Chapter Thirty-Six
"Royal Coast Guard calling Port Wenn RNLI," burst out of the radio two hours, eight minutes after lost communication.
David Weston dove for the microphone. "Weston here."
"Reporting that flare was seen. We are approaching area."
David turned to those in the bar, a smile gracing his face, giving a thumb's up signal. "Right! Please keep us informed."
A cheer went up in the pub, glasses were lifted and drinks were heartily ingested. The hubbub of conversation began again in excitement and relief.
"Roger that."
David announced the obvious, "Someone had to fire the flare gun. One or both of them is still alive."
A few minutes later they had the radio again. "Coast Guard to Port Wenn."
"Here," David said.
"Coastguard Rescue Officer descended for man found on small piece of boat hull."
"Is there another man present? There were two men on the boat."
"Two men not confirmed."
Suddenly the joy was sucked out of the room, and once again, a nervous lull settled on the occupants. No one wanted to, but it was hard to not stare at Louisa Glasson. Her baby was back in its buggy, and she sat with her arms wrapped tightly across her chest. Her eyes were closed, and two little tears spilled out from under them.
The beam of the Coast Guard cutter nearly blinded Garvey as it covered him with its dazzling gleam, brightening up the night as if God was beginning creation again by separating transcendental darkness from light.
Within a minute a Rescue Officer was by his side, in full dry suit and helmet, and tied to the cutter. The officer began freeing Garvey from the ropes and arranging his transfer to the rescue basket.
Garvey pointed to his right. "There's two of us. One just floated away."
The Rescue Officer radioed the information while continuing to get Garvey to safety. A recognizable sound flew over them, comforting like a mother singing a lullaby. It was a helicopter, with its own searchlight lighting the sea up like a West End theatre stage. Garvey was taken into the ship almost against his will. He did not wish to be safe when Martin was still adrift. He could not wholly welcome the expert hands that greeted his arrival.
"Coast Guard to Port Wenn RNLI."
"Weston here."
"Good news. We have recovered Matthias Garvey. He was transferred to an RNAF helicopter for emergency flight to Truro Hospital."
"Was he okay?"
"Left sided paralysis, slightly hypothermic."
Left sided paralysis. That was the stroke. Murmurs stirred in the room.
"He was found on the remnant of the hull of his boat, loosely tied on it. Reportedly put there by Dr. Ellingham. No doubt saved his life, getting him out of the water."
"Where's Dr. Ellingham?"
"He has not yet been found. He was tied to Garvey but the rope broke right before our arrival. We have two cutters and a remaining RNAF Helicopter searching for him. Wait—"
The radio went silent for so what felt like so long that dinosaurs could have once more evolved during the time.
The radio flared back on. "Port Wenn, Ellingham's body has been found and recovered."