Ch. 40 Tiger
MV Katherine
The motorboat of the frigate brought them back aboard, but nobody said anything. Rebecca was waiting for them at the gangway. "How did it go? Who's the commander?", she asked Kate who had boarded the first. Kate only shrugged and passed without stopping. Rebecca looked questioningly at Dylan who followed.
"Don't worry Becca", he just said and followed Kate.
She then looked at Chris, "Chris, what's going on?"
"Becca, what an awkward conversation it was! I'll fill you in later tonight", he said heading towards to the bridge as well.
"Honey, was this last remark about the pregnancy really necessary?", Dylan asked as he climbed the staircase with her.
"He deserved it!", she answered.
Meanwhile they reached the bridge and she threw her hat angrily on a nearby cupboard.
"Didn't you hear how he taunted me?", Kate said as she walked to the chart table to look at their position.
"Kate, you started first by telling him your rank", Dylan said.
Kate looked up at him, "Maybe you're right. Maybe he simply doesn't care about what happened, but I feel a bit better for also giving him a bad feeling. A fair return for the rotten time I had".
"Yeah, I understand, but you're happy now, no?", Dylan said.
"Of course darling, I'm more than happy, but can you understand how I felt when I heard him bring all those bad memories to the surface.
He rubbed her shoulder, "Honey, bury it in a corner of your memory and try to forget him and the past".
Then, a smile appeared on her face, "This encounter finally has a good thing, I took up again with Nikki. I'll send her an e-mail tonight and then we'll see when we can catch up!", she said.
"Good plan darling", he answered.
She looked at the helmsman, "Ok, weigh anchor, steer 3-5-0, full speed. I want to catch up", she ordered.
"Aye captain", the helmsman said.
The day passed without any more trouble. Dylan was on watch on the bridge, Kate and Chris had a free evening.
Rebecca had finished cleaning her galley and went back to her cabin.
What happened today? Kate came back quite upset this morning. However, Chris said he could tell me more.
She hesitated in front of his cabin.
Wait.
She sniffed her clothes.
Nah! The smell of bacon tonight is still in it. Go get changed girl!
She walked quickly to her cabin. Inside she pulled out her galley clothes and pulled on a shorts and a T-shirt. She put on a pair of sandals instead of the sneakers she usually wore during work. She then returned to Chris' cabin and knocked on the door.
"Come in", she heard and she entered.
He put down the book he was reading and smiled.
"I know why you are here. Honestly, I was expecting you earlier", he said.
She shrugged and sat on his rack, "The galley".
"Well, it was rather weird this morning and I don't understand a damn of it. What I do know for sure is, that Mike and Kate can be at each other's throats", he said seeing how wide her eyes were.
"Don't ask. I dunno. They were good friends, but that's no longer the case. Moreover Mike said something about her being a waitress in a pub and singing there", he continued.
"Singing in a pub? Kate? She sang at her wedding, but I thought it was just a one-off event", Rebecca repeated baffled.
"She even had her own show in that pub. And last but not least, there was that strange interaction between Kate and Nikki", he said.
"Nikki? Our Nikki, Nav?", she asked.
"Yeah, indeed, our Nav. She's now lieutenant-commander and the XO of the frigate", he said.
Becca let out a little whistle. "Wow, that's quite something! I guess Kate was green with envy, no?"
"No, not at all. They were happy to see each other again. Oh, one more thing. Nikki was looking at the mysterious dent on her temple and it seems that Nikki knew what it was from", he said.
" more?", Becca asked hesitantly.
He shrugged and opened his hands, "Nope. I'm sorry Bec".
She stood up and nodded slowly, "Anyway, it was already heaps of information. Thanks Chris".
"Pleasure Becca", he said.
"Yeah, goodnight Chris", she said leaving his cabin.
Outside she stood still.
I can ask Kate directly. I was her maid of honour. Maybe she can tell me about it?
With these last thoughts she padded to the captain's door. She was going to knock on the door but her hand stopped half way.
Can I really do that?
No. If I do, then Kate will know that Chris has spilled the beans and it will not be fair either.
She was interrupted by another voice.
"Hey Bec, do you kick your heels in front of the captain's door?", RO asked with a grin.
She jumped on hearing his voice, "Oh Rob!"
"You're frightened. It means that you have a guilty conscience", he smirked.
"Oh! Don't be daft ", she said grabbing his sleeve and dragging him with her.
"I still have something interesting in the galley, then I can tell you something weird", she said.
"Hmm sounds good", he said as they walked to her kingdom.
There, she opened the fridge and grabbed the chocolate cake. "I'll cut you a nice slice before Cookie Monster Kate leaves with it."
A few minutes later they were side by side leaning against the work plan.
"It's a hell a story between the captain and our former CO", he said slowly thinking back to what he had just heard.
"Rob, promise me to keep it for you, otherwise it will show Kate in a very bad light", Rebecca said.
"No worries Becca. Good cake by the way", he said and he gave her a peck on her cheek.
She looked at him quizzically, "Is that all you can do for getting a nice, extra piece of excellent chocolate cake?".
He grinned, "No, of course not", he said and he kissed her, first with hesitation, then with more passion.
At that moment, Chris came in with his empty mug. 'Ahum!"
They parted frightened, "S...sorry Chris, are you going to inform the captain?", she asked scared.
Chris smiled and shook his head, "Becca, no. We're no longer in the Navy. I only wanted to refill my mug. But for the smooth running of the ship, if you want to share a kiss, go to one of your cabins, okay?", he said refilling his mug.
"Yes Chris, okay, we'll do it, sorry", Rebecca said.
Robert made a face to her.
She shrugged, "You've heard Chris. It's not so bad anymore".
"Okay, but we were not finished yet, were we?", Robert asked.
She shook her head, "No, I don't think so".
She grabbed his hand, "Come on", she said and they left the galley for her cabin.
At the same time, Kate sat behind her PC and started an e-mail to Nikki.
Hey Nik,
It was a pleasure to see you again after all these years.
It's a shame that we didn't have more face-to-face interactions, but our sailing schedules didn't allow it. And neither is the debacle of the dismissal.
I'm also pleased to see that you achieved an honourable position as XO. Great!
I certainly want to meet you, but we haven't an address yet. It sounds silly, but it is. In fact, we're currently looking for something in Melbourne.
To make things easier, give me a signal when you're on shore leave. Maybe we'll be in port, huh.
Bye bye.
Kate
She pushed the Send button.
So, that's all I can do for the moment. I really hope to find something to settle down. A wandering life on a ship is only good for a short period, but I long for a home.
Shortly after that, she heard the 'ping' of an incoming e-mail. It was Nikki's answer.
Hi Kate,
I'm glad to receive an e-mail that fast.
I'm certainly going to give the signal because I think we have a lot to catch up, don't we?
Now, that I've found you again, I have the great pleasure to invite you and Dylan to our wedding party. It will take place in Sydney in three weeks on the first Saturday of the month. I know it's at short notice, but it looked like you had disappeared from the face of the earth, so...
I hope you won't be at sea at that time.
See you soon!
Nik
A smile appeared on her face as she read about the wedding and she searched their sailing timetable.
"Shit! That day we're coming back from Adelaide".
She stared at the e-mail with her chin leaning in the palm of her hand.
Damn! It could have been funny!
...disappeared from the face of the earth... Nikki doesn't know how close she is to reality!
For sure, she wants to know what happened to me. I want to leave all that behind me, but it looks like it's not so easy. First Mike and now Nikki. Right, I'll tell her the story but it will be the last time I do it. I don't like to open old wounds!
Kate sighed, winced and told Nikki that they will not be able to attend the wedding because they will be at sea. Then, she put on her pyjama, went to the bathroom and then to bed.
The next day, Rebecca stood behind the galley counter.
One after another the sailors came in for breakfast and gave her a smirk or a wink.
She looked frowning as they walked away with their tray.
What's wrong with the guys? They're a bit too nice in my opinion. I think these bastards are up to some practical joke or something. Keep your eyes open Becca!
Kate came in for breakfast.
"Good morning Kate", Rebecca greeted her. "What will it be for you?"
"Hmm, I remember you must still have that delicious chocolate cake from yesterday. I would like two slices, please", she asked.
"Ah? Uh...sorry Kate, but the cake is gone. There is no more", she said innocently.
"Oh? That's a pity", Kate replied disappointed.
"Maybe something else? I have crispy bacon", Becca said.
Kate glared at her, "No! Do you want to trick me? I'll take three toasts", she grumbled.
Chris who stood behind Kate waited until she walked away with her plate, her mug of coffee and her toasts.
"Becca, Becca, you will not make friends like that", he said sarcastically.
She looked at him and shrugged, "It's eaten, really".
He leaned forward to Rebecca for the buffet, "Well, I've heard rumours that it disappeared at some kind of a midnight party, or something like that. Something...hot and spicy...", he whispered on a conspiracy tone.
She gave him a slight push on his shoulder, "Oh you idiot! Take your bacon and disappear!", she mumbled as she shoved a couple of bacon slices on a plate and then handed it to him.
"Thanks… Tiger", he mumbled barely audible and walked away humming.
She frowned again.
What did he say? I didn't understand.
At the same time Harpie appeared in front of her with a radiant smile.
"How was your night? Did you sleep well?", he asked.
She looked at him frowning, "Yeah, a normal night".
"Oh, a normal night? Then I'm wondering how would be a special night for you?", he replied with a smirk.
"What do you mean Harp?", she asked shoving bacon and eggs on his plate.
"Well, last night, when I walked to the bridge to start my watch, I passed your cabin and I heard you were busy. Even very busy! Wild! So, next time, try not to make so much noise. Oh, and what's more, I would like to meet the lucky fellow who calls you 'Tiger'!", he said before walking away.
Rebecca looked from left to right with wild eyes.
Oh shit! Was it so noisy? Oh my God!
Finally Robert showed up.
"Good morning Becca! Nice day today, isn't it?", he said cheerfully.
She shot an irritated glance at him.
"It's your fault!", she grumbled.
"Huh?"
"Whatever. It's your fault", she said with smirk as she saw his baffled face.
"They know something", she mouthed.
Robert understood and widened his eyes.
He opened his mouth and she could read "F u c k!"
Days went by and nothing special had happened. In the late afternoon, Kate opened her mailbox to find an enthusiastic e-mail from her father about the perfect location his people had found for them. They added some photos and the link to the estate agent. It was a cottage in a quiet southern suburb of Melbourne, very close to the bay. It was surrounded by a nice garden. She loved it immediately and looked for Dylan to show him.
"What do you think?", she asked eagerly.
"Looks good, but it might be better for us to look at that on our own, no?", he replied.
"Okay, okay, I know, but Dad also saw it and when he says it's okay, then I believe him", Kate replied.
He scrolled through the photos again and nodded, "Yeah, fine with me. Ask him if it's possible to negotiate the price", he said.
"Great! I'll do it right now. Oh, by the way, darling, the crew has been acting mysteriously for the past few days. Just as if they were plotting. I heard something about a tiger and something hot several times. Do you know more?", she asked.
"A tiger?", he repeated. He shook his head slowly, "I really don't know".
"Strange! I also asked Chris, but he did lip service to me. In fact, with exactly the same words as you", she answered looking suspiciously at her husband.
Before he could give a reply, she continued, "Well, I'll ask Becca. If something happens on this ship, she must know", Kate said decisively.
"If you wish!", he answered.
That night she walked to the galley where Rebecca was doing the last check before closing her kingdom.
"Hey Kate!", she greeted her. "Looking for a last snack?"
"No thanks. Your supper was great, but I have a question", she said.
"Shoot!"
"Well, with your function in the galley, you're in fact the centre of the rumours aboard, isn't it?", Kate asked.
"Uh-hu".
"For a week the crew is acting weird. They gossip and something I heard something about a tiger and something hot. It's my ship and if something happens, I need to know. I have to know if I am concerned. Do you kno...", she asked, but she couldn't finish her sentence.
Rebecca looked down and felt her cheeks blush.
"It's you?", Kate concluded surprised.
"Wha...what's all this about?"
Rebecca looked at Kate, as red as beetroot. "I'm sorry Kate, it was me. I thought nobody could hear us", she stammered.
"Ah? And...who is ... us?", Kate asked with a curious glance.
"Ah, uh... Robert", Rebecca said, blushing again.
Kate smiled, "Well Becca, be happy to no longer be in the Navy. This joke would have cost you your career! Now, I would say, try to be less noisy next time", she said.
Rebecca looked down again, "Thanks Kate".
"And I can assure you that you acquired quite a reputation! Tiger!", Kate grinned before walking away.
She entered her cabin and saw her husband sitting in the club chair watching a crime series on TV. "I know the tiger story, the complete one", she announced with a smirk.
I don't know everything, but it's my turn now to make him curious.
"Hey Katie, you're back. And I can see that you know that too now", he replied.
She put her cold hand on his neck
"Ouch!"
"A few minutes ago, you didn't know anything! You naughty", she said.
"And I even know who!", she said teases.
"Oh? Tell me", he asked.
"Uh-uh. It's my secret now! Maybe one day", she answered kicking out her pumps and sitting on the couch.
To be continued