Wavecatcher

By Lars G. Larsson

Luigi Vincenzo feels that Karl Johnsson will thwart his plans for joining the Giordani crime family. By planting drugs on the captain of the Santa Maria, he manages to have Karl arrested. Without a captain to sail the boat back Vito Giordani hires Luigi and his friend Franco as crew.
Karl eventually overlooks the incident until the fateful charter on his boat The Wavecatcher. Both men were unaware of the fact that Luigi and a lady friend had booked the charter. One night the tension finally erupted in a fistfight. Karl sends Luigi ashore to make his way back on his own. Linda asks if she can stay on the boat until they reach Vancouver. On the way, the two fall in love.
At Von Donop Inlet the Wavercatcher is blown up by Luigi’s associates. Karl manages to escape and make his way to the coven where the Devil’s Disciples hold Linda prisoner. As Karl enters the compound, he witnesses Linda being taken down into the bowels of the large altar. In a desperate rush, Karl manages to dive through the opening before it closes. He rescues Linda as the police move in on the biker gang.
Then comes the awful moment when a gangland shooting causes Linda’s death. A devastated Karl enlists the help of Bill Nelson and his partner Marlene. Together with Karl’s new love interest, they travel to Costa Nueva to stop the drugs from reaching Canada. Their effort almost costs Bill his life. Back in Canada they now find another way that Luigi is smuggling drugs into the country. While trying to follow a shipment Karl is attacked and nearly killed.
In a last-ditch effort to stop the drug traffickers, they enlist the help of detective Farnsworth. He has a lead as to Luigi’s whereabouts. With renewed hope, they set out for a final confrontation.
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Lars G. Larsson
• Release date: Jun 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463990193

Lars G. Larsson

About the AuthorLars G. LarssonLars Larsson was born and raised in Sweden. There he obtained his degree in Civil Engineering. He immigrated to Canada in 1967 and worked as a Civil Engineer until he was hired by the British Columbia Institute of Technology to develop and teach a new program in Occupational Health and Safety. He worked there until he retired in 2002. He was recognized by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals for his significant role in the pioneering of post-secondary OHS programs in CanadaAs a young boy growing up in Sweden, there was no television until 1955 thus he became an avid reader at a very young age. He loved all types of books but mostly mystery thrillers. After retirement, he continued his interest in reading and started to write books. He now lives in Chilliwack, British Columbia with his wife Lynne and Miniature Schnauzer Lily.

Book preview

Wavecatcher

A Novel by

Lars G. Larsson

Published by Lars G. Larsson at Smashwords

Copyright 2018 

Lars G. Larsson

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this Author.

Other books by the Author:

Sisters in Terror

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

License notes

Author’s notes

About the Author

Version 5.51

Wavecatcher

"Where I shall next be heard from, I cannot tell, he told a reporter.  I shall make right out to the southward. . . .

Joshua Slocum

Sailing Alone Around the World

Prologue

Costa Nueva, Mexico, 25 years ago.

The woman annoyed Luigi Vincenzo.  With an impatient gesture, he patted the bed beside him. Quit stalling and come over here.  It was not a command, more of an attempt to reason with her.  Why he had to plead with a hooker to come to bed with him escaped him for the moment, and he continued to observe Rosita as she paced the small room.  She bit her lower lip as if she was unsure of what to do.  Luigi sensed his anger rising. Enough is enough, he roared.

His loss of temper brought Rosita out of her reverie. She turned to him. Please, Luigi, not now.  I need to think.

You can think all you want when I am gone, but for now, you are mine.  What the hell does Miguel pay you for anyway?

The rebuff seemed to shock the woman into action.  She pounced upon Luigi, hitting him with balled-up fists. You miserable prick.  She sobbed.  Do you believe I did all this because Miguel paid me? If you hadn't been so fucking preoccupied with your precious cargo, you would have recognized that I have fallen in love with you.  God, you men are all alike. You think it is enough you have a cock and can pay for a woman.

She tore herself away from a now smiling Luigi and added. Don't look so smug, you bastard.  Tomorrow you will be in a Mexican jail.

Wrong, lady. Tomorrow I will sail away. That load in the boat's hull will make me rich. Luigi's response sounded boastful. Still, Rosita's words worried him. What the hell did she mean? Taking a closer look at Rosita, he realized he had hurt her with his remark about her being a hooker. Luigi drew a deep breath. That comment must have been what made her come up with that quip about a Mexican prison. Then, in a better mood, he continued. Don't worry; I'll be back for more and more of you too.

Rosita stepped back as if hoping it would take the sting out of her words. No, you won't. Tomorrow morning the police will arrest you. She said it with less conviction now, wishing she could stop it from happening.

Luigi noticed the change in her. He rose from the bed and stepped over to where she stood, staring at the floor. As Luigi came closer to her, Rosita backed up toward the wall. She had revealed too much, and now she was in real trouble. Miguel would kill her when he found out about her telling Luigi about the plan. She barely sensed the pressure on her wrists as Luigi grabbed her.

What the hell are you talking about? Luigi growled, suddenly worried. He had completed the deal with Miguel, and they were ready to sail in the morning. But this was Mexico; anything could happen here. His growing fear made him shake her like a rag doll.

Stop it, Luigi.  You are hurting me. She begged. It’s no use.  It’s too late now. You can’t win against Miguel, Rosita cried as large tears ran down her face. Her emotions were as tumultuous as her relationship with Luigi. Defeated, she sagged against the wall. Afraid for her life if Miguel found out she had alerted Luigi and fearful for her lover, should he end up in a prison cell. Through a mist of fear and self-pity, she heard Luigi's voice.

Damn you. Stop fucking around and tell me what the hell is going on.

Please, Luigi, run. Forget the boat. Get out of Costa Nueva right now.

Forget about the boat, eh? Do you realize how much we paid for that dope? Another thought hit him, I guess you don't care if Ron and Franco go to jail? Well, do you? He demanded when she remained quiet, as large tears stained her face.

Luigi ignored her tears and kept talking. I don't want to hit you, but if you don't tell me what's going on, I'll whack you so hard that Miguel will never use you again.

It's too late, Luigi. She repeated.

The only thing that's too late is your future if you don't tell me right now. Luigi raised his hand as if to strike her.

Rosita drew back like a wounded animal - all hope gone. No matter what she did, her life was over. Repeatedly Rosita had asked Luigi to take her with him when he left. If he had agreed, she would have avoided this mess. But now it was too late. They had no chance against Miguel. Luigi’s grand scheme of becoming a principal drug dealer in Canada would be a mere dream that would turn into a nightmare with him in a Mexican prison.

Why wouldn't he listen to her?  Would it have been so bad for him to take her along? Deep inside her soul, Rosita knew the truth. Despite their incredible lovemaking, Luigi didn't want to bring a Mexican whore back to Vancouver.

Now she wouldn't even be that anymore. Miguel would blacklist her. She stopped herself. No, it would be worse than that. Miguel would kill her. With a resigned sigh, she sank to the floor. At twenty-two, her life was over.

Miguel will kill me for telling you this. She spoke with a little girl's voice now as she withdrew from a world that had deserted her years ago. He will not let you leave Costa Nueva tomorrow morning.

Bullshit! Luigi answered in an angry voice. You already said that. It is nothing but bullshit, pure fucking bullshit. We have paid for everything, and our papers are in order.

It doesn't matter. Luigi has done this before. It works well when he is dealing with an amateur like you. There was no glee in her voice now, only sadness and dejection.

Her rebuke stung Luigi. He had been proud of how he had negotiated the deal. A deal that would make him rich. He had to get to the bottom of this. Mexico or not, you couldn't do as you wanted. Luigi and his crew were foreign nationals. That should count for something But deep down, Luigi knew. Miguel could do anything he wanted with him. He and his friends were disposable. Once they had paid for the drugs, Miguel was in the clear. With growing concern, he listened as Rosita continued.

You don't understand Mexican justice, she added when Luigi tried to speak again. The police will sell the marijuana back to Miguel for half of what you paid; the boat will go to some politician, and the three of you will end up in jail.

God damn it; don't keep rubbing it in. Luigi got the shivers thinking about a Mexican jail. He brightened as he had an idea. You said that they would come in the morning? It was only half a question as he threw his remaining belongings in a duffel bag. Come on. What are you waiting for? He demanded of Rosita, who still sat on the floor.

What do you mean?

You will have to come with us. He spoke as if to a child. Screw that bastard, Miguel. We will sail right now. Let him try to find us in the open ocean.

Their steps echoed on the empty dock. Luigi looked around, hoping against hope that Miguel hadn't posted a guard. If their nemesis caught them now, they would lose everything. So far, the harbor looked empty. He helped Rosita into the dinghy and pushed off. With one last inspection of their surroundings, he jumped in after her, all the time expecting to hear a shout of alarm. The night was dark, and their short ride should go as unnoticed as their trip from the hotel.

As he rowed the small vessel toward their boat, Luigi thought about his stay here. So far, they had been lucky, more than lucky.  Rosita was right. They were amateurs. Nothing but a couple of kids coming down here to make a big score. Next time it would be different. He would return as an established drug dealer, and then he would call the shots. Luigi stopped himself. Even if they got away, they still had lost their supplier. That got him back to thinking about Miguel. What a fucking creep, double-crossing them like this.

He hated to leave like a rat slinking away in the night. Well, better that than ending up in jail. He heard enough horror stories about Mexican prisons to last him a lifetime. Luigi looked at his watch and decided they would have enough time to get away when the sun came up. Far enough out on the open ocean so Miguel and his henchmen would not find them.

With a loud bang, the dinghy bounced into the hull of their boat. For a few fearful seconds, Luigi listened for a response from the shore. A few palm fronds moved in the light breeze. Apart from that, the beach was still. Satisfied that so far they were safe, he reached for the rope ladder.

Here, Rosita, grab this one and climb aboard.

With Rosita safe on the deck, Luigi followed.

Wait here while I'll tie up the dinghy. He whispered, knowing how far a voice might travel over water.  The job done, he again checked for anything suspicious. So far, he couldn’t detect any movements on the beach.  Luigi exhaled, relieved they were safe; he turned to assist Rosita down the narrow companionway.

Wake up, guys. We are leaving now. He called out to his friends.

What the hell is the matter with you? Do you know what time it is? A sleepy Franco turned away from Luigi.

Get moving. We are in serious trouble. Luigi conveyed what Rosita had told him.

Luigi's message had an immediate effect. The other two jumped out of their bunks, dressed in a hurry, and followed Luigi on deck. Then, without wasting time, they took up their assigned duties. Luigi started the engine and moved the boat ahead to break out the anchor. Ron worked the manual windlass and raised the anchor, taking care not to make any unnecessary noise.

With the anchor stowed on the bow roller, he signaled Luigi that everything was under control.

Stay at the bow. It is so damned dark I can't see what's ahead of us. So keep a sharp lookout while we are navigating through the channel. We can't afford to go too slow, so it is up to you to make sure we don't hit anything. Luigi instructed Ron.

At the mast, Franco removed the sail cover from the mainsail. Luigi observed Franco as he attached the main halyard to the sail and placed a winch handle in the holder on the mast. Right, just a little longer, and they would hoist sails. Then, with the other halyard attached to the genoa, Franco whispered. Luigi, we are ready to sail anytime you want.

Thanks, Franco. We better run under power until we are out of this narrow channel.  I'll let you know when we are out in the open waters.  Luigi thought for a second.   No, we might as well hoist the mainsail right now.  It will steady the boat.  He stopped and again called to Franco.  Franco, we better wait.  If somebody looks this way, that big sail is easy to spot.  No use in giving that asshole Miguel any advantages.  Once we are out in the open ocean, Miguel Salazar and his lackeys can fuck themselves.

Yes, Luigi supposed, another hour, and they would be away from Costa Nueva. They would be away from double-crossing pricks like Miguel and on their way to financial independence.  Hell, they didn't need Senor Salazar and his damned dope.  There must be hundreds of suppliers like him along this coast.  And next time, they would come back as real dealers.

The night was quiet; nobody seemed to have observed their departure.  As the few lights of Costa Nueva grew smaller behind them, Luigi let out a sigh of relief.  Well, they did it.  They had shown that grease ball with whom he was dealing this time.  Luigi wished he had been there to see Miguel's face when he realized they had outfoxed him.

Watch out!  The cry pierced the night.  Alarmed, Luigi stiffened.  Something had spooked Ron, who still was at the bow.  Then, with a sinking sensation, he realized that the boat was slowing down.  Something held the propeller, and they came to a complete stop.  Luigi increased power.  It only seemed to worsen the problem.  The engine groaned, and Luigi had to put it in neutral, or something would break.  At the bow, Ron bent over, inspecting the dark waters below.  After a few seconds, he called back. Dammit!  We hooked onto some lobster pots.   As he walked back to the cockpit, he added.  I could kill the stupid idiots who put garbage like that in the middle of a shipping lane.

Luigi ignored his outburst and tried putting the engine in reverse.  It didn't help.  They tangled the prop up in the ropes used to anchor the traps.  The vessel would not move.  Ron leaned over the side to get a better look. A quick peek at the shore told him they were still in full view of the harbor and Miguel's men.  

It's no use.  Ron sobbed, close to tears. We are finished.

In the cockpit, Luigi contemplated their predicament.  He was the captain, and it was up to him to save them.  But how?  With the propeller wrapped in sturdy nylon lines, they couldn’t move.  Another look toward the shore confirmed they were still visible from the oceanfront.  Luigi contemplated how they could break free.  A feeling of helplessness washed over him as he looked at his friends.  Ron seemed incredibly frightened.  He had been reluctant to come along in the first place; now, he seemed paralyzed by fear.  Even Franco appeared to have lost his spirit.  He sat on the coach roof with an expression of total dejection.

To see his buddies in this state made Luigi angry.  No way in hell he would let that creep Miguel win, no frigging way at all.  Luigi refused to give up and let that son of a bitch Miguel beat them.  Deep in thought, he considered their alternatives.  They were still okay.  As far as he could tell, there was no activity in the harbor.  If Miguel’s people had not discovered them by now, nobody would look for them for at least another hour.  They could still make it.

Come on, guys, we dive and cut the boat loose.  Without waiting for an answer, he went below to put on his swimming trunks and called out.  Franco, move it.  Come with me.  I can't do it alone.  Come on, man, get your ass in gear, he added when Franco didn't react.

The two of them descended into the dark sea, shivering as their bodies felt the cold seawater envelop their bodies.

Damn it; I can't see anything.  It’s too dark in the water.  A frustrated Luigi climbed back aboard.  We have to wait until it gets a little lighter, he announced.  Then, we’ll dive again.

Rosita seemed terrified, and as she handed him a towel, she said in a resigned voice. The police will come at first light.  The cops will be furious when they can't find you.  All of them count on this money to make a decent living.  She shivered as she contemplated what would happen to her.  Miguel would kill her or at least disfigure her face.  So why did she get involved?  It was easier to pretend that nothing mattered.  But deep down, she knew that it mattered.  She was twenty-two years old.  Soon her looks would fade.  What would she do when Miguel had no more use for her?  He was already talking about his latest woman, a young girl of fourteen.  A sense of total dejection enveloped her as she shook her head.  She could only hope they freed themselves before the police caught up with them.  Feeling the panic set in again, she tried to think back on how she had come to live this way.

The little hut she had called home contained the entire family.  Pedro, her father, was a poor Campesino who never made enough money to support his family.  Rosita smiled in her recollection of those poor but happy days.  So what if they had to go hungry once in a while? Pedro and Juanita Hernandez were in love and doted on their children.  And there seemed to be another nino every year.

Then her life changed when Miguel Salazar came by and became taken with the beauty of the young Rosita.  She was only thirteen but already wise in the ways a woman could attract a man.  Miguel talked with Pedro and then asked Rosita if she wanted to come with him to Costa Nueva.

It was a tear-filled but still happy goodbye.  Soon there would be a wedding.  Rosita would marry Miguel Salazar, the wealthiest and most powerful man in the area.  She would become the most significant Senora in Costa Nueva, maybe the whole province.

There was no wedding, and she soon found out she was only one of many women kept by Miguel.  Too mortified to go back, she stayed.  It was easier to please Miguel by entertaining his friends now and then.  And now, she had hoped to get away.  How wonderful it would be to leave this life behind and live like a normal woman.  She smiled at the thought of being able to hold her head high and live without shame.  But deep down, she knew it wouldn't work.  There was no way Luigi could free the boat in time.  Maybe it was better to die now than to live the life she had for the past ten years.  With a sorrowful sigh, she sat down on the teak-covered cabin roof.

Come on, Franco; it should be light enough now, Luigi called as he again was ready with his knife and diving gear.  It would have been easier had they had proper scuba gear, but a snorkel and mask would have to do.  The two of them went back into the chilly water.  Suspended just under the surface, they could barely reach the knotted mess.  It was difficult to breathe through the snorkel, and they had to surface several times to rest.  They took half an hour to cut through the rough ropes wrapped around the propeller and shaft.

When Luigi made the final cut, he signaled to Franco to pull on the lines.  At last, the tangled ropes came off, and the propeller was free to turn again.  Right then, they heard a motor through the water.  Simultaneously, the engine on their boat started.  Franco barely pulled his arm away from the spinning propeller in time.  He cursed Ron under his breath.  That was a close call a second later, and the prop could have cut his arm to ribbons.  And now, he watched as the vessel moved away from them.

Beside him, Luigi took a deep breath of air through the snorkel and signaled to Franco to follow him as he dove.  With lungs almost bursting, they turned and started back up.  A motorboat, running at high speed, passed over them just before they broke through the surface.  Inhaling the fresh air, both looked around for their boat.  When they turned as one toward the open ocean, a sad sight met them.  An old police launch followed the sailboat.  Ron was at the wheel, which he spun back and forth, trying to avoid being boarded by the police.

Then a gunshot broke the silence.  Startled, Luigi and Franco watched in horror as Ron slumped down beside the wheel.  Without a hand on the helm, the large sailboat turned to starboard, following the twist of the spinning propeller.  The motorboat bumped into the other vessel, and Luigi momentarily thought of the damage to his sailboat.

Sitting on the coach roof, Rosita watched with total resignation as one man fastened a line around a stanchion.  Yes, she had been right.  Miguel would win.  He always did.  Her only consolation was that Luigi seemed to have gotten away.

Luigi felt helpless as he viewed the carnage from the water.  He saw Rosita sitting in the cockpit and was sorry she had to get caught up in this mess.  Still, he stayed quiet, hoping that somehow she would escape.  But, deep inside, Luigi knew that there would be no escape for her.  With the sailboat tied to the police launch, one officer jumped over to stop the engine.

Then more armed men entered, their boots heavy on the oiled teak deck.  After a quick search, the leader turned to Rosita. Where are the other two smugglers?

She regarded the speaker with a vacant stare.  Angered by Rosita's lack of response, the officer stepped close to her.  With a menacing leer, he tore open her white cotton dress.  A shudder went through her body as the men gaped at her nakedness.  Then her resolve returned, and defiantly, she faced them.  She knew that she would die but sat there, unwavering in the face of the threat.  For once, she would not give in to these men.  One of the other gendarmes stepped forward.  Brandishing a large knife, he looked into her eyes. Maybe the Senorita wants to taste this one?  With a swift motion, he swung the dagger toward Rosita.  She flinched as the sharp blade pierced her skin but remained silent.  Watching the scene from the water, Luigi almost cried out in impotent rage as he saw a trickle of blood appear between her breasts.

Beside him, Franco had seen enough. Luigi, let's get the hell out of here before they see us.  We can't do anything here.  He touched his friend's arm.  

Luigi remained where he was.  His dark eyes flashed as he whispered. Let me get my hands on that son of a bitch, Miguel.  I will tear him apart, limb from limb.  He was close to tears in his fury.

Franco swam close to his friend and again touched his arm. Come on, Luigi, any minute now, they will search the water.  We will be dead the minute they see us.  He pointed toward the nearest shore and swam in that direction.

Chapter 1

Karl Johnsson

Hi, Bill, it's Max.  Are you busy right now?"

Nothing that couldn't hold.  Anything good?

You bet I have, old buddy.  Could you come over right now?  There is someone here that I want you to meet.

Sounds great. I'll be right over.  Give me half an hour in case the traffic is heavy.  I hung up and told Marlene I was going over to see Max.  Marlene had started as my secretary, but she was now a full partner in my agency, Bill Nelson Investigations.  She gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek and told me to say hi to Max and Sylvia as I left.

The drive to Max's house in the British Properties took me over the Lions Gate Bridge and up the slope of the North Shore Mountains.  Every time I came here, the vista overwhelmed me, and I was happy for Max.  Since his marriage to Sylvia, the Altmans had prospered, and it showed in their digs.  I swung into the sweeping driveway and parked beside a silver BMW 350i.  It must belong to the visitor since Sylvia's Ferrari and Max's Volvo Cross Country were there.

Max greeted me at the door.  You were making good time today, he observed as he led me into the study.  A tall man with a weather-beaten face came forward to shake my hand.  His grip was so firm that I almost winced.  I took in his features while he introduced himself.  He was about ten years older than I but seemed in excellent physical shape.  His face was even, and his blue eyes and blond hair hinted of Scandinavian ancestry.  He wore a pair of well-washed jeans and a light blue golf shirt.  The Dockers on his bare feet completed his sartorial ensemble.

Karl Svensson. He said as he let go of my almost bruised hand.  And you must be Bill Nelson.  Max has told me a lot about you, including that you speak Swedish.  He spoke the last sentence in Swedish as I had to adjust to a language I understood but almost forgot.

Yes, I do, I answered in the same language.

I knew you two would get along.  Max declared as he told us to sit down.  Karl has a problem I think you can help him with". He continued as Sylvia came by with refreshments.

Wow, Sylvia, don't you age like the rest of us?  I told her as she placed a glass of caffeine-free Diet Coke in front of me.  Smiling at the compliment, she asked me how Marlene was.  Since my case with Dr. Bergwald, Max and Sylvia have tried to get me to marry Marlene.  It wasn't such a bad idea, but somewhat premature since we hadn't even had a proper date yet.

She’s fine, I told her, hoping this would end the discussion.  It made me feel like an idiot, knowing that everyone I knew thought it was a foregone conclusion we would get together on a personal basis as well as being partners in the firm.  I guess I had to break down and ask her out, but first, there was this case.

"So, what do you have for me?  I asked to get the conversation away from Marlene.

I’ll let Karl tell you himself, Max answered and turned to the tall Swede.  Why don't you tell Bill what you told me?  He added and made a gesture for us to sit.

Well, it's a long story, and you need to hear it all to understand what I am looking for, Karl said as he took a seat in one of Max's soft chairs.  "Let me first ask how much you know about the local Mafia structure?’

Not much.  In my business, I primarily deal with disappearances, divorces, and similar.  I leave the big crooks to the real cops.  I answered him.

But you have heard of Vito Giordani?  Karl asked.

Who hasn't?  But I thought he was dead?

Well, not quite. He is in jail and no longer in charge of the organization.  And I suppose you know something about the organization?  Karl said and then added.  I am especially interested in the guy who took over, Luigi Vincenzo.

That piqued my interest.  Yes, I have also heard about Luigi, but I thought he was in prison like his former boss.

No, he is not in prison.  He escaped across the border and is living in the Seattle area.  My sources tell me he is on the way back up here.  The heat has died down, and he is ready to retake the helm.  Not that he didn't control it all the time, but he likes to be at the center of the action.  What I need is someone to check on his whereabouts and let me know when he intends to return to Vancouver.

Are you a cop?  I asked, surprised by the detailed information he had.

Not at all.  I have an old score to settle and need to know when he is back in British Columbia.

I guess I can help you out, but you said I needed to hear the complete story to understand.  Is there something else that you are not telling me?

Oh, I will tell it; I only want you to know upfront what this is all about.  The Swede leaned forward as he talked.  Are you ready for the tale of Luigi Vincenzo?

As I nodded, Karl continued.  For me, it all started in Costa Nueva, Mexico, 25 years ago.

After Luigi and Franco witnessed Ron's murder and Rosita's torture, they swam to the nearest beach.  At that point, they were pretty discouraged.  They had lost Ron, the boat, their money, their clothes, and their passports.  Here they were, stranded in a foreign country with nothing but their swimming trunks.  Fortunately, they had been heading toward the beach of a resort hotel where bathing attire was acceptable.  Still, they couldn't go anywhere else.  Again it was Luigi's criminal mind that solved the problem.  As they sat on the beach, drying out from their long swim, a young couple came by and asked what the snorkeling was like in this bay.  Immediately Luigi saw an opportunity and offered to lend them their gear.  He suggested that he and Franco could pick it up from their hotel room later.  It gave him the couple's room number and the knowledge they would be away for some time.  Since the young man was approximately the same size as Luigi and Franco, he figured they could probably steal some