Page 38 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
Harrison glanced around to be sure others weren’t listening in on their conversation. “Perhaps it would be best if we spoke outside, where there aren’t a lot of ears.”
James hurried to his feet. “Okay. Sure.”
The three of them moved to the outside deck. Avery wasn’t prepared for the icy wind that buffeted against her. Seagulls floated in the breeze above them, and the angry dark clouds mirrored the mood of those impatiently awaiting rescue. She held on to the railing while Harrison explained their plan.
“Whoever delivers the part will likely return to Seattle once it’s on board, right?”
“Right,” James echoed. It was then that he understood. His eyes widened and he nodded with enough vigor to nearly send his glasses flying. “But how—I mean, who will I need to talk to about this? It isn’t like I can become a stowaway without anyone noticing.”
“The captain would be the one to grant permission, we think,” Harrison said.
James appeared more than ready to do whatever was necessary to find a way onto that boat. He started for the door that would take him back inside the ferry when he paused. Looking unsure, he said, “Come with me.”
Harrison shared a look with Avery as if silently asking her if this was a good idea or not.
“We should,” she said. “There’s power in numbers, and we have to get the captain to listen.” At least she hoped that was the case.
Once inside, Harrison led them to the stairs that descended to the car deck, which was mostly deserted now. Those who drove onto the ferry had apparently grown restless, cold, and bored sitting inside their vehicles.
“Do you know where we will find the captain?” James asked, looking around the car deck.
Avery had no idea why Harrison had taken them belowdecks when it was highly likely the captain would be on the bridge.
“We don’t have access to the captain,” he explained. “Our best bet is to find one of the crew and have him convince the captain to meet with us.”
“Down here?” James asked, spreading out his arms and circling around. All any of them could see were empty cars lined up bumper to bumper.
“No, there,” Harrison said, pointing to a doorway that statedCREW ONLY.
Relief showed on James’s face as he sighed and nodded.
The three approached the door. James hesitated. “Should we knock?” Not waiting for a response, James politely tapped the door.
No one responded.
Harrison tried next, pounding against the door with his fist.
Avery nearly groaned when Earl Jones, the crew member that they had dealt with earlier, angrily threw open the door. When he saw the three of them, he rolled his eyes as if to say he’d had enough of their eternal griping.
“What now?” he demanded.
“We need to see the captain,” James explained impatiently. “It’s a matter of utmost importance.”
“And why is that?” Earl challenged.
“I need to get off this ferry,” James said.
“Listen, buddy, get in line with everyone else.” He was about to close the door in their faces.
“Wait,” Avery cried. “You don’t understand.” Irritated by Earl’s attitude, she did her best to control her temper. To be fair, the entire crew had been dealing with complaints and hostility for the last two hours. What he didn’t understand was that with James there were extenuating circumstances.
“My wife is in labor,” James cried. “I need to be with her.”
Earl remained silent for several long moments. Avery feared he was about to turn them down flat and insist they return to the passenger deck.
She sighed with relief when he said, “Wait here.” He closed the door and left them standing in the cold. James paced impatiently for what felt like an eternity.
Avery was about to give up when Earl returned. “Listen, I tried my best.”
