Jack Beale 00 - Dangerous Shoals

that,” said Max.
    “I know. I tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted.”
    “So what’ll we do until he gets here?”
    “I’m starved. Those muffins were good, but now I need something more substantial. How about we hit the tavern for some lunch?”
    “Sounds like a plan.”

CHAPTER 50
    “YOU KNOW, I’M beginning to feel like a regular here,” said Jack as he and Max took seats at the bar.
    “I was just thinking the same.”
    Glancing around, Jack saw that the lunch crowd was beginning to fill in.
    “What are the chances that Stephen will be working lunch today?” mused Jack.
    “My guess would be slim, but you never know.”
    Before she could add to that comment, Stephen walked through the service door behind the bar, carrying two plates of food.
    “Hey. Jack, Max, let me drop these off and I’ll be right with you,” he called as he passed in front of them.
    They both looked at each other, surprise and delight on their faces, and began to laugh.
    Back from delivering the plates of food, Stephen said, “I didn’t expect to see the two of you again. How’s it going?”
    “We didn’t expect to see you either,” replied Jack.
    “Two late nights and then a lunch shift. What did you do wrong?” asked Max.
    “Oh, nothing. The day bartender asked me if I could cover. I didn’t have anything else to do, so I said yes.” Then with a mischievous grin he added, “Besides, I knew you’d be back.”
    “Bullshit,” said Jack, also stifling a grin.
    “Beers?”
    “That would be great, and menus, please,” said Max. “I’m starving.”
    It was a day of surprises. Jack didn’t order his usual burger, but rather the fish and chips. And as starved as Max claimed to be, she ordered a Caesar salad.
    As the crowd continued to fill in, conversation with Stephen became more and more piecemeal. Max and Jack finished eating and, gradually, the lunch rush ended as well. They were finally talking with Stephen when a familiar voice interrupted their conversation. “Somehow I knew I’d find you two here.”
    Stephen looked up and Jack and Max both turned at the same time. “You caught us,” said Jack.
    “Hi Tom,” said Max. “I’d like you to meet our new friend, Stephen. Stephen, Tom.”
    “Nice to meet you, Tom,” said Stephen as he reached across the bar.
    “I hope these two have been behaving themselves. Oh, and I’d only believe half of what they tell you,” said Tom, also reaching across to shake hands.
    “So. What’s all this about finding Daniel?” said Tom, first looking at Jack and then at Max.
    “Do you want to hear the story now, or later?” asked Jack.
    “Now would be good. I cleared my schedule, so why wait?”
    A round of beers was ordered and as they began to fill Tom in. Stephen excused himself from the conversation, but it was clear that he was keeping his bartender ears open.
    Eventually Tom’s questions were answered, the check paid, and it was time to go.
    “Stephen, thanks for everything. I’ll see you in a few days when I come back to get my boat,” said Jack. Then he followed Max and Tom out the door.

CHAPTER 51
    A WEEK PASSED . Daniel remained in the morgue, and there had been no further signs of Kurt. Gradually, the shock of Daniel’s death began to fade, and when there was no further word from the York Police Department, Jack’s impatience increased until he finally called them.
    “Sure, it’s all yours. We finished with it several days ago … Sorry, someone should have called you sooner … Yes, I know … We’re sorry … Good―” Jack never heard the goodbye. It was cut short when he slammed the receiver down.
    His next call was to Tom. He needed to vent over York’s seemingly casual attitude, and by the time he was through and had calmed down, plans had been made to go get the boat the next day. Tom would make the trip back with him. After several more calls, everything was set. Max would drive them up since she had to be at work later in the day, and Patti would come along for the ride. With her active imagination, Max pictured Kurt everywhere, and Patti’s company would make her feel more secure on the drive back home.
    The dinghy was right where he had left it at Donnell’s. The girls didn’t linger because they wanted to do some shopping on the way home before they had to be at work. Goodbyes were said and Jack watched them drive off while Tom carried their stuff down to the dinghy. It didn’t take long to get out to Irrepressible .