FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA (17 page)

At last Jean-Paul gave her a thumbs up sign.

“Winch away!” he yelled.

Minutes later his dripping possessions were on the floor of
Clotted Cream’s
cabin having safely survived being dragged through the water. Polly looked across at Jean-Paul.

“You’re next. Unless you fancy swimming across?”

His reply was blown away in a gust of wind, but he began the difficult task of hooking his safety harness on to the line.

The heavy swell was lifting both yachts, not in unison but one after another. Polly wished the gap between the yachts was smaller but it was impossible in these huge seas. For a heart stopping moment as she slowly winched him across, Jean-Paul disappeared when a huge swell engulfed him.

Forcing herself to keep on turning the winch, she willed him to reappear and allowed herself a small sigh of relief when she saw the orange flash of his lifejacket.

Turning the winch as quickly as she could, she watched as the line pulled Jean-Paul closer and closer to
Clotted Cream
and the point where she would finally be able to haul him on board.

Half an hour later, they both collapsed on the deck of
Clotted Cream
- Polly from sheer exhaustion and Jean-Paul from the huge amount of pain he was in.

Polly tried to assess his injuries and handed him some painkillers.

“Here, take these and let me see if I can do something about that gash on your leg. Not to mention your hand.”

Jean-Paul gratefully swallowed the tablets.

“I’m eternally grateful,” he said quietly. “Thanks Polly.”

“Hey, they’re only tablets” Polly was about to say, when she realised that he was thanking her for rescuing him. Embarrassed, she patted him on the shoulder instead.

He flinched in pain.

“I think I’ve broken my shoulder, too.”

“I’ll let Race HQ know you’re on board and see if they know when the frigate is likely to arrive. Their doctor will soon sort you out. But first I’ll put the coffee on,” Polly said.

“I think we both deserve a cup. I might just put a splash of my emergency brandy in it.”

Chapter Twelve

“Will you cope all right with these steps?” Mai looked anxiously at Tom.

“I think so. I’m getting used to trusting my legs again and not leaning on a crutch,” Tom grinned at her.

“Anyway there’s a handrail.” He gratefully hauled himself up towards the theatre restaurant where he and Mai had plans to enjoy a leisurely meal before the play’s evening performance began.

It was the last day of their break and Tom knew that Mai had enjoyed the bright lights and town life.

When they’d met and fallen in love last year, he’d told her about the sleepy corner of the West Country he came from. She’d laughed and confessed to being an out an out townie.

“Mai, you don’t have any regrets do you?”

“Regrets? What sort?” Mai sounded surprised.

“Marrying me. Live in the country. Giving up all this.”

“Tom I love you. Where you are is where I want to be. Sure, I did miss the social life initially. But I’ve made lots of friends back home now, and I feel really settled at the boatyard.” She paused and looked at him.

‘It’s the first time I’ve ever had much of a home life. That more than compensates for any lack of shops or entertainment.”

She reached out and held his hand across the table.

“My life has never been this good. And now you’ve recovered from your accident and the baby is due to put in an appearance soon, it can only get better.”

“You know…” but whatever Mai thought was lost as somebody at the bar caught her attention.

“Isn’t that Sebastian over there?”

Tom looked around.

“Yes it is. Mum said he was due back in the UK now his exercise is over. I’m surprised he hasn’t been in touch. Shall I ask him to join us?”

Mai shook her head. “No. Best not. I think he’s got company.”

Tom shifted slightly in his chair and they both watched as Sebastian affectionately kissed a tall brunette and put a proprietary arm around her shoulders.

Moments later, the couple left the bar and vanished into the theatre auditorium.

Mai looked at Tom.

“Mmm. What d’you make of that then?”

But Tom was speechless.

“Cassie quick! Polly’s on the news! They’re carrying a report of her arrival in New Zealand. They’re going to show her rescue video, too,” James called out as he turned up the volume on the TV.

It was Saturday evening and Cassie and James had returned to the cottage after competing with
It’s Mine!
in the local regatta. They were very pleased with themselves having come in third.

Now, they watched the TV footage of the harbour-side crowded with people waving flags and cheering to welcome Polly. Then the cameras swung across to the official launch for a close up of Jean-Paul. One shoulder was heavily strapped and his right wrist was in plaster but there was a broad smile on his face.

“This is a man who is determined to welcome Little Polly to New Zealand and to say thank you publicly,” the commentator’s voice continued.

“Rescued by Polly and then flown here to New Zealand by the Australian navy for urgent medical treatment, Jean-Paul has spent the last few days anticipating his saviour’s arrival. He’s had time to re-live these scenes and to reflect on how lucky he is to be alive.”

The pictures of cheering crowds faded into Polly’s video.

Cassie watched in silence. Looking at the huge seas and the way the two yachts were at the mercy of the elements, she realised Polly had played down the whole incident when she’d spoken to her. The rescue had been a lot more dangerous than she’d let on.

Cassie swallowed hard, but the lump in her throat refused to go away and the tears started to trickle down her cheeks.

James moved across and took her in his arms.

“It’s over Cassie. She did it and now she’s safe in New Zealand. Look at the crowds. They love her. She’s the heroine of the day.”

As the rescue video finished, the cameras went back to witness live the emotional reunion between Jean-Paul and Polly.

“Thanks Little Polly. I owe you,” and Jean-Paul held her tight.

“
Clotted Cream
and Polly now have to spend the statutory three days here in port before leaving to try and catch up with the rest of the fleet. During this time, Polly will sleep as much as she can and her shore crew will be preparing the yacht for not only the Southern Ocean but also the notorious Cape Horn.”

The commentator went on to discuss how Polly’s final position would be affected by the time spent rescuing Jean-Paul.

“Because of the handicapping system, Polly will have to finish the next two legs in higher than seventh place to achieve a podium position. We wish her well.”

As the report finished and the programme reverted to domestic news, the telephone in the cottage rang.

James was nearest and he automatically picked it up. He smiled at the note of surprise he detected in the caller’s voice.

“James? It’s Tom. Have you got the TV on? Polly seems to be on every channel! We’ve recorded one report just in case Mum missed it.”

“I’m sure she’ll be pleased about that. We’ve just seen the rescue video on the news,” James said.

“Do you want a word with Cassie?”

“No, don’t worry. I’ll catch up with her tomorrow. Sorry for interrupting your evening.” Tom hung up quickly, leaving James amused.

”I think Tom was surprised to hear my voice,” he said to Cassie. “You didn’t tell him I was coming to supper after the race?”

Cassie shook her head.

“No. I didn’t feel the need. Besides, I’ve barely seen him since he and Mai got back yesterday. I haven’t even had the chance to tell him about the lead on the burglars.”

“We’re not too sure about that, yet,” James warned. “It isn’t enough simply to be convinced that the men who were arrested last week are also responsible for the break in and fire at the boatyard.

We need hard evidence before we can charge them. I know the police are hopeful that forensics will be able to come up with matching finger and footprints.”

“When will they have the results?” Cassie asked.

“Sometime this week. Then the police will decide whether to press charges or not.” James sighed.

“Crime on the river is becoming a real problem - and the merging of the two Harbour Masters jobs isn’t going to help.”

He looked at her.

“I shall be glad to hand over the responsibility to someone else.”

“When are the changes likely to come into effect?” Cassie asked.

“Some time after the end of the season. They want me to stay on for a month to hand things over to the new chap. And that will be the end of my official working life,” he said pensively.

“Look on it as an adventure.” Cassie smiled.  “It could be exciting.”

“Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I should think about moving to another area, but I really like it around here. I definitely like the company.”

The look in his eyes made Cassie blush. Before he could say more Cassie spoke quickly.

“Finish your coffee, James. I’m going to turn you out in about five minutes. I’m whacked after all that fresh air and exercise. I need an early night.” She deliberately kept her tone light.

James sighed as he watched her carry his empty coffee cup through to the kitchen. He picked up his jacket, and then kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“Thanks for a good day. I’ll give you a ring in the morning.”

Without another word he was gone, the door closing behind him with a sharp click.

EXTRACT FROM POLLY’S PRIVATE JOURNAL

Saturday 18
^th

The rest of the fleet left New Zealand ten days before I arrived and are now well ahead of me. Colin on
Flight of the Seagull
is currently in the lead – again – and the others are well spread out behind him.

This leg has already given me some difficult sailing. I know there is still more to come if I’m to finish in a decent position in Brazil.

It’s raining hard at the moment with some tremendous seas out there and I’m very tired.

Getting only three days rest in New Zealand instead of the three weeks everybody else got, didn’t give me enough time to regain my strength.

I’d hoped by sailing a slightly northern course I’d find some better weather, but so far that hasn’t worked. 

Everyone warned me this would be the toughest leg of the race and the closer I get to Cape Horn the more I realise how right they were. 

Two days ago I sailed through an iceberg field.

Seeing those huge, huge, towering lumps of ice was an awesome experience. Considering the consequences of
Clotted Cream
connecting with one of them, however, was a sobering thought.

I have never felt so alone and so vulnerable in my life.

It took me hours to get through the ice field and away from all the dangerously loose floating growlers that had broken off. Finally I passed my last berg - the largest of them all. Its menacing beauty was breathtaking.

I feel absolutely drained now. All that concentration and lack of proper sleep has taken its toll.

Dexter phoned before I started to write this and he insisted that I get some sleep.

“You have the Cape to face in a few days. You’re going to need all your strength for that. And remember, Polly, I’m rooting for you. Please take care.”

Cassie stood in front of the hotel mirror and surveyed her appearance. For a woman who’d just passed a milestone birthday she didn’t think she looked too bad.

Anna had been right about the dress. It was perfect.

Cassie had felt distinctly guilty about spending such a large amount of money on one dress but having refused to allow Doug to buy her an outfit for the occasion, the bill was all hers. 

She smoothed a stray piece of hair back into place, pleased with the new highlights.

Cassie had just pinned the second one of her favourite pearl stud earrings when there was a quiet knock on the door.

“Cassie it’s time we went downstairs,” Doug called from outside.

“Come in. I’m ready. Will I do?”

Doug, looking debonair in his tuxedo, smiled at her before taking her in his arms and gently kissing her.

“You look beautiful. The guys are going to be so jealous of me this evening.”

“I hope I don’t let you down. I’m not used to businessmen en masse.” Cassie moved out of his arms and picked up her bag.

“Cassie, they’ll love you. Don’t worry.”

He glanced at her wrist and sounded disappointed as he said, “You’re not wearing my bracelet?”

“I didn’t think the amber stones went with this dress,” Cassie explained quietly. “It really needs silver and I don’t possess a silver bracelet. But the amber is in my case if you’d like me to wear it.” 

Doug shook his head. “No you’re right. It doesn’t go. Oh Cassie, I’m just so pleased you agreed to come this evening.”

He caught hold of her hand in his and raised it to his lips.

Downstairs, they crossed the foyer and joined the throng making their way slowly into the large ballroom.

There was a couple already seated at their table. With his arm possessively around Cassie’s waist, Doug made the introductions.

“Josie, Ben, this is Cassie a very special friend of mine. I’d be grateful if you’d look after her for me while I make a quick phone call.”

He turned to Cassie.

“I won’t be long.”

It was only a matter of minutes before the rest of their party joined them and Cassie found her head swimming with the effort of trying to remember which name went with which face.

A man who introduced himself as “Edwin” sat in the empty seat on her right. Apparently he was Doug’s technical right-hand man.

He and his wife also seemed to regard themselves as having some sort of proprietary right over Doug, and when Josie introduced Cassie as a special friend of Doug’s, both sets of eyebrows went up and the inquisition began.

“How long have you known Dougie then?” Edwin asked.

“Where did you meet?” his wife wanted to know.