Twenty minutes later, deep in a plate of garlic king prawns, another man comes striding out towards us, closely followed by Petar.
“This is my cousin, Luka,” Petar says, “he will help you.” He gives him a firm slap on the back before moving off to help another table.
“I’m told you need passage to Italy.”
I stare wide eyed at Gus who definitely sees me but pretends not to.
“Yes. We are in need of passage.”
“My brother’s wife’s son’s friend is a fisherman. He boats over to Bari in Italy once a week. It just so happens he’s going this evening. You will arrive by sunrise. I can put you in touch if you like?”
Gus chances a glance my way, but I have questions.
“What kind of boat does he have?” I say, my voice tight.
“It is red.”
What?
“What will it cost?” Gus asks.
The man shrugs. “I can ask him. He usually just enjoys company.”
“Isn’t there a storm coming?” I say.
“Roko is excellent captain.”
“Well of course, he has a red boat,” I say, kicking Gus’s foot under the table.
“Exactly. Yes. Red boat.” Luka smiles with full sincerity.
Gus clears his throat to stop himself from laughing. “Luka, my man. This is incredibly helpful. Can we take minute to think it over?”
Luka nods, giving us thumbs up as he walks backwards towards the bar and doesn’t once take his eyes off us.
“I have chills,” I say.
“I know, what are the chances?”
“I really hope you’re joking,” I hiss.
Gus tilts his head, splaying his hands like it’s obvious. “We’ll be in the right country by tomorrow. It’ll be an adventure. Come on! Think of the photos I can get out at sea. The sunrise?”
“Oh yeah. And what about those forty-foot waves? And the fork lightning?”
He looks at the clear, dazzlingly blue sky as if to make his point. In fairness, it’s mocking us. “Yeah, I don’t know. I think that storm stuff is nonsense. There’s barely even a breeze.” He blinks, pressing his lips together to prevent a smirk. “And besides, as you said, heisa great captain of a red boat.”
“What if the red is rust?”
“Then the boat has experience. Even better.”
“No,” I say, affirmative. “No. It’s over. I’m going to go to the airport and get the next flight back to the UK. I think I’ve tested my karma plenty. It’s time.”
Gus blows out a breath, sitting back again. “Ok, fine. I’llcome with you, then.” His tone is resolved.Defeated.
“Oh, no, you don’t have to.”
“Nah. We’re in this together now. I’m not going on without you, it will just feel weird.”
