Kiss On The Bridge (13 page)

Five minutes ticked off before Wade came
across the mechanic’s shed. Still marching up to the door he spied
a tanned leg and the torso of a woman starting to slip through the
narrow splinter of a gap. Leaning on the boat which crushed the
roller door, Wade waited patiently for Anneli to emerge into the
sunshine.

“I wondered where you got to,” he quizzed,
bursting into a grin. “I see you’ve changed your clothes.”

“Wade, you’re just the person I need.”

“Nice outfit,” he continued.

“Be serious.”

“I am. I love the shorts. I especially love
the legs which are in the shorts.”

“If you’re thinking along the lines of: did I
go shopping or not, I didn’t.”

“The thought never entered my mind.”

“I came across the clothes when I
investigated the inside of the boat you’re leaning on.”

“Did you happen to find a rope or an old
tyre?”

“They’re both in the shed. I also found a
trapped man. He asked for my help. I need you to help me so Eric
can get to his daughter’s place; at least for new years.”

“Lead on,” insisted Wade, quickly.

The tone in his voice put Anneli at ease. For
a few seconds she pondered the question; what it might actually
take for him to lose his cool.

The two stepped into the interior of the
large, hot, dust filled shed.

“I can feel why you changed your clothes,”
commented Wade. “It’s a sauna in here.”

“It sure is,” replied Anneli, pointing at the
tyre and the rope.

“Excellent find,” stated Wade stopping to
view the shopping list.

“Thank you.”

“What do you need me to do?” he asked
trotting over to where Anneli stood.

“I can lift the side of the Mercedes I just
can’t pull the hydraulic jack out at the same time.”

Wade pushed down on the long crow bar. The
car lifted slightly. Anneli quickly pulled the car jack out.

“This way,” Anneli announced, dragging the
jack across the floor in the direction of the truck. “Eric, I found
some help. We’ll have you out in a flash,” she called.

“Thank you missy; a-thousand times I thank
you,” he croaked.

Wade placed the car jack under the side of
the truck, pumping the handle. The truck lifted. Eric slipped his
leg from under the truck and jumped to his feet, beaming.

“There’s no way I could get my leg free. The
weight of the truck had a good grip on my overalls. I’m too old to
tear my clothes. I tried at least a dozen times. I couldn’t even
make a start.”

“Sir, I’m Wade Mackenzie,” he said pushing
his hand out. “It wasn’t a hassle coming to help. I’m sure your
daughter and wife will understand the long delay. Do you require
any further assistance?”

“None thank you.” Eric shook Anneli’s then
Wade’s hand. “Your wife is in need of the tyre and the rope. Take
them as a thank you. Beyond everything, have a nice long life
together.”

“Anneli’s not my wife,” mumbled Wade.

Eric pouted. “She should be. Brave and strong
she is.” He slapped Wade on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s get out
of here. It’s getting hard to breathe.”

Eric led the way to the door. After shaking
Anneli’s and Wade’s hand for a second time, he walked off in the
opposite direction.

“Nice man,” said Anneli.

“Yes he is. Come on, we have work to do.”

Wade carried the tyre to the yacht. Anneli
carried the rope. Holding onto her end of the rope, Wade took hold
of the other. Snatching the shovel up, he rolled the tyre towards
the shoreline at ninety degrees from Charlotte’s bow. Anneli
watched Wade start to dig a deep hole in the sand.

Dropping her end of the rope Anneli marched
over. “I can’t follow what you’re attempting.”

“You’re about to see.” Wade tied his end of
the rope to the tyre and buried it in the sand. “If this works
we’ll be home free.” He walked back to Charlotte, clambering
aboard. He tied the other end of the rope to the twenty feet of
anchor chain. Flicking on a toggle switch the anchor winch started
to rotate. Not only did the yacht right herself the buried tyre
started to drag Charlotte slowly towards the sea.

When Anneli saw the tyre being pulled out of
the sand she sprinted over, standing on the exposed rubber.

Eventually Wade stopped the winch by hitting
the neutral button. When water lapped at Charlotte’s keel he pulled
the entire length of rope, including the original chain out to its
stop and repeated the performance after digging a hole in waist
deep water.

“It won’t be long now before Charlotte is
free of the sand. When she’s floating we’ll be able to hoist her
sails,” instructed Wade.

Anneli grinned at the news. After helping her
onto the yacht, Wade marched ahead to stand on the tyre. Anneli
flicked the switch to start the winch. The machine whirred.
Charlotte started to move. Soon water licked the side of the hull.
In less than a minute she started floating sideways.

Wade started waving his arms in the air.
“Victory,” he yelled.

Anneli nodded excitedly. Her long black hair
glistened in the warm sunshine. The dying wind from the cyclone
sent a shiver down her back. Finally she felt like she belonged to
something extra special. Anneli lived in hope the feeling will last
for the rest of her life. She studied her hero. How she longed to
believe he wanted her in his life for the rest of his days. Her
future looked perfect. There’d be no more influence from her
stepfather.

Wade dived under the surface of the water,
pulling the half buried tyre from under the sand. Anneli pushed the
button which extended the dive ladder to the water line allowing
Wade to climb aboard. Anneli flicked the winch switch to neutral,
bounded over the deck to look Wade in the eyes. He wrapped his arms
around Anneli, lifting her into the air.

Another monstrous kiss helped them celebrate
the victorious moment.

The tyre and rope were quickly gathered. Wade
slung the rope over his shoulder and carried the tyre back towards
Eric’s garage.

On the return trip five men stepped over the
rubble. They jumped down onto the sand watching Wade walk back
towards the yacht. Anneli saw the men approaching. Her young
feminine facial features were instantly swept away, replaced by a
cold murderous expression.

“Hey,” yelled one of the men. “Stay right
where you are.”

In ankle deep water, Wade froze in mid-step.
He turned to face the voice. He didn’t think much of the hostile
tone. He knew the meeting might actually end in disaster.

Anneli jumped into the water, sprinting over
to stand next to Wade.

The group marched in unison down to the
shoreline. Each man looked ready for a fight.

“Anneli, I’ve been concerned over your
safety,” snarled the eldest male. He stood two steps in front of
the other four.

Quickly summing up the five men, Wade decided
they were the same ones who ambushed him in the park.

“Father, I’m not injured,” yelled Anneli.

“Good to hear. I trust this young man has
looked after you well?”

“Maybe too well,” snarled one of the four
men.

“Quiet in the back stalls,” cussed Anneli’s
stepfather.

“I take it you forgot your gun.”

Eyeballing Wade, the man stepped closer. The
water started lapping the soles of his shiny black shoes. “I don’t
need a gun to get what I want.”

Wade came across the same type of men too
many times before to be nervous by his attitude. In regards to the
men standing behind him, he knew Anneli’s stepfather had the power
over them. They’d do exactly what they were told. Wade held out his
hand, to taunt the man into action. He wanted to find out exactly
what made the man tick. “I’m Wade Mackenzie.”

“I don’t care for your name. I don’t care to
shake your hand.”

Retracting his hand, Wade frowned at the
man.

“What’s the look for?”

“We met in the park. You were carrying a gun.
The men at the back wanted to ruffle my clothes.”

Anneli switched her gaze between Wade and her
stepfather, wincing slightly at the stand-off.

Wade glanced at the four men standing at the
rear through squinted eyes before focusing on Anneli’s stepfather.
“How are your ribs?”

The four men stood their ground,
snarling.

The man in the foreground didn’t look at all
pleased. He raised his hand, slipping it inside his jacket.

Wade growled. “Don’t. If you’re hiding a gun,
be advised it should remain hidden.” Curling his fists he stepped
closer, staring the man down.

“I will have it known my name is Darryl.”

“I know exactly who you are,” barked
Wade.

“Before you rudely interrupted me, I’m
Anneli’s father. I loathe your defiant nature. I also detest
you.”

“You’re my stepfather,” Anneli yelled.

“Yes, you’re right, I stand corrected.
Needless to say your brothers will escort you safely aboard my
ship.”

“The young lady isn’t going anywhere.”

Darryl pointed his index finger at Wade. “You
have no choice at the crux of this gathering.”

“This so called gathering is over. Anneli has
decided to stay,” advised Wade, folding his arms across his
chest.

“We’ll see. Anneli, it is time to go.”

“The only place I’m going is where Wade wants
to take me.”

“You’ll do what you are told.”

“No.”

The four young men standing behind Darryl
stepped forward. “Sons, stay where you are,” he growled.

Wade stepped slightly in front of Anneli. He
wanted to make it known he definitely didn’t fear the man. “I’m
sure Anneli is old enough to make up her own mind in such
matters.”

“You’re either a cop or a lawyer. Which one
is correct?” snorted Darryl.

In a heartbeat Wade decided on an answer.
“It’s for me to know. You will never hear the answer from me.” He
stepped closer, looking directly into the man’s eyes. “I despise
the way you’re stating your business. Put your fangs back into your
mouth. I’m sure we can discuss this rationally, perhaps even
calmly.”

“You are no gentleman,” spat Darryl.

“I believe our conversation has come to a
close,” Wade informed keeping his voice calm. The way he glared at
the man he looked far worse than cyclone Tracy. “If you don’t leave
Anneli and the beach immediately, I will take further action.”

“Meaning?” jeered Darryl.

“Take some advice don’t stick around to find
out.”

“I don’t take threats lightly. Boys, show Mr.
Wade Mackenzie some good old fashioned manners.”

Darryl’s sons clenched their fists. They
quickly marched closer. Anneli yelled at the top of her voice.
“Don’t bother to fight. No matter the outcome I’m leaving Darwin
onboard Charlotte.”

Darryl pointed directly at his daughter. “I
don’t care what you think. You will do what I say.”

Wade raised his fists. He’d entertained the
worse characters imaginable. Murderers topped the endless list.
Anneli’s four brothers reminded him of the last murderer he
interviewed. The man stayed calm, friendly; even well mannered.
Reassuring the guard he’d be okay, Wade insisted the man step
outside the room. The moment they were alone the big man launched
himself straight at Wade. His hands were around his neck squeezing
his spirit out of him before he knew what happened. Wade managed to
jab him hard in the ribs. He heard a crack before the big man
retreated. The scuffle lasted no longer than five seconds.

The four young men standing behind Darryl
didn’t look professional. If they insisted on the fight, Wade felt
more than confident of another quick win. He set himself in an
attack stance, eyeballing the men one at a time. In five seconds he
decided in which order the men will eat sand. The one on the left
will be first followed by the one on the right. He felt positive
the two in the middle were the weakest and the most nervous. They’d
be third and fourth on the list. Darryl will be the last one
standing. He’d receive the rest of his attention.

The fight lasted three seconds.

The young men were trying to stand on the
soft sand when Wade turned his attention to Anneli’s stepfather. He
was reaching out to grab hold of Anneli’s collar. Wade clipped him
behind the ear. When the man swiveled around Wade’s fist hit the
bridge of his nose. The man went down. Wade didn’t stick around
long enough for a second round. One knuckle on his left hand
already started swelling. Grabbing Anneli by the hand, they
sprinted into the water towards Charlotte. Besides, Wade
accomplished what he set out to do by stating his intensions.

They hurriedly climbed the aluminum dive
ladder. Wade pushed the switch, retracting the ladder. Running to
the bridge the moment he stepped through the doorway he started the
engine. Wade eased the yacht towards deeper water while the five
men pounded their fists into the air.

“Thanks for rescuing me,” puffed Anneli
throwing her arm over her hero’s shoulder.

“Not a problem,” replied Wade.

Anneli watched the distance to Darryl widen,
shrinking him and her brothers by the second. The open water looked
relatively calm. Wade cut the engine, walked over to the main sail
and started unclipping the canvas.

“Is there something I can do?” asked Anneli
walking over.

Wade pointed to the handle at the base of the
mast. “You can start winding.”

Anneli started to turn the handle in a
clockwise direction. The main sail started to lift. Immediately the
breeze filled the canvas. The boat slowly picked up speed, easily
slicing through the small waves.

Wade tied off the sail after it reached the
top pulley. Returning to the bridge he gripped the navigational
wheel, lost in his thoughts. He didn’t hear Anneli step up behind
him nor did he feel her place a hand on his shoulder. She stood on
her toes, leaned slightly forward to whisper in his ear.