Chapter 7
On Friday morning, Stone andDino played nine holes at the Tarratine Golf Club, then had lunch at the club restaurant.
Ed Rawls walked in while they were eating and stopped by their table to say hello.
“How’s life, Ed?” Stone asked.
“Quiet. Just like I like it. I hear you’ve been keeping busy, though. Something about taking a dip in the ocean.”
“If you’re thinking about doing the same, I would recommend doing so much closer to shore than he did,” Dino said.
“I understand the owner didn’t make it. A friend, I’m guessing.”
Stone nodded. “And a client.”
“My condolences. Did I hear that it was a new yacht?”
“Brand spanking. Trenton had taken possession only the week before.”
“I assume the company that built it did a shakedown cruise.”
“That’s what Trenton told me.”
“No one noticed anything wrong before the accident?”
“Not to my knowledge.”
Ed grimaced. “Seems kind of fishy, don’t you think? A new yacht sinking like that.”
“I agree with Ed,” Dino said.
“If there was anything suspicious, there’s no way to know now,” Stone said. “TheAmanda Jae’s on the bottom of the ocean.”
“Maybe the Coast Guard can send down a submarine,” Dino suggested.
“Do they even have submarines?” Stone said.
“They do not,” Ed said. “That’s strictly a Navy thing.”
“Maybe they can ask them,” Dino said.
“I doubt it would make it onto the Navy’s priority list,” Stone said. “I’m afraid the reason the boat went down will likely remain a mystery.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Ed said. “Well, I’m glad it didn’t take you with it.”
“You and me both,” Stone said.
He glanced at Dino, waiting.
“What?” Dino asked, playing dumb.
“Nothing to add?”
“Fine. I’m glad you made it, too.”
“Your compassion knows no bounds.” Stone looked back at Ed. “Why don’t you join us for dinner tonight? I’ll have Mary prepare steaks.”
“Sounds great. What time?”
