Page 10 of Deep Waters

His dad, Jack, was talking to one of the engineers. He broke off as Harry approached.

“How are you doing now, son?” his dad asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You looked wiped out.”

“I’m all right. Just a bit dazed, that’s all.”

“The police are still busy on your boat. I don’t think we’ll be allowed on for a few hours yet.”

“I couldn’t face it, anyway. Not tonight.”

“That’s no surprise,” Jack said. “Do you want to come home with me tonight? It’s probably not a good idea for you to be alone. We can come back down tomorrow, and I’ll help you clean the boat down.”

Harry smiled. For years, it had irked him that his parents still treated him like a child at times, but after a day like this, their concern was welcome. “Thanks, but I’m going to take Christian for a drink when he’s done with the police. I reckon he’ll be in a greater state of shock than I am. The poor bloke hired me for a day of sightseeing and ended up helping to bring a body home.”

“Where is he staying? In town?”

“At Quay House. I think that’s what he said. On his own, too. I’ll take him for a few pints and see how he’s doing. I don’t like the idea of anyone going straight back to an empty hotel room. Not after today.”

Jack shook Harry’s shoulder fondly. “You’re a good lad. I’m proud of you. You did great stuff today. Don’t beat yourself up over this. You did everything you could. And if you change your mind, call on us after the pub. However late it is, we’ll be glad to see you.”

Harry choked back his emotions and hugged his dad. He knew how lucky he was to be part of such a loving family. And all of them were safe tonight. Niko Jasinski’s family were not so fortunate.

Christian came out of the crew room just before nine, all slouched shoulders and down-turned mouth. The poor man looked exhausted. Harry realised he was probably just as bad, if not worse. Christian looked up and seemed to brighten at the sight of a friendly face.

“Are you okay?” Harry asked, walking towards him.

He wiped his hand across his face, rubbing his eyes. “Yeah. I don’t think I told them anything they hadn’t already heard from you.”

“You’d be surprised. In an emergency, people notice different things. One person can spot something another didn’t. I’m sure you were a great help.”

He let out a weary exhalation. “I hope so. God, I need a drink. Are you still up for it?”

“Absolutely,” Harry answered.

Harry took him to The Fisherman’s Arms, a short walk along the marina from the lifeboat station. The worst of the storm seemed to be right over the town, and the wind and rain drove against them as they hurried to the entrance. Monday night and out of season, the place was less than a quarter full.Good. Harry didn’t want to deal with any more stupid questions from curious locals.

He was pleased to see a fire burning in the hearth. Even better, the two armchairs beside it were empty, and he made straight for them.

“What are you drinking?” Christian asked.

“No, I’m getting them,” Harry said. “I owe you for all you’ve done today.”

Christian waved his hand and gestured for him to sit. “You can buy the next round. What will it be?”

“A pint of lager. Thanks.”

With a nod and a tired smile, Christian headed to the bar. Harry kept an eye on him. He appeared to be holding up all right. As he gestured for the bartender’s attention, he was more like the man he had met that morning.

Jesus. Was that only this morning?

It felt like days ago.

Harry took off his jacket and turned his chair towards the fire, pushing his feet forward to take full advantage of its heat. He wriggled his icy toes, wondering whether he would ever feel warm again. He took out his phone and found he had sixteen missed calls and thirty-seven text messages.Shit. It didn’t take a genius to work out what they all wanted. He’d already spoken with his parents, so anyone else could wait until tomorrow. He threw the phone face down onto the table.

Christian returned with two pint glasses—lager for Harry and what looked like a pint of ale for himself. With a tight smile, he set them down before returning to the bar and coming back with two tumblers of whisky. “I don’t know about you, but I need something else to take the edge off, not to mention the chill.”

Harry nodded, choosing the whisky first. “Come on. Move closer to the fire. It helps.”

Christian adjusted his chair until it faced Harry from the other side of the hearth and flopped onto the seat. He picked up his tumbler with a sigh and leaned forward with his glass raised.

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