Page 41 of Deep Waters

“Thanks for everything today,” he said, handing the boy his payment in cash. “You’ve been a great help.”

Reece’s eyes shone as he took the money. “I’ve enjoyed it. I used to hate it when my dad dragged me out on his boat when I was a kid, but this has been fun.”

“I guess entertaining some well-off old guys on a leisure trip is a lot different from the kind of professional fishing your dad does.”

“And then some. But it’s not just that. My dad is a total pain most of the time, especially when he nags me to join him in the fishing industry—like there’s any future in that.” He rolled his eyes. “At least you’re cool. If you ever need help again, put me at the top of your list.”

“I will do.” It was nice to meet a young man with so much enthusiasm. “What are you up to tonight? Going out?”

“Yeah. A group of us are heading into Morpeth. I’d better get a move on. Our lift is picking us up at seven.”

Harry thanked him again and Reece climbed up the ladder to the dock and disappeared. Harry smiled at the idea of being cool.That’s the last thing I am. Especially after Reece’s earlier comments about his non-existent social media profile. The boy had continued to pester him for the rest of the afternoon until Harry gave in and posed for a selfie with him, just to shut him up. Later in the day, Reece had stripped off his shirt and took even more photos of himself with the seascape behind him. That level of vanity had to be exhausting, Harry concluded.

At least Reece had done everything he’d asked of him without complaining.

Harry locked the cabin and climbed up to the dock. He had another charter tomorrow, just a half-day. If Tom was still sick, he could manage on his own. He checked the weather forecast on his phone. Saturday was on track to be good for most of the day, though it looked like it would all change by evening, with strong winds and rain moving in from the north-west. Sunday was set to be abysmal. Maybe he could spend a lazy day in bed with Christian.

The idea alone sent a rush of endorphins through him.

Time to get home and make himself presentable for their date tonight.

As he walked along the riverside, he tried Tom’s number again. Surprisingly, he picked up on the third ring.

“Hey.” Tom sounded cheerful.

“Hey. How are you feeling?”

“Much better. Sorry for standing you up at short notice. I just couldn’t leave the house.”

“What was wrong?”

“Gippy guts. I think I picked it up off Joshua. We had to keep him off school earlier this week.”

Harry exhaled. It sounded like a genuine excuse. His earlier concerns about Tom and his mental health were unfounded. He should have known better. Tom wasn’t the type to let things get him down. He’d have been upset if it had been one of his family members or close friends, but he’d barely known Niko Jasinski. “I’m glad you stayed away,” he said playfully. “That little toilet on the boat couldn’t have coped with you dropping your guts all day.”

Tom laughed. “You’re not kidding, cousin. How did it go today?”

Harry told him about Reece and the fishing party.

“Reece seems like a good lad,” Tom said. “Nothing like his miserable dad. God, I swear he’s getting worse. You should have heard him mouthing off around the harbour the other morning. He’s a real prophet of doom these days. He needs to lighten up.”

“Yeah, Reece must take after his mother. He’s nothing like Stew.” Harry reached the front of his house. He waited outside, continuing the call. “He said I need to have a social media presence. You know, for the boat.”

“You do. I’ve thought that for ages.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“Cause I knew I’d be wasting my breath.”

“I’ve already got a website.”

“And you never update the fucker,” Tom said. “There’s no facility to book trips or buy tickets. It’s very…basic.”

“It takes too much effort to update the bloody thing. I don’t understand how it works.”

“That’s why social media is a better option. It takes seconds to update.”

“Hmm.”

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