FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA by Jennifer Bohnet Read Free Book Online

Clotted Cream the happier she felt.
     
    Later that morning Cassie made her way down to the barge to find Anna clearing up the mess made by the workmen repairing the companionway rail broken in Tom’s accident.
    “It’s looking good,” Anna said. “I’m sure the Health and Safety visit won’t be a problem.”
    She glanced at her friend, remembering how Cassie had reacted the night James had told her about the Harbour Commission calling in the Health and Safety, how tired and depressed she’d looked.
    “I hope not,” Cassie said now. “There were more enquiries in today’s post about booking lessons and accommodation. Once Tom’s home, he and Mai will be able to start organising that side of things at least.” She sighed.
    “The trouble is, I keep feeling that we’ve taken on too much with the barge. Teaching people to sail is fine, but doing the catering for them as well means a lot more work.”
    “Everything will settle down into a routine once Tom’s home and all the race preparations are finished. You’ll be able to concentrate on things here then,” Anna said. “And I’ll help whenever I can. Do you know what time Tom will be home tomorrow?” she asked.
    “Around mid-day,” Cassie replied. “At least the sitting room is ready for him.”
    James had been as good as his word, helping them to rearrange sofas and beds. He’d even dragged a large desk in from the storeroom to take all the equipment Tom would need if he were to take on the role of Polly’s Operations Director. 
    Cassie had already put some of the files on the table, along with a fax machine, copier, telephone and all the wires and modems ready for the brand new computer the technician from Rule of Thumb would be bringing.
    She wanted Tom to know that his new role of Operations Director was crucial, that he was still important to the success of Clotted Cream even if he wasn’t at the tiller. Polly needed his experienced input.
     
    It was unfortunate that Tom arrived within minutes of the reporter the next morning and what should have been a happy homecoming turned into a confrontation.
    Nobody had remembered to tell Tom about the deal Polly had made with the newspaper and he objected to being photographed as he was lifted out of the ambulance by what he thought was an opportunist cameraman.
    Sharply telling the photographer to “Put that bloody camera away,” he totally refused to even think about having his picture taken. And rudely told everyone to “Go away.”
    In the end Cassie suggested Polly take the reporter out to Clotted Cream .
    “They’ll want some photographs of you on the boat so you might as well do the interview out there. When you get back, hopefully Tom will have found his manners again,” Cassie said grimly.
    Tom had the decency to look ashamed and muttered something that Cassie took to be an apology.
    “Right,” she said, “let’s get you in doors and settled.”
    Between them, Cassie and Mai re-arranged pillows, made Tom some lunch and generally tried to make him comfortable.
    “The reporter will want to talk to you as well as Polly - and take your photograph with her. That was part of the deal,” Mai said eventually. “Do you feel up to it this afternoon? Or shall I ask him to come back tomorrow?”
    Tom sighed.
    “Quite honestly, I feel exhausted. If I could have a bit of a sleep before I see him, that would help. I promise to be good.” He glanced at Cassie as he said this.
    “I’m sorry I was rude earlier. I know it’s no excuse but I’m finding it hard to accept the fact I’m going to be out of action for so long. And Polly taking my place just seems to be rubbing it in.”
    “I’m sorry you feel like that,” Cassie said. “But it’s the way it is. And, remember, it’s stopping Clotted Cream from being a drain on the boatyard finances whilst you’re laid up.”
     
    Tom was still asleep when Polly brought the reporter back to the house, so it was mid-afternoon before he got the