The Collectors Book Two: Full Circle (The Collectors Series 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Alysa?”
    “Stop worrying. Maria’s fine and so’s your daughter.”
    “Okay, talk soon. ’Bye.”
    Petros found Sandy, this time in the officers’ lounge. “I’m expecting a few more calls.”
    “No problem, mate. When I receive them, I’ll let you know sharpish. Must dash. The old man wants the daily signals sent.”
    “Morning, PK,” said Bear, as he entered the lounge. “How’s Maria?”
    “I have a daughter.” A smile filled Petros’s face. “Her name’s Alysa. Maria’s fine. My mum’s taken away her mobile so she’s not disturbed.”
    Bear slapped him hard on the back. “Congratulations, Dad. Never thought I’d hear myself saying that. Your mum’s sensible. Let Maria rest. I’m going to check out breakfast.”
    Sandy rushed in. “Petros. I’ve a message from a Mr Jacob. Flight booked from Luanda to Heathrow on Saturday. Departure seventeen hundred hours, cost eight thousand pounds for two tickets.”
    “Thanks, Sandy.”
    “No problem, mate.” He turned on his heel and left.
    “Eight grand?” said Bear. “Hope that’s first class.”
    “If it isn’t, I’ll want a refund. Anyway, today’s Thursday, we arrive in Luanda sometime tomorrow so we’ll be spending the night at Jacob’s farm.”
    “That’s sounds like a bloody large hangover, PK. That sod can drink for Africa.”
    “At least we’ll eat well,” said Petros.
    Bear’s eyes flashed. “Yeah, I bet he does a mean barbecue.”
    Throughout the day, Petros wandered back and forth to the radio room until Sandy turned to him. “Petros, relax. Grab a chair and sit on the back end. I’ll tell you if there’re any messages. Trust me.”
    Petros smiled, walked aft and found a chair. With little sleep he struggled to stay awake. The motion of the ship calmed and sleep overtook him.
    “PK, wake up,” said Bear a little later, as he handed over the message.
    Petros scanned the sheet of paper. “I must call Maria.”
    “And I thought officers could read. She left the hospital number and asked you to call her when we arrive in Luanda. Plain English, PK. Comprende ?” Bear wandered to the stern rail. The sun in its final moments cast a red glow over the sky from under the horizon. “Tomorrow, PK, tomorrow. It’s time for supper. Shift your arse and have a shower. See you in the mess.”
    “Yes, Sir,” Petros replied, giving a mock salute.
    The meal finished, those not on watch slept soundly in their bunks. Sandy placed one more call for Petros.
    At the end of the call, Petros smiled at Sandy. “I promise you I won’t get you out of bed.”
    Sandy shook his head. “No problem, mate. The Officer of the Watch will monitor incoming messages. If it’s important, he’ll wake you. Goodnight, see you at breakfast.”
    Petros peeked at his watch. It was time to sleep.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
    “Stop engines,” said the captain. He turned to Petros. “Any closer and the port authorities will have the right to inspect my ship. The third mate will take you into the main harbour by boat and drop you at the steps near the customs office.” He paused. “Don’t suppose I’ll ever see you again. I must say I enjoyed operating a makeshift aircraft carrier. Take care.”
    “Thanks, Captain,” said Petros “In particular, saving me from a watery grave.”
    He grinned. “Glad I haven’t lost my touch.”
    “Captain, I’ve seen you every day. And your uniform is always spotless.”
    “Not a problem. I have a Chinese deckhand who washes and presses my clothes and I add a few hours overtime to his work card.”
    “Your own flunky.”
    “Being the boss has its perks.”
    Bear tapped his friend on the shoulder. “PK, the boat’s waiting. Captain, please thank your cook. His grub beats those so-called celebrity chefs.”
    With bags slung across their shoulders they shook hands with Eachan. Both descended the temporary ladder and