A small sailing cutter had | | | | not make the comment lightly. He thought that he had |
| anchored some distance from the shore. The crew | | | | recognised the yacht, as it bore a strong resemblance |
| had been busy attending to the rig and were now | | | | to the Cutter that he had seen anchored the previous |
| seated in the cockpit enjoying a hot drink. The scene | | | | evening, but he was not sure. They turned their |
| evoked distant memories of happier times, and he sat | | | | attention to the job in hand. This was their first day |
| silently recalling them for a while. When he looked | | | | working together as a crew and they were getting |
| again, the cutter had hoisted tan colours sails, weighed | | | | along just fine. This flight was mainly for calibration of |
| anchor and was dancing across the small waves, her | | | | the instruments and camera. The weather had |
| sails full in the breeze, heading for open water and the | | | | delayed them slightly, but already the horizon was |
| sea beyond. | | | | showing signs of clearer conditions to come. |
| | | | | He was still unsure of the exact purpose of their |
| Chapter 2 | | | | mission. His job was to fly the aircraft accurately. Tim |
| The Lad strolled along the path that skirted the upper | | | | had control of the camera and directed the operation. |
| reaches of the Blackwater estuary, past the | | | | So far, most of their time had been spent out in the |
| mud-births that adorned the river bank, and on | | | | estuary far from their intended location. He made a |
| towards Downs Road and the boatyard, which was | | | | mental note to mention this at the next meeting. "There |
| his intended destination. The Essex riverside town of | | | | they are. We'll have them on camera in a minute." Tim |
| Maldon had been his stomping ground now for the | | | | had re-discovered the yacht. She was heading inshore |
| past three years. Most of his young life had been | | | | now, seeking shelter closer to the land. "There you |
| spent in Council care and he had little recollection of | | | | see, look." He adjusted the zoom and the yacht |
| family and friends prior to that. Upon reaching his | | | | appeared, on the screen, small but very distinct. It was |
| fifteenth year, Joe Masters had offered him an | | | | only an image on a monitor screen, but for John |
| apprenticeship at the yard. He had been accepted by | | | | Francis something stirred within him and he knew |
| the men and given a sense of purpose and belonging. | | | | instinctively the identity of the young woman in the |
| River life suited him, and he was to be found most | | | | cockpit. It was completely illogical that the feeling should |
| off-times crewing on the Thames barges that lay-to at | | | | be so strong, and yet it was there. The image of the |
| the town quay. These few years had left him with a | | | | yacht had faded from their view and the spell was |
| strong sense of craft and seamanship, and a physical | | | | broken. They completed a further hour of their allotted |
| ability belied by his small stature. | | | | task, flying on various heading and checking the |
| He turned left and entered the yard. "The governor | | | | accuracy of the equipment. Eventually Tim nodded, |
| wants you," said Mac the rigger, "he's up top,". "OK | | | | satisfied with results. "Right! That should do. Let's head |
| Mac, thanks," he replied and bounded up the wooden | | | | back, I could kill for a cup of tea." He was a great |
| staircase two steps at a time, and entered the office | | | | tea-man and seamed to consume gallons of the stuff. |
| which was in the loft above the main workshop. "You | | | | "Yes! by all means, let's do just that. I could do with a |
| come up them stairs like that, you'll have the whole | | | | stretch myself." he replied and set course for the |
| bloody building down round me ears." Joe Masters sat | | | | return leg of their journey. |
| at his desk grinning, amused by the younger man's | | | | It was late afternoon. They had just completed their |
| enthusiasm. "You and me are delivering Easterly to | | | | tea break, when Johnson had requested that he |
| Wivenhoe this evening. She's been registered at | | | | should attend a meeting with the Governor. He had |
| Lloyd's so you'll need to work this number into a deck | | | | directed him to one of the rooms, situated on the |
| beam just aft of the mast. About two and a quarter | | | | ground floor at the front of the building, which was |
| inches high should do. Then collect your gear and meet | | | | being used as a temporary office. Graham Spencer |
| me back here this evening to catch the tide. Bring | | | | sat at a large desk by the window, sorting through a |
| plenty of clothes as you'll be away for a bit." He | | | | pile of papers. He looked up as he entered. "Hello John! |
| handed over a slip of paper containing the number and | | | | do take a seat. Be with you in a minute." He gestured |
| settled back to his own tasks. The lad descended the | | | | to a large armchair placed adjacent to the desk. John |
| steps more slowly. What did he mean, 'be away for a | | | | Francis settled himself, grateful for the comfort that it |
| bit'. He shrugged, collected a selection of small chisels | | | | offered. His attention was drawn to the window He |
| and a mallet from his toolbox, and crossed the yard | | | | tried to recall this same view when the Cutter had |
| towards the slipway. | | | | been anchored there previously, but he was still |
| Easterly sat in her cradle awaiting the return of the | | | | positive that there had been two male figures and no |
| tide. She was a Seaway class 28 foot gaff cutter, built | | | | other. "You all right? You're looking a bit worried." |
| on the south coast in 1930. The hull had been | | | | Graham Spencer had completed his deliberations and |
| recovered from a mud birth further down river and | | | | was watching him attentively. "Yes I'm fine." he replied, |
| towed to the yard to be restored for an owner in the | | | | "just something or nothing". "Good! Let's get on then." |
| City. She sat there now complete in all of her glory. | | | | He picked up a large folder from the desk. "I must |
| Varnished bright-work, a black shear-strake, light-grey | | | | confess to you that we have made extensive |
| topsides and a dark-red anti-fouled bottom. She looked | | | | enquiries regarding your past. I am pleased to say the |
| a picture in the midday sun. He had been involved in | | | | that you have a clean bill of health in this respect, and I |
| her reconstruction from the start, and had an intimate | | | | am now able to explain the real purpose of this |
| knowledge of every plank, beam and fastening of her. | | | | operation to you. I'm sure that you must have been |
| "Hello there!" A young woman had entered the yard, | | | | wondering." He swivelled his chair to face the window |
| walked quietly to the slipway and now stood beside | | | | and looked out upon the view, deep in thought. Then |
| him. She was dressed in brown paint stained dungaree | | | | without waiting for an affirmation he continued. "It has |
| overalls. She was his equal in height and wore a bright | | | | come to our attention that certain sensitive materials |
| cheerful blue-eyed countenance under a mop of blond | | | | are being bought into this country by a foreign power. I |
| curly hair. "Hello yourself!" he replied. Patricia, or Pat, as | | | | am at liberty to tell you that should these be used for |
| she preferred to be known, was the daughter of his | | | | their intended purpose, the results would be |
| land lady. They had become close friends, some would | | | | catastrophic." He paused for a moment, then returned |
| have said, inseparable. The men in the yard pondered | | | | to his position facing the desk and looked long and |
| upon the mater. "What's up with the lad? Wish he'd get | | | | hard into the eyes of his audience. "Look John, these |
| a move on, the suspense is killing me." He had taken it | | | | people are bloody dangerous. I want you to be clear |
| all in good part, but was not quite sure what was | | | | about this, before you commit any further. My team |
| expected of him. "You'll be away for a bit then?". "Yes! | | | | are all from the MET Special Operations branch. We |
| sorry," he replied, "I've only just heard myself." He | | | | are used to this, it's part of our job. You will be branded |
| looked across at her. Her eyes were still smiling, but | | | | as one of us by association, and should push come to |
| there was a slight tremor in her voice. "You take care | | | | shove you'll not be given any special dispensation. It's |
| then. See you when you get back." She turned and | | | | dog eat dog in this business I'm afraid." He lent back in |
| was gone as quickly as she had arrived. He climbed | | | | the chair and relaxed, having imparted his message. He |
| the ladder, lent-to against Easterly's topsides, stepped | | | | was keen to elicit a positive response, but years of |
| onto the deck, and stood there considering his situation. | | | | experience guided his hand in the mater, and he could |
| Their friendship meant a lot to him and he was worried | | | | only hope that his initial impression of the young man |
| that he should hurt her feeling in some way that he did | | | | seated before him, had been correct. |
| not yet understand. He walked aft, along the deck | | | | So there it was, the truth at last. A little late, but better |
| stepped into the cockpit and went below to complete | | | | late then never, he thought. Upon consideration, his |
| his task. | | | | previous occupation had not been without its dangers. |
| Easterly lay to her anchor in the Pyefleet Channel on | | | | One had to be constantly aware of them, as |
| the mouth of the River Colne, about four nautical miles | | | | complacency could lead to dire consequences. The |
| from her final destination. They had started their | | | | question was, should he become further involved in this |
| journey around 5pm that evening and with the | | | | particular situation. He was sorely tempted to take the |
| assistance of receding tide, had navigated the upper | | | | opportunity offered to him and withdraw there and |
| reaches of the river and preceded onward towards | | | | then. However, his curiosity had been aroused, and he |
| Osea Island and the open waters that lay beyond. This | | | | had to admit that the demanding nature of the task |
| first journey was to be taken up by the tasks | | | | had provided an outlet for his natural ability as an |
| necessary to ensure that Easterly was properly | | | | aviator. Something that had been missing, since his |
| prepared for the rigours that lay ahead of her. The | | | | retirement from his former career. He was part of a |
| new marine diesel engine propelled the little vessel at a | | | | team again, and he found complete satisfaction in this. |
| very satisfactory rate and also supplied the electrical | | | | It had been the pattern of his life over the past ten |
| power required for her safe navigation and comfort | | | | years, and it was good to be back. Without further |
| aboard. Gone were the oil lamps that would have | | | | consideration, he affirmed his commitment to the |
| served this purpose in the past and gone also was the | | | | project, and the two of them shook hand. "Good to |
| small coke stove that would have adorned and heated | | | | have you on board." Graham Spencer looked pleased |
| the main cabin. In its place was a modern heater | | | | and relieved. "Let's have a drink on it. Whisky?" Two |
| fuelled by diesel from the main tank. Joe was not sure | | | | glasses and a bottle had appeared upon the desk. "I |
| that he approved of the changes, but had to admit to | | | | like a small nip occasionally. Double malt! Hope you like |
| the comfort, extra space and convenience that they | | | | it!" |
| bestowed. | | | | They sat together for a while longer, discussing various |
| They interrupted their passage and lay to anchor off | | | | aspects of the operation. Some considerable time had |
| of the Osea Island foreshore to make a brew of tea, | | | | been spent on the ground in a fruitless search, using |
| do a final check of the rigging and ground gear, before | | | | conventional methods, but so far they had drawn a |
| setting all plain sail and proceeding under a warm south | | | | blank. There was no doubt that the the materials were |
| westerly breeze towards the open sea. The conditions | | | | arriving by sea. Several vessel had been boarded and |
| were ideal. Easterly set-to at a great pace, shouldering | | | | searched, but had proven to be clean. Time was of |
| aside the small seas with ease and leaving a smooth | | | | the essence, and it had been decided to set up a base |
| straight wake in her path. This was what she had | | | | on the island and carry out an aerial survey in a last |
| been designed to do. She was well fitted to her task | | | | attempt to penetrate the cloak of secrecy surrounding |
| and in her element. The lad was grinning from ear to | | | | the problem. The intent was to concentrate upon the |
| ear, and Joe had to admit to a deep feeling of | | | | many small creaks and inlets to be found in the area. |
| satisfaction in a job well done. They hugged the | | | | These were less obvious, and yet would provided |
| southern bank of the river, where the deeper water | | | | ample opportunity for clandestine intruders to come |
| was to be found and let Easterly have her head | | | | and go unobserved. This task was to commence at |
| Mrs M had prepared one of her beef and dumpling | | | | dawn the following day, and promised to be thorough, |
| stews and this now stood bubbling on the stove in | | | | both in it's extent and detail. |
| Easterly's galley. The lad sat reclining in the main cabin | | | | David Cox had entered the room whilst they had been |
| charged with great anticipation of the feast to come. | | | | chatting. "Something here that I thought you should see |
| Things didn't get any better than this. They had arrived | | | | right away Gov." He placed a large photo image on |
| in the channel around sunset and had secure the yacht | | | | the desk before them. "This one is from from today's' |
| and washed and tidied themselves in readiness for the | | | | survey. We have an interesting situation here, just at |
| evening meal. That final passage in the soft light and | | | | the entrance to the Pyfleet Channel." He pointed to the |
| warmth balmy conditions, had been superb and had | | | | area of interest, and upon further inspection it became |
| left him feeling relaxed and mellow, helped no doubt by | | | | apparent that there was an unusual pattern visible on |
| the small glass of navy rum stood on the table beside | | | | the sea bed. There appeared to be two parallel tracks, |
| him. Joe appeared from the galley bearing two large | | | | extending from the seaward end of the channel, and |
| bowls of steaming stew. "You quite comfy there?" | | | | terminating in the shallows at the source. They were |
| "Yes Joe!" "You'll be doing the washing up then?" "Yes | | | | very feint, disappearing occasionally, is if buried, only to |
| Joe!" He grinned and deposited the bowls to their | | | | appear again a short distance further on. "Also notice |
| allotted places upon the table, sat, and settle to his | | | | the large motor yacht anchored just off-shore," he |
| meal with great gusto. The lad grinned in reply and did | | | | continued. "This may just be a coincidence, but I have |
| likewise. | | | | a suspicion that the two features are somehow |
| Easterly tugged gently at her anchor cable as she | | | | connected." "Yes so have I." Graham Spencer |
| rode to the slight swell entering the channel from the | | | | prodded the image with his finger. There was a steely |
| sea beyond. The breeze had died and the banks of | | | | glint in his eyes. "Gentlemen I think that we have them |
| the surrounding area were shrouded in a light mist. | | | | at last," he said. |
| There was a chill in the air and the two men sitting in | | | | There had been much speculation as they sat talking |
| Easterly's cockpit found comfort in their steaming | | | | after their evening meal. Graham Spencer had |
| mugs of coffee. The remains of the meal had been | | | | remained in the office, and the phone had been busy |
| cleared away and all gear stowed for the night. The | | | | for several hours. He had eventually sent a message |
| ridding light cast a soft beam across the fore-deck | | | | inviting them to join him. The atmosphere in the room |
| and surrounding area as if upon a stage. The lad stood | | | | was tense. The briefing was short and to the point. A |
| up, stretched long and hard and nodded. "That's me for | | | | police presence had been established in the area to |
| some shut-eye, Night Joe!" The other nodded back. | | | | monitor, movements overnight. Until a transfer of |
| "Just before you go, we will be meeting a Miss | | | | materials was suspected, things would be kept low |
| Bethany Holden tomorrow. She's the new owner. I | | | | key. The coastguard had been alerted and would |
| want you to stay with her for a few days and teach | | | | deploy a vessel if required. A Police Special Forces |
| her the rudiments of handling Easterly." The lad grinned, | | | | Group had been assembled to head the main arresting |
| "So that was what all of the secrecy was about then." | | | | body. They were due to arrive early the next morning. |
| "Yes I want you to stay aboard. Move your gear into | | | | In the event, the Cessna would be deployed to monitor |
| the fore peek and leave her the main cabin. She'll be | | | | the situation from the air, and supply direction to the |
| staying ashore at night of course. Any way that's for | | | | ground operation, by radio. The meeting completed, |
| another day. Just thought I'd let you know. I'll just finish | | | | they retired early in preparation for the events of the |
| this coffee. and I won't be far behind you." The Lad | | | | coming new day, though whether sleep would come |
| nodded again, as he entered the hatch and stepped | | | | easily was questionable. Probably not! |
| below, leaving the older man to savour the last | | | | |
| remnants of the day. Joseph Masters sat in the silence | | | | Chapter 6 |
| of the evening, a very contented man. | | | | Patricia Hodge dropped the mooring buoy, hardened |
| Life had not always been so kind. The war years had | | | | the sheets, and lay the dinghy on course, leaving the |
| taken their toll. As a child of four he had been | | | | anchorage at St. Lawrence Bay quickly astern of her. |
| evacuated from The City and the security of home | | | | Ahead she could see the outline of the Power Station, |
| life, into the then strange, but kindly world of the | | | | set gaunt against a darkening sky. She had taken the |
| Masters household; a Jewish family involved in the | | | | precaution of setting her storm sails, in preparation for |
| tailoring of gentlemen's attire, in the county town of | | | | the approaching squall. She adjusted her bearing until |
| Ipswich, Suffolk. There as a boy his interest in the sea | | | | the foot of the fore-stay aligned with the tip of the |
| had blossomed with the close proximity of the river | | | | Bradwell breakwater, and held steady, secure in the |
| and the many commercial and private vessels that | | | | knowledge that she would achieve a safe passage to |
| were to be found there. In the winter of 1944 tragic | | | | her intended destination. |
| news from home had left him destitute at a very | | | | 'Kitten' was a GP-14 hard-chine dinghy; not the fastest, |
| young age. In later years he had taken the family | | | | but solid and reliable, and a very good sea boat. There |
| name to himself but not alas the faith. Having | | | | were not many places in this stretch of water that she |
| completed his education to a proficient standard, he | | | | had not visited in her, and over the years she had |
| had entered the Royal Navy as an apprentice | | | | become a very accomplished sailor. She had helped |
| shipwright. Rowing, sailing and maintaining the Navy | | | | her brother David build the dinghy while they were still |
| Whalers and other small auxiliary craft had developed | | | | at school, and they had had many an adventure in her |
| the skills that were to be so essential to his future | | | | together. Then David had joined the Navy as a cadet, |
| career. It was while on a cycling holiday around East | | | | and she was left as officer in-charge so to speak. A |
| Anglia that he discovered the pleasures of the market | | | | last hug, for a while at least. "Look after Mum! guess |
| town of Maldon and was introduced to his wife-to-be | | | | you are the captain now!" and he had departed, |
| Margaret, now known to all affectionately as Mrs M. | | | | excited with the prospects of his new career. They |
| Meeting Margaret had been the catalyst in his life. | | | | had both missed him terribly. Her Father had deserted |
| Upon leaving the navy he had moved to the town and | | | | them when she was but a child, and the three of them, |
| set up shop as a boat builder repairer. There was a | | | | Mum, David and herself, had weathered the storms of |
| great demand for his services, which had enabled the | | | | life together ever since. Upon leaving school, a short |
| business to expand and move to the present premises | | | | term of employment as an office junior, had convinced |
| at Downs Road. He and Margaret were married | | | | her that there were better things to be doing in this life. |
| shortly after this event and set up home in the town, | | | | She had donned the garb of the working man and |
| and the rest as they say is history . | | | | found casual labour amongst the yards and vessels |
| He left the security of the cockpit and moved forward | | | | that constituted the commercial life of the Maldon |
| to make a final check of the yacht before turning in. | | | | water front. Her natural ability to attend successfully to |
| As he stepped onto the foredeck something caught | | | | the various tasks presented to her, and her cheerful |
| his eye in the half light. A small wave was travelling | | | | disposition, had found favour with the working folk, and |
| along the channel from the seaward direction. It was | | | | her services were always in demand. A dab of paint |
| not part of the swell which had now subsided, but | | | | here, or a trip to the top of the mast, to fix an errant |
| seamed to move independently of it, as if some large | | | | portion of the rigging. It was all within her daily routine. |
| fish were making its way upstream. It passed him and | | | | The wind had increased in force and backed to the |
| disappeared into the mist. There followed a period of | | | | North-East. She raised the centre board until just the |
| silence, perhaps a couple of minutes, before he was | | | | tip was gripping the water, and went about onto a |
| aware of the sound of diesel engines starting and a | | | | starboard tack, surfing across the face of the squall as |
| shadowy bulk in the mist, that had not caught his | | | | a surfer rides a wave. She had the whole width of the |
| attention previously, slowly withdrew to seawards and | | | | river at this point and had drawn away from the |
| became lost in the night. No lights were visible and the | | | | dangers of the shallow water to the lee of her. The |
| engines were muffled and running slowly. Puzzled by | | | | rain came down in buckets, ice cold, reducing visibility |
| the strange occurrence, he finished his inspection, | | | | and taking her breath away. Kitten skipped across the |
| returned to the cockpit and stepped below into the | | | | waves at a great pace, and the opposite shore line |
| warmth and security of the cabin. He changed into his | | | | was soon upon her, prompting a further change of |
| night attire, slid between the sheets and was asleep | | | | course. The wind was now free and from her port |
| almost before his head hit the pillow. Tomorrow was | | | | hand. She settled the dinghy on a broad reach, which |
| another day. | | | | would eventually bring her within the shelter of the |
| | | | | Bradwell foreshore. Though well prepared, she had still |
| Chapter 3 | | | | been chilled by the passing downpour, and aimed to |
| Beth Holden entered Liverpool Street station from the | | | | rest there for a while, and replenish her bodily |
| taxi rank and boarded the train bound for the East | | | | resources. |
| Coast. She would have to change at Colchester and | | | | And all of this, just for that silly Lad, she thought. Life |
| then travel on by the local service to her final | | | | had been uncomplicated till then. She had been |
| destination, the small Essex town of Wivenhoe, | | | | confident and able to look after herself. Mum had said |
| situated on the banks of the river Colne. This was to | | | | that she was too independent, and yet family life and |
| be a new start, a fresh chapter in her life. Recovery | | | | her daily routine had provided ample opportunity to |
| from her failed marriage had been slow at first. A | | | | socialise, and she had felt happy and content in this. |
| move to France with her mother had provided a | | | | The Lad had changed all of that, and she was not |
| diversion from the immediate situation. However, there | | | | sure that she welcomed the intrusion into her inner |
| followed a year of abject boredom, punctuated by | | | | sanctum. He had come to their home as a lodger, and |
| various social introductions, intended, in her best | | | | they had taken to him straight away. David had just |
| interest, to offer prospects for the future. Inevitably, the | | | | departed for the Navy, and it was good to have the |
| call of home became too strong and she had | | | | company, as the house had been feeling very empty. |
| departed, amidst floods of tears, to a new life in the | | | | At first they were just mates, but so alike. They spoke |
| City of London and prospects of her own making. She | | | | the same language, thought the same thoughts. It was |
| had been offered the post of assistant in a law | | | | uncanny. They shared the same love of the river, and |
| practice in Lincoln's Inn, and over the years had | | | | found a deep satisfaction in each others company. |
| progressed to the position of junior partner. Life was | | | | Then slowly, without her really realising, something |
| rewarding. She was secure financially, and fulfilled, both | | | | deep within her had stirred. A yearning, over and |
| in her working and private life. | | | | above all of this, and it challenged her each day to |
| Moreen Connelly, had joined the firm on the same day | | | | seek completion. Her body had changed, she knew |
| as herself and an immediate bond had been | | | | that, and Mum had guided her in the management of |
| established between them. They had shared a small | | | | this. That had been the easy bit. It was her feelings for |
| flat, close to the office during the intervening years, and | | | | the Lad that she found so challenging. He had |
| became known to one and all as the twins. Living with | | | | remained oblivious to her re-birth as a woman, |
| Moreen had been a blessing. She was a bright-light | | | | choosing to live in a world of his own, amerced in his |
| and spread her enthusiasm for life to all around her, | | | | boats and the river. And now she was on this fools |
| and thus, in her care, she had recovered her sense of | | | | errand, perusing him to goodness knows where, in a |
| contentment and well-being. And so it had been. A | | | | desperate attempt not to feel rejected. If she were |
| friendship that had lasted over the years. There had | | | | honest, the whole affair was driving her nuts. |
| been the odd romantic interlude for them both, but | | | | The sun had emerged from behind the retreating |
| nothing that had really rocked the boat, so to speak. | | | | clouds, and her mood changed, soothed by the |
| And then Moreen had form an attachment to John | | | | warmth of its rays. The wind deceased to a fair |
| Kemp. At first he was just a casual acquaintance, but | | | | breeze, escorting her little vessel on its final passage |
| as the months passed it became clear to her that they | | | | into the lee of the breakwater at the entrance to |
| were both deeply in love with each other | | | | Bradwell Creak. She anchored the dinghy close to the |
| "Love you Beth!" "Love you too. Be happy!" and floods | | | | shore, where the best shelter was to be found, and |
| of tears again, as the car drew away, carrying the | | | | recovered her Thermos-flask and sandwiches from |
| couple on the start of their new life together. It had all | | | | the security of the locker, set under the foredeck. The |
| happened so quickly, leaving her little time to accept | | | | warm soup replenished her, body and soul, followed by |
| the inevitable. The flat felt empty and became a place | | | | Mum's beef and chutney sandwiches, and she settle |
| just to sleep. She had taken to going away at | | | | upon the bottom boards of the dinghy, for the moment, |
| weekends, which were the worst times. It was during | | | | content, and at peace with the world. How long she |
| one of these trips that she had come across the hull | | | | had lain there, she was not sure, but she came to with |
| of the gaff cutter nestled in a mud berth at the | | | | a start, realising that time was of the essence if she |
| seaward end of the Wivenhoe water front. The notice | | | | was to reach her final destination before nightfall. She |
| tied to the mast had read "For Sale any offers | | | | had planned to lay-up for the night in the Pyfleet |
| considered". There was a number, which she rang, and | | | | Channel. It was sheltered and secure and she had |
| within a couple of hours she was the new owner. It | | | | often enjoyed the peace and tranquillity that it offered |
| was a completely mad thing to do, but she needed a | | | | in the past. She completed her preparations and and |
| diversion, anything to combat the chilling loneliness | | | | made her departure. The wind and weather were set |
| which had descended upon her. "She's as solid as a | | | | fair, but she had a hard six mile sail ahead of her, |
| rock" said the small man in the overalls. "I'll need her | | | | before reaching the entrance to the Colne estuary, |
| away soon though, developing the site you see. | | | | and her intended landfall. The incoming tide would set |
| There's a yard up at Maldon that'll get her in shape for | | | | against her soon, and it was essential that she should |
| you. Give em a ring shall I?" And so it was, that she | | | | gain the shallow waters of the Mersea Flats, before it |
| returned to the City that weekend the owner of a | | | | was able to hampered her progress. The Flats |
| yacht of dubious condition and contracted to a yard | | | | bordered the southern shore of Mersea Island, and |
| owner whom she had yet to meet. As to the cost of | | | | extended to Mersea Stone, situated at it's Eastern tip. |
| all this, well that was anybodies guess. | | | | Kitten had the bit between her teeth, and was really |
| That had been over a year ago now. She had | | | | steaming along, and she achieved her objective, in |
| recovered from the shock of loosing her friend and | | | | record time. The motion over the shallows was |
| confident, and her life was more or less back on track | | | | smother and she was now out of the main tidal |
| Then a senior position had become available in the | | | | stream, and able to make progress unimpeded. She |
| firm's Colchester office. She had been recommended | | | | knew the area like the back of her hand. No place to |
| for the post and had accepted gratefully, as it offered | | | | take a larger craft, but a dinghy on a rising tide |
| the chance of a new start. The restoration of the | | | | presented little problem. |
| cutter was almost completed. There had been several | | | | It was 4.30 pm as she rounded the point at Mersea |
| visits to the yard in this period and many letters had | | | | Stone. It had been an exhilarating sail. The wind had |
| exchanged hands concerning the detail involved in the | | | | served her well, and although tired, she felt mentally |
| reconstruction. Joseph Masters had set her mind at | | | | refreshed, and optimistic. More like her old self. She |
| rest and assured her that the project was sound, and | | | | urged the dinghy forwards on a failing wind and |
| had quoted a price that was fair and within her budget. | | | | eventually entered the channel. Her heart missed a |
| And so it was that Easterly had been reborn and was | | | | beat. Easterly lay anchored close to the shore a short |
| nearly ready for delivery. | | | | distance ahead of her. She could not believe her luck. |
| She left the train at Colchester and settled on a bench | | | | There he was at last with nowhere to run. Her heart |
| to await her connection. It was sunny and the air was | | | | was pounding, with excitement, at the prospect of an |
| cool and crisp on her face. A feeling of confidence | | | | imminent gratification of the desire within her. She |
| and pleasure stirred within her as she contemplated | | | | bought the dinghy alongside, and silently climbed |
| her new beginnings. Wivenhoe had been a natural | | | | aboard. She slid open the hatch and peered within. It |
| choice as a base. She had frequented the town | | | | was a while before her eyes became accustomed to |
| regularly and felt secure and at-home there. A small | | | | the dark, then she uttered a sob, as her whole world |
| cottage had come on the market in Dentons Terrace | | | | collapsed around her. |
| not far from the shops and river. She had put in an | | | | |