Soon afterwards two small tugs arrived and expertly manoeuvred the ship out of the basin and across to the drying dock. By early evening the ship was dry and chocked up in the pumped-out basin. Engineers and other curious spectators peered in amazement at the jumble of plaited nylon, rope, chain and the rusting dredge board jammed between the severely buckled propeller and rudder. It would be many days before the repairs could be completed; they nodded in agreement.
“Well Alex,” John smiled with satisfaction, “is that good enough for you?”
“Nice to be doing business with you again!” He thumped John warmly on the back. “That should give us all the time we need!”
In order to complete the deal with Dick and his partner, Oscar telephoned his bank in Singapore and arranged to the transfer the necessary finances to a lawyer in Manila.
“Do you know a lawyer over here? It will have to be a tough one because the mortgagee we are taking out is a local gangster.”
The bank manager was startled “Are you sure you should be doing business with those kind of people?” he warned with concern.
Oscar was adamant. “If the bank recommends a good lawyer surely there should be no problem, should there?”
Privately the manager was not convinced but gave Oscar a name.
“We always use this man for any significant international transaction. He’s expensive but considered to be good!”
“Sounds like the man we want; I’d appreciate it if you would ring him and introduce me — then I’ll call later today to make an appointment, if that’s possible, OK?” The manager agreed to make the call and introduce Oscar but was still concerned about the whole transaction.
“Thank you for all your help, as usual,” Oscar said in an effort to soothe the troubled manager then rang off.
Oscar and Dick presented themselves at the agreed time. The lawyer was a bit stuffy at first, claiming that such transactions were usually handled by one of his clerks! Oscar was patient and thanked him in advance for sparing his time, then explained the transaction. At the mention of the name of the mortgagee the lawyer suddenly became infinitely more interested.
“You’re sticking your neck out, you realise that do you?” He waited for Oscar to react then, satisfied that he had their full attention, continued. “These people only make that kind of investment for the benefit of their own interests, so repaying these loans and freeing your friend from his obligations could attract heavy penalties — even retribution!” He raised his eyebrows and glared at Dick who, completely overwhelmed and intimidated by the occasion, seemed to shrink even further into his chair,
Oscar, trying to sound confident and encouraging to the trembling Dick, replied.
“Yes we realise that but we have to take that risk!” He chose not to elaborate until he was more convinced that the solicitor was genuine or as he had so often discovered in the past, an agent of the Syndicate or even the warlord.
“OK then. I’ll have a good look at it all and have something, with luck, ready by tomorrow midday.” He looked at his watch impatiently. “Will that be convenient?”
Thanking him, they agreed to call back tomorrow and left the office without any more ceremony. Marion and Annie were waiting outside for the two men.
“We thought we’d wait for you here. Greg and Remi have gone to hunt down a long list of diving equipment.” This included a special gas re-breathing kit which, if available, would help them to extend the dive times required at the sort of depths the submarine was understood to be lying in.
They’d left Sophie to relax on the terrace.
“I’ll top up the tan while you lot play treasure hunters,” she’d quite happily said as she waved them goodbye. “The drinks will be ready when you return O Lord and Master!” she’d giggled, bowing mock-irreverently as they left the bungalow.
Annie took the still-bemused Dick by the arm.
“OK mister, we’re going on a special mission now,” she winked at Marion and led him away. “See you both later.”
“How did it go?” Marion moved next to Oscar as they started towards the waterfront.
“Let’s take the easy way and I’ll tell you.”
Brightly coloured Jeepnee Taxis plied back and forth around the busy Philippine capital. Oscar signalled and almost instantly one of the gaily-decorated vehicles pulled up at their side.
“The marina please,” Oscar asked the cheerful driver. Then, taking Marion by the hand, he guided her up into the open-air passenger seats.
“What a confusing place this is.” He looked at Marion. “Here we have some of the most cheerful and friendly people in the world and on the other hand, some of the most evil!” He gazed at her and was genuinely sad.
“I know exactly what you mean.” Marion still held his hand and squeezed gently with compassion. “So, come on, how did Dick respond?” she asked again.
Oscar started to tell her, but even as he spoke the words, the touch of Marion’s delicate hand seemed to consume all his thoughts. He was enraptured by her presence, his mind almost frozen in time as he gazed at her. He didn’t really want to talk; what he really wanted was to hold her gently in his arms. They both sat in silence as the Jeepnee manoeuvred through the busy traffic. It was some time before he realised that he had stopped speaking.
“Will this do Mister?” the driver asked, waking them from their hypnotic trance.
“Oh yes thanks.” Oscar came suddenly to his senses, breaking the spell. He paid the driver and then, still holding hands, they strolled in silence through the palm-shaded public thoroughfare towards the bungalows.
They walked into Oscar’s bungalow and without stopping Oscar closed the door behind them; Marion turned and placed her hands on his chest.
“I don’t know what’s happening to me but I feel a bit like a naughty schoolgirl!
Oscar cupped her dainty chin in his hand and gently kissed her mouth.
“I know exactly what you mean; exciting isn’t it!” He kissed her again, this time lingering a little longer.
Her lips were warm and moist; she closed her eyes and pressed gently. Oscar slipped his arms around her waist and held her close; her head rested on his chest. They simply stood there for the next minute, their bodies nestling closer together. Eventually Marion looked up.
“Come with me.” She took him by the hand and walked towards the bedroom. “Is this one yours?” She walked into the first open door. Oscar nodded and happily followed, closing the door behind them.
“Greg will be quite a long time — I hope!” he smiled, pulling her close again.
It was over an hour later when they heard Remi knocking on the terrace doors.
“Is anyone there?” he called, sounding anxious.
They dressed hurriedly and a sense of guilt flushed through Oscar.
“I have that naughty adolescent feeling again!” he said quietly.
Marion giggled.
“Me too! I don’t why, we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of!” She squared her shoulders defiantly.
Oscar stepped up to the patio windows and let the distraught Remi in.
“What’s the problem?” Oscar asked.
“Well I left Greg still trying to find his gas re-breather, thinking I ought get back to Sophie but she’s not here and it’s just not like her to go anywhere on her own!” He was obviously very agitated.
“Steady now. She might have just walked across the beach for a cool drink or something?” Oscar strained to look across the wide expanse of sand but could not identify Sophie amongst the dozens of other bikini clad young ladies.
Marion appeared at Oscar’s side. “I’ll walk down to the cafés with you. I bet she’s there.”