Page 39 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
This didn’t sound promising. Avery was sure they weren’t going to be given a chance when he continued. “The captain agreed to give you five minutes to make your case.”
“Thank you,” James said, perking up. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.” The relief in his voice was evident.
“You aren’t allowed on the bridge.”
Avery already knew it was highly unlikely they would be escorted there.
“Captain Douglas will join you in a few minutes. You need to understand he has a lot on his plate.”
“I do, I do,” James assured him.
“This ferry breaking down is highly unusual,” Earl said. “We’re all frustrated and miserable and the captain isn’t likely to make allowances for you unless you can convince him this is a matter of life and death.”
James nodded. “My wife has had a difficult pregnancy . . . This is our first baby, and she’s alone and terrified. So am I.”
Earl listened. “Got it.” Next, he glanced at Avery and Harrison. “I did what I could. The best of luck to you.”
“Thank you,” Avery said, grateful for Earl’s efforts. She was willing to let his previous attitude slide, seeing how helpful he’d been.
The three remained standing on the car deck for several minutes before the captain appeared.
“Lester Douglas,” he said, by means of an introduction. He immediately got to the point. “Earl says you have extenuating circumstances to leave the ferry. Let’s hear it.”
James swallowed hard as if his throat had gone dry. “My wife is in labor.”
“Here? On the ferry?” His eyes widened with the question, and he seemed surprised that this was the first time he’d heard of it.
“No, no, she’s in Seattle. I need to get to her. I explained to Earl earlier this hasn’t been an easy pregnancy and she’s alone. We don’t have any family in the area. Her mother is due to fly here, but not until after the first of the year.”
The captain listened intently.
“I understand someone is delivering the part to repair the engine. I was hoping—praying, actually—that you would let me return with that boat.”
Captain Douglas considered the request, his mouth tight as he mulled over what were sure to be the consequences.
Avery could almost see the other man’s mind whirling. “You must understand that if word gets out that I let you leave, there is likely to be a riot. From what the crew is telling me, tensions are riding high, with a lot of people furious about the situation.”
“That’s true,” James said.
Avery appreciated that James wasn’t willing to downplay the ugly mood of those trapped on the passenger deck.
“Sir, please, this is dire. I need to be with my wife.”
“You say your wife is alone,” Captain Douglas said, studying James closely.
“Not exactly . . . A neighbor is currently with her, but she has to leave for a family function in an hour or so.”
“Good, then she has someone at her side for now.”
“That’s true, but she needs me. I’m her husband, the father of her child.” He looked at Avery and Harrison as if they would help him explain how crucial it was for him to return with the speedboat.
“Has she been admitted to the hospital?” Captain Douglas asked next.
“Not yet . . . but . . .”
The captain stopped him. “I’m sorry, son, I can’t allow a single passenger to depart while so many others are just as desperate to get to Seattle. Your leaving would be grossly unfair to everyone else.”
The device attached to the captain’s hip made a squeaking sound. He jerked it off his belt and pushed a button.
