

Yesterday's Tides

Stefan A Kulakowski

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Edited by Brandi Kulakowski, 2013, thank you Brandi for your professional editing.

Stefan Kulakowski

Copyright 2013

Smashwords Edition
Forward

As an author I try to write in a creative style that flows and captures characters being true to themselves and interacting in interesting and compelling ways. Like a painter attempting to create a masterpiece with colors and style to capture a moment in time, I too want to capture your imagination and bring the characters to life for your enjoyment. My stories follow colorful characters that are attempting to overcome sometimes difficult obstacles in their life to become individuals who are self-supportive, independent, and courageous. As in real life, we all question at what our purpose may be from time to time. This is not intended to be a philosophical debate, but simply written for your pleasure to follow characters attempting to leave the shadow of one life behind to find a better life and a stronger sense of self. In our journey through time we often follow and we often lead. It is in this attempt to find our role in life that these books are born. In this author's opinion, it is imperative to have a sense of humor through the journey of life to find love and companionship. Value your time with friends and family, find the true spirit of what life has to offer, laugh often, and step into your future with a smile. The title Yesterday's Tides is a reference to the past. I hope the characters in this book will emphasis an important point. It is more important to concentrate on one's future, dreams, and hopes than to rely on the past. Enjoy!

"Days are like tides, they come and go. Don't look to yesterday's tides, there's always tomorrow. To tomorrow's tides!" Captain Jim Larson
Chapter One

The shrimp trawler Becky Ann sliced through the dark water like a knife. Her strong wooden sides were forty feet long and tainted by rust stains and the markings of a seasoned fishing boat. She was twenty miles out in the Gulf of Mexico off of Dog Island Florida. The four-foot swells rolled her gently through the breeze like the lady she was, but the weather was quickly turning.

"Barry, what the hell you doing down there? The weathers turning quickly!" Captain Larson yelled.

"Cap'n, Johnny's got's the shrimp boat fever!" Big Barry responded from below deck.

Johnny Hale was not having a good evening. The gentle sway of Becky Ann caused the green horn to become painfully ill with sea sickness, known as shrimp boat fever to the old salts. The Captain had a grim look on his face; the ill crew member was wearing on him.

"How's that greenhorn doing? He needs to get back to work!" Captain Larson ordered.

Big Barry Shlostic stuck his head out of the small cabin door. He held strong and fast as the big boat began to pitch and roll with the Gulf waters. Big Barry was keeping an eye on Johnny Hale as the poor boy leaned far over the short railing to heave his guts. The night was pitch black and the wind blew into his face as he would stare into the foamy dark waters. Johnny tried to keep his balance as the sea spray soaked his clothing.

"Damn boy, you gots the shrimp boat fever!" Big Barry yelled out at Johnny.

Johnny made no effort to pay attention to Big Barry.

Big Barry turned and looked toward his Captain, "Hey Cap'n, Johnny's still gots the shrimp boat fever!"

Captain Jim Larson just looked straight ahead and kept his eye on the dark swells that lay in front of him.

"Watch him. When he stops puking tell him he can lie down," the Captain stated as he stared straight ahead into the night. All Captain Larson was concerned about was the safety of the Becky Ann and catching shrimp.

The lights from the boat glared eerily in the misty spray and humidity that swirled through the air. Lights in the distance told the same story of other fleet members competing for the same catch. The rain started to come down hard and Big Barry just stood there with his large bearded face peering toward the sky trying to catch raindrops in his mouth. He didn't notice Johnny slowly rise and stumble across the wet deck.

Johnny Hale had now been sick for about an hour and a half; he had heaved every ounce of fluid from his weakened body. He slowly sat down on top of a closed hatch cover and hung on to a small latch as not to slide with the pitch of the boat. He gazed out into the stormy night as the rain soaked through his jacket and T-shirt onto his skin. He was chilled, even in the summer night.

The Becky Ann continued to pitch and roll through the storm. Big Barry turned back to look and suddenly noticed that Johnny had moved. Barry walked over and put his large hand on Johnny's shoulder.

He spoke loudly to overcome the sound of the rain and waves, "Hey man, the Cap'n says you can go lie down if you want. I know you ain't feelin' to good man, cause you gots that shrimp boat fever stuff! Nasty man! Never had it myself, but I've seen plenty of good shrimpers go to hell out here on a night like this! Hell, one guy a couple of years ago jumped right off the god damn boat! Tryin' to kill himself I reckon. Let me help you up and get you inside the cabin, man,"

Johnny didn't look at Big Barry; he just waved him off and replied slowly.

"Naw Barry I think I'll feel better out here for now," Johnny said quietly as he stared at the wet deck.

"Okay man, whatever suits your fancy! Shit it's a bad night," Big Barry grumbled.

The Becky Ann continued to roll with the sea as Captain Larson steered her and tried to keep her bow angled into the large swells.

"We won't be shrimpin tonight boy's!" the Captain yelled as he continued his maneuvering.

"Get that kid off the deck Barry and put him in his bunk! Hell; he'll get pitched right off the damn boat if he don't get off that deck!" the Captain ordered.

Big Barry responded, "I tried Cap'n. He said he wants to stay out there!"

"Get him off the deck!" the Captain demanded loudly.

Big Barry grabbed Johnny around his waist and brought him to his feet and into the cabin.

"Cap'ns orders, you gotta stay in your bunk green horn. If you gotta puke, go to the head," Barry said.

"Alright Barry, thanks," Johnny stated softly as he began to get out of his wet clothes.

Johnny stood up and stumbled with the pitch of the boat.

"Be careful there buddy, Cap'n says we aint gonna be shrimpin' tonight. Don't worry about it, just lie down. That shrimp boat fever stuff can't last forever man," Barry stated in attempt to comfort Johnny.

To Johnny, it had already seemed like an eternity. The queasiness in his stomach seemed to subside but the dizziness, headache, and anxiety were overwhelming.

Johnny lay in his bunk thinking about the choices he had made to get to this point. The paradise he sought had suddenly become a nightmare. He listened as the wind howled and the waves crashed just outside the small cabin. Even lying down he clung to his bunk rail as to not fall out.

The night seemed endless, but with dawn just on the horizon the storm seemed to calm. Johnny slowly drifted asleep as the movement of the boat settled down. Captain Larson positioned the Becky Ann in shallower water behind Dog Island to anchor down for a day's rest and relief from a rough night. Soon after the engines silenced, Big Barry Shlostic and Captain Jim Larson joined Johnny for some well deserved sleep.

When Johnny awoke the slow motion of the boat and the sunshine that peered through a small porthole was a relief and welcome sight. Big Barry was snoring in an under sized bunk next to Johnny that was the only sound except the clanking of a guide wire against the rigging boom outside the cabin. Johnny sat up and felt thirsty and hung-over from the sea sickness of the night before.

"Jesus, I never want to go through that again," Johnny said to himself as he slowly walked to the small galley for a sip of water. Afterwards he returned to his bunk where he pulled out a clean pair of jeans and a T-shirt from his duffel bag. He pulled on his white rubber boots that were still damp from the night rain. He made his way to the deck and peered over the surface of the smooth Gulf waters. The air was clear but humid as the fog was just beginning to lift. He looked north and strained his eyes to see land. The deck was still wet from the night before as the humidity would not let the surface dry anytime soon. He grabbed a rag and wiped off a small area on a rigging box and sat down.

Johnny enjoyed moments like this; a nice peaceful morning with some quiet and relaxing time too himself on the water.

He wasn't sure how this would turn out, ending up in Apalachicola Florida; and taking a summer job as a shrimp boat mate. He sure had second thoughts after last night.

"You look much better today son, how are feelin'?" the Captain asked.

"Much better Captain, thanks," Johnny replied.

"Good, we've got work to do today. I want to see what you've got young man," Captain Larson said.

Johnny just smiled at the Captain.

"What are runnin' from son? Do you have a nemesis? Troubles looming somewhere over that horizon?"

Johnny looked up at the Captain.

"You don't have to answer that son. We're all runnin' from some'um," the old Captain said with a chuckle.

Big Barry suddenly appeared from the wheelhouse.

"Cap'n I got ya some coffee," Big Barry said as he handed him a hot cup of joe.

"Thank ya Barry, you're a good man," the Captain replied.

"Now Johnny that's a man who knows his place in this world," the Captain said with a smile as he patted Big Barry on the back.

Johnny smiled and got to work. His energy came back to him as the sun climbed in the sky. The bow of the Becky Ann once again carved the water like a giant knife.
Chapter Two

The sun shines often in Wauchula Florida making it a good part of the sunshine state in which to live. The weather notwithstanding, the rural people living in the surrounding area and working the farms face hard lives with low pay from the wealthy land barons'. Johnny Hale and his family were no exception. He was an only child. His father was a ranch hand and his mother a part time waitress at a local diner. Johnny's father leased a trailer on a partition of property from a wealthy rancher named Bobby Tucker; known in the Wauchula circle as Mr. Tucker, "the man with all the land".

Johnny never really had material things growing up but he figured what he didn't have, he couldn't miss; at least that's what his father instilled in him. Johnny hated Wauchula for the most part. Most of the friends he grew up with felt the same way. There's plenty of good land for cattle or citrus farming but not much else. Johnny decided when he got out of high school he would leave for a bigger town and get a good job; something away from agriculture or clerking behind a register; like maybe working in a marina in the progressive swanky Ft. Myers, or a bank in busy Orlando.

Calvin Hobb, affectionately known as Old Man Hobb, offered him a job in the kitchen of Hobb's Grill, where his Mom works, but Johnny declined. He spent much of his time helping his father with ranching chores or spending time with his girl, Debbie Adams.

Johnny met Debbie through a mutual friend during his sophomore year in high school. She was a pretty girl with long straight black hair. It was obvious she was half Seminole Indian. She was sweet to him, and he fell for her right away. She was the first girl Johnny ever kissed and from that moment, Johnny fell for her. The problem was, she resided quite a distance from the ranch where Johnny lived; in a small trailer park community about fifteen miles north of Wauchula. Squabbles between Johnny and his parents would often erupt over the time he spent with Debbie and the distance he travelled to see her.

"Johnny I know you enjoy Debbie's company but why don't you find a friend a little closer to home? It's affecting your chores around the farm and we need you to spend a little more time here," Chester Hale would say to his son.

The condescending tone and neglect for his feelings ripped at Johnny's heart strings. His father's need for control was overbearing. He had even threatened to run away with Debbie if his parents didn't loosen the leash.

He loved his parents but his heart was on fire for better things.

When Johnny graduated high school he reluctantly took the job offer from Old Man Hobb. The time at Hobb's seemed endless to Johnny. He worked impatiently counting the hours to just finish his shift to see Debbie. His mother would wait on tables and smile at him to help him through his day. Johnny's yearning to move on created more tension between him and his parents as time went on.

Johnny walked outside the diner on his break to call Debbie from the pay phone booth just outside the diner.

"Hey Deb, it's Johnny!" He said.

"Hey!" Debbie replied.

"Good to hear your voice baby. This place is driving me crazy. Can you get away?" Johnny asked.

"Away? You mean now? You mean come to town right now?" Debbie asked.

"Right now! I mean get away! Let's get out of town. Let's head over to Sarasota for the night and live it up!" Johnny stated.

"Johnny!" Debbie said with a giggle.

"Come on Debbie! Let's get out of here!" He repeated.

"Johnny my parents would die!" Debbie said with a laugh as she became intrigued at the thought of deviance.

"Debbie, sometimes it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission," Johnny replied.

"I'm dying in this old grill Deb. Momma just looks at me and smiles like a mother hen; it freaks me out! We've got to get out of here for the night! I just got paid Deb!" Johnny pleaded.

Debbie was smiling on the other end of the phone.

"I'll leave my car at Tamara's. I'll have her drive me to the arcade at three o'clock. I'm gonna get in trouble for this Johnny Hale!" Debbie conspired.

"We're eighteen and adults Debbie; it's time to live like it! I'll see you at three!" Johnny instructed.

Suddenly Johnny looked up as he hung up the phone and noticed a commotion through the diner window.

"What the hell is this?" A loud and obnoxious voice bellowed out in the diner causing the customers to turn in their chairs.

Johnny stood at the entrance watching the incident unfold. An overweight man dressed in dark slacks and a tank top looked around as if to gain attention. His dark oily hair flung as he quickly turned his head.

It got Old Man Hobb's attention.

"Gina! Gina Hale! That's your table! See what that guy wants!" Hobb ordered to Johnny's mother.

"Oh crap," Gina grumbled under her breath as she quickly made her way over to the man's table.

Johnny stood still as he watched his mother walk over to answer the complaint.

"Yes sir?" Gina politely asked the man.

"What kind of crap is this?" the man asked in a defaming and loud tone.

The small crowd of patrons looked in amusement.

The man suddenly pushed the plate of half eaten chicken fried steak onto the floor with the sound of a loud crash of ceramic plates breaking.

"This food sucks!" he yelled.

The man suddenly stood up garnering everyone's attention with his continued obnoxious presence. Gina Hale was frozen with a shocked look on her face. She slowly began to back away as the disgruntled man looked her over.

"Is there something wrong sir?" Gina asked, trying to ease the moment.

"Something wrong? Is something wrong?" the man asked in a loud sarcastic tone.

The man slowly moved closer to Gina as she became pinned against a chair.

Without hesitation the man angrily shoved Johnny's mother backward against the chair and onto the floor.

"You son of a bitch!" Johnny yelled from across the room and ran to the scene to stop his mother's assailant.

The patrons scrambled to get out of the way as Johnny pushed the man to the floor. A short melee broke out as Old Man Hobb and several brave patrons subdued the man and regained control.

By the time the police arrived, the angry man was able to get up had made his escape. The police questioned Johnny, and Old Man Hobb as to the incident. A police report was taken and a description was given.

"Must have been on drugs or something," a police officer was heard saying.

The police made light of the incident and sent people who had gathered for the short sideshow on their way.

Old Man Hobb apparently saw it differently and didn't take the incident so lightly with Johnny.

"Johnny I have to let you go," Hobb said.

"Let me go?" Johnny asked.

"Look Mr. Hobb, that guy was a nut and he was attacking my mother!" Johnny replied in anger.

"I don't like your attitude son!" Hobb stated.

"My attitude? Are you kidding me?" Johnny asked.

Hobb promptly fired Johnny for becoming involved in an incident that Hobb believed was none of Johnny's business. Johnny protested claiming he was protecting his mother as he pointed his finger at the no good son of a bitch owner explaining that he only passively stood by. Gina defended her son as any caring mother would and left that day disgusted with the day's events.

Johnny squealed his tires in the parking lot as he left the diner in anger. He was fed up with the town and his seemly dead-end life. He rustled through a box of old CD's he had in the front seat and found the soothing country sounds of Garth Brooks to calm his soul.
Chapter Three

The sun was just dawning over the surface of the water when Big Barry walked out onto the deck of the Becky Ann and disturbed Johnny from his thoughts.

"Hey Buddy! How you doin' this mornin'?" Big Barry asked while gazing out into the sunrise.

"Damn! It's amazing how such a rough night can turn around and be such a glorious day!" Barry stated.

Johnny turned around to look at Big Barry. Barry stood wide-legged and his arms outstretched toward the sky. He was still garbed in his oversized white boxers that were hanging much too low. His white legs almost blended in with his shiny white shrimp skin boots that contrasted greatly with his well-tanned arms. He stretched his arms skyward exposing his beer gut that hung over his belt. His dirty t-shirt it read, Tobey's Oyster Bar, Suck um Salty. Johnny smiled and shook his head. Something about that just defined Big Barry.

"You gotta love it; how ya doin' buddy?" Big Barry asked with a roar.

"Barry, I'm feeling much better. Just taking it easy this morning before the heat," Johnny replied as he acknowledged Big Barry's presence.

"Oh hell man, you were puking your guts out last night!" Barry stated.

"Yeah I wasn't feelin' good. I have never been in rough seas like that before," Johnny explained.

"Well we're two days out; we gots three more days before going in. Hopefully things will stay calm. It's just hard to say with these summer storms," Big Barry replied.

Johnny loved the Gulf of Mexico; he loved being out on the water, but at this moment he was having second thoughts about his summer job. He remembered being with Debbie only a year ago.

Johnny was startled out of his daydream by Captain Larson.

"Well boy's, looks like it's gonna be a fine day for shrimpin!" Captain Larson bellowed.

Big Barry turned towards his Captain, "Yes sir, it's a fine morning!"

The Captain looked at Johnny, "You gonna make it son?" he asked.

"Yes sir, I'm fine this morning," Johnny replied squinting his eyes in the morning sun.

The Captain stood beside the two looking very small in comparison. He was a short, thin man of middle age but he looked older from the years he spent in the Florida sun and the salty air. He wore oversized blue jeans, which he haphazardly tucked into his white rubber boots. He always wore an oversized cotton long-sleeved shirt unbuttoned over a white T-shirt.

"Let's go get 'em boys! We gotta beat the storms today!" the Captain yelled excitedly.

The man lived to fish and shrimp. The Captain was born and raised in the small fishing village of Eastpoint Florida. He was known for his old-time story telling. On land, he never strayed much further than Apalachicola and felt more comfortable on the sea. He loved to talk politics but hated politicians. He was the kind of man who always seemed to take the opposite side of any issue someone else proposed, yet could still laugh at the end of the day reflecting the lighter side of life as his eyes could only see.

"Where we headin' Capt'n?" Big Barry asked.

"Were gonna try off the cut today, and maybe head toward the Cape by dusk. I thought if we do well, we may have us a little party tonight!" The Captain stated.

Big Barry kicked his right leg up and let out a big, "Yeee Hawww! Let's go!"

And the three men began to get the Becky Ann underway.

The smell of diesel exhaust permeated the air as the Becky Ann made way across Apalachee Bay. Johnny and Big Barry began to prepare the nets before they reached their final destination. The warm air and puffy clouds made for a beautiful day.

As the Becky Ann approached the fishing grounds, Captain Larson gave his orders as he's done a thousand times before.

"Barry swing the boom! Johnny watch those nets don't catch!" the Captains voice bellowed.

Big Barry went through the motions of setting the nets and Johnny followed every lead. The motions and rituals of the men were a dance as they seamlessly moved across the deck and worked the nets.

"Watch the lines boys!" Captain Larson yelled.

"My eyes on it Cap'n!" Big Barry responded.

The Becky Ann made her way through the sound as she has a million times before; her old wooden hull displaced the green water as she plowed along in search of tiny crustaceans.

"Let's bring in a load boys!" the Captain ordered as the big nets came aboard. Large piles of shrimp, small fish, crabs, and an assortment of sea life were dumped onto a large area of the deck to be sorted. Johnny worked hard and fast to separate the good from the bad.

"The tails got to be three fingers across!" Big Barry yelled to Johnny as he grabbed one shrimp at a time and measured it against his fingers.

"I knew a guy once who could go through a pile like this in half an hour!" Big Barry bragged with a smile.

The huge pile of sea life seemed endless to Johnny.

The men labored fast and hard the entire day. As the afternoon wore on, storms were rumbling in the distance once again. The Becky Ann gently rolled as a soft rain cooled the deck and washed away the saltiness of a hard day's work. Johnny enjoyed the scent of the fresh water as it came down and smiled as he joined Big Barry in his ritual of catching raindrops in his mouth. Both men smiled at each other as they played like tired children in the rain. The rain continued as it soothed and washed away the sweat and heat of the day and lifted the spirits of the labored crew.

"Get back to work gentleman!" The Captain ordered as looked upon his jovial crew.

"Aye, aye Cap'n!" Big Barry bellowed.

The Becky Ann cruised on. As evening approached Captain Larson wanted to make good on his promise. With the afternoon storms over and the Becky Ann moving slowly against an exquisite sunset, Captain Larson maneuvered to safe harbor.

"Okay boys we're gonna put in behind St. Vincent Island near Indian Pass and were gonna have us a little party!" the Captain stated.

Big Barry gave out a holler and danced a little jig, his white boots squeaking against the wet deck.

"Damn Barry, I don't know where you got that energy from!" Johnny said with a smile.

"Hell boy! I always gots energy to party!" Big Barry replied.

As promised Captain Larson shut the Becky Ann down in a small hidden cove. He gave orders to secure the Becky Ann for the evening and stand down. With that, the party began.

"Big Barry, break out the beer boy!" the Captain ordered.

"Aye, Aye Cap'n!" Big Barry replied.

A small radio played a country station out of Apalachicola as the men enjoyed the rest and refreshments. One by one, each man would tell a tale of something that had happened in his life, usually with intoxicated exaggeration as each tried to impress the other, a tradition that goes back to the beginning of fishing. Big Barry and Captain Larson spoke of past shrimping expeditions like others speak of past holiday remembrances. They would speak of old fisherman that have passed on or gone on to new lives. Johnny just tried to fit in, but mostly he kept to himself. He was rather new to sitting around and drinking with fisherman on the Gulf. He was doing ok for a green horn, just a little reserved. He listened intensely as the Captain and Big Barry wove their tales.

As the evening wore on, calm came over the Becky Ann. The hard day's work exhausted the fishermen and the beer was taking its toll. Johnny climbed up on the wheelhouse and lay down under the stars. The summer night was clear, breezy, and dark with except for the many stars twinkling in the heavens. Johnny crossed his hands behind his head and stared into the night sky. He could still hear the quiet mumble of the Captain and Big Barry discussing some old sea tale. Johnny just enjoyed the moment and became lost in his thoughts as small ripples of water quietly slapped against the side of the Becky Ann.
Chapter Four

It was three o'clock on the dot when Johnny pulled into the arcade parking lot in Wauchula. He saw Debbie waiting patiently with a smile on her face through the plate glass window. She came out to greet him as he pulled up.

"Hey Big Guy!" Debbie greeted him.

Johnny opened his truck door and turned toward her.

"What a day Deb! Hop in and let's get out of here. I'll explain as we drive," Johnny said.

Debbie placed a small bag of belongings in the back of the pickup truck and climb in.

"Everything okay?" Debbie asked perceptively.

"My Mom got attacked at the diner and Old Man Hobb fired me for trying to protect her!" Johnny described.

"What? Attacked?" Debbie asked.

"She's okay. Some nut was having a bad day and decided to take it out on Mom. Old Man Hobb just stood there and watched! I can't believe he fired me!" Johnny said angrily.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry Johnny!" Debbie said.

"Why would he fire you?" she asked.

"He said I got too involved! He's an asshole!" Johnny exclaimed.

"Oh Johnny there's better things out there for you, and probably for your mother to!" Debbie said.

"I'm just glad to be here with you Debbie. I'm looking forward to this. Of course it's my last paycheck for awhile!" Johnny said.

Debbie just smiled and grasped Johnny's hand. The truck made its way out of the city limits of Wauchula and headed for Sarasota.

As they entered the city they found their way along Fruitville Road heading west.

"Johnny I want to see the sunset on the beach!" Debbie said, as the sun was getting low in the sky.

"I'd like to get somewhere and enjoy the sunset with you Deb," Johnny said with a smile.

"Johnny, I told my Dad about our getaway over here. I had to," Debbie suddenly admitted.

Johnny turned and looked at her.

"How did he react?" Johnny asked.

"He wasn't pleased at first, but we had a long talk. I'll tell you about," Debbie said.

Johnny sat quietly for a moment before he spoke.

"I'm going to call my mother this evening and see how she is doing. I'll let her know what's going on," Johnny said.

The couple arrived at the water's edge just before sunset. Johnny drove the old pickup truck into a sand lot and parked near a lone coconut tree.

"Oh, Johnny it's beautiful!" Debbie said as they walked hand in hand to the water's edge.

"I love it when the sand squeaks between your toes!" Debbie excitedly said.

"Come on Deb! We have to see the green flash!!" Johnny said.

"What?" Debbie replied.

"The green flash! The green flash!" Johnny said as he started to laugh.

"At the moment the sun disappears into the water, there will be a bright green flash!" Johnny explained as he smiled.

"Oh right Johnny! Really! What causes the green flash?" Debbie asked with a smile.

"Nobody knows!" Johnny said with a chuckle.

The couple sat hand in hand watching the sunset over the calm water. Shades of orange, blue, yellow, and white painted the sky as only God could. The sun became lower until only a fragment was left.

"Here it comes!" said Johnny.

They watched in anticipation.

Here it comes! Watch! Boom!" yelled Johnny.

"Did you see that? Did you see that bright green flash?" he asked with excitement.

"Johnny I think you've lost your mind. I saw no green flash," Debbie said.

"You missed it!" Johnny said, laughing.

Debbie punched Johnny in the shoulder as he embraced her and both shared a laugh and a hug on the beach with their toes in the water. The sunset captured the moment in time.

"Johnny, I need to talk about something serious for a moment," Debbie said. The gravity in her tone of voice changed the mood.

Johnny gave Debbie puppy dog eyes as if to wonder what was coming next.

"It's getting darker. Let's go over to the pavilion and sit down," he said.

"I'm starving Johnny. Let's go get something to eat," Debbie replied.

"Sure"

"I love you Deb," Johnny stated as he put his arm around her.

Debbie looked up at him with a smile.

The two sat in a small open air café along the beach walk with the appropriate name of Sunset's. The breeze blew the scent of fried seafood and french fries throughout the restaurant. Johnny reached across the table to take Debbie's hand and stared into her eyes as he smiled.

"Okay, what's up?" he asked Debbie.

"Dad and I had a long talk tonight," she replied.

"You mentioned that, and how did that go?" Johnny inquired.

"It was fine except..." Debbie paused.

Johnny looked at her.

"Except what?" he asked.

"My dad is taking a job in St. Louis, Johnny," Debbie stated as she looked at him.

Johnny looked at her without saying a word. He didn't know what to say.

"Your dad's moving to St. Louis?" he asked with a puzzled look.

"No Johnny, not just my dad; the whole family is moving to St. Louis," she replied.

Johnny sat up straight, obviously irritated by the news.

"Before you freak out Johnny, let me explain," Debbie said.

Johnny just looked her.

As timing would have it the waitress suddenly walked up with a bright smile and placed their order of onion rings on the table.

"Are you two from around here?" the waitress asked as she refilled their drink cups.

Johnny gazed in the direction of the waitress and shook his head no, as if annoyed with her presence.

"My name is Lisa, let me know if I can get you anything else," she said and quickly walked away.

The couple looked at each other.

"Johnny, I've given this a lot of thought," Debbie said gazing into Johnny's eyes.

"You're moving?" Johnny asked, still in shock.

"Dad got a job with the park service. He wants out of Wauchula Johnny, like you do," Debbie said.

The light had faded into darkness on the beach. The reflections from the lights bounced on the calm water of the gulf.

"Johnny hear me out!" Debbie stated.

"I know you want to leave Wauchula. We've discussed marriage Johnny. I was thinking that you could give me time to get settled, I could get a job and a small apartment and you could join me; we could live together," Debbie explained.

Johnny contemplated her offer for a moment while looking out to the Gulf.

He suddenly began shaking his head in agreement and looked at her.

"Well this took me by surprise!" he said.

A shy smile crossed Johnny's face.

"Damn; when is all this going to happen?" Johnny asked.

"My dad has to report to work in two weeks. Mom and I will follow a week later," Debbie said sheepishly.

"St. Louis?" Johnny asked still perplexed by the revelation.

"Yep, St. Louis," Debbie said.

"I know nothing about St. Louis," Johnny revealed.

"I know Johnny. It's north of here, that's all I know," Debbie said.

"Well, okay then! I guess I need to talk to mom," Johnny said.

"....and your Dad!" Debbie added.

"Oh yeah. Well, I guess so," Johnny said.

Johnny's teenage years were frustrated by his father's unloving and uncaring nature. He was close to his mother and felt ashamed by the way his father treated her. Johnny made a promise to Debbie that he would never be like his dad.

As the time came close for Johnny's departure to St. Louis his relationship with his dad grew nonexistent. Johnny's father was out most of the time. If he wasn't working on the ranch, then out with his buddies or possibly with other women. He really didn't try to hide it. The fact was, he didn't care. Johnny's mother sat by passively hoping for a change, but she knew he never would. She often threatened to leave but Johnny's father new she depended on him and never would. His father wasn't always like that. He was a good-hearted man, turned sour by a hard living and drinking too much. His was a life wasted by taking advantage of others and feeling insecure and guilt ridden. Time had not been a friend to Johnny's father.
Chapter Five

It was without hesitation that Johnny called Debbie every day at 7:00 p.m. St Louis time. The calls would sometimes be long. There were even written letters. It was the dawn of the age of cell phones, but there was nothing like the soothing receipt of a hand written letter, personalized with a touch of her perfume.

Time was waning for Johnny. His mother needed him at home but he was torn by the thoughts of being without Debbie. Distance has a way of taking a toll on a relationship and Johnny was becoming aware of that.

Johnny worked hard to save money from a part time job at a local gas station. He arrived home one day to a letter from Debbie. Debbie started the letter as usual.

"My Dear Johnny,

Things are still going well for me. The weather has become cool here and I'm sure I will miss the Florida winter. It's hard to get used to a big city, but St. Louis has some neat things to see. Like I've said before, you would love the Mississippi River. It's beautiful but really muddy. I miss you Johnny. Things have really started to change for me here. I think I'm changing to. Johnny I want you to know that I will always love you and remember you. I wish we could be together. I think it's senseless for us both to go on trying and wanting a future together with us living so far apart. If you really want to get together I think you need to come up now. Things are different here in the city. You'll see. I'm sorry about you and your parents, especially your dad, but I think it's time you get out of Wauchula. I know you love Florida even though Wauchula is the pits.

Please call me and let's arrange something. It's now or never.

Love,

Debbie".

Johnny read the letter over and over. It didn't sound like the same Debbie he had known. It seemed to be an ultimatum. It seemed as if there may have been a hidden agenda in the letter; either come up or goodbye. Johnny read the letter again. He realized this was the sign he had been waiting for to make his move.

Johnny approached his mother that evening and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Momma, I gotta go. I gotta go to St. Louis with Debbie, she doesn't sound the same Mom. I'm afraid I'm gonna lose her," Johnny said.

Johnny's mother turned toward him slowly and had a small tear in her eye.

"I knew this day was coming Johnny, I sure am going to miss you," Gina Hale stated to her son.

"I'll be here Momma if you need me," Johnny said.

"I know you will baby," his mother replied.

Johnny's mother sniffled and wiped away a small tear.

"When will you be leaving?" she asked.

"I don't exactly know Momma. I have to call Debbie tonight," he replied.

Johnny picked up the phone and dialed Debbie's number. He was nervous. He loved Debbie but this was a big decision; many thoughts raced through his mind as he held the phone to his ear. Suddenly he heard Debbie's voice.

"Hello?" Debbie answered softly.

"Hey Deb, it's me Johnny," he stated.

Debbie's voice perked up.

"Oh, hi! What are doing? How are you?" she asked.

"I'm fine. I got your letter," Johnny said.

"Oh, okay. Good," Debbie said.

There was hesitation on both ends of the phone.

"Well, are you coming up?" Debbie asked boldly.

"Yeah...yeah, I think so, Deb. It's just..." Johnny hesitated again.

Debbie eagerly waited on the other end of the line.

"It's Mom. I hate to leave her," Johnny stated.

There was silence on the phone.

"I gotta get my truck fixed up, but I think I can get up there by next weekend. Whata ya think?" Johnny asked.

"Oh Johnny, I think that's great!" Debbie stated as she expressed her pleasure.

"What's your definition of love, Deb?" Johnny asked.

There was silence for a moment on the phone again.

"Uh, love?" Debbie asked sounding a bit puzzled.

"Yeah, I'd like to know your definition," Johnny stated.

"I don't know Johnny! That's a weird question. Why would you ask?" Debbie stated.

"Just wondering Deb. I can't wait to see you!" he replied.

"Johnny I will look for a cheap apartment. I think my mom will help us get started," she said excitedly.

As the conversation ended, Johnny felt relived on one hand and a little frightened on the other. He has just made a very large decision in his life. It will be a new beginning. He will be on his own. Finally, he would be away from the restrictions and the domicile of his parents. He wasn't sure how his father would take the news or if he would even care. Johnny however would remain concerned for his mother. He would miss her dearly.

Johnny arrived in St. Louis Missouri on a beautiful May afternoon to the waiting arms of Debbie. She, with the help of her parents, was able to secure a small apartment in Lemay on the edge of the Jefferson Barracks Park where her father works. Johnny was thrilled. He and Debbie spent the next few days together catching up, exploring the town, and making plans.

Johnny soon became employed at a local warehouse, unloading trucks full of catalog items for department stores. Debbie worked at a local drug store as a cashier. The two young adults began to understand the meaning of making ends meet.

The beginning of Johnny's new life was just that, a new beginning. With Johnny's move came the exciting feeling of independence. The change in scenery, change of climate, and a change of people's attitudes all motivated Johnny to feel differently about himself. Johnny was awed by the city and the seemingly endless possibilities it offered. The more time passed, the more Johnny forgot about his life in Wauchula. Maybe it wasn't necessarily that he forgot his past, but new priorities were consuming his life, new memories were being forged; new challenges were being met; and with that his life back in Florida seemed very distant.

Johnny was enjoying his new life. It was a newfound freedom away from his mother and father, away from the ignorance of a small town, away from the hassle of a lousy job just... away. He felt himself becoming ever so independent. He enjoyed the fact that he could make decisions for himself and he did not have to rely or worry about what others thought or how a decision would affect them. Except for Debbie, of course; Johnny was always conscious of Debbie. Instead of thinking of the past with Debbie as he did in Wauchula, he found himself thinking about the future.

"Deb, I spoke with my Mom today", Johnny stated.

Debbie glanced up at Johnny as if interrupted.

"Oh yeah? How's she's doing?" She asked, not even looking at Johnny.

"She's doin' okay, I guess. I miss her and she misses me. She says Dad is treating her better. Maybe, I don't know. I've been thinkin' maybe we could go down for Christmas," Johnny replied.

Debbie did not glance up. She continued to read a small note she held in her hand.

"Deb?" Johnny asked to gain her attention.

"I'm sorry Johnny, you were saying?" she asked.

"I'm gonna get together with a couple of the guys from the warehouse tomorrow after work to grab a beer. That okay?" Johnny asked, a little frustrated.

"Sure! I was going to go over to Mom and Dad's anyway to help Mom with rearranging so that would be fine," Debbie stated nonchalantly.

That's what was frustrating to Johnny. Debbie seemed to be growing more distant. She seemed to be preoccupied with something.

Johnny endured his work at the warehouse. He met up with some of the guys he worked with. They were all around the same age and they had that same lust for independence and life that Johnny had. He enjoyed spending time with them. The group began a routine of getting together for happy hour at a local pub and would drink a few rounds and talk about guy things. Johnny enjoyed telling stories of Florida. Most of the guys Johnny worked with were born and raised in the area and hadn't traveled more than a hundred miles. It gave Johnny confidence to know he was stretching his boundaries and could talk about it.

It was on a late afternoon similar to this that Johnny returned to the apartment tired and with a slight beer buzz. As Johnny walked into the front the front door it seemed eerily quiet.

"Debbie?"...Debbie?" Johnny yelled out.

He really didn't pay much mind to it other than being a bit puzzled as to her whereabouts. He proceeded to begin his evening as usual quickly showering and changing into something comfortable. He grabbed some leftovers out of refrigerator and turned on the television. Johnny was starting to worry; and about that time the telephone rang.

"Johnny, it's me sweetie. I'm so sorry I haven't called. I was made to work late. They want me on a committee to improve customer service," Debbie said on the other end of the phone.

"Where the hell are you?" Johnny asked in an upset and worried tone.

He heard what she said but it didn't sink in.

"I'm at work, but I'm on my way home," she responded.

Johnny hung up the phone relieved but concerned.
Chapter Six

"So the first step to love should be to ask yourself if you are tough enough to handle what your definition of love is and to accept the consequences if it happens to fail. Those are my wise words to you my friend," Terry Ochonicky said to Johnny with a sly smile.

Johnny gave Terry a pat on the back and smiled back.

"It takes two to a canoe gentleman!" Red Dog Reddick perked up.

"Red Dog are those your only wise words?" Bobby Fox asked.

Red Dog looked at Bobby and flew the bird finger at him.

"Sweetness!" responded Red Dog.

"So how long is this river?" Johnny asked as the men were preparing two canoes at water's edge for a Missouri River adventure.

"Probably a lot longer and rougher than any of those wimpy rivers they have in Florida!" Red Dog hounded up.

"Red Dog, what do you know about Florida?" Johnny asked.

Red Dog stomped along in his oversized cowboy boots and baggy blue jeans. His scrawny body did not match his scrappy personality. Johnny didn't know why people called him Red Dog, other than the obvious bright red hair and his pale looks. The name seemed to fit. Red Dog had a streetwise sense about him with a wild disposition. Wild was the only word that really described Red Dog. He seemed out of place along a riverbank. Always the city boy, he missed the streets and appeared that he could be swallowed up by the woods that surrounded him. With his air of arrogance and immaturity it only seemed a matter of time before misfortune would catch him.

Terry was the older, wiser one. He was clean cut, except for his cliché bushy handle bar mustache. Terry organized this trip and thought it would be fun to get the group away from work and have a man's canoe trip down a portion of the Missouri River. Besides, Debbie began working every weekend and leaving Johnny to his lonesome self. Terry wanted to get him away.

Bobby Fox was Johnny's cohort on the job, his partner unloading trucks all day. Bobby was also a want-to-be showman. He had entered several body building competitions but never won anything. He unloaded trucks all day and then lifted weights every evening. He walked with purpose, bulging from every angle from which he enjoyed a lot of attention. He was weak in the mind, but strong in the body and a giving person at heart.

"The river's running fast men! Looks like we'll have our work cut out for us!" Terry stated anxiously.

On a sunny and warm spring morning Johnny Hale, Terry Ochonicky, Bobby Fox, and Red Dog Reddick floated quietly and peacefully down the muddy Missouri River. The river slowly meandered its way through the countryside, sometimes becoming so shallow the men would have to get out of their canoes and trek along the rocky bottom. Cold but refreshing, the water's current became swift at times, plowing its way around the canoes and the men's ankles as they stumbled along. The conversation between the men would typically consist of chatter about work or women. Just being himself, Red Dog usually tried to dominate the bragging rights by explaining his proficient manner in his latest female conquest.

"Ah hell man! I had some bitch for a whole week one time when she stated she didn't want me no more!" Red Dog exclaimed.

Terry turned to Red Dog, "Yeah Dog? Gee, I wonder why?" he asked.

It was noon when the beer broke out. Red Dog's antics became more animated as the alcohol took effect.

"I met this lady in a bar one night...hell I think her name was Joe! No shit! I really think that was her name! Now that I think about it; she talked in a deep voice too! Shit! Anyway, we got down to the nitty gritty. I asked her if she wanted to hit the local no tell motel and she obliged, but only if I gave her money for a baby sitter. Shit! The bitch was a whore! I figured that out the second she said that! Can you believe that?" Red Dog explained as he paddled.

Johnny looked at Red Dog, smiled and just shook his head.

"Red Dog, sometimes the things that come out of your mouth amaze me. Now shut up, get your act together, and get me a beer!" Terry yelled from the other canoe.

The four men continued their journey down the river until late afternoon. Around a small bend, a sandy spit of land was chosen as the campsite.

"Yee Hawwwww!!" Red Dog let out a yell.

"Now we can get down to some serious partying boys!!" Red Dog yelled.

Terry and Johnny just looked at each other and smiled. Bobby was busy securing a canoe to a log on the shore and shook his head. As obnoxious as Red Dog can be the more beer Johnny, Terry, and Bobby drank the more tolerant he became.

"Hell if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right Terry?" Johnny asked as he walked from camp with Terry to collect some firewood.

"Yeah; I guess so Johnny, I guess so," Terry said, chugging a beer back.

As the two men walked along the riverbank slowly picking up firewood, they talked about different things. Johnny saw Terry as kind of a father figure; a kind man with good advice and a mentor that he never had. Johnny explained his relationship with Debbie and how he was beginning to feel isolated. Terry listened and gently bent down to pick up a piece of wood.

"You know Johnny, you're both growing up and getting older. Things change. It doesn't mean you can't change with the times and it just means you're not kids anymore. You both have bigger goals than being on time for school. You both are gaining different ideas about what you want out of life," Terry stated as he put his hand on Johnny's shoulder.

"These are things you'll have to consider if you want your relationship to grow," Terry continued in a fatherly tone.

"I know Terry but I've known her and she's been a best friend for so long. I love her," Johnny replied.

"That's my point Johnny," Terry said.

Johnny just stopped and looked at the ground. It was hard for him to except some of the feelings he was having. He didn't want to face the fact that they may be growing apart.

"Man I needed this Terry, I really needed this. This is great. Thanks for getting me out man. Let's get this wood back and grab another beer before Red Dog drinks them all!" Johnny said.

They arrived back at camp with their arms full of wood and joined Red Dog and Bobby for the rest of the evening around a roaring camp-fire. Starlight and alcohol consumption made for lively night on the riverbank. By the time Red Dog sang himself to sleep, the other three men were snoring the night away.

When morning arrived, a light blanket of morning fog covered the surface of the river. The sun glimmered through the trees and the cool air was still. A small plume of smoke rose from the hot coals of what was once a raging campfire the night before. Johnny slowly crawled out of his tent to relieve himself on some nearby bushes. Red Dog laid still on the sand in the same position he was in when he passed out earlier that morning with only a boot between his head and the ground. Terry and Bobby were slowly stirring awake in a small tent.

As the men broke camp, the day was met with exhaustion brought on by a day and night of physical exertion, alcohol consumption, and revelry. The canoes glided slowly down the Missouri River to the take out point. Red Dog was finally quiet except for a few brash and loud comments every now and then; sounding like a whining kid wanting to get somewhere but ungrateful for where he was.

"Blame it on the beer!" Red Dog griped.

At the take out point a grandfatherly-looking gentleman waited for the crew to arrive. As the canoes rounded the bend the gentleman waved his arm as if to greet a long lost expedition. The canoes slowly pulled up to an old boat ramp broken by years of abuse.

"Welcome! Welcome!" the older gentleman said.

"Did you have a good trip?" he asked.

Red Dog climbed out of the front of the canoe and with a paddle in one hand, stood straight and tall as if to proclaim the shoreline his.

"It was a happen'in time!" Red Dog shouted with his eyes half closed.

He brushed off the wet sand from his pants as the old man just grinned. At the top of the boat ramp the gentleman's truck waited for loading as the men slowly carried their canoes and gear up the ramp. Attached to the pickup truck was a canoe rack able to carry as many as eight canoes. The men lifted each canoe aboard and fastened them down. The older gentleman just watched and continued grinning.

"Climb in the back and I'll get you back to your cars," the gentleman said as the men climbed in the truck.

The breeze felt good and refreshing as it blew through the crowded truck and they made their way back to the starting point along a small country road. Johnny gazed at the freshly planted cornfields surrounding him. He compared the similarities between this place and Wauchula. There were not a lot of them. He enjoyed the ride back and looked forward to seeing Debbie again, even if a bit anxious.

Johnny walked to his front door with purpose as he anticipated seeing Debbie. He opened the front door and quickly glanced around.

"Hey Deb?" He asked he looked around.

"Debbie?"

There was no response.

"Debbie?"

Johnny then mumbled to himself, "Well, where the hell could she be? It's Sunday afternoon,"

Suddenly his eye caught a car pulling up into the parking area outside. Johnny watched as Debbie climbed out and closed the door. She waved cheerfully goodbye as the car drove away. Johnny felt relieved. Debbie came bouncing in with a large smile on her face.

"Hey, you're back!" Debbie said as the smile started to sag.

"Yeah, where you been?" Johnny asked seemingly puzzled.

"First, tell me about your canoe trip. Did you have fun?" Debbie asked.

"Is your car working?" Johnny countered.

"Um, yeah, I was just having a drink with a friend, no big deal. Now how was your trip?" she asked again.

Johnny felt a pain in his gut.

"Well, yeah, it was great, you know, Red Dog was his rambunctious self, we sat around and drank beer, and did guy stuff. It was a nice get away, but I'm tired and hung-over. Now what about you?" Johnny asked anticipating an answer.

Debbie turned and began walking away.

"I didn't do too much, worked a little bit went shopping," she answered, not looking at him.

"Oh, by the way, I have to work late this week," Debbie said coldly.

Johnny remembered the times when each one of them would not be able to shut up about a weekend spent separately. Not only would they talk for hours but they would cuddle and embrace each other to no end. It was an uncomfortable and awkward moment. The time had come for Johnny to be blunt.

"What the hell is going on here, Debbie?" Johnny asked as Debbie turned and walked away toward the bedroom.

"Debbie!" Johnny grasped to gain her attention.

Debbie turned, looked Johnny right in the eye with no expression, and said nothing. She made her way into the bedroom and closed the door behind her without speaking a word.

"Debbie?" Johnny asked in desperation.

He heard the door being locked. He grasped the doorknob and attempted to turn it.

"Debbie! What the hell is going on?" Johnny asked in a panicked tone.

"I want to be left alone right now Johnny," Debbie stated from behind the closed, locked door.

"Debbie! What is going on?" Johnny attempted desperately.

"You were just smiling and now you're acting as if I'm a stranger," Johnny stated, pleading to understand.

"I'm a little confused right now Johnny and I just want to be left alone," Debbie stated.

Suddenly the telephone rang. It was a loud obnoxious ring Johnny could not ignore. He ran to the phone confused.

"Hello?" Johnny asked.

"Hey man! It's the Red Dog!"

"Oh, hey, Red Dog; I can't talk right now man, what's up?" Johnny replied.

"Lost my wallet, my man! Have you seen it?" Red Dog asked.

"No," Johnny said emphatically.

"I don't have it Dog,"

"Hey man, you okay?" Red Dog asked.

"Yes, but I can't talk right now," Johnny replied.

"You can talk to me man, what's up?" Red Dog insisted.

"Red Dog, I'm in the middle of something and can't talk. I gotta go!" Johnny replied in desperation.

"Oh, hey! I get it man! Your hittin' it up! You lucky dog! Who's the lucky Dog now, huh?" Red Dog stated without hesitation.

"Jesus Red Dog! If I see your wallet I'll let you know!" Johnny impatiently yelled as he hung up.

"The idiot has timing!" Johnny mumbled to himself as he made his way back to the bedroom door.

"Debbie, open the door! If you don't open it I'm going to bust it down!" Johnny demanded.

There was a slight pause. Johnny then heard the sound of the door being unlocked and the doorknob turning slowly. The door opened slowly and Johnny looked upon Debbie. Her posture and composure was a reflection of defiance. Her head was held high and her long black hair flowed gracefully down her back as she stood tall.

"Debbie, I know something has been going on with you. Will you please talk to me," Johnny pleaded.

Johnny knew the tone of the situation was serious. They've had arguments before but never to the point where Debbie wouldn't talk.

Suddenly and without warning, Johnny heard the words he'd hoped he would never hear.

"I don't think I love you anymore Johnny," Debbie said quietly.

Johnny took a hard swallow and stared at Debbie.

"What?" Johnny asked in desperation and dazed confusion.

He fell back and used the wall to support him. His heart sank.

The hard words were finally flowing from Debbie.

"I told you a long time ago Johnny that I was going through some changes. I don't think this can work. I don't want it to work. Professionally, personally, financially, and emotionally, Johnny we don't fit anymore. I want to be on my own. I find myself being able to possibly fall in love with someone else Johnny. It's not fair to you," Debbie said.

Johnny's gut and heart suddenly felt emptiness and pain. The words hurt. The words that followed didn't matter much. Johnny tried to reason that maybe there was some sort of misunderstanding. Debbie stood defiant.

To Johnny, this was an end to a plan, a plan with only recent beginnings. Johnny didn't understand. He begged for a time line to improve things but it didn't matter. The fact was, Debbie was done. She did not love Johnny anymore and stood defiant and independent. Johnny was heartbroken.

The days that followed were awkward for Johnny. Debbie gave him space by staying with her parents while Johnny made plans for moving on.

"It's all about me now," Johnny said to himself while taking inventory of his few belongings.

"I've got to rise above this fog I'm in. It's another day tomorrow. You'll be alright Johnny," he said to himself.

"Well gentleman let's raise our beer mugs one last time!" Johnny proclaimed.

"Damn, man I can't believe you're leaving us!" Red Dog replied.

The men sat around a tall bar table at the Red Rooster Pub. Johnny was saying his final goodbyes to his buddies before his departure from St. Louis.

"Nothin's here for me anymore man," Johnny said.

"I guess we're not worthy!" Red Dog shot back.

Johnny smiled at him.

"What about that red-headed biscuit over there," Red Dog blurted out to the table.

"I bet she's worthy of somethin'," Red Dog finished.

Terry and Bobby looked across the room at the red head while Johnny stood his ground with his eyes to the table and his hand around his beer.

"Heartbreak is a hard thing my friend; I'm sorry your going through it but something tells me your going to be alright. Give it time my friend, give it time," Jerry said in his fatherly way.

"I know Terry, thanks," Johnny looked up and said.

"Somewhere she out there, Buddy! The right one," Bobby said.

Johnny looked at Bobby and smiled. He'll miss his buddies he made in a short amount of time.

"I think that red headed biscuit over there is my right one for right now!" Red Dog piped up with a big grin and slug of his beer.

Johnny just smiled and shook his head.

"So what's your plan Stan?" Red Dog asked Johnny.

"Well..." Johnny began.

"I'm gonna head back down south; take my time and see what I find along the way. Eventually I suppose I will make it back to Florida, maybe back to see my Mom in Wauchula but I just don't think I can live there; it's hard going home again," Johnny said.

Red Dog stood up and spun his baseball cap around backwards. He tapped a pack of cigarettes and put one in his mouth.

"I'm going out for a smoke," He mumbled with the cigarette dangling from his mouth.

The rest of the men slowly drank their beer and discussed current events.

Johnny was ready to move on. As the evening ended he shook each of his buddy's hands and thanked them for their short but important friendship. He smiled, turned and walked away.
Chapter Seven

Somewhere along the road between St. Louis and Apalachicola it occurred to Johnny that it really didn't matter if he understood what happened between him and Debbie. It didn't make a damn bit of difference. What happened, happened. He really had a hard time accepting it, but the angrier Johnny became the more he knew he had to accept it and keep moving forward.

Johnny drove, and as he drove he thought back to the wise words from his friend Terry Ochonicky, "So the first step to love should be to ask yourself if you are tough enough to handle what your definition of love is and to accept the consequences if it happens to fail."

"Well Terry, I guess I'm living the consequences now. Or perhaps I need to redefine my definition," Johnny said out loud to himself.

When Johnny wasn't angry, he was lonely. He felt as if a part of him was missing, but he also had the insight to know he was young and resilient. He continued driving his beat up pickup truck through the night. Johnny tuned the radio to a country station out of Blytheville, Tennessee and drove on. He looked out into the night sky. The stars were brilliant.

"Somewhere out there I hope there's a future for me," Johnny whispered to himself.

The morning light shined bright over Memphis, Tennessee. Johnny awoke in a small motel room along his route south. He showered and put on some fresh clothing before adventuring out into the day. He picked up his leather bi-fold wallet and counted his bank. Johnny had about four hundred bucks on him and enough clothes to go for about four days before washing. His pickup truck was in pretty good working order considering; Johnny intended to keep it that way. He felt truly free but lonely. He had no one to answer to, but at times he missed that also.

Johnny walked into the small diner that accompanied a larger truck stop across from his motel for a quick word with the manager and a small breakfast.

He glanced around the diner and noticed a pretty young waitress that looked back at him as he arrived.

"Good morning Ma'am. Is there someone I could talk to about getting some work around here?" Johnny asked the waitress in kind fashion.

The waitress greeted him with a smile.

"The truck stop manager's name is Ted. He'll be in in a few minutes. I think he is looking for some kitchen help. Lord knows we need it, but you didn't hear that from me. My name is Dixie. Are you hungry?" she asked.

"Thanks Dixie, I'm Johnny. Uh, sure. Please grab me a coffee and one of those tasty looking muffins," Johnny stated as he pointed to some muffins on the counter.

He smiled at Dixie as she turned around. Dixie was cute with a soft pale face and dark and straight short hair. She was the girl next door with a pleasant disposition to go along with it. She had airs of honesty and simplicity about her.

As she approached Johnny she bore him a big warm blueberry muffin and smile just as warm.

"Ted is on his way in. I'll send him your way when he gets here," Dixie stated.

"Thank you Dixie," Johnny said.

"Are you from Memphis?" she asked.

"No, kind of passing through," Johnny said sheepishly.

"Oh," Dixie replied with a look of disappointment.

"Don't get me wrong! I'm willing to work hard and as long as I need to," Johnny said trying to explain.

"I'm just moving from St. Louis back to Florida but taking my time doing it. If something good falls in my lap, well, who knows?" Johnny said with a chuckle.

"Ahh, moving or running?" Dixie asked.

"We get a lot of runners here," she stated with a sly grin.

"I'm not running from anything, Dixie. I suppose if I am running at all, I'm hopefully running toward something not away!" Johnny said with a confident smile.

"Toward something good, I mean!" he followed up.

"You know, it's always bad to be running from something," Dixie said.

Johnny listened with a smile.

"I ran from a bad relationship in a little Georgia town called Savannah—Savannah, Georgia; it's an interesting place," Dixie said.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I can't say I've ever been to Savannah," Johnny said.

"Actually it wasn't the town as much as the relationship," she said with a wink and a smile.

"I'm over it now. Life goes on. I hope you find what you're looking for, Johnny. I'll send Ted over when he gets here," she stated as she walked away.

Johnny sat at the small diner enjoying a cup of coffee and his blueberry muffin as he watched Dixie care for her customers.

"Damn, she's cute," he thought to himself.

A few moments later Johnny was interrupted from the morning newspaper.

"Hey, I'm Ted," a booming voice said.

Johnny raised his head and lowered the paper.

"Yes sir, hi, I'm Johnny Hale," he said, introducing himself and shaking his hand.

Ted was a Memphis cowboy with a strong hand shake—he was just the kind of guy you think would be running a truck stop off the Interstate in Tennessee. Tony Lama boots, pressed blue jeans, pressed plaid shirt, and a white cowboy hat made up his attire. He was thin with a nonsense persona. A small scar ran across his cheek bone.

"Dixie says you're looking for some work," Ted said as he stood over Johnny.

Johnny couldn't help staring at the scar on the man's face. His rough cowboy characterization made Johnny smile.

"Yes sir, I've worked in a diner before; I can do just about anything," Johnny replied.

"I've also been a ranch hand," Johnny stated, playing his cowboy card.

"Know anything about truck mechanics?" Ted asked.

"Well, I keep my pick up running but that's about it," Johnny replied.

Ted looked Johnny up and down and then gazed out the window. Johnny noticed Dixie watching the interaction from a nearby table while wiping it clean.

"I could use a busboy and a dishwasher," Ted explained.

Johnny lit up a smile.

"If that works out, we'll see," Ted said.

"Oh thank you, sir! I'll work hard I promise," Johnny followed.

"Go see Carol in the kitchen. She'll do the paperwork, and then get with Clive, the head cook, to show you around," Ted instructed.

As Johnny followed Ted's instructions and made his way back to the kitchen he glanced back at Dixie and gave a thumbs up. Dixie smiled.

The Freedom Trail Truck Stop had a new employee and Johnny didn't disappoint. After Johnny showed how hard he worked at the diner, he bartered with Cowboy Ted, as Johnny began to call him, for a free room to stay in as long as he worked there. His friendship with Dixie grew, and they both felt a little less lonely when they where around each other.

It was fun while it lasted, but the days in the diner grew long to Johnny. Before long, three months had passed by and Johnny knew he had to move on. The people were nice and he had come to care for Dixie, but the Northern Gulf coast of Florida was calling him. He wanted to explore a part of Florida known as the "Forgotten Coast." This was a strip of coastline that ran from Panama City Beach to Saint Marks, Florida. Johnny now saw himself as a seeker of good fortune, and after some research and hearing some tales of the forgotten coast, he felt it might suit his needs. It was a desolate area with not much more than a few fishing villages and tourist traps to fill the void.

On a hot summer morning three and half months after he arrived, Johnny said goodbye to the good folks at the Freedom Trail Truck Stop. He kissed Dixie goodbye and promised to stay in touch with her. As he drove away in his old blue pickup, Dixie threw him one last kiss. Johnny smiled as he looked into his rear view mirror. It was bittersweet, but he felt satisfied. He had a little extra cash, clean clothes, and new found freedom and sense of self worth. He also had a goal.

"I want to see that forgotten coast," he said to himself as sped down the highway.
Chapter Eight

"Get your butt up boy! We gotta get underway! What the hell are you doin' up there?" Captain Larson barked as he prodded Johnny in the side with a broom handle.

Johnny's eyes flew open as a lone seagull took off above him in the commotion.

"Uh, yes sir! I'm up!" Johnny stated as he tried to focus on his whereabouts.

Big Barry looked up from the stern to smile at Johnny.

"Damn boy, what you doin' up there on the roof? You're crazy man," Barry said with a chuckle.

Johnny gathered himself and climbed down to the deck of the Becky Ann.

"Looks like we might have some storms today, boys. We may have to cut this trip a day short," Captain Larson bellowed.

Johnny had a sigh of relief as he looked west at the approaching storm. It was another rough day. Johnny managed to work through his shrimp boat fever increasingly well by keeping himself busy. The day's haul was light on shrimp. The men knew they couldn't compete with the storm swells and maintain good catches. Captain Larson begrudged at the decision to head ashore, but he gave the order to haul in the nets one last time and the men made their north through the rough seas.

As the Becky Ann passed through Bob Sikes Cut, Johnny could see the Apalachicola Bay Bridge. Its span reflected the sun as it set in the west. The storms were ending and the bay water took on a glassy calm.

"Damn this is beautiful!" Johnny said as he stood near the Captain.

"Don't let it fool ya son. The low pressure system is still moving in. It will be plenty rough again in a bit. We need us a good spell of high pressure boys. We just got to wait it out! We'll be back!" Captain Larson said in a positive tone.

Johnny's first shrimping adventure was behind him. He had mixed feelings. He felt a sense of pride, yet he still felt the need for self-assurance. He enjoyed the camaraderie with the Captain and Big Barry.

"I appreciate you taking me on, Captain," Johnny stated as he looked toward Apalachicola.

"I hope I can be more useful next time," he said with a grin.

"You were useful enough son. Sometimes it's a hard living, but when you see a sunset like that, it makes it all worthwhile," the Captain said.

Johnny looked at the sunset and felt the same way. He had a deep love for the Gulf waters, but he knew had to come with a deep respect. The Becky Ann gently glided into her port. Johnny and Big Barry jumped off her port side and onto the dock. . Captain Larson gently guided the controls to put her in tight. Both men pulled tightly on the bow and stern lines to tie her down, but let enough slack for the changing tides. The diesel engine came to a stop.

Apalachicola sits quietly at the mouth of the Apalachicola River. It's an unassuming small town full of seafaring history. The wealthy cotton plantation owners and merchants of the 1800's made this town one of the busiest ports in Florida due to its strategic location in the South. The remnants of old brick buildings still line the waterfront and large plantation style homes make up the quaint downtown area.

A small bar named the Oasis sits on the corner and calls an old warehouse its home. Now, it is an infamous watering hole for shrimpers, fishermen, and the occasional tourist.

Big Barry slowly walked across the dock and stepped upon the dry land. He gazed toward Johnny.

"Hey boys, how about a few brews at the Oasis? C'mon now Johnny, it's tradition!" Barry called out.

Johnny smiled, "Somehow I figured it was!" he responded.

The crew from the Becky Ann slowly strolled across the small street to the Oasis as if drawn by instinct. The barmaid greeted each one as if she's known them since birth.

"You got a new one with ya!" she stated as she began pouring beer from a tap.

Captain Larson swaggered over and introduced Johnny to his favorite bartender.

"Ruthy, this is Johnny Hale, Johnny this is Ruthy McAllister. Now you know each other!" the Captain barked as he grabbed a beer and a shot of bourbon off the bar.

"Hi, nice to meet you. You can call me Ruth," she stated with a distinguished English accent.

Another lady suddenly appeared from a doorway behind the bar.

"Hi, I'm Kathy!" she yelled out to the crew as they exchange pleasantries.

The crew sat down with their drinks and got comfortable.

Ruth stood near the Captain and began to chat.

"Any luck, Captain?" she asked in her swanky English style.

"Not much this run, Ruthy. It got a little rough and stormy on us out there. There's always tomorrow," the Captain stated.

The Captain has a saying that has become a quote and toast in these parts, "The days are like tides, they come and go. Don't look to yesterday's tides, there's always tomorrow. To tomorrow's tides!"

A small wood sign with his quote and signature hangs above the bar by his favorite bourbon.

Ruth smiled, "Well you boys just be careful out there!" she stated and walked away.

"Always!" Captain Larson replied as he watched her walk away.

"Captain, I really do appreciate you taking me on," Johnny stated to the Captain as if searching for something to say.

"You did good son. You'll learn as you go, as all that have come before you have. Be at the dock tomorrow morning at first light," the Captain ordered.

"Yes, sir," Johnny said as he gulped down his beer.

"Captain I hate to drink and run but I got a few things I need to do this evening. Big Barry's playing pool, he'll keep you company," Johnny said.

"I'm used to it son, go on home," the Captain replied.

Johnny slipped away and began his short walk to his apartment. He had managed to rent a room in a large boarding house. The house seemed to have as much history and personality as the town itself. Johnny loved everything about it. He loved everything about Apalachicola. He could walk everywhere, and the people were friendly and independent. It was a town born from the Gulf waters and the ghosts of its past seemed to haunt every small street.

Johnny grabbed a sandwich from a small café on Main Street. He walked the sidewalk leading to his boarding house and felt the coolness of the evening breeze across his face. He looked ahead and noticed a figure walking towards him—a small black man with a cane. It was Henry Elijah Thomas. A friendly and interesting fellow, he was known as the man who walked the streets with his black cat Bandit.

"Good evening, Mr. Thomas!" Johnny yelled to him, knowing he was hard of hearing.

"Good evening, sir!" Henry Thomas yelled back. His small cat darted in and out of the honeysuckle bushes behind him.

Johnny walked up the steps of his home and grabbed the mail out of his small mail box on the wall. He looked intently at a letter in his mother's handwriting. A warm feeling greeted him as he clutched the letter from his mother. Johnny marched into his rented room and as he closed the door behind him he gave a large sigh and fell into a large beanbag chair. He opened the letter and began reading the words from his mother.

"Dear Johnny, I hope this letter finds you doing well. I'm as excited as you are about your new job working on a shrimp boat. It was good to talk to you the other night. I tried to call you several times and was finally able to leave a message with Mr. Holcomb, your landlord. I've got some troubling news. Your father has been diagnosed with cancer. It's the bad kind. I don't know much about cancer but the doctors say it's in his lungs. He's having a hard time breathing. He's in the hospital doing okay, but I don't know for how long. I think it would be good for you to come home and make amends.

I'm sorry I have to burden you with more bad news. I know you took your breakup with Debbie hard, but I know your father loves you. He's been different since he's been sick. I love you. Please call as soon as possible.

Love,

Mom"

By the time Johnny finished reading the letter his heart was pounding. He sat staring at the letter in utter exhaustion. He thought about his father. It wasn't the bad things he remembered, but the good. He felt paralyzed, as if this were happening to someone else. Johnny held the letter and looked out the window. Some palm trees were gently swaying in a soft breeze as a light rain began to fall. His sandwich lay on the table where he threw it. Johnny's eyes slowly closed. His head fell back against the beanbag. His fingers released the letter and it slowly drifted to the hardwood floor.

Around 3:00 a.m. Johnny awoke to the reality of his mother's letter. He arose out of the beanbag and slowly walked to the bathroom.

"Oh crap," Johnny mumbled to himself.

He walked across the room and picked up the letter. He slowly perched himself at the table in front of his sandwich.

"Damn," he mumbled as he picked up his sandwich and took a small bite.

"Tastes okay," he thought as he shrugged and took another bite.

As the sun rose, Johnny reflected about his father. He gazed out the window onto the street and saw Henry walking along with faithful black cat darting back and forth behind him. Henry was an elderly black man ever so insistent on keeping a routine of walking the sidewalks with his cat Bandit. The small playful cat seemed to be a loyal companion to Henry. Johnny smiled as he looked upon them.

Johnny walked over to the phone to call his mother. He nervously picked it up and dialed her number. A quiet voice was on the other end of the line.

"Mom, this is Johnny. I'm sorry to be calling so early but I got your letter," Johnny said.

"Johnny, oh thank God, that's okay!" his mother responded.

"How's Daddy?" Johnny asked.

"He's not doing very well, Johnny. I have a very lonely heart and I'm scared. Can you come home?" she asked.

Yeah Mom, of course," Johnny stated as he watched Henry disappear down the street.

"Mom, I just realized I was supposed to be down at the dock this morning at sunrise! I gotta go! I love you and I'll be there as soon as possible," Johnny said, starting to panic.

Johnny felt guilty for having to hang up so quickly but he knew the crew would be wondering where he was. He ran down to the dock where he saw Big Barry and Captain Larson tending to the Becky Ann.

It was a bright and cool late September morning. There was layer of mist hanging above the still water of the Apalachicola River. A white egret flew and spread its wings gently as it landed near the Becky Ann. Johnny bent over to catch his breath.

"Well look who decided to show up!" Big Barry belted out.

Johnny looked at big Barry and waved him off with one hand. He walked over to Captain Larson and spoke still out of breath.

"Captain, I'm sorry I wasn't timely this morning. I received some bad news about my father last night. I was speaking with my mother when I realized I was late," Johnny explained.

The Captain turned and gave Johnny his full attention.

"My father is in the hospital down in Wauchula. My mother says he's dying of cancer. I gotta get home," he stated.

Captain Larson put his weathered hand on Johnny's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, son. You go on where you are needed," the Captain replied.

Johnny looked into the Captain's grey eyes and thanked him.

"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir! I'll be back as soon as possible!" Johnny yelled as he walked away hurriedly.
Chapter Nine

Dixie Doolittle pulled into Apalachicola only two days after Johnny left to see his father. She checked into the River Overlook Inn, which is precariously perched over the edge of the Apalachicola River with a gorgeous view—it's a rustic yet romantic place. Her goal was simple, although spontaneous and slightly haphazard. She missed Johnny's presence in her life and wanted to see him. Dixie was unaware of Johnny's quick departure regarding his father as she set out to surprise him. It wasn't hard for her to find the Becky Ann. The Becky Ann was secured tight at the town dock among several other weathered local shrimp trawlers. Her name was proudly displayed on the bow and pointing towards the bay as if eagerly awaiting her next fishing expedition. Dixie approached the vessel as she saw the old Captain tending to some netting on the stern of the boat. The sun was shining brilliantly, and glistening off of the water on a warm afternoon.

"Excuse me, are you Captain Larson?" she asked.

The Captain turned, squinting his old eyes in her direction.

"I am," he replied.

"Hello, sir! My name is Dixie. I'm a friend of Johnny Hale. He told me about you and has said he works on this boat. Do you know where I can find him?"

"Ahhh, so you're the lovely Dixie he talks so much about," Captain Larson said with a smile.

Dixie smiled back at the Captain.

"Johnny had to go see his ailing father in Wauchula. Was he expecting you?" the Captain asked.

"Oh, no sir; I thought I'd surprise him. I didn't know about his father. I just got in from Memphis. Is his father okay?" Dixie asked.

"I'm not sure, my dear," the Captain replied.

"Thank you Captain Larson. I'm going to go call him," Dixie said hurriedly.

"You come back and let me know how he's doing, you hear! My dear, if you need anything, you let me know!" the Captain ordered as Dixie left the dock.

"Yes sir, thank you!" she replied back.

"Dixie! Wait!" the Captain yelled.

"Yes, sir?" she asked as she turned back.

"Go across the street and one block up on the right to the Oasis bar. Ask for Ruth! Tell her who you are and she'll let you use the phone and perhaps even give you a drink!" the Captain stated.

Dixie waved to acknowledge his order and walked to the Oasis Lounge. A classic seafaring fisherman's joint with a past as colorful as the people that frequent it. On this afternoon there were a few locals at the bar and retired couple that looked entirely out of place sitting at a table pondering over a map of Florida as if they were lost.

Dixie went inside and approached the large wooded bar.

"Hi, is Ruth here?" she asked with a smile.

"I'm Ruth sweetie, what can I do for you?" she asked in her distinct English accent.

"My name is Dixie Doolittle. I am a friend of Johnny Hale's and I just spoke with Captain Larson on the Becky Ann, who told to come here to ask if I could use your phone," Dixie explained.

"Of course sweetie, come to the back office. It's quiet back here and you can have some privacy," Ruth replied kindly in her stately accent.

"Johnny has mentioned you. He appears to have a fondness for you," Ruth stated with a kind smile.

She showed her the phone and made her way back to the bar. Dixie quickly dialed Johnny's phone number in Wauchula which she had kept in her address book.

A male voice answered and she recognized it as Johnny.

"Hi! Johnny? This is Dixie!" she stated on the phone with a nervous smile.

"Hi Dixie, well this is a surprise!" Johnny stated excitedly.

"Oh Johnny, I'm so glad to talk to you! This isn't half the surprise I wanted it to be! I'm in Apalachicola!" she stated.

"What?" Johnny replied.

"First let me say that I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. Is he okay?" Dixie asked.

"My Dad's not doing well Dixie. I'm not sure how long I'll be here. You said you're in Apalachicola?" Johnny asked.

"Yes! I wanted to surprise you! I'm calling from the Oasis," Dixie said with a grin.

"Well it sounds like you're in capable hands and I'm very sorry I'm not there. Do you have a place to stay?" Johnny asked.

"I'm staying in a small hotel just near here," Dixie said.

Johnny replied, "I've got an extra key to my apartment on the Becky Ann. Go see Captain Larson and get it from him. I'll call him and my landlord Mr. Holcomb and you can stay at my place," Johnny explained.

"Dixie, it is so good to hear from you! I was just thinking of you and was going to call you soon. Please stay until I get back. I look forward to seeing you!" Johnny stated.

The conversation was short but important. Dixie agreed to stay at Johnny's until his return. Johnny didn't think it would be much longer. He was very glad to hear from Dixie. It was a welcome voice in an unwelcome situation.

Johnny hung up the phone and smiled. He looked over at his mother as she was gathering a few items of clothing to take with her to the hospital. Johnny grabbed his truck keys off the table and quickly walked toward the door of his folk's trailer.

"I'm going out for some fresh air Momma, I'll be back in a while," Johnny told her.

His mother turned and watched him leave.

"He's grown so independent," she mumbled to herself.

Johnny became homesick as he drove through Wauchula. A year had passed since Johnny's departure from this town, yet he didn't feel a connection to it anymore. Johnny didn't feel the sense of home he once had. He noticed new businesses replaced old ones. He drove by the town park he once played in as a child near his elementary school. A flood of memories came back. He wasn't sure if he was happy or sad.

Johnny pulled into a familiar convenience store and purchased a soda and a small snack. He drove and parked across the street from Hobb's Grill. It looks the same. He reminisces about his work there. He remembers the incident with the rude patron when he defended his mother. Johnny started his truck and shook his head.

"I gotta get out of here," he stated to himself.

On the ride back to his folk's trailer Johnny thought about his Dad. Their relationship over the years had become strained. It wasn't always that way. Johnny can remember days as a young boy when his father would take him to the Big "O," or Lake Okeechobee as most refer to it. They would camp on the shores for days hoping to catch the elusive Big "O" largemouth bass. His father loved the outdoors. He would often tell his family that when he passed he wanted his ashes to be spread over Lake Okeechobee. His mother found it revolting. However, Johnny conceded his mother just could not bear the thought of the man she loved dying one day.

For one reason or another, Johnny's father became unhappy with his life. Perhaps it was a lack of accomplishment; perhaps it was an aging midlife crisis. Whatever the reason, his family bore the brunt of an unhappy man. The fishing trips ended, smiles seem to turn into anger, and a once bonded family was fragmented with pain.

That didn't matter anymore. Johnny's father was dying and he wanted to remember him the way he once was. Perhaps circumstances were not all his father's fault. It was time to put fault aside and see him as a man dying—a man with needs, wants, and wishes like any other.

Johnny sat a small table watching his mother wash dishes.

"You know, Momma, I love Daddy," Johnny blurted out.

"Oh I know you do Johnny, and he loves you too. There's nothing to feel guilty about. Your father and I have had this conversation many times before," his mother replied.

"What happened Momma? Why'd he turn on us?" Johnny asked.

"I don't know, Johnny. Just some things happen. He was a very loving man at one time. Go to him Johnny and ask him. Talk to him without placing any blame," Johnny's mother instructed.

Johnny looked up at his mother with a smile.

"Momma, you're good person. I love you," he said.

As Johnny slowly walked down the long hallway of the hospital he became very nervous. A young nurse stopped him and asked if he needed any assistance. Johnny assured her that he would be alright and continued his way. A sign at the end of the hall pointed towards the Tyler Norcross Memorial Cancer Treatment Center.

"Jesus," Johnny thought to himself. "How could a man who loved the outdoors so much die in a place like this?"

Johnny slowly and quietly pushed through the door and saw a nurse's station.

"Hi, I'm here to see Chester Hale. I'm Johnny Hale, he's my father," Johnny said nervously.

"Yes sir, room 214 down on the right," the nurse replied.

Johnny approached room 214 and stared at the door. The antiseptic smell of the hospital and the sounds of ventilating machines were unnerving to Johnny. He slowly opened the door. Johnny's father was pale and thin as he lie in the bed. Johnny looked upon him as he made his presence known.

"Hi, son," his father says in a weak voice unrecognizable to Johnny.

His father's eyes were barely visible.

A clean white sheet covered his father's thin legs. Johnny looked upon the blue plastic band around his father's wrist. Johnny felt very uncomfortable and didn't know what to say. His father just looked upon him.

"I'm sorry, Dad," Johnny said without thinking.

"There's nothing to be sorry about son. These things happen," his father replied. "I know I don't have much longer to live, Johnny. I want you to take care of your mother," Johnny's father said.

"Of course, Dad," Johnny replied.

"Now I'm glad you came to see me but I don't want to be seen like this. Just know that I love you and leave," his father quietly demanded.

Johnny felt his eyes fill with tears. He looked upon this thin, pale, shadow of a man that used to be a strong and wonderful father at times in his life. Johnny's voice cracked and a tear streamed down his face.

"I love you, Dad," Johnny said quietly.

With that Johnny gently touched his father's rough and calloused hand one last time. He then let go and left the room not looking back.

That was the last time Johnny ever saw his father. As if God himself set the mood, the sky turned cloudy and dark. Johnny ran to his truck through a dreary rain outside the hospital.

The following night Chester William Hale, aged fifty eight years, died of lung cancer. The body was cremated and the remains given to his wife.

A few days later Johnny found himself in his father's small boat travelling slowly up a small canal on Lake Okeechobee. Like he had promised his father many years earlier he was there to commit his father's last act. The small boat plowed through the water as Johnny gazed upon the lily pads passing by. He approached what he assumed was their old camping site that was now grown over with tall weeds and scrub brush. Johnny took the small box that held the remains of his father and tossed them to the Okeechobee breeze. The ashes spread out over the dark clear water as tears streamed down Johnny's face.

"There you go Dad. I forgive you," were Johnny's final words to his dad.

There was nothing else for Johnny to do in Wauchula. He was sad and hated to leave his mother yet eager to get back to Apalachicola to see Dixie. A few days later Johnny hugged his mother goodbye under a darken sky. He promised he would see her again soon.

Somewhere along a stretch of Highway 27 heading north, Johnny found himself staring out toward the long white lines that divide the highway. He thought about all that had transpired during the last week and what was to come. He smiled when he thought of Dixie and how happy his mother was for him. He was saddened by the thought of his last visit with his dad. He began to think about his future and how much he enjoyed the camaraderie of his shrimping companions and being on the open water. He laughed to himself when he thought of Big Barry and his definition of seasickness being shrimp boat fever; and then something crossed his mind that Captain Larson had told him, "The days are like tides my son, they come and go. Don't look to yesterday's tides, there is always tomorrow."

Johnny smiled again, pondered Captain Larson's words, and drove on.
Chapter Ten

As Johnny drove across the Apalachicola Bay Bridge the sun was just starting to set. The vivid colors of fall shined upon the small town and brightened Johnny's heart. He felt like he had found a home. The size of the small town was not an issue with Johnny. Apalachicola just seemed to have a charm about it that appealed to him. It truly did seem to have a forgotten feel to it—that is, to everybody except the people that live there. And that's just the way they like it. It's an independent small town that has survived pirates, storms, and bad economy, but it still survives. And that's what Johnny felt he has in common with this town—surviving.

"Dixie!" Johnny exclaimed as he walked in his small apartment with a big smile.

His arms were outstretched to give Dixie a hug as they hurried toward each other.

"Johnny!" Dixie yelled back with a big smile like only she had.

The two embraced like long lost lovers only with a light peck for a kiss.

"Hi!" Dixie said looking into his eyes, still embracing.

"Hi back!" Johnny replied.

"I'm sorry about your Dad, Johnny," Dixie said in an attempt to console Johnny.

"Thanks, it was a little tough, but I'm back. And you're here! I'm so glad to see you!" Johnny replied with a smile.

"I need a beer!" Johnny said.

"Now that I can handle!" Dixie said as she spun toward the refrigerator.

"Actually Captain Larson ordered me to have you come down to the Oasis tonight for a little get together. Never mind that the man is also ordering you to be at the docks at 6:00 a.m. for a shrimping run," Dixie said.

"The Captain does know how to give orders doesn't he?" Johnny replied with a chuckle.

"I was hoping to have some time with you for myself young man," Dixie stated with a smile and a wink.

Johnny smiled and took a sip of beer.

"I'm glad you're here Dixie," he said. "Damn, 6:00 a.m.?" Johnny asked as he shook his head.

"Don't shoot the messenger," Dixie stated.

Johnny gazed outside momentarily.

"Hey! There goes Henry Thomas!" Johnny shouted.

"Who?" Dixie asked, looking out the window at the small black man walking slowly down the sidewalk being followed ever so humorously by a small black cat.

"Henry Thomas! He's an old local. He's a nice man with interesting story. Some say he's a voodoo priest. His cat Bandit just follows him wherever he goes," Johnny replied.

"This is an interesting town, Johnny," Dixie said.

"I feel welcome here, Dixie. It's a great town. It's small, but quirky enough that I find it fascinating and fun. And the people. Oh, the people are something else Dixie," Johnny stated.

"I think I'm finding that out. Now give me a kiss and let's head to the Oasis to see your crew," Dixie stated.

The Oasis Lounge is like communication central for information for anything you want to know about anybody—good or bad—can be found at the Oasis.

The evening was progressing by the time Johnny and Dixie arrived. The smoke was becoming thick. Captain Larson found his way in as did other regulars. The Captain tipped back his small shot glass of bourbon and chased it with a beer.

"Ruthy!" Captain Larson barked.

"Come here, baby, I need another!" the Captain ordered.

Captain Larson was a sight to behold when he got drunk. This night was no exception. Big Barry watched from the pool table and tried to match his drinks one for one with the Captain.

"Jesus Cap'n! Your bang'n 'em back quick tonight, eh?" Barry blurted out from across the room.

Captain Larson stood up and held out his small shot glass to make a toast.

"This night is a good night!" the Captain shouted.

"It's a God damn great night!" he repeated.

"Let me say something! On this night thirty eight years ago, my baby daughter was born! To Becky Ann Larson! May God rest her soul and may her mother rot in hell!" the Captain toasted with a smile as he tipped back his shot glass.

Cheers came throughout the bar as a host of patrons returned the toast.

Johnny smiled at Dixie as he held her with one arm around her shoulder and a beer in the other hand.

"Quite a place you got here Johnny!" Dixie said as a smile spread across her face.

"Let's join the Captain and my crew," Johnny replied as they made their way to the small table.

"Captain and Big Barry, I know you already met this lovely lady but I want to formally introduce you to Dixie Doolittle," Johnny stated as he introduced Dixie.

"And a fine lady she is!" the Captain replied.

Dixie sat down at the table as Johnny left to order more drinks from Ruth.

"It's nice to meet both of ya'll," Dixie stated with a smile.

The Captain just grinned and looked up at Dixie.

"Darlin' it's always nice to see a fresh face around here. You are a cheerful and delightful sight!" the Captain replied.

Johnny returned with a handful of fresh drinks and sat them on the table.

"Well, bless your heart boy! You're going to make a great crewman after all!" the Captain stated.

"So Captain Larson, I don't mean to pry but I was listening to your toast, and I'm curious," Dixie began.

"Oh! My Dear, that's a lot of drama from another life!" Captain stated as he took a sip of his bourbon.

He was slow to think about what he was about to say.

"My daughter drowned when she was seven years old," the Captain said as he looked at his drink with his old grey eyes.

"I was on a shrimp run at the time off of the Texas coast. My wife took Becky Ann to the beach for fun that day but insisted on drinking the day away instead of watching my daughter. The result was not good. She lost sight of Becky Ann and she was swept away by a large wave. They found her fragile little body a few hours later and I never forgave that woman. My marriage didn't survive it and I've been independent and haunted by my daughter's death ever since," Captain Larson said with sorrow.

The mood changed at the table as Dixie grabbed the Captains old weathered hands.

"Captain, I am so sorry. I didn't realize..." Dixie started to say.

"Down the hatch Captain! To Becky Ann!" Suddenly Big Barry yelled out interrupting Dixie.

"I her ya, Barry! Down the hatch!" the Captain yelled back as he threw back his bourbon.

"Well! Look what the hell the cat drug in!" Big Barry yelled as he pointed toward the doorway which was now left open to ventilate the room from the heavy fog of smoke.

Slowly making his way towards the Captain's table was their old crewmate Ray Thomas.

"Ray, my old friend and pain in my ass, have a seat!" Captain Larson ordered.

Introductions were made once again and the gang proceeded to enjoy the evening.

"This son of a bitch saved my life a few times!" Ray Thomas said of the Captain.

A smile came across the Captain's face.

"You're damn right I did, and you would think that would be worth a drink or two!" the Captain said with a slight chuckle.

Captain Larson looked at Johnny. "I'm sorry to hear about your father son/"

"Thanks Captain, that's nice of you to say. You know in some ways you remind me a little of him," Johnny replied.

Captain Larson just smiled.

"Sit down kids, I want to tell you a story! Ruthy! Bring these kids another drink...and another one for me too! This sorry son of a bitch Ray ain't gonna buy me nothin'!" Captain Larson stated.

Ruth looked up and smiled at Johnny as she poured. Captain Larson began his story.

"My boat over there is the beautiful Becky Ann. There was once an even more beautiful Becky Ann. She was my daughter. Born this night thirty-eight years ago!" the Captain shouted.

Captain Larson spoke until his words slurred so much he could no longer get out a coherent sentence. Ruth walked up and put her hand on the Captain's shoulder.

"Captain, I think it's time you called it a night," Ruth stated.

The Captain slowly looked up and patted her hand on his shoulder.

"I respect your opinion my queen, take me home!" the Captain responded.

Big Barry walked over as if on cue and helped Captain Larson to his feet.

"Let's go Captain, tomorrow's another day," Barry stated.

"And a new tide and a good day for shrimping!" the Captain replied as they left the bar.

Johnny shook his head and smiled at Dixie. The two remained seated at the small table and held each other's hands. Johnny lifted his beer glass to Dixie's and made a toast.

"Here's to us, Dixie, whatever life brings," Johnny toasted.

Dixie smiled at Johnny.

"Whatever life brings," she replied.

"It's getting late, but let's take a walk along the dock," Johnny suggested.

As the pair strolled slowly down the road toward the river, the stars twinkled brightly in the clear night sky.

"It's a beautiful night," Dixie said, smiling at Johnny.

"I don't remember nights like this in Tennessee," Dixie said.

"It's a beautiful night, thanks to you Dixie," Johnny responded.

"Um, I don't mean to change the mood but have you heard from Debbie, Johnny?" Dixie sheepishly asked.

"She called about my Daddy when I was in Wauchula. She's says she's doing fine. She met a guy I think she's planning to marry. I think she was seeing him when I was up there. Hell, I don't know Dixie. I think our time was over. It was hard at first, but I'm over it. I'll tell ya, I'm glad to be back in Florida and I'm glad you came down," Johnny stated.

"I'm heading out tomorrow on a shrimp run. I want you to stay in town," Johnny requested.

"I'm planning on it, big boy," Dixie said with a smile.

The two stood silently gazing at the stars.

Chapter Eleven

It was a crisp fall morning. The Becky Ann was making good time out of Apalachicola as she pushed herself through the murky green waters of the bay. Captain Larson headed south directly towards Bob Sikes cut and out to open Gulf waters. The weather was clear with no significant changes in the day's forecast. The crew was in good spirits and happy to be working on the water once again.

"Nets down!" Captain Larson ordered, as Johnny and Big Barry danced the deck of the Becky Ann.

"We're gonna make a loop to the east and catch us a load of shrimp!" Captain Larson instructed.

"Aye, Aye Cap'n!" Big Barry barked.

The salty air blew strong from the north hinting at things to come during the winter shrimping season on the Gulf. Johnny pulled on his gloves and took his position on the Becky Ann's starboard side to haul the net in. Big Barry took his place port side. Captain Larson orchestrated the boat as the nets drew in the catch.

"Nets are heavy, Captain!" Big Barry yelled, indicating a good catch.

"Oh yeah! Looking good!" Johnny exclaimed as the load came in.

"Nets are heavy and tight Cap'n! The way I like it!" Big Barry continued, "We got's us a good load, Cap'n!"

The Captain kept the Becky Ann on a steady troll. A smile came over his face.

"Thank you Becky Ann. Thank you, my dear," Captain Larson whispered to himself.

After three days at sea and a boatload of shrimp, the Becky Ann returned to homeport. The routine of cleaning up, unloading the catch, and the taking part in the revelry at the Oasis repeated itself. Johnny was becoming a seaworthy shrimping mate. He was feeling comfortable on the Becky Ann and his shrimp boat fever episodes had diminished. He was no longer a green horn.

The seasons changed and Johnny was learning the patterns of a shrimper's life. Captain Larson took Johnny under his wing and began to show him the finer aspects of being a shrimp boat captain. Johnny loved the life he was building for himself. He realized long ago that he was not cut out to be a fancy stockbroker on Wall Street. He enjoyed the simpler things in life and had the good sense to appreciate such things. The status and wealth of someone didn't impress Johnny. Instead, he appreciated a person's intrinsic nature. Johnny recognized others based what they said, rather than how they said it. Others saw this integrity in Johnny and he became respected by many in the small town.

Winter turned to spring and spring turned to summer on the bay. The anticipation of the storm season brought new concerns to the crew of the Becky Ann. Johnny and Dixie were happily in love and creating memories together like only new love can. Dixie had become acquainted with Apalachicola, coming to see it as her new home. She worked at the local market for a short time until Ruth offered her a bartending and waitress position at the Oasis. Dixie felt as though she was among friends.

Dixie gazed out the window of the house she rented with Johnny to observe the incoming storm clouds. She often worried about Johnny so far out in the Gulf when she saw the sky turn dark. She waved at Henry Thomas as he walked down the sidewalk with his black cat Bandit following loyally, now a daily routine. Henry waved back and smiled. Suddenly the phone rang, startling Dixie.

"Hello?" Dixie answered.

"Hi, is this Dixie?" a voice on the other end of the phone asked.

"Yes," Dixie answered.

"Hey Dixie! This is Liz Blackwell from Savannah. How are you? Is this a bad time?" Liz Blackwell asked.

"Oh my gosh! Liz! How are you?" Dixie asked excitedly.

"Well, I'm okay. I'm in town and thought I would look you up!" Liz stated.

"Well that's wonderful! I am so glad you did!" Dixie said.

Liz Blackwell was an old friend that Dixie came to know during her brief time in Savannah, Georgia. She gained Liz's friendship during heartbreak while they worked at a local bar and grill. Dixie thought of Liz as a good-hearted person from a good family. They were a struggling fishing family—not uncommon among fishing families from Savannah—that lived among the marshes near Savannah. Liz had a talent for art and drawing that Dixie had always admired, and hung a small charcoal drawing of a fishing boat in their bedroom in Apalachicola. It reminded Dixie of the close friendship they once shared.

"You look great Dixie," Liz stated.

"Thank you Liz, what's going on with you?" Dixie asked.

"Well, where do I begin?" Liz asked.

Dixie took Liz's hands as they sat and enjoyed each other's company.

"My Daddy has passed away Dixie, just recently. It was very hard on all of us," Liz said.

Dixie frowned as she gave out a heavy sigh. Rain began to hit the metal roof as the sky turned even darker.

"Daddy always wanted me to take over the business, but I feel crabbing ain't for me, Dixie. I had to get away for awhile. So here I am. I am so sorry that I did not call before," Liz said with sorrow.

"Liz I'm so grateful you came, and I am so sorry to hear about your Daddy. We can catch up. And, of course, you are welcome to stay here as long as you like," Dixie said with sorrow.

"Dixie I am so tired! Is there someplace I can lay down and take a nap? I apologize but I have been through a lot lately and had quite a long drive," Liz said.

"No apologizes necessary, Liz! You come with me," Dixie gushed in a welcoming tone.

Dixie gave Liz another hug, smiled at her, and led her to a small room for her to lie down. Liz thanked her graciously for her hospitality. She quickly found the bed and was off to sleep in no time.

Despite Dixie's gracious nature, she missed Johnny desperately and felt uneasy about the sudden and unexpected visit from Liz Blackwell. Dixie slowly eased the bedroom door open to check on Liz. She still lay silently sleeping under the stir of the ceiling fan. Dixie moved to the front porch to take advantage of a summer breeze blowing from the Gulf.

Captain Larson ordered Johnny into the wheelhouse.

"Johnny, go below and see if there are any abnormalities with engine. I feel a slight vibration and it appears to be over heating slightly," the Captain ordered.

"Yes, sir," Johnny responded and quickly went below to the quarterdeck and lifted a hatch cover to the engine.

"Captain, it's hot! I feel the vibration pretty strong!" Johnny yelled through the sound of the diesel engine.

Johnny made his way back to the wheelhouse.

"Captain I think we have something caught in the prop," Johnny stated.

Barry quickly stuck his head into the cabin after overhearing Johnny.

"I can get it, Cap'n! Let me fix her!" Barry said.

The Captain turned to Barry.

"Not this time Big Barry. It's time for Johnny to earn his keep," the Captain said.

"Get the mask, son. I'm sending you over," the Captain stated.

Johnny smiled at the opportunity and quickly went to the bunk to change.

The Becky Ann fell silent on the water as the diesel engines came to a stop. Johnny quickly slipped into his swim trunks for an overboard exploration of the boat's propeller.

"Here's your fins, Mr. Cousteau!" Big Barry stated, handing Johnny his swim fins.

"Thank you, Barry," Johnny replied.

Captain Larson lowered a ladder into the clear green waters of the Gulf.

"Well, lookey there!" Big Barry blurted out.

"You got a swimmin' bud!" Big Barry stated, pointing to the waters below.

Johnny came portside to see what Barry was talking about.

"It's just a small one!" Captain Larson yelled.

"A small one? That's a shark, Captain!" Johnny yelled back.

"They follow all shrimp boats, son! Now get in and check the damn prop!" the Captain ordered.

"It's alright Johnny, he won't bother you!" Barry stated with a grin.

Johnny watched the small shark circle the stern area before slowly retreating.

"Are ya goin' to get in or do I have to order Barry to throw you in?" the Captain asked with a slight grin.

Johnny slowly made his way over the side, down the ladder, and into the clear water. He cleared the mask and pulled it over his face and looked up at Captain Larson before dipping his head to make his way under the large wooden vessel. He stayed down for a few minutes as the Captain and Big Barry watched from the deck. Johnny swam diligently against the current and popped back up a few yards away from the hull.

"Captain we've got two issues. One I think I can fix, the other will have to wait," Johnny stated as he treaded water.

"We've got what looks like a large crab trap line wrapped around the stern drive. I can cut that off with a knife. We've also got what looks like two years worth of barnacles on the bottom of this good lady," Johnny stated.

Captain Larson handed a large knife to Johnny.

"Fix the problem you can, son," the Captain said.

Johnny took a deep breath and quickly dove under the stern of the Becky Ann. He had to be careful not to get cut from the sharp barnacles that have accumulated on the bottom of the vessel. He grabbed a prop blade to support himself and cut the entangled rope with the knife while holding his breath as long as he could. He surfaced and dove one last time to loosen the line and free the prop to work properly.

"Done!" Johnny exclaimed as he surfaced a few feet from the stern.

"Get back aboard son," the Captain ordered.

"Good job, Johnny boy!" Big Barry yelled.

Johnny climbed aboard and took a seat to rest near the wheelhouse. The Captain started the diesel engine and put the Becky Ann in motion. Without a word the Captain looked at Johnny and gave him a nod and smile.

"Thanks Captain," Johnny stated as he made his to the cabin to put on dry clothes to get back to work. The Becky Ann was cutting through the water once again.

"Boys, that put us a little behind. With the wind picking up and the distance we need to cover, we're going to be getting in quite late tonight," the Captain stated.

It was near midnight by the time the Becky Ann was navigating through Bob Sikes Cut. The lights of Apalachicola shone bright in the distance straight across Apalachicola Bay.

"Johnny, did I ever tell you the story of the time I ran out of fuel in the middle of this Bay?" Captain Larson asked.

"No sir, I don't think I've heard that one," Johnny replied.

Big Barry grinned as he coiled a line on the port side of the boat.

"About fifteen years ago when this old girl was bright, shiny, and new, I thought I would push her to her limits," Captain Larson started the story.

"I was dumb enough to do it during the summer when I knew storms could pop up. This girl tested me that night as we ran out of fuel about midway through the crossing and a nasty lightening storm popped up and about did us in. We sat adrift for about fifteen minutes until we could get the anchor down. And we just hunkered down like schoolchildren in the wheel house. A lightning bolt hit the boom and I never saw nothin' like it! It about knocked us over and little sparks of light flew all over the boat like worms being fried. I decided that night that it was God's way of christening the Becky Ann. Scary night!" The Captain said.

As the Becky Ann made its way to the dock, the men took their respective positions and brought the boat to dock.

"It's too late for the Oasis, boys, I'm hittin' the sack," the Captain stated.

Johnny departed and made his way along Water Street with Barry.

"Barry, the lights are still on at the Oasis, looks like Dixie is still there cleaning up. I think I'll go surprise her. You take care and I'll see you tomorrow," Johnny said.

"Take care, Jacque Cousteau!" Barry quipped as he walked away.

Johnny walked up to the Oasis Lounge and attempted to open the door. The door was locked as it was late. Johnny peaked through the window and saw Dixie wiping a table in the dim light. Johnny slightly knocked on the window with no results. He then pounded a little harder until he caught Dixie's attention. She quickly threw down her cleaning rag and ran to the door. It's as if she could not get to Johnny quick enough. Johnny had a big smile on his face. As the door swung open Dixie embraced Johnny with smiles and laughter followed by a long kiss.

"I'm sorry I'm so late. We just got in," Johnny said to Dixie.

"Oh baby, come here," Dixie said as she kissed Johnny again and embraced him.

"Oh Johnny, there's someone I want you to meet, come on in," Dixie stated as she brought Johnny to meet Liz Blackwell.

"Liz, this is Johnny, Johnny Hale," Dixie said with a happy smile.

"Hi, nice to meet you Johnny, I've heard a lot about you," Liz said smiling.

Johnny took Liz's hand and gently kissed it with a smile.

"It's nice to meet you, Liz," Johnny said like a gentleman.

"You seem to be the gentleman that Dixie has described," Liz replied with a smile.

"You kids go on home. I'll take care of the rest," Ruth stated from the other side of the bar.

"Thank you, Ruth!" Dixie yelled back with a smile.

Johnny put his arm around Dixie as the two walked along the quiet street back to the boarding house. A calm summer breeze gently blew the palms and the stars shined bright in the night sky, making the evening a romantic cap to a long day for Johnny and Dixie.

The morning sun illuminated the small bedroom that Dixie and Johnny shared. A ceiling fan circulated the hot air as birds chirped the couple awake. Johnny rubbed his eyes and smiled at Dixie.

"So what's up with your friend, Liz? I don't remember you ever telling me about her?" Johnny asked in a hushed tone.

"She's someone I came to know when I lived in Savannah. We worked together at a small bar and grill together. I think she's kind of a mess, but she's a nice girl. She helped me get through a tough time. I feel bad for her Johnny. She said her Dad just died and that she just wanted to get away for awhile. It's kind of weird, but she's welcome here," Dixie said.

"Sure, any friend of yours is a friend of mine," Johnny replied.

"How long will she be here?" Johnny asked.

"Not sure," Dixie replied.

"We're both off today! Let's get up, put a little music on, and have a nice breakfast," Dixie said.

"That's sounds wonderful, Dixie. I do have to help unload and clean the boat this morning. I should be back by lunch," Johnny said.

The heat and humidity greeted Johnny as he made his way out the door. Dixie had sent Liz to the store for some eggs for breakfast, but was puzzled by the fact she had never returned. Dixie was consumed by her morning routine of cleaning. She enjoyed the summer Gulf breeze as it blew across the front porch of the house. A smile grew on her face when she saw Johnny returning from the Becky Ann and quickly greeted him with a hug.

"It was a good load, Dixie. Captain Larson seemed pleased. Barry said to say 'hi,'" Johnny stated.

Dixie had a look of concern on her face.

"What's wrong, Dixie?" Johnny asked.

"Liz never came back after I sent her to the store," Dixie replied.

"Are you sure she didn't have other plans?" Johnny asked.

"I don't think so Johnny, she was supposed to bring eggs back for breakfast!" Dixie replied.

"She seems a little wild Dixie. She's probably at the Blue Parrot on the beach," Johnny stated with a smile.

"Well, I just hope she's okay," Dixie replied.

"I'm sure she is. Dixie, come walk with me down to the river. I want to talk to you," Johnny stated.

Dixie looked at Johnny as he smiled. She agreed and the two began walking to the river front.

Johnny held Dixie's hand as the two passed by the beautiful Gibson Inn. Suddenly, Johnny stopped.

"Come on!" Johnny said.

"Let's sit in the rockers on the porch of the Inn! I've always wanted to stay here. It's such a beautiful place," Johnny exclaimed.

Johnny pulled Dixie close and took her hand.

"I've been meaning to talk to my mother about something," Johnny stated.

"There's something I want to tell her," he continued.

"What Johnny?" Dixie asked impatiently.

"Dixie, a friend told me quite a while ago that I needed to define what love is and to be able to accept the consequences if it fails," Johnny stated with a smile.

"I finally think I know what he meant by that," Johnny said.

Dixie gently swayed back and forth in her rocker and held Johnny's hand on the porch of the old Gibson Inn. She looked at him impatiently as Johnny looked into her eyes.

"Dixie, my definition of love is what we have. It's what we have built from our friendship. There will never be fault in our love if your feelings are true and come from your heart. With that said, I am asking you to marry me," Johnny said, trembling.

Dixie gasped and her eyes began to tear up. She couldn't speak but nodded in the appropriate and positive manner. She quickly wrapped her arms around Johnny's neck and hugged him in her excitement.

"Yes! Oh yes!" she exclaimed.

Johnny nervously laughed as he hugged her back.

"What? No ring?" Dixie asked smiling.

Johnny started to laugh.

"Not yet! No ring yet, but it's coming! I promise!" Johnny stated as the two laughed and walked back to the boarding house.

"I'm going to get you a beautiful ring! I promise, Dixie!" Johnny stated with a big smile.

"It's a wonderful day, Johnny!" Dixie said.

The two smiled as they entered the home.

"Liz still isn't back, Johnny," Dixie stated in a worried tone.

"There's a phone message Dixie. Can you check it out?" Johnny asked as he sat down.

Dixie pressed the button to receive the message.

"Hello, this is Deputy Cavanah at the Franklin County Jail. I have been asked by Ms. Elizabeth Blackwell to give you a call and inform you that she has been arrested and is being held in custody here on a charge of attempted murder. She asked that you come down and make contact with her. She is available to be visited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Thank you."

"What?" Dixie asked in shock.

"What was that?" Johnny asked as he rose from his chair in disbelief.

"Oh my God, Johnny!" Dixie exclaimed.

"What did she do?" Johnny asked.

"Johnny, I don't know! I swear! I don't know what this is about," Dixie replied.

Johnny stood looking at Dixie and thought for a moment.

Suddenly the phone rang. Dixie was quick to pick it up.

"Hello?" Dixie asked.

"Hi, is this Dixie?" the voice on the other end stated.

"Yes," Dixie replied.

"Dixie this is Wright Blackwell. I am Liz's brother. I understand she was staying with you. I'm sorry to bother you, but are you aware that my sister has been arrested?" Wright Blackwell asked.

"Yes, Wright, thank you for calling. We just found out and I am very confused," Dixie stated.

"I'm not sure how much you know about what's going on, but I am an attorney and I want to help her in any way I can," Wright said.

"Of course, Mr. Blackwell! She stated your father had died and she needed to get away. She has been staying here," Dixie responded.

"Did she state anything else?" Wright asked.

"No, nothing," Dixie replied.

"Okay, my mother is extremely upset and would like to talk to you. I am on my way to Apalachicola to get her out of there, or if possible, to try to get her transferred to the county jail here in Georgia," Wright explained.

"What is going on?" Dixie asked.

Suddenly there was a change in the phone as Dixie's mother came on.

"Hello my dear, this is Mrs. Blackwell. I am Elizabeth's momma. Are you there?" Mrs. Blackwell asked.

"Yes ma'am, I'm here," Dixie replied.

"Is my daughter okay?" Mrs. Blackwell asked.

"Ma'am, I'm not sure. She was fine when I last saw her this morning. I'm getting ready to go see her at the jail," Dixie replied.

"Okay, please give her our love and take care of her. I miss her and need her," Mrs. Blackwell stated before beginning to sob uncontrollably.

The strange phone call ended suddenly. Dixie hugged Johnny as they both stood in silence wondering what the morning brought. Suddenly Johnny chuckled and turned to Dixie.

"Well, the day certainly has taken a turn!" Johnny said.

Dixie smiled at Johnny, albeit, he was perplexed, as she prepared for her visit to the county jail.

It was a short walk down a few sidewalks to the small county jail. When Dixie arrived she slowly walked in Disturbed by the men in blue wandering around the station, she walked in slowly once she arrived. She was greeted by a deputy in the small office located straight across the hall from the small cell where Liz was being held. Dixie grabbed a small chair and set it down close to the cell bars to talk to Liz.

"Dixie, I'm in a bit of trouble," Liz said unassumingly.

Dixie was consumed by the nature of her surroundings.

"What's going on, Liz?" Dixie finally asked.

"I wasn't totally honest with you, Dixie. I've had some trouble at home. I know who killed daddy. It was partly my fault, but I can't go into it now," Liz said.

"Dixie they say the charge is attempted murder!" Dixie stated with a confused look.

"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it Dixie. I need a lawyer, and I want to talk to my Momma," Liz said with a tear in her eye.

"Liz, I've talked to your Momma. She's so upset," Dixie said.

"I've also talked to your brother Wright, Liz. He's on his way. Your Momma is so upset Liz, and she can't talk to you right now. But Wright is a lawyer and maybe he can help," Dixie said.

"He's not a criminal lawyer, Dixie," Liz quipped in response.

"He will only be ashamed of me. He always has been," Liz said.

"He wants to help Liz! We all want to help!" Dixie responded.

Suddenly the deputy stood up from his desk and strolled over to the girls.

"Ms. Blackwell, looks like you'll be leaving us in the morning," he stated.

"I just got off the phone with Investigator Dawson of the Chatham County sheriff's office. They are sending transport for you from Brunswick to be formally arraigned on your charge and to continue the investigation," the deputy said.

Dixie and Liz just looked at each other.

"I'll call Wright and tell him to meet you in Brunswick," Dixie stated.

"I'm hungry. I never had breakfast," Liz said.

Dixie looked at the Deputy.

"If it's allowed, may I go get her something to eat?" she asked.

"Of course," he said.

"I'll be right back, Liz," Dixie stated as she hurriedly made her way out of the small building.
Chapter Twelve

Dixie was welcomed back home to Johnny's arms. They hugged each other with passion.

"Johnny, it's horrible!" Dixie stated. "I really don't know what to do!"

"You don't have to do anything, Dixie! She's got herself into something and she's going to have to get herself out. I'm very sorry for your friend, Dixie," Johnny stated.

"Let's get out of here. Let's take a drive over to the island and have lunch at the Parrot," Johnny suggested with a smile to change the mood.

"I'm supposed to take her something to eat. She said she was hungry," Dixie stated.

"You're supposed to take her something? Like we are responsible to feed the inmates at the jail? I don't think so Dixie! She's in the custody of the county now. Let them feed her. I don't mean to be cold Dixie, but somethings really wrong here." Johnny stated as he made his point.

Dixie fell into Johnny's arms once again, looked up at him and smiled.

"I love you Johnny Hale," she said.

The couple drove over the arching bridge that leaves Apalachicola. The sun glistened over the pavement and glimmered off of the water as if Dixie and Johnny were on a postcard. They gazed beyond to see the small cement building that houses the jail.

"That is so strange Johnny," Dixie stated.

Johnny turned to Dixie and smiled at her.

"It's strange, but strange things happen to strange people. She came off a little strange to me, darling," Johnny said.

"I wish her well. I hope she'll be okay," Dixie stated in a caring manner.

"We did have a few good times together! She came across as a hard worker at the Oasis," Dixie said with a smile.

"I hope she'll be fine as well Dixie," Johnny stated as he took Dixie's hand in her lap and smiled at her.

"Keep your eyes on the road, boy or you'll be arrested yourself!" Dixie said with a smile.

The couple enjoyed some needed time together at the beach. Dixie reflected on Liz with a sad and perplexed feeling. She then took Johnny's hand lead him back to the truck and home.

The phone rang and startled Gina Hale from a daze as she watched television in her small trailer. She took a deep draw of her cigarette and set it down in the ashtray slowly.

"I'm coming as fast as I can!" she said to the phone as it continued its obnoxious ring.

"Hello?" Gina answered.

"Momma, it's Johnny," Johnny said.

Gina smiled, "Well hey Johnny! How are you?" she asked in surprise.

"I'm doing real good Momma. I don't have much time, but I just wanted you to know that Dixie and I have become engaged. We're real happy Momma," Johnny said.

There was a slight pause as Johnny's mother hesitated with the good news.

"Oh Johnny! That's wonderful!" she stated with delight.

"Oh Johnny! I just knew today was going to be a good day! I'm so happy for you!" Johnny's mother repeated, revealing her excitement.

"Thank you, Momma," Johnny replied.

"Have you set a date? I can't wait!" Gina asked.

"Not yet, but probably when the weather turns cooler. I just wanted you to be the first to know, Momma," Johnny said.

"I am so happy for you Johnny! I am so excited!" Gina stated.

"What can I do to help?" she asked.

"Nothing at this point Momma. We really have not thought about the details, but I will let you know," Johnny said.

"Johnny, I have some ideas," Johnny's mother stated.

"Momma, I really just wanted you to be the first to know. I have to go Momma. I have to see a guy about some nets," Johnny said.

"Goodbye dear!" Johnny's mother said.

Johnny chuckled to himself as he hung up the phone.

"Whew! That can be painful sometimes!" he said with a sly smile.

Johnny looked at Dixie as he continued to smile regarding the conversation with his mother.

"I swear she needs a man, Dixie! She's getting lonely and senile!" Johnny said.

Dixie smiled but knew better than to say anything.

Johnny and Dixie spread the news regarding their engagement and did so as two proud love birds. It seems somehow the word was out even before the announcement—something not uncommon for Apalachicola.

Captain Larson always told Johnny to watch out for the unexpected. For good or bad, the unexpected always seems to occur when you're least likely to see anything coming. Thus far in his young life Johnny had quite a few unexpected turns. He took Captain Larson's advice to heart.

The only person that didn't seem to be taking the news of the engagement well was Big Barry. The mention of the engagement to Big Barry brought out his emotional side.

"Damn man! You just blew a fart upwind onto yourself!" Barry said ever so tactfully in his distaste at the announcement.

"What the hell are you talking about Big Barry?" Johnny asked, surprised at Big Barry's reaction.

Big Barry grabbed Johnny by the elbow and pulled him aside.

"Come here man. I gotta talk to ya. Now take this in mind. I ain't never been real bright. My brothers got all the smarts in the family. It's not a very big family," Barry said and paused.

"Have I ever told you about my brother?" Barry asked.

Johnny look puzzled and concerned for Barry.

"Barry, what's your point?" Johnny asked.

"Okay, well okay, the point is, well uh...you know Johnny I've never been real good with women, ya see. Now don't get me wrong, I like to look at 'em, but I've never been real good at lovin' 'em. Wait! Wait! Let me rephrase that part! I ain't no gay boy, now! Ah no! Let's not go down that track! My Peter points north if you know what I mean! Don't go thinkin' nothin' like that about me! In fact I tend to brag every now and again, but some of them braggin's is just stories. You startin' to follow me?" Barry asked.

"Really, Big Barry?" Johnny asked in a sarcastic manner.

"Listen now! I had me a woman once! She was real perty too! Had a wiggle that would stop a freight train! Damn man, I ain't told nobody about this except my brother. She hurt me real bad Johnny," Barry said as he moved his right hand and pointed to his heart.

"I mean she hurt me deep in here Johnny," Barry said.

"I'm sorry Big Barry. I've felt that hurt too. Remember I told you about Debbie?" Johnny asked.

"Oh yea! You told me about her on the boat once," Big Barry replied.

"Well something happened one day that changed my life forever. The more I look back the more I realize that getting on with my life was the right choice. I think both Debbie and I had all the love that we were going to have. We had nothing else to give each other. We were just running on empty," Johnny said.

"Oh yea! Like the song, man!" Barry said with a smile.

Johnny chuckled, "Yea, like the song Big Barry. You are something else! You know maybe your Miss Wiggles was different but I think you have to move on, Barry," Johnny said.

"Nobody could replace Miss Wiggles man," Barry said as he shook his head and put his arm around Johnny.

"She hurt me bad brother. I've had a bad taste in my mouth about women ever since," Barry said.

"Big Barry, it's not over 'til it's over. I think you'll be alright," Johnny replied.

"I'm a woman lover Johnny! Don't get me wrong! I just don't want one around me!" Big Barry said.

The two started to part ways as Johnny looked over his shoulder at Barry.

"...and oh yea! I want you to tell me about your brother sometime," Johnny stated.

Big Barry just looked back and waved.

A chilly winter breeze blew down Water Street as Johnny walked down the small cracked sidewalk toward his rental house. Johnny enjoyed his walks through town. Not many of the folks that lived in Apalachicola had to drive. The town was quaint that way. Johnny gazed up at the large stately old homes that lined the street. These were once homes of cotton merchants and ship captains during the civil war. The age and elegance of the homes still brings haunting memories of a time gone long ago. Johnny put his hands in his jacket pockets and quickened his pace as a cool chill came over him.

"Lookin' forward to spring," Johnny whispered to himself as he walks on.

Dixie was busy in the boarding house getting ready for work and making sandwiches for a quick dinner as Johnny walked in.

"Hey, sweetheart! Want a sandwich?" Dixie asked.

"Hey, yeah, sure thing. I'm cold and hungry," Johnny stated as he gave Dixie a kiss on the cheek.

Dixie, I came up with an idea I want you to hear; come here and sit down Baby," Johnny said.

Dixie gave Johnny a suspicious smile as she sashayed herself over to the couch next to Johnny.

"What's up, my idea man?" she asked with a sly smile and tossed her light hair over her shoulder.

Johnny took her hand in his.

"What do you think if we blew off this whole wedding thing and just eloped? I mean right now! Let's go to Panama City Beach, find a notary public, get married, and shack up in a dingy hotel on the beach for a week!" Johnny said convincingly.

Dixie's eyes lit up as a smile came over her face from ear to ear.

"Oh I knew it! I knew it!" she exclaimed. "I just knew you would do this! I love it! What brought this on?" Dixie asked with a smile.

"Well I've just been thinking, and after talking to everybody I really think I want it to just be me and you. Hell, it would be just like us. Wild, independent, and spontaneous! This is about me and you. I want to keep it that way," Johnny said.

"Let's just go first thing in the morning and I'll call Captain Larson after we arrive at the beach. He'll spread the word at the Oasis," Johnny said.

"Oh Johnny, I'll have to tell them tonight while I'm at work. It's really short notice," Dixie said.

"Dixie, its winter time and slow. Nobody will miss you. My crew leaves for Cedar Key on Tuesday for a shrimpin' run. Ruth will be fine without you. Everybody will have to do without us this one time. There's something very special about a walk on the beach in the morning in December," Johnny expressed.

Dixie leaned over and gave Johnny a kiss. Johnny smiled at her.

"Johnny, I never want to be cold or lonely at night again. I know you won't ever let that happen to me. I love you Johnny Hale. I'll do whatever you ask, my love," Dixie expressed.

"I'll pack some things while you're at work tonight," Johnny said as he took her hand.

Dixie exhaled deeply and got up from the couch. She walked to the counter and grabbed a sandwich.

"Here's your sandwich my soon-to-be husband," She said to Johnny.

"Well thank you my soon-to be-wife," Johnny replied.

They kissed again.

That evening Johnny made it a point to call his mother.

"Momma, Dixie and I are getting married tomorrow in Panama City," Johnny said.

"What? Married? Tomorrow? But I didn't know! It's too short of notice!" his mother exclaimed.

"Momma, wait....," Johnny tried to interrupt.

"Johnny, I will have nothing of this! You stop these ludicrous plans right now! Johnny, are you drunk?" his mother continued.

"No Mom! Listen to me!" Johnny answered.

"I'm not trying to hurt you! We didn't tell anybody! I'm not even going to tell Captain Larson until we are over there," Johnny tried to explain.

"Momma we just want to do this on our own," Johnny said.

"This seems underhanded and too spur of the moment. It's not thought out at all, Johnny!" Gina Hale shouted. "I wanted a nice church wedding for you!" "Momma, that's not us! That's not what we want. That's why we are doing this. We want to avoid the entire circus," Johnny replied.

"Please be happy for us, Momma," Johnny said.

Johnny eventually calmed down his mother.

"Johnny of course I'm happy for you. Just disappointed I'm not with you," Gina stated.

"I know Momma. We will come visit soon, I promise," Johnny said.

Johnny noticed that since his father's death his mother has not been the same. She was drinking and smoking more and didn't seem to have the same spirit. She told Johnny that you never really appreciate someone until they are gone. Johnny repeated to his mother that he loved her and would visit soon. He hung up the phone and took a deep sigh and gazed out the window. Henry Elijah Thomas was walking his black cat down the sidewalk gazing back at Johnny through the window. Johnny put his hand up to wave as a friendly gesture. Henry stood still gazing at Johnny. Johnny walked out to check on Mr. Thomas.

"Hello Mr. Thomas, how are you tonight?" Johnny stated as he greeted Mr. Thomas.

The small cat peered from around an overgrown fence.

"I see heartbreak for us all," Henry Thomas stated in a low voice.

"Sir?" Johnny asked.

Henry Thomas looked at Johnny and smiled.

"You are a good man Johnny," Henry stated.

Johnny looked at Henry a little puzzled.

"I say this to you only because I am having conflicts in my mind. I feel a sense of sorrow for this town, yet, with you standing here near me I feel a sense of warmth and goodness," Henry Thomas stated.

"Mr. Thomas, it's a little chilly tonight. Are you okay?" Johnny said in reply.

Henry Thomas put his old hand on Johnny's shoulder.

"Johnny, you must be strong. If you are strong and resolved in your desire for success, you will do good things. These will be good things not only for yourself, but for those around you as well," Henry Thomas stated to Johnny with a slight smile.

Johnny didn't know how to respond or even what Henry Thomas was talking about. He smiled back at Mr. Thomas and let him go on his way.

"Come on Bandit," Henry Thomas ordered the small cat.

"Later Mr. Thomas," Johnny said.

Johnny walked back into his rental home a little perplexed by Henry Thomas's ramblings.
Chapter Thirteen

The Driftwood Inn is an unassuming small motel sitting on the white sand of Panama City Beach. Johnny and Dixie arrived unannounced on a breezy cool morning excited about their day and their future. During this time of year many of the motels are closed for the season as the continuous cold fronts coming from the north reach the panhandle of Florida with quite an unexpected punch. The Driftwood was a holdout trying to beat the odds as it stayed open in hopes to catch the migration of snowbirds heading to South Florida. The sky was grey and overcast as the young couple drove the pickup truck to the small motel office. Johnny and Dixie quickly checked in and made their way to the small room. A sliding glass door opened to the beach where Johnny walked over and stood gazing out to the rough Gulf waters.

"I like it here this time of year. No tourists, very few people, just us and that beautiful Gulf of Mexico," Johnny said as he stared out the door.

He quickly turned and looked at Dixie. She sat on the bed with her legs crossed as her long hair hung softly to one side. She stared at Johnny with her head tilted and had a quiet smile.

"Ready to get married?" Johnny asked.

"I'm ready, Mr. Hale," Dixie said seductively.

"All it takes is a quick trip to the courthouse," Johnny stated.

The actual ceremony was quick and painless. Johnny and Dixie had no hesitations. It consisted of a notary public, a Bible, and a courthouse clerk. Before they knew it Johnny Hale and Dixie Doolittle became Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Hale. As the joyous couple held hands they ran across the courthouse lawn. The smiles were contagious to all the passers by as the morning was getting late.

"Johnny we have to get back and call Captain Larson," Dixie stated.

Back at the Driftwood Inn the couple snuggled together on the small bed.

"Okay let me do the dirty deed and give the news to the crew and Captain Larson," Johnny stated as he leaned to reach for the phone.

Johnny's gut felt anxious as the phone rang to the Captain's residence.

"Hello?" The Captain answered.

"Captain Larson, this is Johnny," Johnny stated. He began to feel uncomfortable.

"Johnny? How are you son? Is everything okay?" Captain Larson asked.

"I am—Captain, I am fine," Johnny stated and then hesitated briefly.

"Me and Dixie are in Panama City Captain. We got married," Johnny told him.

There was an uncomfortable pause on the phone.

"Married? Did I hear you say you just got married, son?" the Captain asked.

"Yes, sir. We decided to elope. You're the first person to know besides my Momma. I need you to spread the word Captain, and I need you to relieve me for this upcoming run to Cedar Key. I'll be gone for a week. I hope you understand," Johnny blurted out nervously.

Laughter came from Captain Larson.

"Well son, congratulations. I suppose I'm happy for ya. Sounds like you took some initiative and made quite a decision. I wish you had given me a little more warning! I'll need to find another mate," Captain Larson replied.

"Captain, I know Ray Thomas was lookin' for some work. Try callin' him," Johnny replied.

"Ray Thomas is a pain in the ass, but I'll call him. Johnny, I'm happy for you, son. I'll miss you this run, but you have a good time and tell the little misses I said congratulations. She got a good man and you got a good lady. I'll have a drink on you both tonight at the Oasis and spread the word. We should be back from Cedar Key next Sunday. Be ready to help clean up the boat and move some shrimp," Captain Larson advised.

"Yes sir, Captain, and good luck to you and the Becky Ann!" Johnny stated with a smile.

Johnny took Dixie by the hand and led her to the door leading to the beach. He stepped out into the white cool sand gently guiding his new wife by the hand.

"Come on, Dixie. Let's take a walk in the sand. There's a little oyster bar down on the beach where we can grab some lunch," he said.

The weather was warming up but a fog hung still in the air over the water. Still arm in arm, Johnny and Dixie walked barefoot over the cool sand as it squeaked under their feet. They rolled up their pant legs and made their way along the shore.

Johnny gazed out over the water. The surf spray blew a cool fine mist over his body.

"I love you, Dixie. I think we did the right thing. I'm very happy. Look at the water Dixie. Isn't it beautiful? I love the Gulf," Johnny said.

Dixie lifted her head high and with a smile looked out over the water.

"You love it here don't you, Johnny?" she asked.

"I sure do, Dixie," he replied as pounding surf sprayed them with chilly water. "There's just something about it. It's different," Johnny followed.

Dixie began to laugh.

"Oh God, I remember when I told you about this area, Johnny. I even warned you that you may be bored," said Dixie.

Johnny laughed and stared out into the Gulf.

"Dixie there's nothing boring about that water," he replied.

"Johnny what do you think you'd be doing right now if you didn't discover Apalachicola and the Becky Ann?" Dixie asked.

"Oh hell, Dixie, I don't know. I couldn't have stayed in St. Louis working in that warehouse. I don't particularly enjoy working in diners or truck stops. I couldn't be an office worker cooped up all day. I suppose I could have been a rancher like my daddy. Not in Wauchula though—maybe out west in Oklahoma or Wyoming. Hell! I don't know Dixie! I just feel like I found my callin' I suppose. I'm very lucky! I could do other things, I just wouldn't be as happy. Right now I'm a hungry husband! Let's go eat some oysters!" Johnny stated.

"Okay beach boy, let's go eat some oysters!" Dixie quipped with a smile.

The newlyweds found themselves catching an early lunch at Tobey's Oyster Bar. It's a quaint little restaurant sitting beachside with a nice view. A T-shirt hanging above the cash register caught Johnny's eye. It read "Tobey's Oyster Bar, Suck 'um Salty!" Johnny smiled as he pictured Big Barry wearing the same shirt.

"I'm gonna surprise Big Barry with a new shirt. God knows he needs one," Johnny said. "Now he can burn that old one!" he said with a chuckle.

The couple filled their bellies and Johnny left Tobey's with a surprise gift for a friend.
Chapter Fourteen

Captain Larson was aboard the Becky Ann before daylight for the run to Cedar Key. The plan was to reach Cedar Key by the next day after a successful shrimp haul that night. The crew would then have a brief shore leave while Captain Larson spoke business with Clint Gallup, a local seafood dealer who also owned a chain of seafood houses on the forgotten coast. Clint Gallup also happened to have local knowledge of shipbuilding techniques that intrigued Captain Larson. The weather has aged Becky Ann. She needed a facelift and Captain Larson was trying to get an inside scoop on getting her refitted and overhauled for the next summer season.

Captain Larson managed to talk Ray Thomas out of his so called voluntary retirement to join the crew for this run. Ray sees himself as a handy man. He works when he wants to; mostly in between his time staying drunk; and others will tell you that he likes to work when he's not sober as well. He has taken on shrimp runs as a mate in the past, but only when he's asked. He's not particularly good at anything, but he's an extra hand when he's needed. Captain Larson just doesn't like slackers. He assured Ray that there would be no slacking on board the Becky Ann.

Captain Larson watched as Big Barry and Ray arrived with their gear in hand, ready to take on yet another shrimp run. The sun was just beginning to peak over the edge of the horizon as Big Barry went through his departure routine and the Becky Ann moved slowly from port. It was a calm cool morning with a slight breeze and a light fog. A young boy watched from atop the bay bridge as the Becky Ann slid underneath. The boy ran from one side to the other in an effort not to lose sight of the boat. A lone seagull cried out an eerie laugh as it hung in the breeze above the bridge. The small boy waved to the crew as he watched them slowly disappear into the fog.

Captain Larson was well aware of the weather patterns in the northern Gulf this time of year. He had grown up and been fishing these waters since he was a young boy. There were only a couple of storms that he can remember that came from nowhere to give him a scare, but Captain Larson was typically a safe Captain and knew his way. These so-called "no-name storms" were large and ferocious surprise storms that usually occurred in the spring as low-pressure systems that develop in the Gulf collide with fast-moving cool fronts coming from the north. Unlike the summer hurricane season, these storms are unnamed since they appear from nowhere. A strong front often accompanies such storms, so although they are often unpredictable, a man such as Captain Larson could usually foresee these disturbances.

On this day captain Larson knew a front was approaching. The most recent weather forecast called for the slow-moving front to pass through on the day of their arrival in Cedar Key. No special warnings had been issued.

As the fog lifted the sun came out to warm the air. The crew removed their heavier jackets and become more comfortable.

Captain Larson first noticed something wrong when he looked north that afternoon. The Becky Ann was on a southeasterly course. The sky to the north was turning a very deep gray. Captain Larson then knew this may be no ordinary cold front. A cold breeze suddenly crossed the Becky Ann's deck. Captain Larson watched as the swells began to rise.

"I don't like this, boys!" Captain Larson stated as he kept his course.

Ray looked up at the Captain and then turned his head north toward the dark sky.

Big Barry stuck his head into the wheelhouse, "What's up Cap'n?"

"Something's wrong. The weather is turning worse than predicted. These swells are comin' from the north. I think that front is a lot stronger than they are predicting. Sometimes those government weathermen don't know their ass from their head!" Captain Larson bellowed.

Big Barry stood silent gazing the horizon ahead.

"We'll try to ride it out, but I'm heading straight for Cedar Key. We should be in around midnight," the Captain stated.

"Aye, Aye, Captain," Barry responded.

The bow of the Becky Ann rose high and fell into the void of the next swell as Captain Larson held tight to the wheel attempting to keep control of vessel.

"Barry, go below and check stowage! Make sure there are no loose items flying around and make sure there is no water coming in!" the Captain ordered.

"Aye, Aye, Captain!" Barry responded.

The Becky Ann was in gale force winds by 10:00 p.m. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time. This was not a place Captain Larson wanted to be on this night.

The shallow waters off Cedar Key combined with the winds created seas that not many fishing vessels could handle.

"Barry, tie down all the booms! Ray lock all hatch covers!" Captain Larson yelled. He then ordered the men to stay off the deck. The waters were becoming angry as the cold sea spray enveloped the boat with every wave. Captain Larson watched his compass as it floundered recklessly from one direction to another. The crew hung on tirelessly as the dark waters moved around them. The Becky Ann was pushed haphazardly from one swell to another. Captain Larson tried to keep the bow toward the swells as he attempted to look for a beacon of light coming from shore. A heavy rain and waves began to wash over the deck. The men moved sluggishly in their wet heavy rain gear as the cold penetrated even the thickest of their slick suits.

Suddenly Big Barry gave out a yell, "Cap'n the sterns going under! We're takin' on water!"

The Captain took his eyes off the bow and turned toward the stern.

"Barry check the engine! Something's wrong down there!" the Captain ordered.

As Barry lifted the engine covers in the lower back of the cabin a gush of water covered the floor. The engines came to a stop with a quick puff of black smoke.

The Becky Ann was in peril.

"Cap'n were dead in the water!" Barry yelled.

The small trawler was no match for the angry sea as she began to turn and flounder with the large swells.

"Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is the Becky Ann with three souls on board taking on water approximately thirty five miles southwest of Cedar Key. Mayday! Mayday!" the Captain yelled into his radio.

The Captain was about to give out his location by latitude and longitude when suddenly all the lights and electronics went black. The sound of crashing waves and howling wind absorbed the crew in the violent night. As the crew scrambled in the darkness for their life preservers the wheel of the Becky Ann began to violently spin towards starboard. Captain Larson instinctively tried to grab the wheel. He yelled in pain as his wrist snapped with the violent power of the spinning wheel. A wave suddenly hit the Becky Ann broadside. The bow of the old shrimp boat began to lift out of the water as the mass of the dark water filled the stern. Captain Larson, Ray, and Big Barry struggled to keep on their feet to escape. They failed as they slid backward and fell, attempting to grasp one another. The water was frigid. Darkness enveloped the men as they attempted to reach an air pocket. The men coughed and choked back the cold salty water as it was over taking the boat quickly with every swell. Big Barry felt the hands of his Captain on his leg under the cold water. Ray Thomas was already gone, consumed by the dark and cold violent water that enclosed them. Big Barry quickly inhaled a large breath of air as the water consumed him. He could feel himself sinking with the boat. He could hold his breath no longer as his lungs filled with cold sea water. The darkness was unimaginable, the cold was painful and evil, and the sound indescribable. Barry reached his long arm to grab something floating among the wreckage. He felt as if he was on a fluid roller coaster as the high waves and currents carried him off. With his arm around the floating object he attempted to breath. His struggle was momentous.

"Cap'n! Cap'n!" Big Barry yelled out.

The wind howled eerily in the night. The rain was undistinguishable from the salty sea spray.

"Cap'n!" Barry yelled as his legs kicked in the dark, deep Gulf water.

Barry attempted to look around for the Becky Ann only to see darkness and the shine from the whitecaps of the waves.

"Cap'n! Ray! Where are you?" Barry yelled out with only the screaming of the storm replying.

"Cap'n! Cap'n!"

***

Johnny's eyes flew open as he awoke to the loud sound of thunder and the rain as it hit the glass door of his motel room. He was breathing heavy from a disturbing night vision, yet he couldn't place the vision or the uneasy feeling. He turned and looked at Dixie as she lay sleeping peacefully beside him. Johnny sat up and turned to get out of bed. He walked to the glass door and pulled the curtain back.

"Bad night," Johnny whispered to himself as he peered out into the blackness and rain. He watched a small drop of water find its way down the glass. A bright flash of lightening caused him to quickly draw the curtain closed. He sipped a small cup of water and crawled back into bed. Johnny pulled the covers up over his head and lay next to Dixie with an uneasy feeling.

The early spring morning in the northern Gulf of Mexico brought a beautiful sunrise and a chill to northern Florida as the strong storm pushed through.

***

Big Barry took a deep breath of the morning air as he struggled to stay afloat on top of a large icebox floating in the Gulf. The daylight was a welcome sight. He wasn't sure how he managed, but he survived the night. Shivering from the cold, he felt like a great God came to rescue him as the sun began to peer over the horizon. The Gulf waters had settled. The small waves rocked Barry back and forth as he lay stomach atop the icebox. His legs were still dangling in the water with his face pressed tightly into his forearms. He lifted his head briefly to look around, but the salt water blurred his vision. The only audible sound was the lapping of the waves. He was cold and barely conscious as he made out a large figure moving toward him.

Coast Guard Cutter 114 and its crew heard Captain Larson's last words of mayday and arrived as soon as possible. The ship slowed as it approached the scattered debris floating about.

Big Barry raised his arm to wave. He struggled to form words from his cold, swollen mouth.

Aboard Cutter 114 Barry was warmed, hydrated with I.V. fluids, and assured by the competent Coast Guard crew of his safety. The Cutter quickly made way toward a small station at Cedar Key. Barry tried to recreate the tragedy, but as the reality of the situation grew he could only break into tears. He sat up in his small bunk.

"How's my Cap'n?" Barry asked to a young coast guard officer.

"...and Ray—Ray Thomas. Are they okay?" he asked.

"Sir, you just need to lie down. We're doing our best to find the others. How many were aboard your vessel, sir?" the young sailor asked.

"Four! No, three, cause Johnny went and got married! Thank God Johnny got married," Big Barry stated.

The coast guard officer stood over Barry writing on a clipboard as Barry spoke.

"Sir, you say there were only three on board your vessel?" the officer asked.

"Yeah. Hey, what the hell kind of storm was that anyway? The Cap'n didn't even see it comin'. It was bad man, real bad," Barry said.

Barry lifted his head to look out of the small port hole.

"Damn! How can it be so nice out there after shit like that? I can't believe it, man. The Becky Ann's gone isn't it? She's gone—just like that! I'm prayin' for ya Cap'n," Big Barry said.

"Okay sir, we're going to ask you to lie down until we get into port. You've been through quite an ordeal," the Officer said.

"Please find my Cap'n, sir. Please!" Barry begged as he lay his head down.

As the Cutter approached the dock in Cedar Key, several news crews were already on scene. A small fence stood guard to the small coast guard station. An ambulance was ready to take the only survivor, Big Barry Schlostic to the hospital in Gainesville. An older officer approached the news crew for a brief report.

"Good afternoon!" the officer stated.

"As you all have heard, a small shrimp boat was caught in the storm last night off our coast and became distressed. We received a Mayday at approximately 9:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Our Cutter and crew made its way to the distress vessel following an emergency beacon at approximately 5:00 a.m. this morning when the weather cleared and the seas were an acceptable risk for search and rescue. Cutter 114 came upon the debris of the shrimp boat Becky Ann at approximately 7:00 a.m. this morning. Only one survivor has been located out of three reported on the vessel. Search and rescue is ongoing for the two missing crew members," the officer reported.

Big Barry awoke to the sound of a familiar voice in the hospital. His eyes slowly opened as he looked upon Ruth McAllister.

"Ruthy? Is that you Ruthy?" Barry quietly mumbled.

Ruth grabbed Barry's hand.

"Shhhh, you need to rest Barry. You're okay. You're in the hospital in Gainesville," Ruth assured him.

"Where's the Cap'n and Ray?" Barry asked.

"There still looking for 'em, sweetie. You rest and don't worry about that," Ruth stated with her English accent.

"Ah Ruthy, this ain't good. I'm afraid for 'em. Have you called Johnny? Where is Johnny?" Barry asked.

"We've called him Sweetie, now you need to rest," Ruth stated.

"I'm not restin' Ruthy! We have to find the Cap'n!" Barry demanded.

Just then a nurse walked in and quickly put her hand on Barry's shoulder to calm him.

"Mr. Schlostic, everybody is doing everything they can to find your crew mates. It's very important for you to get some rest so you can go home. We're bringing something for you to eat. You've had a rough night!" the nurse said.

Big Barry just put his head back and stared up at the ceiling. His thoughts seemed to wander.

"Ah, Ruthy I'm really scared. I'm scared for my Cap'n," Barry said quietly as he closed his eyes.

Bobby and Dixie arrived back from their morning breakfast to find the small red message light blinking on the phone. A call back to Ruth at the hospital revealed the tragedy to the newlyweds. Ruth's voice was shaking as she tried to explain what she knew.

"The Becky Ann sank Johnny. They're looking for Billy and Ray now, but I don't think there's much hope. It was a bad storm, Johnny," Ruth stated as she started crying over the phone.

Johnny's heart jumped. He held the phone next to his right ear as his knees gave way and he fell to a sitting position on the bed. He made Ruth repeat the message and without saying a word he handed the phone to Dixie. Dixie had a confused and worried look on her face as she took the phone.

Eager to gain some knowledge she quickly asked, "Ruth, what's going on?"

Ruth relayed the information to Dixie and explained they would release Barry in the morning. As Ruth and Dixie continued to converse, Johnny started gathering his things from the motel room. Johnny and Dixie would meet Big Barry and Ruthy in the morning. His wedding trip had now been suddenly overshadowed by a tragic event—an event that pierced his heart and soul.

The short drive to Apalachicola was quiet. Johnny was unable to grasp the words to express his feelings. The event was too new, too unimaginable, too sudden.

Dixie looked over at Johnny as she wiped away a small tear from below her eye. There was nothing she could say. She reached over and put her hand on Johnny's shoulder as he drove in silence.

"Johnny?" Dixie asked for some acknowledgement. "Johnny sweetie, there's nothing you could have done," Dixie stated.

Johnny stared toward the open road and drove without saying a word.

"Johnny, I need you to speak to me. This is not your fault. It was a freak storm, Johnny," Dixie said.

A small tear ran down Johnny's cheek. Other than that, he showed no emotion.

"Johnny, I know this hard, but don't do this to yourself, darling. It was an accident, Johnny. Captain Larson was a fisherman all his life. He knew the risks," Dixie said.

Johnny raised his arm and wiped the tear.

"How could this happen?" Johnny asked.

Dixie looked upon Johnny with grief.

"Dixie, how could this happen the one time I cancel on a run?" Johnny asked. "On our wedding weekend for God's sake! Is this some kind of a sick joke?" Johnny yelled in anger.

"Johnny, it was an accident. It was a very tragic accident with very bad timing. You have to realize that the Captain would want you to be strong. Barry is going to need you. I need you," Dixie stated.

Johnny looked over to Dixie and took her hand. He briefly looked in her eyes and gave her a slight smile. He knew she was right.

"Damn, Dixie" Johnny said.

The couple arrived at their boarding house early afternoon, exhausted from the tragic news. On the front porch sat a small wedding gift perched on a rocking chair. Dixie smiled as she picked it up with an accompanying card.

"Johnny look!" she said with reserved excitement.

"What is that?" Johnny asked.

"Someone left us a gift," she answered.

The tired couple brought the items inside and set it on the table. Johnny gently took Dixie by the hand and brought her close. He slowly gave her a warm embrace and a kiss.

"I haven't forgotten that we just got married," Johnny said.

"Thank you Johnny," Dixie said.

Johnny smiled at her and led her to the bedroom where they both resigned for the night.

As morning broke the early winter sun shined brightly through the slit where the blinds met. Dixie awoke to the sounds of Johnny coming in through the front door.

Johnny sat at the table beside the unopened wedding gift and read the morning paper. The headline read "LOCAL FISHERMEN PERISH AT SEA, ONE SURVIVES."

"A popular local sea captain and his crew were caught Tuesday night in the strong storm that swept through the panhandle region. Captain James Larson of Carrabelle along with crew members Raymond Thomas of Apalachicola and Barry Schlostic of East Point aboard their fishing trawler, Becky Ann, were suddenly overtaken by high seas about thirty miles southwest of Cedar Key. Barry Schlostic was the only survivor."

Johnny could read no more. He folded the paper back together and set it down. He stood up from his kitchen table and walked over to the window. He slowly pulled back the curtain and looked at the street shining bright in the sun.

"Tomorrow's a new tide," he whispered to himself. "Tomorrow's tides will be better."

Dixie appeared in the hallway.

"Did you say something Johnny?" she asked.

Johnny continued to stare out the window.

"Johnny?" Dixie asked to get his attention.

"Yeah, baby, I'm sorry," Johnny replied as he rubbed his eyes.

"Did you need me?" Johnny asked.

"No, I thought I heard you say something," Dixie replied.

"No. I was just thinking of Captain Larson. I really loved that old captain, son of bitch," Johnny stated.

Dixie smiled and walked over to Johnny to hug him as he began to break into tears.

"He could be such an asshole, but if you really listened—I mean really listened—to what he said...and I don't mean his words, I mean his message...you could really learn from the guy," Johnny explained.

Johnny wiped his face with his arm sleeve and began to pace. Dixie turned toward him with her angelic smile.

"I know what you mean, Johnny. I think that is why he liked you so much. He knew that you saw more in him than just another old fisherman. He knew that he could pass that message on to you, that he loved life and he did what he loved. And, he probably died the way he wanted to. His message wasn't to be like him, but to be yourself and find your path, to take risks, and to enjoy life. That's what he did," Dixie explained.

Johnny sank into Dixie's arms. His head rested on her shoulder as he wept. Dixie stood silently and embraced Johnny. They walked arm in arm together and sat down at the kitchen table in front of the small wrapped wedding gift.

"Shall we?" Johnny asked, looking at the gift.

"I don't see why not!" she replied.

Dixie opened the card and read it aloud.

"To my two favorite people. Congratulations and may you forever be in love! Your forever first mate, Big Barry!"

"How about that! It's from Barry! He must have dropped this off before they left," Dixie said.

Johnny slowly unwrapped the small box. He pulled from inside a small beautiful seashell with a note attached.

"Johnny, I was walking along the beach last week after you told me how much you loved Dixie and what she meant to you. I'm sorry for ever doubting what she means to you. I looked down in the sand and saw this shell. It is beautiful, just like Dixie. I think as long as you have this shell it will be your love shell. I hope you keep it forever." It was signed Big Barry.

"That guy is something else!" Johnny said.

"I'm glad Barry's okay, Johnny," Dixie said.

"Me too," Johnny replied.
Chapter Fifteen

Johnny walked next to Dixie across a small church lawn where Captain Larson's a service was held. Ray Thomas's private service was held the day before for only his family. A rather large crowd gathered for the Captain.

A stoutly minister looked upon the gathering.

Johnny leaned toward Dixie and whispered in her ear, "There's no such thing as a nice day for things like this, but I guess if there had to be one it'd be today. I'm sure his spirit is out there somewhere on the water stirring them shrimp up on a day like this. No clouds, calm water, seventy two degrees...perfect."

Suddenly Johnny saw a familiar face. Johnny grabbed Big Barry's hand and gave it a firm shake and pulled him close for a hug.

"Good to see you again, man!" Johnny said with excitement.

Big Barry grinned and put his arm around Johnny.

"Come here, Johnny. There's someone I want you to meet," Barry said as he led Johnny across the church lawn.

"Johnny, this is my big brother Richard. Richard this is Johnny Hale, my mate I done told ya about," Barry stated as he made introductions.

Johnny extended his hand to meet Richards.

"Nice to meet you," Johnny said politely. "Barry had mentioned to me that he had a brother. I'm sorry we have to meet under these circumstances."

"I agree, and I'm glad to meet you," Richard stated as he smiled. He looked very sharp and impressive, out of place in his dark suit.

Richard slowly pulled Johnny aside.

"Barry has told me a lot about you. He really cares for you. You've made quite an impression on my little brother and I appreciate that," Richard stated to Johnny.

Johnny walked along beside Richard and became somewhat perplexed in the differences between the two brothers.

"I'm just glad Barry is alright, Mr. Schlostic," Johnny stated.

"Please, call me Richard," Richard replied.

"I'm sorry. Richard," Johnny stated correcting himself.

"John I've made arrangements for the use of a private yacht out of Cedar Key tomorrow to take those who wish to lay wreaths of flowers at the sight of the tragedy. Will you please join us?" Richard asked.

"Uh, sure. Of course. I think that would be nice. I do need to get to Wauchula though. There's someone I need to see," Johnny replied.

"Well if you and Dixie could follow us to Cedar Key tonight, we can head out on the water at first light. It's supposed to be another beautiful day," Richard said.

Johnny was sincere in his appreciation of Richards's good will. He was having a hard time figuring out the difference between the brothers.

He expressed his concern to Dixie, "Its like one grew up in a barn and the other went to Harvard! I don't get it!" Johnny exclaimed

Dixie just smiled at Johnny and responded, "Oh Johnny. Richard told me that Barry grew up with a learning disorder. Actually, Big Barry comes from a very prominent family in Pensacola. His father was a high ranking officer in the Navy up until his death from cancer several years ago. Barry never finished school and left home at seventeen. He had a hard time dealing with his father's death and became somewhat disruptive to the family. Richard said they tried everything to calm him, but Barry wanted no part of it. He distanced himself from the family and ended up in Apalachicola shrimping. Takes all kinds, huh?"

"How do you know all this stuff?" Johnny asked as he smiled at Dixie.

"I'm a woman. I have ways of getting information," Dixie stated as she gave Johnny a soft smile.

On board the Profiteer, a first-class fifty-two-foot luxury yacht out of Cedar Key, several mourners gathered to pay their respects to the Becky Ann and the men that perished aboard her. Among the folks that gathered was Captain Larson's elder sister, Grace. She was his only surviving blood relative. Ray Thomas's family consisting of his mother, father, and little sister Regina, also came along. In attendance as well were Johnny, Dixie, Richard, and Big Barry, and a small following from the Oasis Bar including Ruth and Melinda. The group looked out of place and slightly overwhelmed by the posh and pretentious surroundings. Two wreaths hung on wire stands on the bow.

The mood grew somber as the ship turned and slowed at the latitude and longitude coordinates where the Becky Ann sank. Like Richard said, it was another beautiful day and the water was calm. Johnny held onto Dixie and lifted his face to catch the warmth of the sun on the mild winter day. Minister Sheffield came through the small door to join those on deck looking out over the water.

As the Minister spun his words of God and earth and gave praise to the bravery of the men who died, several people sobbed. The wreaths were gathered one at a time by Minister Sheffield and thrown over into the water where the Becky Ann lay in peace. Johnny looked down into the water as tears filled his eyes. Small droplets of oil could be seen rising to the surface from the wreckage two hundred feet below. Johnny looked toward the sky again and closed his eyes.

"There's always another tide tomorrow, Captain. I will look forward to it and embrace whatever it brings. You were a good Captain and guide. Thank you," Johnny whispered to himself.

Johnny walked to Big Barry and hugged him as he sat motionless and stoic.

"Barry, I want you to go to Wauchula with Dixie and me. There's someone I want you to meet," Johnny said.

Big Barry smiled graciously at Johnny.

"I would like that, Johnny! I've never been to that town! Dixie, that okay with you?" he asked.

"Of course, Barry," Dixie replied.

Johnny walked over to Richard as he stood pondering the wreaths floating in the water.

"Richard, I want to thank you for being here for Barry. Dixie told me his history. I'm sorry, I had no idea," Johnny said.

"Barry has spoken a lot about you, Johnny. My thanks go to you and Dixie as well. I know you two have taken him in as a family member and that is much appreciated," Richard replied.

"I have invited him to go with us the Wauchula. My mother lives there and I want to visit her as well as take him over to Lake Okeechobee. The lake is where I visit my father. It was our second home when I was a child growing up down there and I did a lot of fishing with him. Those were good times," Johnny said.

"Well Johnny, it's often in the face of tragedy's like this that we have to count our blessings for what we do have and remember those that we no longer have. I think that would be good Barry. I am very grateful to you. Thank you," Richard stated to Johnny.

The two men then sat beside each other with nothing else to say and watched the wreaths become smaller and smaller as the Profiteer made its way back to shore.

Big Barry smiled at Johnny as he gathered his belongings and shoved them into the back of Johnny's truck. Johnny, Dixie, and Big Barry fit quite snugly as they drove to Wauchula in Johnny's small truck.

Johnny began to see Barry in a different light since learning his history. He liked Big Barry. He knew Barry had faults, but who doesn't? Being himself, Johnny liked seeing beyond one's faults.

As the three pulled into Gina Hale's driveway, Johnny began the history lesson. He explained the ranch and how he and his Dad used to work it. He told Dixie and Barry of the times with Debbie and how his parents would get angry over his travels to her place across town. He showed them the trails he would use to sneak away on rebellious adventures.

"...and Old Man Hobb lives down that road. He owns the diner. He's an asshole of a man!" Johnny explained.

Johnny's mother slowly opened the door of the small, run down mobile home as the three arrived. Big Barry stretched his arms as exited the truck from the long drive.

"Come on in! Come on in!" Gina yelled as she held the door open in excitement. She hugged each one of them as if she's known them a lifetime. Johnny put his arm around his mother as he introduced his new wife and Big Barry. Smiles and greetings were given all around. The evening was spent catching up and recollecting.

Johnny looked over at Big Barry as he noticed that Barry seemed unusually quiet and reserved.

"Barry can I talk to you outside for a minute?" Johnny asked Big Barry.

An evening breeze blew from the west as Johnny and Barry excused themselves and stepped outside.

"Barry, I enjoyed meeting your brother today. I didn't know you were from Pensacola," Johnny stated.

Barry looked up at the stars shining bright in the sky.

"Oh hell yeah man, a misspent youth. What he'd tell ya bout me?" Barry asked.

"Not much. Just that shrimpin' was a way of life you discovered and enjoy," Johnny said.

"Yeah man," Barry said as he looked and kicked the ground slightly.

"I'm sorry about Captain Larson, Barry. I know he meant a lot to you," Johnny said.

Big Barry began walking away.

"Barry, you need to talk about this!" Johnny said.

Big Barry quickly turned and faced Johnny.

"He was like my father, man! My real father was an asshole! I couldn't turn to him for anything! The Cap'n was everything to me!" Barry stated.

"I know man. He meant a lot to me too," Johnny said.

"What the hell we gonna do, Johnny?" Barry asked desperately.

"We're gonna do what Captain Larson would do Barry! We're gonna ride the tide. One thing Captain Larson taught me, Barry, was that you have to make your own new beginnings. I think we can do that. You're the first I've told this and I've given this a lot of thought, Barry, but I want to take the money my father left me along with a little savings and buy a boat. We can continue our life, Barry. It doesn't end here," Johnny said.

"A boat, man?" Barry asked surprised. "You mean a shrimpboat? You ain't a Cap'n, man!" Barry stated.

"Well I can learn!" Johnny said confidently.

"You gonna bring me aboard, mate?" Barry asked as if he was ready to go.

"Of course, Barry!" Johnny said.

Barry began to laugh with an occasional cry in memory of the Captain. The evening grew late.

Barry expressed his delight at the meeting of Johnny's mother. He assumed that's whom Johnny spoke of when Johnny stated he had someone for him to meet. Johnny had to clarify the subject, but it was still a mystery.

"I'm gonna take you to Lake Okeechobee tomorrow Barry. I'll introduce you to someone else," Johnny said with a grin.

Gina and Dixie watched the men from an open window. They talked their own talk and described their feelings to each other and of the recent events. Soon the talk slowed for both groups and the long day came to an end.

At first light Johnny and Big Barry headed for the big "O," towing Johnny's father's small boat behind them. Soon they were on the waters of the Rim Canal, headed through an alley-like trough of lily pads wide enough only for small boats. Big Barry sat in the front of the small boat as Johnny controlled it from the stern with a small outboard motor. Both men felt invigorated by the scent of the fresh water and the cool breeze crossing their faces.

Johnny slowed the boat and pulled into a secluded spot along the shores edge. The motor went silent and only the sound of a few black birds could be heard singing in the tall bull rush grass.

"Dad I know you're here somewhere. I brought a friend, someone I'd like you to meet," Johnny stated out loud.

Big Barry just smiled and looked around.

"Barry this is where my Dad lays. I scattered his ashes here earlier this year. We used to camp at this spot, and we had a lot of happy times here,"

Big Barry smiled and waved, "Hi Mr. Hale!" he stated with a grin.

Johnny laughed.

"Dad, I also got married. She's a wonderful girl. I'll bring her here soon," Johnny said.

"Johnny, this is a great spot man!" Barry said with a smile.

"It's beautiful here, and quiet except for the birds," Barry continued.

"My Dad and I had some good times here Barry, before things went bad between us," Johnny said.

"What happened, man?" Barry asked inquisitively.

"I don't know Barry," Johnny said with a pause.

"Mom said we were too much alike sometimes. We were both stubborn and both impatient in certain ways. My Dad could be an asshole at times, and I guess so could I," Johnny said.

"You don't seem like an asshole Johnny," Barry said.

Johnny chuckled.

"Thanks Barry," he replied.

"Johnny, I think we can do it!" Big Barry said.

"What?" Johnny asked.

"We can have our own boat!" Barry stated.

Johnny laughed and put his head down.

"Well wait! Not our boat, just your boat. But I'll work for ya, Johnny! I will!" Barry said with excitement.

Johnny looked up at Big Barry.

"Give me five, brother!" Johnny said as he raised his hand to Barry.

Barry slapped Johnny's hand with a grin.

"You're an amazing man, my friend!" Johnny said to Barry.

"You have a wonderful tendency to see the good in everyone Big Barry. That's a good gift!" Johnny followed.

"Thanks boss!" Barry replied.
Chapter Sixteen

"Darlin' can we go grab a beer at the Gibson and have a discussion over our future?" Johnny said to Dixie with a grin.

"Well that sounds ominous, my dear. Is this going to be something I want to hear?" Dixie replied.

"Of course, Dixie. I've found a trawler. I want to discuss it with you," Johnny said.

"Let me grab my purse, baby. Sounds like I'm going to need a drink!" Dixie replied.

The couple walked out the front the door and down the steps. A small black cat ran across Dixie's feet and startled her. She looked up to see Henry Elijah Thomas smiling at her with his beaming face and dressed in a Sunday suit.

"Good morning you good people's and God bless you this good Sunday!" Henry said.

"Good morning, Henry!" Dixie replied.

"I hope my cat didn't startle you my dear," Henry said.

"No, sir. I see you and Bandit walking everyday and you would never startle me. It's a pleasure seeing you," Dixie replied.

"You two enjoy your afternoon! I'm off to my afternoon Bible study," Henry stated.

"Thank you Mr. Thomas. You have a wonderful afternoon!" Dixie replied.

Dixie and Johnny walked along the sidewalk towards the Gibson Inn.

"Okay, Dixie, I know you know his story. I'm dying to know," Johnny said.

"Of course I do!" Dixie replied with a smile.

"Let me guess—he's some voodoo priest or something," Johnny expressed.

"You're very wrong Johnny. He's actually a retired jazz musician from New Orleans. He moved here to be with his sister when his wife died ten years ago, and his sister passed just year ago. He's a very nice old man," Dixie said.

"Johnny looked at Dixie and smiled. I guess you can't judge a book by its cover," Johnny said.

"Oh! You should know, Mr. Hale!" Dixie said.

The two took a seat in the old bar of the Gibson Inn and gazed upon the old sea pictures.

"Haunting isn't it?" Dixie asked.

"It's an interesting old place," Johnny said.

"...With the ghost tales to match!" the bartender Betsy said.

"Hi Betsy! Good to see you again," Johnny said.

"What brings you two to the Gibson today?" Betsy asked.

"Betsy, sometimes you just have to get out of the house and have a drink to discuss things with the one you love!" Johnny replied.

"Oh! Sounds serious! What can I get you?" Betsy asked.

"Just a beer for me Betsy," Johnny replied.

"I'm going to live a little. Give me a rum and Coke!" Dixie barked.

"That a girl!" Betsy said.

Before Betsy even set the drink on the bar, Dixie grabbed it from her hand and took a swig.

"Wait! I meant to tell you something Johnny!" Dixie said with a smile as she gulped her drink.

Johnny looked at her intently.

"What?" Johnny asked.

"I love you, Johnny Hale. Now tell me what you have on your mind!" Dixie said.

"Baby, I found a trawler. It's sixty feet with two bunks, four berths, and a new galley. It's a steel hull and it's presently in Cape Canaveral," Johnny said with excitement.

"Johnny, what about a license?" Dixie responded.

"I've spoken to Chuck Williams over at the Coast Guard station and he's going to walk me through the process," Johnny said.

Dixie took a drink.

"Baby, they're asking $95,000 for this boat. I can use the $40,000 I got from dad's life insurance. I gave a portion to help Mom get a new place, and I will finance the rest," Johnny said.

"Betsy, can I have another drink?" Dixie stated.

Johnny looked and smiled at Dixie.

"Call 'em. Go look at the boat. If this is your dream, then go for it Johnny," Dixie stated with her authority.

Johnny smiled and took a sip of his beer.

"I'll do that Mrs. Hale!" Johnny replied.

The next morning Johnny called the contact number for the vessel in Cape Canaveral. The gentleman on the phone was happy to have Johnny come over to look at the boat. Johnny and Big Barry made arrangements and were prepared to head out of town the next day.

Johnny and Big Barry were making their way to Cape Canaveral.

"Barry, we need to call Richard and let him know we are looking at the boat today and we may need him for his advice," Johnny told Barry.

Richard had agreed to act as the crews' attorney in the event he was needed. Barry was very happy to be along for the ride and the inspection of the boat. The two got into Cape Canaveral near noon.

"Johnny I need me sumthin' to eat!" Big Barry growled.

A small, worn-out grill was perched on the water's edge near the local docks.

"Fishlips Bar & Grill. Let's try that place!" Johnny piped up.

"That looks good!" Barry said with a grin.

The two men walked in like they owned the place and grabbed table and a bite to eat with a couple of the locals. An older man at the bar turned his chair to gaze at Johnny and Barry.

"Where are you two from?" the man asked with a well-tanned scowl and a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

"From Apalachicola, sir. Just come to look at a boat," Johnny said.

The man grinned and turned his chair around to the bar and began to hack out some cigarette smoke.

"Friendly mate," Johnny said with a bit of sarcasm under his breath.

Big Barry just smiled.

"What kind of boat?" the man asked.

Johnny turned and looked at the man.

"A shrimp trawler," Johnny said.

"You must be going to see Diego!" the man at the bar growled out.

"Diego?" Johnny asked surprised.

"Diego San Valenzuela" the man answered, sure of himself as he took a drag from his cigarette.

Johnny looked at Barry and turned in his chair to look at the menu.

"I'm not sure, sir. I'm meeting a man named Charlie at the Blue Haven Marina at 3 o'clock.

"Ole Charlie! Watch out for Charlie," the strange man stated as he turned to look at Johnny.

"Charlie is Diego's gopher. You should probably ask to see Diego," the man said.

"I'm sorry sir. How do you know these people?" Johnny asked as he was getting disturbed by the man.

The man looked at Johnny as he belched some cigarette smoke.

"Diego San Valenzuela was a Cuban arms and drug runner in the seventies. He made a fortune until he got caught and served about ten years in Texas. He took what was left of his money and bought a marina near Titusville during the real estate boom and now he owns about seven marinas up and down the east coast. He's a story of a bad man gone good. Some believe it, some don't," the man explained as he took another drag from his cigarette.

Johnny looked at Big Barry and shrugged his shoulders.

"Thank you, sir," Johnny stated, a little perplexed.

"He brokers most of the fishing vessels around these parts. So if you're going to buy a shrimp trawler, I'm sure he's the one you'll be dealing with," the man said.

"Tell him Frankie said hi," the man said as he got up to leave.

"...and oh, watch Charlie. Don't trust him. Just a stranger's advice," the man said as he walked out of the small place.

Cigarette smoke trailed the man as he walked away. Johnny and Big Barry watched with curiosity as he left.

"Wow, that was weird," Johnny said.

"Don't pay Frankie no mind. He's a strange man," the waitress stated as she took the men's order.

Johnny and Big Barry indulged themselves with a couple of grouper sandwiches—supposedly the best in town, according to a nearby sign. With full bellies and a smile from the elderly waitress the men headed out to meet Frankie and buy a shrimp trawler. The sun was high and it was nice day to travel.

By most standards there is no typical shrimp trawler. The men that work them will tell you that the boat is an extension of the Captain's soul and speaks to you as she rolls and sways with the sea. Johnny knew what he was looking for and knew what kind of a budget he had to work with. The boat would become his life. He took this venture seriously and was hoping the deal would be run smoothly. With the words from Frankie still fresh on Johnny's mind, he approached the marina with a little intimidation and caution.

The men arrived at the Blue Haven Marina at 3 o'clock sharp. The scene was truly a haven for old fishing vessels of all shapes and sizes. Many large vessels sat on blocks surrounded by scaffolding as boat yard workers sanded, painted, and hammered the boats back to life.

"Excuse me, sir!" Johnny stated to a nearby yard worker.

"Can you tell me where to find Charlie?" Johnny asked with Big Barry standing by his side like a puppy dog.

The man didn't speak. He only pointed to a building structure and door that served as the entrance to an office.

"Barry, let me do the speaking, okay?" Johnny directed Big Barry.

"Okay, boss," Barry replied.

Johnny and Barry glided through the front door and approached a small counter.

"Hello, we're looking for Charlie," Johnny stated to a middle aged man behind the counter.

"Yes sir! You must be Johnny Hale," the man said.

"I'm Charlie!" he stated.

"Yes sir, hi Charlie, I'm Johnny. This is my partner Barry Schlostic. We're here to take a look at the trawler," Johnny replied.

"Of course you are!" Charlie replied with a grin.

"Well men, I have good news and bad news," Charlie said.

"The bad news is that the trawler you wanted to see has been sold. I'm sorry about that. The good news is I have another one I think you would be interested in and I will let it go for a real special price," Charlie said.

Johnny looked at the man with suspicion. The words of Frankie stirred in his brain.

"Um, Charlie, I wish you would have let me know..."

"Excuse me, Mr. Hale, but I'm trying to do you a favor here," Charlie interrupted. "I don't think you understand. I have a very special deal for you."

Johnny looked at Big Barry and went along with the change in plan.

"Okay Charlie, let me see what you have," Johnny said.

"Come on boys, let me show you this beauty," Charlie replied.

The men took a stroll through a wall of old boats sitting high on supports throughout the boat yard. As they approached the dock several shrimp trawlers were lined together. Johnny glanced at Charlie to try to gain insight into the whereabouts of the boat Charlie was offering. Charlie's eyes seem to gaze at a tall gleaming trawler that looked freshly painted.

Charlie pointed her out.

"Now, this my boys is a 1994 custom trawler, 50 foot in length, 60 foot breadth, 20 foot draft with a large freezer and fish hold, she can hold 2,200 gallons of water and 6,200 gallons of fuel. She has a 32-mile radar with a video plotter and auto pilot," Charlie said without taking a breath.

"...and oh yes, very important for the summer months is the central A/C system just overhauled. She's freshly restored out of dry dock and I welcome you to board her and take a look around," Charlie finished.

Johnny looked upon the clean large vessel with a skeptical eye.

"Thank you Charlie. Come on Barry, let's take a look on board," Johnny said.

"Wow, boss, this is a sweet ride," Barry said with a smile.

"Yes she is Barry, but how much does this beauty cost?" Johnny asked.

"Oh I don't know Johnny, want me to ask that man?" Barry asked.

"No, no Barry. I'll take care of that. You keep looking around," Johnny said.

"Cap'n sure would like this boat Johnny," Barry stated.

"Yes he would Big Barry, yes he would," Johnny replied.

Johnny enjoyed the inspection and found himself very fond of the boat however skeptical.

"Charlie, it's a very nice boat. What's your price?" Johnny asked in a no- nonsense way.

"Well, that depends," Charlie replied.

"Depends on what sir?" Johnny asked.

"Depends on your willingness to deliver a package for me to the Bahama's on your way back to Apalachicola," Charlie quipped.

Johnny looked at the man with suspicion.

"A package?" Johnny asked.

"Look Mr. Hale, the boat's yours if you deliver a package to Freeport for me. It's that simple," Charlie said.

"Let me understand you. You're telling me that if I deliver something for you—which I am assuming to be some kind of drugs, you're going to give me this boat?" Johnny asked for clarification.

"...with a free and clear title, my boy!" Charlie said.

Johnny chuckled and looked around.

"Charlie, I suppose you may do this often to other unsuspecting fisherman or wannabe drug dealers, but I'm just not one of them. I suppose the boat's not for sale otherwise?" Johnny bravely asked.

Charlie just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't think so," he stated snidely with a grin.

"It's a nice boat son. It can be yours for an easy day's work," Charlie stated.

"Don't think so," Johnny replied angrily.

"Barry, let's go!" Johnny yelled as Big Barry departed the vessel.

"We gettin' it boss?" Barry asked trying to catch up to Johnny.

"No Barry, it's a scam," Johnny said.

"What'chu mean, scam, boss?" Barry asked.

"The man's a drug dealer, Barry. Remember what the guy told us at the restaurant today? About how that Cuban man was a drug runner and stuff?" Johnny asked Barry.

"Yeah," Barry replied.

"Oh, I wanna go back and beat his ass Johnny; c'mon!" Barry stated.

Suddenly a man stepped in front of Johnny and Barry as they made their way across the boat yard. He stood large and tall blocking their path. Charlie walked toward them with purpose.

"By the way, gentleman, if any word of this little transaction happens to end up in the wrong hands I will come after you," Charlie warned as he held a golf club in his right hand.

The large man stepped aside and Johnny and Barry were allowed to leave the scene.

The men climbed into the truck and sped away from the boatyard.

"Oh boss, that was bullshit!" Big Barry declared.

"I have to agree with you on that, Barry," Johnny stated.

Johnny turned the corner and continued down the street looking in his rearview mirror. His heart was racing as he attempted to make his way back to the main highway.

Suddenly and without warning, blue lights appeared in Johnny's rear view mirror.

"What the hell?" Johnny said to himself, quite surprised.

"What's going on, boss? Why are the police after you? Johnny we didn't do nuthin wrong, man!" Barry exclaimed.

"Chill out, Barry!" Johnny stated as he pulled over.

"Barry, just stay quiet and let me handle this," Johnny said.

"Step out of the car please!" a loud speaker ordered.

Johnny sat still, scared and not sure what to do.

An officer ran up to the car from another side and suddenly a man in a suit ran to the passenger's side.

"Gentleman, please step out of the vehicle," the man ordered.

Johnny gazed at Barry, "It's okay Barry. Let's get out slowly."

The two men slowly opened the truck doors and complied to their orders.

"Gentlemen, please step over here," the man stated as he pointed toward the back of the vehicle.

"You are not in trouble, but we would like to talk to you," the man in the suit stated.

Johnny and Barry were ordered to hand over their identification.

"Mr. Hale, Mr. Schlostic; I am F.B.I. agent Gaskins and we are sorry we have had to detain you. However, this is in regard to the activity that you were just involved in with Mr. Charlie Bowers," agent Gaskins stated.

Johnny listened intently.

"The F.B.I. and local authorities have had Mr. Bowers under surveillance for some time. We watched you as you denied Mr. Bowers approach to recruit you for a drug deal transaction in Freeport," agent Gaskins continued.

Johnny looked at the F.B.I. agent and shook his head.

"Sir, we did nothing wrong," Johnny stated.

"Yes sir, I understand that, however we need you to cooperate with us in this investigation and come down to the station for a debriefing," Gaskins stated.

"A debriefing?" Johnny asked.

"Yes sir. This is very important, Mr. Hale. We are asking that you please come with us," agent Gaskins stated.

"Look, we don't want any trouble. We just want to get home," Johnny said.

"Man, I don't need no trouble!" Big Barry stated.

"It's okay, Barry I think these officers just want to know what happened," Johnny said to calm Barry down.

Johnny and Barry complied and followed the patrol cars to the main police station. On the way, Barry called his brother Richard to explain the events. Richard advised the men to follow the officer's directions and at any point if they felt their freedom was in jeopardy to call him. Johnny and Barry complied.

"Please come in, gentlemen, and have a seat," agent Gaskins instructed.

Big Barry trudged in behind Johnny and the two men took a seat at a small table in a private office.

"First I would like to know how you first contacted Charlie Bowers and the method used to bring you two to him. Mr. Hale?" the agent asked.

"I simply answered an ad for a shrimp trawler placed in a local fishing boat advertisement," Johnny answered.

"So, you answered the ad and Charlie gave you a time and place to meet him?" the agent asked to clarify.

"That's correct. I had no reason at that time to suspect anything was wrong," Johnny said.

"I was just goin' along with the boss!" Big Barry piped in.

"Have you ever heard of a man by the name of Diego San Valenzuela?" agent Gaskins asked.

"Yes, some man at a place we had lunch told us about him. A guy named Frankie. He actually warned us. I should have listened. He seemed like kind of a nut at the time," Johnny said.

"Thank you. We're aware of Frankie," agent Gaskins replied as he jotted a note on a pad.

"What place was this?" the agent asked.

"Fishlips," Johnny stated.

"Yeah man! Fishlips!" Barry followed with a chuckle. "Nice place right on the water!" Barry stated.

"Thanks, Mr. Schlostic. I enjoy Fishlips myself sometimes," the agent responded.

"I need to give you some background information," the agent stated.

"Diego San Valenzuela is a Cuban drug runner and has been for years. Charlie Bowers is his strong man. He lures honest people like you here to use you in the delivery of the deal. His only hope is that your wish for a big dream boat is stronger than your sense of integrity. In your case he bet wrong. Twelve people have gone missing in the past sixteen months being lured in the same way you were. They use the same boat and convince unsuspecting people to make the deal in the Bahamas. Then they conveniently disappear somewhere in the Florida Straits. We believe these people are pawns in their drug game and they are being killed. We need to put an end to this and we are hoping you can help us," agent Gaskins explained.

Johnny silently stared at Agent Gaskins. Big Barry gently swayed back and forth and kept an eye on Johnny.

"What exactly do you mean you need our help?" Johnny asked suspiciously.

Agent Gaskins paused for a moment and looked directly at Johnny.

"Johnny we'd like you to go back and accept the offer. We want to catch these guys in the act. You will be acting undercover with the U.S. Coast Guard as backup. We have a plan worked out if you accept. We will protect you," agent Gaskins stated.

"Oh wow, but these guys play for real Agent Gaskins. I just got married. They threatened us.; I just don't know," Johnny replied nervously.

"What's he talkin' bout Johnny?" Barry asked, confused with the situation.

"I don't want Barry involved," Johnny said.

"Johnny it's too late. If we take him out of the picture now they would be suspicious. You went there with him as your partner. You cannot be alone," the agent stated.

"Oh Jesus," Johnny said.

"Johnny there is more in it for you. The Coast Guard will seize the boat and we will arrange for it to be transferred to you with a clear title," the agent stated.

"What? I get to keep the trawler?" Johnny asked.

"We can arrange that. We really want your cooperation and help Johnny. We know you can do this, but we don't have much time," the agent replied.

"Oh my God! What have I gotten us into?" Johnny asked.

He paced to the side and looked out a dirty window.

"I need to call my wife," Johnny stated.

"Johnny, what's goin' on?" Barry asked.

"Barry it's all good. We're going to help these officers get the bad guys. You stay here. I'm going to call Dixie. Sit down and relax Barry," Johnny said.

"Agent Gaskins could you please give my partner here a soda or something?" Johnny asked.

Johnny left the room nervously to call Dixie. The conversation with Dixie was short but intense. Dixie disagreed with Johnny's decision but knew there was no changing his mind. Johnny felt the need to help the officers and stop the innocent killings for drugs. He grabbed Barry by the arm and whispered in his ear.

"We're gonna be fine, big guy. Captain Larson would be proud of you," Johnny whispered.

"I know Johnny, we can do this buddy. I ain't afraid," Barry replied.
Chapter Seventeen

"We wanna speak to Charlie!" Johnny told the large man at the gate of the boat yard.

The man had one hand hidden under a light jacket obviously holding and concealing a firearm.

"What's this about?" the man asked.

"Tell Charlie we changed our minds," Johnny replied seriously, but his shaky voice revealed his nerves.

Big Barry sat idly and peered at the man through the windshield while gripping the door handle inside the truck.

The man pulled a walkie-talkie from his back pocket and moved away out of earshot. After his short conversation he opened the gate to let the men in.

"Thank you," Johnny expressed.

The man glared at Johnny and Barry as they drove through the gate with his one hand concealed under his jacket.

As Johnny and Barry approached the office they saw Charlie Bowers standing outside waiting for them with his arms crossed and a cigar hanging from his mouth. Dark sunglasses covered his eyes as he took a long draw and blew out smoke.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" Charlie asked as Johnny and Barry exited the truck.

Johnny slammed the truck door shut with gusto and began walking toward him.

"I gave your offer some thought," Johnny stated and paused. "I really want and need that boat."

"The boat's not for sale anymore," Charlie stated.

"I'm not talking about buying it. I'm talking about your offer," Johnny replied.

"Oh really?...and what offer was that?" Charlie asked.

"Look Charlie, I'm not here to play games. If you want me to deliver a package, I will do it," Johnny stated, now getting nervous.

"Is that right?" Charlie replied.

There was a long pause as Charlie took another draw of his cigar and slowly exhaled the smoke. Johnny was becoming nervous and irritated.

"Stay right here. I'll be back," Charlie stated as turned and walked into the office.

Johnny and Barry stood by their truck and looked around at the other men who were watching them. It seemed like an eternity had gone by when suddenly a dark-skinned man in light colored knit pants and Hawaiian shirt appeared from the office. His dark sunglasses covered his eyes as he walked with purpose. Charlie followed behind and took short puffs from his annoying cigar.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, my name is Diego San Valenzuela I understand you need a shrimp trawler," Diego stated in a thick Cuban accent.

"Yes sir," Johnny replied as he got a whiff of the man's strong cologne.

"I don't like the fact that you so abruptly denied Charlie's deal and left so soon. Now you are back!" Diego stated.

Johnny stood silent and watched Diego San Valenzuela stare at him. He couldn't see his eyes. The scent from Charlie's cigar and Diego's cologne added to the uncomfortable atmosphere for Johnny.

"I ponder your motive. Why the change of heart for this lovely vessel?" Diego asked.

Johnny took a step forward.

"We recently lost our Captain and our fishing vessel in a storm. We are heartbroken and feel the need to carry on...not only for ourselves but for our lost Captain and crewmate," Johnny stated.

Diego stood looking at Johnny and Barry as if to analyze them.

"You are soft-hearted my friend," Diego stated.

Johnny looked at Diego in the sunglasses as if to see his eyes.

"I cannot afford a boat like that. It would fulfill a dream for me and Barry. I don't like having to commit an illegal act, however, I will do it to fulfill our dream. This is not what I had planned," Johnny said convincingly.

Diego silently looked at the two men and then back at Charlie.

"The offer has changed," Diego stated and paused. "Same as before plus $10,000. This is not what I had planned either," he continued with a smirk.

"Finish the arrangements with Charlie and be on your way by tonight," Diego said as he turned around and walked back into the office.

Johnny looked over to Barry.

"Cash!" Charlie piped up.

"I don't have that kind of cash on me!" Johnny stated.

"Then you go get it and your partner will stay here!" Charlie said.

"Barry, I'll be right back. Just relax," Johnny stated.

"I'm good, boss!" Barry stated.

One of Diego's men accompanied Johnny as they made their way to a local bank for Johnny to withdraw the cash.

Johnny returned with the $10,000 cash as a few of Diego's men finished up supplying the vessel and preparing the package.

Johnny knew every move was being watched by the F.B.I. It was comforting and at the same time very frightening. He knew he was on a one-way voyage being set up by these bad guys. It was surely not a comforting feeling as he prepared to set off.

He gave Big Barry a pat on the back as they boarded. Diego San Valenzuela and Charlie watched the men closely as they made their way away from the dock.

"Your instructions will be radioed to you as you get close to Freeport," Charlie yelled from the dock. Johnny nodded his head in agreement as he turned the wheel of the large boat and engaged the forward throttle.

"Barry, pull in the starboard line!" Johnny instructed.

"Aye, Aye Boss!" Barry replied.

"Remember we will find you if you try anything stupid!" Charlie yelled as the vessel pulled away. Charlie's warning turned Johnny's stomach in knots as he looked toward the open water.

"Barry, come in here!" Johnny yelled.

Johnny gave a slight smile to Barry as he lumbered his way to the wheelhouse.

"I just want you to know everything's going to be okay, Barry," Johnny stated over the sound of the large diesel engine.

"I know it will Johnny. The police are watching us and I know they won't let anything happen. We got this man! This will be our boat Johnny! Whadya gonna name her Johnny?" Barry asked with a grin.

"I haven't thought about that Barry. They'll be plenty of time for that later. I bet the police won't give me my $10,000 back!" Johnny stated.

The two brave men stood watch over the open Atlantic Ocean as it lay in front of them. Barry used the new navigation system to plug in the coordinates for Freeport, Bahamas.

Nighttime brought anxiety and tension to the crewmates as the vessel slowly rocked to the gentle swells of the ocean. Johnny and Barry didn't speak much. Suddenly, the radio crackled loudly and Charlie's voice came in loud and clear.

"What is it Charlie? What do you want?" Johnny replied back.

"Switch to channel 48 and stay there," Charlie stated.

Johnny changed the radio channel to the private channel.

"Hello Johnny Boy. You there?" Charlie asked.

"Yes," Johnny replied.

"What are your coordinates?" Charlie asked.

Johnny paused and looked at the compass and other instruments.

"Latitude north 27 degrees by longitude west 79 degrees, heading southeast at 155 degrees at 18 knots," Johnny replied, wondering what was coming next.

"You will continue that heading until I say otherwise. Out!" Charlie stated as the communication cut off.

The lights of the Florida coast shined in the distance as the vessel slowly headed further offshore into what seemed to be a black void. The night was clear with the usual Atlantic breeze blowing from the east.

"You like country music Johnny?" Big Barry asked.

Johnny smiled as he guided the boat wheel.

"I like country music Barry, how about you?" Johnny asked back.

"I love music, man! I like all kinds of music—country, rock, blues, even a little soul sometimes! Know what I mean?" Barry said with a smile.

"Yeah," Johnny said.

"I miss the Cap'n on nights like this," Barry said pausing.

"I mean, not like in this situation, but on clear nights like this. The Cap'n would just be quiet—just like you Johnny—and steer the boat straight out into the night," Barry stated.

"I miss him too, Barry," Johnny stated with a grin.

"It's been tough man. We're doin' the right thing aren't we, Johnny?" Barry asked. "I mean, do ya think the Cap'n would do this?"

"Barry, I believe the Captain would do anything to help save someone's life and that's why we're doin' this," Johnny said.

"That Cuban guy's an asshole, Johnny, along with his side kick Charlie. I'm gonna kick their ass when I see 'em' again!" Barry explained.

Johnny smiled at Big Barry when suddenly the radio crackled again.

"Johnny Boy, you there?" The voice of Charlie asked.

"I'm here Charlie," Johnny replied.

"When you reach Latitude 26 Degrees North by Longitude 79 Degrees West; turn and head 84 Degrees east. You will be met by a boat coming your way in approximately 20 minutes. Turn all of your lights off! You will not enter Bahamian waters," Charlie instructed.

"Copy," Johnny replied.

"Turn your lights off now Johnny Boy!" Charlie instructed.

Johnny threw a few switches and all put a few glowing instrument lights were on.

"Copy! Done!" Johnny stated.

"Leading the lamb to the slaughter," Johnny mumbled under his breath.

The stars could be seen brightly in the night sky as the vessel rolled with the motion of the large swells. Johnny grew nervous and tense with each passing moment. The vessel made its way in the night.

Suddenly a very bright spotlight shone on the vessel and blinded Johnny's view directly ahead. Johnny slowed his boat as a loud speaker could be heard.

"Bring your vessel to a stop!" A voice ordered.

"Bring your vessel to a stop!"

Johnny shifted the gears of the trawler into a neutral position. The diesel engine hummed however the large boat just drifted with the swells as an unidentified smaller speed boat pulled close to the trawler. Four masked men quickly hopped aboard Johnny's vessel carrying automatic weapons on their shoulders. Without warning one of the men pointed the weapon at Johnny and asked for the package as he shoved him against the wheelhouse wall. The man had a very distinct and heavy Hispanic accent that Johnny had a hard time understanding.

"Lower your gun man!" Big Barry yelled out in anger and despair.

"Barry calm down!" Johnny yelled.

The man lifted his gun and shoved the barrel against Johnny's face.

"The package! Now!" The man yelled.

"I'll get it! I'll get it! Calm down!" Johnny yelled.

In Johnny's mind he was wondering what could come next. He trembled and sweat began to roll down his face. He didn't have time to think as he progressed to get the drug package and comply as ordered. He pointed to a ceiling panel where the package was hidden. The man held his automatic weapon trained on Johnny's head. Another man held Barry against a cabin wall with the gun against his nose. Johnny slowly lifted the ceiling panel to reveal several large packages of a hard substance taped tight. Barry began to hand the packages down to the man as they quickly passed them off to the waiting speed boat. Suddenly, the sound of cracked glass and a thud was heard by Johnny. He felt the sensation of something wet hit his skin as he reached for another package. He looked down to see blood cover his arm and the man drop to the ground with a large hole in his skull. The act was repeated on the man holding Barry; blood suddenly covered the wheel house. A third man was hit by a large round to the skull and dropped into the water between the two boats. The sound of shattered glass and thuds is all that was heard. A forth man attempted to flee into the speedboat with the driver as camouflaged men dressed in complete appeared from the darkness and aimed their weapons at the fleeing drug dealers. Shots rang out from the speedboat and were quickly subdued as the coast guard returned fire. Gun silencers produced the eerie sound of bullets whirling in flight before hitting the speedboat and the men on board.

Then, silence.

Johnny and Barry were crouched on the floor of the wheelhouse. A man in black grabbed Johnny's arm.

"Are you Johnny Hale?" the man asked.

"Yes sir," Johnny replied nervously, shaking.

"I'm Lieutenant Commander Dallas Wilburn of the United States Coast Guard. Are you alright sir?" the Lieutenant asked.

"Yes, Jesus Christ! Is Barry alright? Are you kidding me?" Johnny asked with anger and relief.

"Did you guys kill all of them?" Johnny asked as he stood up, blood covering his arm and face.

"I believe we have one still alive sir!" another soldier replied.

Several coast guardsmen surrounded the speedboat and grabbed the bodies of the drug dealers

"Let me help you two," the Lieutenant stated. "Mr. Hale, we would like to get you both on board our vessel for a brief medical check and a quick debriefing. We are out of Miami Beach and will be towing your vessel back with us to use as evidence in this smuggling operation. Upon arrest and conviction of these smugglers the vessel will then be turned over to you, as agreed."

"Damn Johnny! Do you believe that?" Big Barry stated as wiped blood from his face.

Johnny looked at his surroundings as in disbelief.

"Do you know you guys were firing bullets only inches from my head?" Johnny yelled out.

"Yes sir! It was an acceptable risk we had to take to save your lives, sir. Those men would have killed you within seconds. That's how they operate," the Lieutenant responded.

"I've never seen nuttin' like dat Johnny!" Big Barry stated as he looked fraught.

"Gentleman, please come with me," the Lieutenant ordered as the men followed him to the Coast Guard vessel.

On board the vessel Johnny and Barry were given time to clean up and contemplate their ordeal. The vessel cruised west toward the coast of Florida and the bright lights of Miami. The shrimp trawler was in tow behind the large Coast Guard cutter.

Johnny sat quietly at a small table on the wheel deck watching the captain and officers complete their successful mission. The men were crisp, competent, and sharp as they went about their duties. Big Barry sat across from Johnny staring out into the darkness through a window.

"Now Barry, that is a captain in control with a tight crew. Everyone knows their duties and no one questions him," Johnny said.

"Very cool Boss!" Barry said.

The two men looked at each other.

"You okay, Boss?" Barry asked of Johnny.

Johnny chuckled, "I'm a little frazzled Big Barry. You okay?" Johnny asked.

"Aw Boss, I'll be okay. We alive ain't we?" Barry asked.

"Yea, barely buddy! Barely!" Johnny quipped with a slight grin.

"Would you gentlemen follow me, please?" an officer stated as he escorted the men to another small private room.

"Have a seat, gentleman," Lieutenant-commander Dallas Wilburn stated.

The door was shut behind them.

The men sat at a small table with a speakerphone prominently displayed in the middle of the table.

"Gentlemen I have F.B.I. Agent Sam Gaskins on the phone and he would like to say a few words," the Lieutenant said.

The crackle of the speaker phone came to life.

"Good morning gentlemen, I know you've had a long night. First, I want to thank you Mr. Hale and Mr. Schlostic for a job well done. I am very sorry it turned out so violently, but we all knew it could get messy. I want to thank the crew and officers of the Coast Guard for a successful mission. We interrupted the drug trade operation and confiscated the drugs and the boat and most importantly saved the lives of Mr. Hale and Mr. Schlostic and possibly countless others. We simultaneously conducted a raid on the Port Canaveral operation and arrested Charlie Bowers and few other men. Unfortunately Mr. Diego San Valenzuela was not among them. We believe he may have been tipped off and possibly fled the country," the agent stated and paused.

"Wait!" Johnny interrupted. "Are you telling me this psycho is loose?" Johnny asked.

"Unfortunately, yes Mr. Hale," Agent Gaskins replied.

"I gotta call my wife!" Johnny exclaimed.

"Mr. Hale we have no reason to believe he knows anything about you, your family, or your wife," The agent stated.

"Are you kidding me? This guy probably knows everything! He's a drug lord! If he was tipped off he knows what's going on here!" Johnny exclaimed.

"He knows everything, man!" Big Barry piped up.

"Gentlemen we will do everything to assure your safety as well as those of your family," Agent Gaskins stated with a slight pause.

"Here is what's going to happen gentlemen. We are putting you on the first flight back home once we reach Miami. The boat will be impounded and we will catch Mr. Valenzuela as soon as possible. You will testify on our behalf regarding this complete incident when it is time. Once these men have been convicted and are locked up, we will then release the fishing trawler that you are so eager for, to your custody. We appreciate your cooperation. I wish you good luck in your travels, and I will be in touch. Again, thank you very much!" the agent stated.

The speaker went silent.

Johnny just sat in silence with his head down. Barry gave him a gentle pat on the back.

"It'll be alright Boss," Barry softly said to him.

Johnny smiled and shook his head.

"Thanks Barry," Johnny replied.

"I hope they catch that guy soon," Johnny said to himself.

The closest airport to Apalachicola is in Tallahassee. Both men arrived safely however very tired. The F.B.I. was nice enough to arrange to have Johnny's truck waiting for him at the airport with a full tank. It was long seventy mile drive home to Apalachicola for the men. Johnny had spoken to Dixie only briefly regarding the incident. He didn't want to frighten her any more than she already was. Johnny dropped Barry off at his door and made his way home.

"Oh my God, Johnny!" Dixie exclaimed as she ran and gave the man a hug.

Johnny embraced Dixie with all his strength and he couldn't hold back the tears. He gently wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"It's good to be home, Dixie, really good!" Johnny said to her.

"Let me grab a beer and sit down with you, baby," Johnny said.

Exhausted, Johnny slowly made his way to the fridge and over to sit with Dixie on the couch.

"Dixie, I want you to know how much I love you. I want you to know that no matter how many times I have to leave for whatever reason that I love you and I will come home," Johnny followed.

"I love you as well Johnny Boy, now what's going on?" Dixie asked suspiciously.

"Nothing, nothing!" Johnny responded with a smile.

"It's over! There's going to be some investigation and a trial and then the boat should be turned over to me. But it's over," Johnny said.

Johnny hid the fact that the drug lord Diego was still on the loose. His eyes grew heavy as he slid down in his chair watching Dixie's smile, a smile to hold onto as he slipped into a dream world.

As the long days passed, Johnny grew into a daily routine and his anxieties regarding Diego seem to ease. Johnny received a call from Agent Sam Gaskins that relieved him altogether. Diego San Valenzuela was presumed dead as some facts had been gathered that he had been gunned down in a small Mexican café. The F.B.I. had apprehended the majority of his gang and either extradited them to their homeland or convicted them for a timely sentence in the United States.

Johnny and Big Barry were brought back to Miami to testify against the gang and according to the Miami Herald newspaper "should be held in high regard for their integrity and heroism for their strong and intense testimony."

Dixie attended the trials and was shocked to learn of the extent of danger the men were in.

The boat was seized and eventually titled to Johnny Hale. Big Barry accepted compensation as cash in the amount of $25,000 for his part. Overall, the men made out pretty well considering they had their lives.

Upon their return home from Miami the men were greeted as local hero's. The Oasis held a party in their honor and fun filled laughter and stories were shared.

"Hey Johnny where you goin'?" Big Barry asked as Johnny was slipping out the back door.

The sun was getting low in the sky but not quite sunset.

"I'll be right back Barry! I have to go see somebody." Johnny said.

"Don't be long man! This party's for us!" Barry said.

"I won't Barry." Johnny replied.

Johnny made his way over to the old cemetery and found himself standing over a newly set tombstone. The tombstone read,

"Henry Elijah Thomas

1915-1995

Renowned Jazz Musician

Known by few, but his music was loved by all"

Johnny gazed at the stone.

"Henry, I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better. You seemed to have a sense about the world that few have. Thank you for always speaking the truth to me. You were always a kind man with a gentle smile. You will be missed." Johnny said out loud as he gently placed a flower on his grave.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a small black cat dart behind a tree.

He smiled and then slowly made his way back to the party.

Johnny and Dixie felt at last on solid ground with a bright future in front of them. They found their way one beautiful sunset evening to their favorite sunset spot on the beach looking at the expanse of the Gulf of Mexico.

"I am glad you are here to share this sunset with me Johnny Boy!" Dixie stated.

The sky looked as if it were on fire to the west as the couple sat in the sand on St. George Island.

"I'm having the name painted on the boat tomorrow," Johnny stated.

"Oh let me guess, Becky Ann II?" Dixie whimsically asked.

Johnny looked at the sunset and smiled without saying a word.

"Well?" Dixie asked impatiently.

"Oh no!" Johnny yelled out.

"What Johnny? What is it?" Dixie asked.

"We missed the green flash!" Johnny said as the two laughed sitting in the sand.

"We missed the green flash? What are you talking about you obstinate man! I want to know the name of your boat!" Dixie said with a smile.

"Ah! The name of my boat. Well, that will just have to remain a secret for now my dear. I know one thing, I won't name her the Becky Ann. I want a name that represents moving forward and leaving the past behind. Remember what Captain Larson always said, "Don't look to yesterday's tides, there's always tomorrow." Johnny replied.
Chapter Eighteen

The shrimp boat Tomorrow's Tide was moored to the dock on a hot but cloudy afternoon in Apalachicola. Captain Johnny Hale stood aboard and kept a quiet but close eye on his crew as they labored the gear aboard for a run to Pascagoula. Bandit darted along the side of the boat and then into the wheel house and jumped up to lay along the windshield where he enjoys peering over the bow. The small cat was now an integral part of the crew and rode along for good luck.

"Cap'n, all gear has been properly stowed and we're being fueled now!" Big Barry yelled out to Captain Hale.

"Thank you, Barry," Captain Hale responded.

Big Barry turned and quickly walked off the boat greeting a young man and helping him carry his personal gear aboard.

"Cap'n!" Barry yelled to gain the Captains attention. "This is Wes Snyder, the young man I told you about. He's gonna be joinin' us on this run as a crew member."

The Captain looked at Wes and extended his hand to him.

"Wes Snyder!" Captain Johnny said.

"Yes sir!" The young man replied in a snap.

"Of course, Wes. I'm very glad to meet you. I was about your age when I started shrimpin'. This work is not for everybody Wes, but I know your lookin' for work so I've agreed to take you on. We'll see how it goes. I understand you've had some troubles at home and a little trouble with the law."

"A little, sir," Wes replied.

"Well out on the Gulf we don't have time for trouble, Wes. I hope you understand that," Captain Johnny said.

"Yes sir," he replied.

"Very well. Big Barry, take Wes below and show him his bunk and where to stow his gear," the Captain ordered.

"Wes, you watch and learn every move Big Barry makes and you'll be a mate in no time," Captain Johnny said.

Dixie stood on the bridge in all of her elegance. Her graying hair still had a silky shine as it blew in the breeze. She wore a white summer dress and a thin scarf. Tomorrow's Tide graciously glided underneath the bridge as Dixie watched from above as she always does.

"Good luck guys!" Dixie yelled out with a graceful wave.

The crew looked up and saluted her.

A strong chop on the bay sent small tremors through the large boat as it glided along. Wes watched as the cut to the Gulf grew closer and closer.

Captain Hale smiled at Big Barry as Barry walked over to Wes Snyder and put his hand on Wes's shoulder.

"Hey man, have I ever told you about shrimp boat fever?" Barry asked.

Wes just looked up at Big Barry and then glanced at the Captain.

"You'll soon learn some things, son!" Captain Johnny stated with a grin.

The crew of Tomorrow's Tide served their days well. Each member being young or old had specific reasons for loving what they chose to do.

Johnny Hale had grown into his role as a sea captain. He had pride and love in his life—the love of a girl, the love of the sea, and the love of a friend. Perhaps those are the simple things in life we all seek, often looking so hard we lose our way.

Dixie remained by his side and would watch his vessel leave on every occasion.

Big Barry stayed with Johnny through it all and considered himself a family member, first mate, and friend.

The days in Apalachicola rise with the sun in the east and set with brilliant colors to the west. Each new season brings different colors to the days. The river ebbs in and out with the tides and, again, tomorrow the cycle will repeat. With it comes tomorrow's tides and yesterday's tides fade to history.

