The Mermaid (Part 2)

The Mermaid Part 2

The lack of sleep and the relief of having shared the burden, must have knocked Jon out, for he fell asleep in his Deck Chair. Rose covered him with a blanket and went to the cab to check the bearings. They were less than a day from Los Cristianos. All she had to do was to make sure that no more extraordinary events stop them from docking there. Rose had stayed awake all night and there had been no sign of the Mermaid. Dawn came shrouded in Mist, joining the sea and sky invisibly together in a pearly white Veil. It was warm and there had been no stars or wind all night. Rose had calculated that it would be safe for Jan to turn on the engine at five hundred hours. Luckily, the Current had pulled them slowly all-night in a southeasterly direction. Rose had relied on the Sonar to check their position, glancing regularly at Jon sleeping. As the sun invisibly rose, the mist seemed to get thicker and She could barely see Jon anymore. It was getting close to the time had decided to turn the engine on so Rose thought she would go wake him to let him know. He was not where she had left him, so she called to him. No reply. The cold damp air and a sense of fear, made her shudder. Rose felt the rush of adrenalin force her completely awake. “Jon!” she shouted, as loud as she ever had. She heard something faint at the Bow and dashed over in the direction of the sound. What she saw, stopped her in her tracks There was Jon standing at the prow, staring at what was half fish and half a very pale woman, stroking Jon’s face, while he held it in his arms. Rose screamed, “Jon! What the hell are doing?” He did not hear her or ignored her, either way there was no response. Rose rushed towards them. As she did so, the Creature turned her head to her and uttered a long mournful wail. It woke Jon and he turned to look at Rose. His expression turned from blissful to sad and confused. “Don’t hurt her!” he cried. “Hurt her?” Rose screeched “What? For God sake Jon, It’s killed two of our crew already. If you don’t let it go, you’re going to die too!” Jon turned to stare at the Mermaid and it slowly turned her gaze from Rose back to Jon. Then gently she pressed her Lips to his, then with an athletic flip, somersaulted over the Bow, plunging into the sea below. “NO!” Jon yelled, almost tumbling in after her, but Jan had arrived and had grabbed Jon’s Jacket, as determined as Rose was, not to lose another of the Crew.

Jon was distraught. Rose had known him for nearly twenty years and she had never seen like this. Her stoic, taciturn friend, cried inconsolably. She felt confused, then angry and betrayed and found she could not bring herself to look at him. Jan had taken over charge, while she snatched some food and rest. She was tired but didn’t want to leave Jan with the responsibility of guarding Jon and the Ship. She was afraid of falling asleep and waking to find them both gone. She asked Jan to remain on the Bridge and to raise her on the Radio and use the Siren if necessary, if “She” showed up again. Rose had locked an oblivious Jon in his Cabin and fell asleep outside the Door. Thankfully, Los Cristianos was only hours away. He could do as he liked once they were there.

Chapter 5

The Port of Los Cristianos on the Island of Tenerife, was Particularly festive and busy, being one of the Host Ports of the Competition. Rose noticed with an odd disappointment there was only one competitor, in the Harbour, a small yacht, called the ‘Huisman’ in front of them. She had entered this race twice before and had never been so well positioned. It added to Rose sadness, knowing we were about to abandon their best chance at the prize. Greeted with the customary fanfare and cheers from the crowd waiting on the dock, the remaining Crew of three, left the White Swan, the cheers mocking their wretched appearance. Rose felt tears prick the back of her eyes, but managed to muster a smile and wave, in the usual way. The Harbour Master was waiting for them with a concerned look on his face.” Buen Dia Signora” He said with a smile and a faint nod of his head. He took Rose by the hand and helped her bring a wild-eyed Jon onto the Dock. “Let me take you to somewhere more peaceful.” The Harbour Master, introduced himself as Juan Marchez on the way to his Car. He said very little else, other than to say he had received the report of the missing Crew members, but after looking uneasily at Jon, he turned to Rose and said it could wait until later.

They arrived at a large white Villa in the centre of the Island. It was his home. He escorted them into the lounge and asked the housekeeper to prepare them some refreshments, and left them to relax on the cool white sofas. Jon had said nothing and stared out the window for the whole journey. He remained in this bewildered state until the food arrived.

They had been sitting around a large Table, in the shade of a vine covered Veranda. Mon Sanchez,having given up on any communication with Jon, on the Car journey to the Villa. He was talking to Jan about the local Sardine recipe they were about to try. A woman called Angel, brought a delicious array of salads, some crusty white bread and a Pitcher of Lime Cordial. Jon, taciturn at the best of times, sat distracted and silent throughout. That was until caught sight of Angel, carrying a large platter of the Sardines. he became suddenly animated like a child trying to contain its glee. Not waiting to be offered, he just grabbed the entire platter from Angel and balanced it on his knees. Then with his neck stretched like a performing Seal, he swiftly dropped them them all one by one down his throat, until he had devoured them all. They all stared at Jon. Rose sipped on her Cordial and turned to meet Signor Marchez look of surprise. He asked her how long had her Captain had been this way? “It started early this morning.” Rose replied and shot a glance at Jan. The Harbour Master sighed. “ Eat and then Rest” He said, “After you can tell me .what has happened. Angel, is there more Fish?” They waited, the awkward silence remained long after the meal ended. the

Chapter 6

Angelina, the housekeeper, appeared shortly after and asked them to follow her. They were shown to adjacent identical chalet like rooms, with walls of glass, that slid open onto the Swimming pool and Terrace. Angelina informed them that Sr Marchez had to return to his office and would not be back until the evening. Jon had laid down on the first bed he saw, shoes and all, and fallen into a deep sleep. Jan went for a swim before going to sleep in one of the chalets, Rose joined Jan in the Pool before dozing on a lounger in the shade of a huge Cypress Tree.

The Sun was almost setting when Angelina woke Rose for dinner. She asked if Rose could bring Jon with her to the dining room. It appeared that Jon had slept the whole afternoon, and Angelina had not been able to wake him. He still had his shoes on when Rose went to get him up for dinner. His rhythmic yet slightly noisy breathing, continued in spite of Rose repeated attempts to wake him. She tried knocking on the glass door and calling his name. When she entered the room, she noticed the putrid smell first then the strange dark blue colour on the side of his mouth and face. A cold sweat broke on Roses forehead as she shook Jon roughly, calling his name. As he woke slowly, she could see the inkiness fade from his lips and his normal colour return. “How are you feeling mate?” she asked he opened his eyes. Her concern replaced by relief as he answered “ I was dreaming I was lying at the...” He stopped mid sentence, sat up and looked around. “Where are we Rose?” She looked at him with smiling astonishment. She had never been so pleased to hear someone speak. She would have hugged him had she not known it would have added to his bewilderment. “we’re at the Harbour Masters house!” she exclaimed. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear you talk Jon. Get up and ready and I’ll fill in the blanks over dinner.” “Good” he said, “I could eat a wWhale” his smile vanished as he sniffed at the air; what is that smell? “I think it’s you!” laughed Rose“ so you better have a shower first.” she said, practically skipping away in delight.

The Harbour Master had returned for dinner and was very pleased to see Jon’s new state of being.

After Dinner, the three remaining Crew were asked separately to give their account. Marchez assistant, recorded the interviews in the a small Office by the kitchen while Angle acted as host to the others..

It took three hours to report the events of their journey. Marchez and the Assistant, Maria had both interrupted several times, demanding more details and repetitions of the facts. Jon had said nothing of the Mermaid in his statement. He said he had suffered some sort of memory loss and had no recollection of arriving at Tenerife.. It became obvious that Rose and Jans account were to be dismissed.. The exchanged looks between Sr. Marchez and Maria, confirmed it. Sr Machez rose abruptly from his chair, pausing to look at Jon before saying; “You all have stay the night. I need to complete the report and get you all off this Island.

Jon seemed unable to remember anything beyond losing Ulrich and so could not corroborate much of Rose and Jans reports. Rose frustrated at Jons amnesia, urged him to try harder to remember. Signor Marchez Looked at her with suspicion. “Do not concern yourself. It’s unfortunate that Mr. Galliend has no recollection of the event aboard the White Swan, but it is no longer of consequence. I am giving you a second chance to make a statement.” Turning to Jon he continued, “As Captain of the vessel it is your duty to file a report on the loss of your Crew. Mr. Galliend, if you wish to continue your excellent career at sea, I strongly advise against any mention of the..” turned his gaze towards Rose and sneered, “Mermaids!” Stick to the facts as YOU saw them” He stared at Jon in particular, “I’m late return to the Harbour where several more Competitors have arrived. I have been looking forward to this event for some time and have no desire to let your misfortunes spoil a joyful occasion for the People of Island.”I doubt it will end here., but I need to Take my advice.. Use the Computer in the study. Angelina will show you the way, I propose you start writing now. Your are disqualified from continuing the Race and you are obliged to leave the Island. So, I have arranged for my Driver to return you to your boat at Dawn so you can return home.” He paused and took a mouthful of food. He looked at all three warily before saying “Believe me when I say I wish you all every luck.” He stared at Rose in particular, “Now I must return to the Harbour where several more Competitors have arrived, and I am needed to welcome them. I have been looking forward to this event for some time and have no desire to let your misfortunes spoil a joyful occasion for Los Chrisianos.” He left without looking back. Rose stared after him, lost for words.

Chapter 7

Rose uneasiness was in stark contrast to Jon, who seemed unusually willing to lie in the report they together and she had said so to him. “I know! Its illegal and immoral but I have to get back to the sea. I can’t explain it but I feel sick at the thought of being on land for much longer.” said Jon.

“You’ve changed!” Rose said, “you are the most law abiding person I‘ve ever met, and yet here you are, falsifying an account without a hint of guilt. I think it has something to do with that Mermaids Kiss.” she expected him to laugh, instead he continued typing, and without looking up, he said in his slow voice; “Why do you hate her . What’s your problem?” He turned to look at her, a trace of the inky hue had returned to his mouth, and his eyes held a little of the wildness from earlier that day. As she looked at him, the blue stain returned, spreading through skin around his mouth and neck, turning it dark indigo blue. Her expression amused Jon, for he smiled widely, revealing his inky blue gums. Rose’s breath caught in her throat, as her head began to swim with fear. He DOES remember the Mermaid she thought. The shock made her head reel and the bile rose in her throat as she staggered into the hallway, desperate to find a Bathroom. Lurching through the doorway, Rose propped herself up on the sink. She looked up into a mirror and caught a glimpse of the whiteness of her face. The last thread of self-control snapped and she vomited into the sink.

The nausea finally gave way to shallow breathing. She looked again into the mirror and saw Jon standing behind her. his face a normal shade again. “Can I do anything to help?” He said gently. Roses head and voice felt drugged. “Don’t you think you’ve done enough?” she slurred, glaring at him through the mirror. He looked hurt. “I would never do anything to harm you!” He whispered. Using the remains of her strength she shouted, “You lied about the Mermaid” He put his arm around her, and with a look of pity, he lifted her up and carried her to her room. Rose too exhausted to resist, instead she watched him intently as he placed her on the bed and removed her shoes. “ I had to!” He murmured, before closing the door and leaving her to sleep.

It was still dark when Angelina woke her. “Pedro is ready to take you to the Harbour.” she whispered, placing a cup of strong smelling coffee on the bedside table. As Angelina reached the door to leave, she turned and said, “I must ask you to awaken Signor Galliend. His coffee is outside his room.” then left.

Rose knocked several times with no reply, before venturing into Jons room. The strange putrid smell greeted Roses nostrils again as she opened the door. She went over to his bed and gave him a firm shove in the back. He rolled over. She gasped at the state of his face. The blue stain had returned and now covered all of his face and neck. Alarmed, Rose shook him roughly. As he regained consciousness, stain faded back to his usual skin tone. He looked normal and cheerful as she passed him the coffee, so she decided not to tell him about the stain until they were under way.

Chapter 8

The journey to the boat had been almost a silent as the journey from it the day before; only this time Jon had spoken. He asked her if she was happy to be returning to sea. This was an old familiar question, a reflex of reassurance; the answer would always be a creative version of an enthusiastic yes. She usually replied with something like, “Is the sea salty?” This time she could not bring herself to answer and so the rest of the journey passed in silence. Apart from the worrying stain that appeared when he slept, Jon had returned to his normal self. His lack of obvious grief for their lost Crew Members was as she would expect from him. He was far from cold-hearted just uncommunicative.His odd reaction to the Creature, played on Rose’s mind.

Rose had spent half the night working through the outcome of not boarding the ‘Swan’. She had several options she could catch a plane home or stay and holiday on this beautiful Island, although Sr. Marchez may not have approved. She could work her passage to England, if there was someone heading that way. She could see if there was a position vacant one of the competing boats, but she knew that was unlikely. All of these options would mean leaving a job she had enjoyed aboard the ‘Swan” and abandoning Jon to an unknown fate. She knew he could and would sail her single handed if he had to. She decided the best option was to sail with him, and try to prevent him joining Ulrich and Billy in a briny Grave.

The Diesel and Water tanks were now full, It was rare that any competitor spend more than a few hours moored, so the Dock was almost as empty as it was when they arrived, save for a couple of modern Motor Sailors and an enormous, beautiful, steel hulled schooner with three masts. It was least 150 feet. She imagined that her top speed would be 12 or even 13 knots. It could easily outrun us, she thought. Rose found this a small consolation for their exit from the race. They would all be heading for the port of Toamasina on the island Madagascar in the Indian ocean, from there to Hawaii in the pacific Ocean then on through the Baring Straights to the finish at Hamnegata in the Arctic. A journey of at least a month, the lucky swabs she muttered!

Rose would have preferred to take on another Crew Member even though it would be impossible to find replacements for Ulrich or Billy on Tenerife and Jon had insisted the three of them could manage. Rose got him to agree to sail closer to the coastline so they could Dock at Portsmouth to contact Billy and Ulrich family. For the first time in her life, Rose boarded a Boat, fearful of sailing with Jon Galliend