The Secret Invasion of Port Isabel Read Online Free Page A

in favours, was still
in dry dock at Thompsons Creek. Once the mast was emplaced he could
begin the final fit out, then sail the sleek ship down the Rio
Grande and out into the Gulf. From there it would be a simple
matter to sail south to Sometimes Gap, and through it into the
great unknown; all made possible by Flossy’s remarkable map.
Reginald had offered to help lift the heavy mast just before the
pirate’s cannon ball exploded, destroying the school and throwing
Harry flat to the grass.
    ‘Where will
you go?’ Flossy asked.
    ‘I’ll head up
into the Northern Wilds and on to Twin Rivers at the very top of
the Rio Grande, where it emerges from the Northern Escarpment. From
there I hope to make my way over the mountains. You can see those
places marked on your map, Flossy.’
    Flossy traced
Reginald’s route.
    ‘And a final
tidy up at home is needed,’ said Reginald. ‘I’ll be travelling
light so packing will be quick and there are no loose ends at the
school and museum to worry about, the pirates took care of those.
So I shall begin my odyssey today or tomorrow. Apart from my great
sadness of leaving friends, I have no excuses for further
delay.’
    Larry had
slumped in the corner of the booth and was staring fixedly at the
table. A great sadness seemed to be pressing him down.
    Flossy reached
past Harry and squeezed Larry’s hand. ‘Are you okay?’ she
asked.
    Larry didn’t
look up. The rain seemed to grow heavier outside and a cold wind
gusted through the open window like an ill omen.
    ‘Could it be
that you are, yet again, left behind?’ Reginald asked, gently. ‘I’m
going in one direction and Harry and Flossy are going in another.
Is that it, Larry?’
    Larry shrank,
face drooping, shadows deepening. Then he sprang up, stepped nimbly
over the table and climbed passed Reginald through the open window.
He didn’t look back and no one moved to stop him.
    When he had
gone Reginald said:
    ‘I think you
should know a bit about Larry’s past, as much as I know. You too,
Flossy. Most of the town has the sense of it, if not the actual
truth. Since I met him a few months back I’ve been piecing it
together. I’m sure Larry wouldn’t mind. It would help you
understand, I think. It all began twelve years ago when…’
    There was a
commotion at the café’s entrance causing everyone to turn. Silence
dropped like a net. Someone was coming.
     
    CHAPTER 3

    BRUSH WITH DEATH
     
    A black boar with
short, yellowing tusks sticking from the corners of his mouth so
that they lifted his gums into a snarl entered the Stinging Nettle.
He wasn’t very big; his ragged ears reached only as high as the
table tops. His hairy back was humped, he had no neck and on the
side of his snout was a crooked scar. He looked like a ball of
muscle.
    A quick glance
told Flossy all she needed to know. This boar was a soldier-type;
most comfortable executing orders without question; no imagination
to speak of; prizing strength above all else. He was probably a
little stupid too, but that was just a guess. Everything about his
appearance and bearing said he would not be trifled with; that he
was dangerous.
    The boar
passed between the tables with a business-like trot, stopped at
their booth and rudely shook himself dry. Water sprayed
everywhere.
    ‘Steady on!’
said Flossy, turning away to avoid being drenched.
    The black boar
snorted as he scrutinised Flossy, then the others. ‘If you would
all attend to me and come forthwith I will be convenienced,’ he
said, hard little eyes daring any of them to disobey.
    ‘Huh?’ said
Flossy.
    The black boar
stamped a trotter impatiently on the floor. ‘If you would attend to
me and come forthwith…’
    ‘Oh, you want
us to go somewhere,’ said Flossy. She had guessed right, he wasn’t
the smartest animal in the room but he was the most dangerous.
    The black boar
snorted again. ‘The Mayor wants your immediate presentment;
forthwith and now.’
    ‘I think he
means that the Mayor