“Nothing at all,” Squid agreed but didn’t look too pleased about the assertion.
“Oh for God’s sake.The captain and I are entertaining Domingo this afternoon.However, afterwards he will be available if you’d like to invite him for a dilly-dally.”
“A dilly-dally?”Squid snorted.“What do you take me for?”
Domingo rolled his eyes.
“A damned fool at the moment,” I said.“Do I need to write a play and cast you as the romantic leads?”
“Pardon?”Squid said, pretending not to understand what I was implying.
“Never mind,” Domingo sighed.“I’ll get my pleasure where my affections are returned with grace and enthusiasm.”
“Fine then,” Squid muttered.“Good for you.”
“Thank you, Squid, my darling.The evening’s events will be very good for me, and for Dinesh and Rooster too.I’m sure you shall hear exactly how good if you remain at your post.”
Squid and I exchanged a glance.
He had surely heard more than he’d bargained for already in his position as bodyguard to two most passionate fellows.Now he’d have to listen to three of us, one of whom may or may not be a subject of romantic or physical interest to him.But I couldn’t worry about that now.
“You are a cunt!”
It was only now that I noticed that Domingo had one arm hidden behind him.And I knew that turn of phrase.
“Oh no!You cannot bring the bird with you!”
“Why ever not?”
“Because she will not shut up, and the captain expressly forbade it.Why on earth have you brought her?”
We stared at each other for a moment.
“If you let me in, I shall explain,” he said, bringing the travel cage containing his rude Myna bird forward.She bobbed up and down and whistled.
“No!Absolutely not!”Dinesh spoke from his room.
“Then I don’t join you either,” Domingo stated, his voice firm.
There was a long pause.Then finally he said, “Oh for fuck’s sake.Bring the entire crew as well, why don’t you?”
“Don’t fucking tempt me,” Domingo yelled back and gave me a lovely smile.“Shall we?”
“I suppose.”I was beginning to regret my proposal.
I gave Squid a salute and ushered Domingo into our chambers, where the captain waited.
Dinesh stood by the windows, looking out onto the calm grey seas.A light rain had begun to fall, and the ocean’s smooth surface glided smoothly along beneath the pattering droplets.He was wearing his tan trousers with the placket in the front, and only his white shirt, unbuttoned halfway and with the sleeves rolled up, his arms crossed, as if he were contemplating the weather.His feet were bare.
He turned his head, his gaze zeroing in on Esmaralda in her cage.
“Why does the bird have to take part?”Captain Martin asked.“I’ll not be involved in bestiality, you know.I may be profane and filthy but I do have limits.”
Domingo looked horribly affronted.“How dare you suggest anything so awful!Close your ears, Esmaralda, you poor dear bird.”
Dinesh took a deep breath.“Please explain to me why you have brought the bird when she will only make inappropriate comments at the most awkward moments.”
“This bird has lived in a bordello her entire life.I’m absolutely convinced she’s suffering from not having her usual entertainment.”
