Dicing With Diamonds

by Gerry Skoyles

  * * *

  Jed carries Fusi's bags along Goodway jetty. Fusi and Kami walk alongside.

  “We'll have a little farewell party on board before you come ashore,” Fusi says brightly.

  “I've never been on a big yacht before,” admits Kami.

  Jed chips in with, “We'll make that a celebration party if Sam has good news.”

  The yacht's tender waits alongside the jetty, manned by a Polynesian uniformed deckhand.

  Fusi tells the deckhand, “My friends are coming aboard for a while, then I'd like you to bring them back. Okay?”

  The deckhand nods politely, Jed hands the baggage to him, waits while Fusi and Kami board, then climbs in.

  The tender turns and heads for the yacht lying at anchor.

  * * *

  A Polynesian uniformed stewardess sets up a light finger buffet on a table on the deck while

  a steward offers glasses of champagne to Kami, Fusi and Jed, seated on padded seats round the table.

  Kami takes a glass from the tray and sips. “Very nice. Different.”

  The steward informs Jed, “First Officer is trying to get in touch with Captain Kirkston's vessel now, sir. I'll let you know when he has contact.”

  Jed raises his glass. “Thanks. Here's to some good news.”

  Fusi responds, “I hope so. Cheers.” She sips champagne. “Tuck in. Help yourselves to something to eat.”

  The three select food from the buffet.

  The steward returns. “Captain Kirkston is on the radio now, sir. Please follow me.”

  Jed follows to the bridge and steps inside.

  * * *

  The Polynesian first officer talks into the radio's microphone. “Here's Mister Namara. Over.” He hands the microphone to Jed and sits in a helm chair.

  Sam's voice is loud and clear. “How can I help, Jed? Over.”

  “Sam, about that envelope Lazarus gave you. I think it contains diamonds . . . my diamonds. Over.”

  Diamonds? Sorry pal. The couriers insisted on opening it before they'd accept it. It holds a locket necklace and a gold ring . . . family jewelry. I saw it and confirm. Over.”

  Jed shakes his head in disbelief. “No diamonds? Over.”

  “No diamonds. One-hundred percent. It's on its way to an address in Los Angeles . . . Lazarus's old sister apparently. Over.”

  “Thanks, Sam. Out.”

  The first officer stands and replaces the microphone. “Not wishing to pry, but are you talking about that old American who operates the Goodway-Rockyway ferry?”

  “I am.”

  The officer explains, “He took that wreck all the way to Starway Island about a week ago. Just himself. I came across him while I was in town. He was doing business with a money lender. I happened to see and overhear them at a coffee cart. This Lazarus chap handed over a thick bundle of US dollar bills in exchange for his mother's wedding ring he'd pawned. The money lender seemed surprised he'd raised the cash so quickly. I heard Lazarus explain it'd come by selling illicit whiskey.” He looks at Jed. “Does that make any sense to you?”

  “It certainly throws new light on the situation. Thanks for passing on the info.” Jed wearily leaves the bridge.

  * * *

  Jed returns to where Kami and Fusi are sitting at the table.

  “Well? Any luck?” asks Kami.

  Jed shakes his head. “Lazarus didn't have the diamonds. He sent a locket necklace and his mother's wedding ring to his sister in The States.” He goes to the railing and gazes down at the sea.

  Kami joins him. “And to think we accused Lazarus of being a thief.” She takes Jed's hand, they turn and walk towards Fusi.

  Fusi offers, “I don't know what to say. I wish I could stay on and help, but ...”

  Jed interrupts. “No need. There's nothing to be done now. Thanks all the same.”

  * * *

  A group of village school children walk in a circle outside Chief's house, some banging drums, others carrying placards reading, Say No To Proper School, We Want Miss Markham and Keep Education On Goodway.

  Penny watches from outside her house.

  Jed calls across to her from outside his house. “You made a good job of those slogans, Penny. Chief will be well impressed.”

  Chief steps outside his house, throws a tub of water over the children and goes back inside.

  Penny tut-tuts. “At least it caught his attention.” She claps her hands and shouts to the children. “Okay girls and boys. I think we made our point. Well done. We'll meet again tomorrow.”

  The children scamper off with the placards and drums, hooting and hollering.

  Lazarus appears in his doorway, squinting with his good eye, rubbing the patch over the other.

  “What's going on? Can't a man get a lie-in on his day off?”

  Jed looks over. “Day off? Didn't think you had any of those. What's the occasion? The sinking of the ferry?”

  “Very witty. It happens to be a public holiday on Rockyway.”

  Jed and Penny walk over to Lazarus's house.

  Jed begins, “I guess I owe you an apology. It just seemed ...”

  Lazarus holds his hands up. “Don't give me excuses. Just be grateful I'm thick-skinned and don't bear any malice. You just got it in your heads I was a diamond thief.”

  Penny smiles sheepishly. “Well I apologize anyway. Thanks for being so forgiving.”

  “So what's your next move? Or have you given up?” Lazarus asks.

  “More a case of nowhere to go,” Jed admits ruefully.

  “Oh come on, use your head, buddy. Do I have to spell it out for you?”

  “Spell what out?”

  “Come back when I'm more awake and I'll tell yer.”

  Penny suggests, “Come over to Jed's cannery for something to eat when you're ready. We're using it as a meeting point . . . away from prying eyes and ears.”

  “Well now, I might just do that, lady.”

  * * *

  Penny cooks breakfast over a wood fire outside the cannery. Jed places food bowls on the long table and Kami pours coffee into mugs. Akolo sweeps round the table with a twig broom, stirring up clouds of dust.

  Kami snaps, “Cut that out, Akolo. Just look at the dust going into everything.”

  Akolo shrugs and walks off to sweep round the side of the cannery.

  Lazarus arrives, sniffing the air. “Ah! Coffee. Plenty of sugar in mine.”

  Kami shoves the sugar pot across the table. “Help yourself.”

  Lazarus sits at the table, tips sugar into a mug of coffee and drinks, smacking his lips. “Not quite the hair of the dog, but a good pick-me-up.”

  Penny fills the food bowls, takes one over to Lazarus and joins Jed, Kami and Akolo, collecting their meals.

  With everyone seated around the table, Jed asks, “So what do you have to spell out, Lazarus?”

  “You've missed the obvious in your search for those sparkly stones. Think about it. Who, apart from us lot, knew anything about them before they disappeared from the cave?”

  “Only Ofa,” Jed says dismissively.

  “Only Ofa. Really. Ofa Latu may appear a bit thick but, boy, he's a smart cookie.”

  “Ofa? Come off it.” Jed tucks into his meal.

  “Listen, Ofa Latu's father is one of the smartest con men in the region. I should know 'cos I used to do a bit of business with him . . . you know, a few bottles of booze and whatever. Then I discovered what his real game was. He's a big time crook and villain. Robbery, blackmail, extortion . . . you name it. I stopped dealing with him.”

  “Where is he?” Jed's interest heightens.

  “In hiding on Starway island.”

  “So where does Ofa come into this?” Penny asks.

  “Don't you think it strange Ofa hasn't been seen since yesterday?”

  Kami says, “We saw him yesterday morning on Tradewind Hill. He was just walking.”

  “On Tradewind Hill. Walking to where?” Lazarus asks.

  Jed tak
es over. “Well, um, he sort of went over the top and down the other side . . . away from the jetty.”

  Lazarus wipes his mouth. “As soon as we've finished breakfast I'll take you to a part of Tradewind Hill you've probably never seen.”

  * * *

  In the shadow of Tradewind Hill, a rocky peninsula reaches into the sea.

  Jed, Kami, Akolo and Penny follow Lazarus as he leads the way onto the peninsula.

  Lazarus tells them, “This is known as Needle Point, where smugglers used to bring their boats to load and unload. Mighty dangerous it was too. You see, they could creep in from Starway Island unseen because Tradewind Hill hid them from view.”

  Jed asks, 'You think Ofa took my diamonds to Starway Island on a boat from here? How?”

  “He'd have lit a fire to send smoke signals to his father's sidekicks on Starway. Then a boat was sent over to collect him. Why don't you go and see if there's any sign of a recent fire on the side of the hill?”

  “I'll go, Captain Hornby. I can run quickly.” Akolo dashes off, zigzagging up the hillside and stops suddenly. “Hey! I've found a fire and it's still warm!” he shouts.

  “But why wait all this time?” Jed wonders. “Why didn't Ofa get off the island as soon as he'd stolen the diamonds?”

  Lazarus taps the side of his head with a finger. “Like I said. He's not as stupid as he looks. If he'd gone quickly he would have come under suspicion right away.”

  Akolo runs back down the hill and waits while the others pick their way back to the rocky foreshore.

  Penny says, “Is this where you sailed from when you went to Starway?”

  “No way, lady. I set off from the jetty. I didn't need to send smoke signals,” Lazarus says smugly.

  Jed says impatiently, “I've got to get over to Starway and find those diamonds. I'll take my fishing boat.”

  “I don't think so. You need me to lead you to the right people. Get it wrong and . . . well, best not to talk about that.” Lazarus draws a finger across his throat.

  “Oh can I come? I like adventures,” pleads Akolo.

  “No women or kids allowed. Just Jed and me.”

  Jed asks, “Can we go in the morning?”

  “Aye, we can. Best to take a few extra bits of clothing. It might take a day or two.”

  * * *

  Jed and Kami sit close together at night outside Jed's house, the light from a battery lantern highlighting the concerned looks on their faces.

  Kami confesses, “I'm worried, Jed. I can't see how you can get the diamonds back.”

  “I've got to try. If I give up now the only option will be to pack up and go home to America.” He puts his arm round Kami's shoulder. “I can't even bear to think about leaving you behind.”

  “I don't want you to go. I'd miss you too much.” She snuggles up close. “Promise me you'll be very careful on Starway?”

  “I promise.”

  Akolo comes out of Kami's house and walks over to Jed and Kami.

  “I'm going to sleep now. I expect you two have other things to do. Goodnight.” He turns and goes back inside Kami's house.

  “He's starting to grow up,” Kami remarks.

  “So, shall we go inside and think of something to do?” Jed says playfully.

  Kami stands and helps pull Jed to his feet. “How about something to remember while you're away with Lazarus?”

  Jed picks up the lantern, takes Kami's hand and leads the way inside his house.

  Chapter 5

  Lazarus steers his ferry to a mooring at Starway wharf full of fishing boats, private motor boats, small sail yachts and dinghies.

  Jed busies himself bailing out seawater from the bottom of the boat with a rusty can. “Just how the hell this thing stays afloat is a miracle.”

  Lazarus snarls, “Never mind about that. When we go ashore on Starway, just remember to leave the talking to me, Okay?”

  Jed throws the can down, moves to the bows and looks at a lively, colorful town with narrow, twisting streets spreading from the shore up into the hills. Mountain peaks rise in the distance. “Anything you say, skipper.”

  The ferry comes to a halt. Jed throws a small backpack onto the wharf, climbs out and ties the boat up. Lazarus clambers out, carrying his holdall.

  Jed shoulders the backpack and they walk briskly along the wharf towards the shore.

  A small group of shady-looking Polynesian men, squatting against the side of the wharf, look up as Lazarus and Jed pass.

  One of the men spits and says, “Well if it ain't old Hornby. What's it this time, Captain? Need to borrow more cash or after something special?”

  Lazarus glares at the man. “That's my business, pal. Have a nice day.”

  The man retorts, “Ha! Won't be your business for very long. You know the rules here. And who's the dummy you've brought with you?”

  “No idea. He just hitched a ride.”

  * * *

  Jed and Lazarus reach the town and head uphill along a bustling, dusty street, jostling through the crowds shopping at open-fronted hardware, food and clothing shops. Lazarus stops outside an alleyway, looks up and down the street and quickly dodges into the alleyway. Jed follows.

  Lazarus knocks loudly on an ancient wooden door in a wall just inside the alleyway. The door creaks open a few inches.

  “Is that you, Vaka? It's Lazarus. I've got a friend with me.”

  The door swings half-open and Lazarus hurries through the doorway, beckoning for Jed to follow.

  * * *

  Vaka, Polynesian, leads the way up a dark, creaking wooden staircase to a small dingy room. He hurries to a tiny window and looks out. “I don't think you were followed.” He indicates to a wooden bench against a wall. “Please sit.”

  Jed takes off the backpack and sits.

  Lazarus puts his holdall on the floor, takes out a bottle of whiskey, opens it, takes a slug and offers the bottle to Vaka. “Here you go, Vaka. Steadies the nerves, you old rascal.”

  Vaka tips the bottle, swallows some whiskey and hands the bottle to Jed.

  “What's your name?”

  Jed shoots a glance at Lazarus.

  “It's okay to talk in front of Vaka,” Lazarus confirms.

  “Jed. Jed Namara.” He drinks from the bottle.

  Lazarus sits on the bench.

  Vaka paces nervously to and fro, glancing out of the window. “What can I do for you, Mister Namara?”

  “I've no idea. Ask Lazarus.”

  “Find the diamonds Ikani Latu's son brought over. They belong to Jed.”

  Vaka twitches nervously. “What makes you think I know anything about diamonds?”

  “Come on, how many of Latu's bent sidekicks do you know? At least one of them would have mentioned getting at those stones before they reach Latu's hideout.”

  Vaka crosses to an upturned tea chest serving as a table and drums his fingers on it. He goes to a low wooden bed at one end of the room and sits. “Okay. I was asked to be in on a plan to take them. I didn't like the sound of it . . . too risky. But I couldn't resist taking a look from a distance. I saw the son . . . what's his name?”

  “Ofa,” Jed reminds him.

  “I saw Ofa Latu being escorted from a boat at Poleton Creek by two of his father's security men. I was hiding behind a bush on a hill just off the beach and couldn't see much in the dark. Ofa was carrying a small box of some sort. Then I saw men with torches moving towards them. They were from Latu's mob as well. They attacked Ofa and his escorts, kicking them around until they ended up on their backs. One of the mob grabbed the box and they all shot off. As soon as they'd gone, the escorts got up and walked away, leaving Ofa on the beach. Then he got up and went off in a different direction.”

  Jed looks puzzled. “I don't quite follow.”

  Vaka tries to explain. “You see, Latu's men had set it up . . . arranged for an anti-Latu mob to stage the attack and snatch the diamonds. The news gets back to Latu and his men appear to be innocent . . . especially when his
son confirms it. But of course they'll be dividing the catch with other gang members.”

  “Got it. What about Ofa?” Jed insists.

  “Oh he's out of it. Running for his life.”

  Jed stands and impatiently paces the room. “Yer know the crazy thing is I don't even know how many diamonds there are. Now we're talking about them being divided between God knows how many greedy creeps.”

  Lazarus intervenes. “Vaka, you must know how these guys operate. You surely know which one is the brains, and what plan of action he'll use.”

  “I think you have one or two days before they meet up to share them out. Right now they'll be at different ends of the island until it's safe to be seen together. The leader will be holding the lot until then.”

  “So I need to get to the leader first,” Jed says.

  Vaka leaps up and rushes to look out of the window. “Impossible! You'd end up hung, drawn and quartered.”

  “End up what?”

  “It's an English saying. They used to hang people, rip out their bellies and cut them into bits as punishment for crime.”

  Jed smirks. “Is that all? Well, what are we waiting for? If I'm going to end up in the meat market I might as well be fresh.”

  Vaka turns and stares at Jed. “Waiting for? We? You don't think ...”

  “You have to help. It's the only way,” Lazarus tells him.

  Vaka shakes his head, then holds his arms up. “Okay. Okay . . . but we cannot do anything today. Mateo . . . he's the man . . . will be in hiding the other side of the mountains. We must set out before sunrise in the morning.”

  “Mateo? Sounds Latin American,” assumes Jed.

  “Yes, he's from Colombia . . . and has a very beautiful Colombian wife. But they always argue. She's a very determined woman.”

  * * *

  Three donkeys with pannier baskets strapped in place, each with a male rider silhouetted against the red early morning sky, move slowly in line across a ridge.

  Vaka, on the leading donkey, raises an arm. The three animals stop. “I have to let some coffee out.” He dismounts and goes behind a bush.

  Jed and Lazarus climb off their donkeys and find other bushes.

  Jed returns, mounts and tries in vain to get his donkey to move. He dismounts, takes a carrot from a pannier basket and coaxes the beast into action, walking backwards along the track a short distance before climbing aboard again.

  Lazarus remounts and urges the donkey on. It stands motionless. Lazarus grabs one of its ears and leans towards it. “Listen, smart ass. Orders is orders. Move!” He clicks his tongue and bounces up and down. The donkey refuses to budge.