Boatman's dream 19

I parked alongside Eddie’s motorhome.  Dennis peered through the window and turned back inside without waving.  The stench of the morning’s fire still hung in the air.

A power-sander was being used on a boat somewhere in the yard, and elsewhere knots of men stood discussing the fire.  Some were yacht-owners, who’d come down to inspect their boats and weigh the situation; others, boatmen who’d come to find out what was going on and check everyone was ok. 

I’d heard some news up in the town and had driven straight over to speak to Merlin.

“Watcha, Kev?  What do you think of this bloody mess?”

“It’s a mess.  Has BS been down?”

“Not yet.  Just that son-in-law of his, being a right pain in the arse.”

“It’s all I can do not to dab him.” Eddie sulked from his bench.

“That’s just what BS wants.” Merlin observed.  “It’d just about finish us off.”

“Did they find anything in the wreck?”

“Human, you mean?  No.  Nothing.  They’re looking for the cause now.”

“And Danny?”

Merlin was at a loss.  He looked around at the others.

It doesn’t look good.” I ventured.  “Do you know about the meeting in the clubhouse?”

“What meeting?”

“BS has called a meeting of residents and interested parties at half-six.”

“That’s where he is.” Merlin breathed the words.  “We haven’t seen hide nor hair of him down here.”

“He can’t be at the clubhouse yet.  Tide’s only just cleared.”

Merlin looked thoughtfully at Eddie.  “You putting that kettle on, or not?”