High Tide at Midnight: Quid Pro Quo

By Herb Stephens

Five men, disappointed with their current wives, take off on Christmas Eve night on a sailing adventure to the Philippines to look for new wives. They encounter pirates, a storm at sea, and befriend one of the FBIs most wanted men. Meanwhile, the wives who have been left behind start a new business, slim down, and find new husbands of their own. In the end, the men take a Caribbean cruise and find, to their surprise, their first wives with new husbands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481748469

Herb Stephens

Herb lives in Michigan on two of the Great lakes. He loves to sail on his sailboat . He will soon be taking his boat to the Philippines. He often visits the Philippines to visit his girl and to play roulette. Since he travels continuously, he often says his middle name is PT, standing for permanent tourist.

Book preview

2013 Herb Stephens. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 8/9/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4844-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4845-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4846-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013907904

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

High Tide at Midnight [Quid Pro Quo]

October 15th Sunday

October 16th Monday

October 17th Tuesday

Wednesday October 18th

Thursday October 19th

Saturday October 21st

Monday October 23rd

Tuesday October 24th

Wednesday October 25th

Thursday October 26th

Saturday October 28th

Sunday October 29th

Monday October 30th

Tuesday October 31st

Wednesday November 1st

Thursday November 2nd

Friday November 3rd

Saturday November 4th

Friday December 1st

Saturday December 2nd

Monday December 4th

Tuesday December 5th

Wednesday December 6th

Thursday December 7th

Friday December 8th

Saturday December 9th

Sunday December 10th

Monday December 11th

Tuesday December 12th

Wednesday December 13th

Thursday December 14th

Friday December 15th

Friday December 22nd

Saturday December 23rd

Sunday December 24th

Monday December 25th

Tuesday December 26th

Wednesday December 27th

Thursday December 28th

Friday December 29th

Saturday December 30th

Sunday December 31st

Monday January 1st

Tuesday January 2nd

Wednesday January 3rd

Thursday January 4th

Friday January 5th

Saturday January 6th

Sunday January 7th

Monday January 8th

Tuesday January 9th

Saturday January 13th

Sunday January 14th

Monday January 15th

Tuesday January 16th

Wednesday January 17th

Thursday January 18th

Saturday January 20th

Sunday January 21st

Monday January 22nd

Tuesday January 23rd

Wednesday January 24th

Friday February 2nd

Saturday February 3rd

Sunday February 4th

Tuesday February 6th

Wednesday February 7th

Thursday February 8th

Friday February 9th

Saturday February 10th

Sunday February 11th

Monday February 12th

Monday February 12th

Tuesday February 13th

Wednesday February 14th

Thursday February 15th

Friday February 16th

Saturday February 17th

Sunday February 18th

Monday February 19th

Tuesday February 20th

Wednesday February 21st

Thursday February 22nd

Friday February 23rd

Saturday February 24th

Sunday February 25th

Sunday February 25th

Monday February 26th

Tuesday February 27th

Wednesday February 28th

Thursday March 1st

Friday March 2nd

Saturday March 3rd

Sunday March 4th

Monday March 5th

Tuesday March 6th

Thursday March 8th

Friday March 9th

Saturday March 10th

Sunday March 11th

Wednesday March 14th

Thursday March 15th

Friday March 16th

Saturday March 17th

Sunday March 18TH

Monday March 19th

Tuesday March 20th

Wednesday March 21st

Thursday March 22nd

Friday March 23rd

Saturday March 24th

Sunday March 25th

Monday March 26th

Tuesday March 27th

Wednesday March 28th

Friday March 30th

Saturday March 31st

Sunday April 1st

Thursday April 5th

Friday April 6th

Saturday April 7th

Sunday April 8th

Monday April 9th

Tuesday April 10th

Wednesday April 11th

Thursday April 12th

Friday April 13th

Saturday April 14th

Sunday April 15th

Monday April 16th

Tuesday April 17th

Wednesday April 18th

Thursday April 19th

Friday April 20th

Saturday April 21st

Monday April 23rd

Tuesday April 24th

Wednesday April 25th

Thursday April 26th

Friday April 27th

Tuesday May 15th

Wednesday May 16th

Thursday May 17th

Friday May 18th

Sunday May 20th

Monday May 21st

Tuesday May 22nd

Wednesday May 23rd

Thursday May 24th

Friday May 25th

Saturday May 26th

Sunday May 27th

Monday May 28th

Tuesday May 29th

Wednesday May 30th

Saturday June 2nd

Tuesday June 5th

Wednesday June 6th

Thursday June 7th

Friday June 8th

Saturday June 9th

Sunday June 10th

Monday June 11th

Tuesday June 26th

Sunday July 8th

Monday July 9th

Tuesday July 10th

Wednesday July 11th

Thursday July 12th

Friday July 13th

Saturday July 14th

Sunday July 15th

Wednesday August 8th

Thursday August 9th

Friday August 10th

Saturday August 11th

Sunday August 12th

Monday August 13th

Wednesday August 15th

Thursday August 16th

Friday August 17th

Saturday August 18th

Sunday August 19th

Monday August 20th

Tuesday August 21st

Wednesday August 22nd

Thursday August 23rd

Friday August 24th

Saturday September 1st

Sunday September 2nd

About the Author

ALSO BY HERB STEPHENS

FICTION

Wet Robes

Big Dogs Don’t Squeal

Junkets Jewels and Jewesses

NONFICTION

A Harvard Vocabulary Without The Tuition

Roulette My Way

Green Tomorrows

I dedicate this book to the children that we lost in New Town, CT.

Herb Stephens

High Tide at Midnight [Quid Pro Quo]

D ave slackens his pace as he leaves the bridge that connects the Palm Beaches. It is a little warmer now that he has left the protection of the high rises in West Palm. No longer do the Trump Towers protect him from the omnipresent Florida sun. Jogging has been an escape from his busy life ever since landing his first job as a desk clerk in a motel in Michigan. He is heading for the exercise path that goes between the ocean and the shadows of the mansions on this unique piece of real estate. Water splashes as he hits a puddle left over from the earlier rain. He waves at Dr. Shure, whom he recently chatted with on a bench by the public beach on the island. Dr. Shure retired from being a surgeon in the state of New York and he was well acquainted with Dr. Maltz, who wrote the best-selling book Psycho-Cybernetics. In their chat, Dr. Shure told him that he met a lady who is looking for a special someone. Somehow, Dave had conveyed to him that his marriage was in trouble.

Dave nods at another runner as he dodges another puddle. The intrigue of the island starts to intensify. He has a hard time pinpointing his great attraction to the place; but for some reason, he always feels a little more alive when he visits here. The thought of Maydoff clouds his senses for a second, and his mind suddenly wants the dent of such a devil not to last long in such a beautiful place.

The Palm Beach Country Club is such a major player on the island. To think that years ago, the entrance fee was 80,000 dollars and they would not even let you join unless your charity passed their approval. Maydoff passed their approval, and is now disgraced.

Dave checks his watch. It is now 11:20 a.m. By the time he completes three rounds, he could still make Hamburger Heaven by 12:30 p.m. to meet Peter. Peter has been his best friend ever since they met on the running path one day. It has been six years since they met, and it seems much longer. Peter and his wife Mary emigrated from England a short time before that.

Today is the big day! Dave is going to tell Peter of his big secret. His big secret has been brewing for some time now; but with each passing day, he knows he is making the right move.

At 12:25 p.m., Dave pauses at the Gucci window on Worth Avenue. There are two ties that he really likes but they are way overpriced to his way of thinking. Maybe someday he will buy just one of them to have that very special tie for a very special occasion.

At 12:33 p.m., Dave enters Hamburger Heaven. A lady holds the door for him as she exits. Thank you, Ma’am, Dave said. De nada, the lady replied. Peter is not there yet. He takes a booth and tells the waitress that there will be two of them.

A few minutes later, Peter comes in the door with a big smile. Hey partner, how goes the battle?

Couldn’t be better, Peter replied.

Are you hungry?

A little, the cool air feels good. It looks like it will be warm as usual. What are you ordering?

Just a burger and some iced tea.

Both of them ordered the same thing.

Peter, I have something to tell you. I am going to leave Eve and I plan to do it in a very special way. I want it to be a complete surprise.

Are you really serious?

Yeah, I’ve really made up my mind. I really need a change. I know she will never change and she just has that unforgiving spirit that never goes away. I’ve often told her to be more like she used to be but she ignores my suggestion. She just holds back and will never just come out and tell me that she really loves me, and that she really likes to be married to me. The only way I can get her to tell me she loves me is by telling her I love her and then asking if she loves me. Even though she may say yes, you can tell she is holding back. It is over and I’m not going to try to rectify it any longer.

You said something about a complete surprise. What do you mean?

I mean I’m going to plan everything and leave her high and dry. I plan to mortgage the house with a second mortgage, withdraw most of our funds from the bank, and simply split. I think Christmas would be a great day to leave. Maybe by leaving on Christmas, it will leave a greater impact on her. What do you think?

If that is what you want. Sometimes, I feel like doing the same thing. Do you need a mate?

Not really, but two would be easier than one, especially if I carry out my plans to buy a sailboat and sail away. I could use someone to help with the ropes and to be a look out for me. I would also like to end up in the Far East, and maybe find an Asian sweetheart to spend the rest of my life with.

Boy, you have thought about this a lot. Haven’t you?

Yes I have, and I am very serious. Three years from now, we will be sailing the Pacific with two young, beautiful Orientals. Let’s drink to that! Dave said this as he toasted his glass to Peter. Peter, can you imagine all those presents under the tree and as the pile keeps growing, she will think, He must really love me! I giggle a little each time I think of another good one. So far, the list includes a couple of rocks, a bag of leaves, a collection of bark, a bag of potting soil, a bag of fertilizer, a bag of mulch and three or four used bricks. How I also wish I could see her face the first time she tries to use the credit card when it doesn’t work. That would be great! I’ve given her a very good life and all she has given me lately is grief.

Can you imagine Mary trying to use her card in Macy’s and the clerk telling her, Sorry Ma’am, but this card will not work. She will whip out another card only to get the same response. I can see her right now dialing Eve’s number and telling her she was just turned down at Macy’s.

It would be funny if they go shopping together and Eve will say, Try mine. It should work! And she tries Eve’s with the same result. I would love to see their faces when that happens.

The more they think about the plan, the more excited both of them become. Neither of them is overly wealthy, but both of them have enough to last a very long time in the Far East.

They leave Hamburger Heaven with smiles on their faces. Let’s do a couple of rounds and think about what we might do to our wonderful wives, Dave said.

They jog to Worth Avenue and turn west towards the marina to pick up the exercise trail. Peter speaks, You know, this might just turn out to be the perfect climax to a marriage that has been on and off for some time. I like the idea more and more. I’m just wondering about Paul and James. I don’t think Joe would ever leave Ruth, but one never knows! Can you imagine the fun we could have if all five of us took off in a boat to find another five women to be loved? Just to think that I wouldn’t have to listen to Mary always saying, Petah, get me my cigarettes! She has probably gained twenty pounds just since summer and this is only October.

Well, let’s just pray that we can find some nice and loving sweethearts, somewhere in the Far East.

Both of them are now crossing the bridge back to West Palm.

See yah! Dave said to Peter as they parted ways just south of the Trump Towers.

Dave thinks to himself how short a time it is to Christmas. He has a lot of thinking and much more preparation to do before then.

It is close to 3:30 p.m. when Dave reaches home. Eve will be here in less than two hours, he said to himself while thinking about all the effort he put into their marriage, and how it could have turned out much differently. Water over the dam is all he can think. Maybe my next one will be much better, he smiles to himself as he thinks again about Christmas Day just a few short weeks away. His mind switches to boats and is now thinking how much fun it will be to pick out the perfect sailboat. He also needs to locate some good books on cruising the high seas and on navigation as well. With GPS, cruising is not near the problem it used to be. Between the five of them, that is, if it turns out to be five, they should have all the knowledge and wherewithal to perform quite well as a team.

Dave decides to check the internet for the next 30 minutes to see what is available in the cruising sailboat department. He clicks on to sailboatlistings.com and a plethora of boats appear.

Oh! What a beauty! A Hinckley 56 appears. Even though it is a 1982 model, it is still beautiful. The fine craftsmanship is apparent everywhere. What a dream boat; if only they could afford the price tag. They are asking 521,500 dollars for it. Perhaps, if all five of them pitched in, they might be able to swing it. There would certainly be plenty of room for all of them. It has eight berths and a beam of a 15’2". It displaces 67,648 lbs. Right now, it is berthed up in Charleston, South Carolina which really isn’t all that far away. The boat has four water tanks which hold 440 gallons, and a fuel tank that holds 300 gallons. Dave thinks to himself that he would want to augment the water supply with some extra tanks. One thing you can’t have too much on the high seas is fresh water. He also thinks that putting a water maker on board would not be a bad deal either.

Dave’s mind goes back to the price, Maybe that price isn’t firm. The economy is tough right now and maybe the owner needs some money. What if we could buy the boat for 440 or 450,000 dollars? That would make it a lot more attractive. In reality, it is the perfect size if all five of them decide to split. Even with four of them, it would work well.

Dave clicks again and a 37’ Gulf Star pops up. It is available for only 44,800 dollars. What a difference in price! It is a 1977 Gulf Star, and that is getting pretty old. Next, he sees a 37’ Tartan. It is a 1982 model, and is priced at 52,500 dollars. It is right in Miami which is only a stone’s throw away. This boat thing could get really fun! as Dave said this to himself, he hears the sound of the keys in the door. He decides to turn off the computer. If Eve sees him looking at boats, she might start to wonder. Eve asks him, What have you been doing all day?

Oh, I’ve been exercising a little and actually met up with Peter. He and I took a few laps around Palm Beach.

You certainly do seem to like that place. You should have been born rich, and then you could have lived there.

I love it, but I’m not sure if it is where I would prefer to live. It is a little old money for me. I think I like new money a little better.

Dave notices that her make-up looks a little fresh. He wonders if perhaps she touched it up after an encounter with someone, but he prefers to let that kind of thought pass from his mind. What’s for dinner? he asked instead.

I really didn’t plan anything. I am actually kind of under the weather. Why don’t you grab something, and bring something back for me?

Sounds like a winner!

Dave heads for the door. He is actually feeling kind of happy because he would like to reflect on some of the thoughts Peter and he had earlier. He takes 95 N., gets off on Glades exit, and pulls into a Wendy’s. He goes inside and orders a single combination with a coke. The burger is good, and the coke hits the spot. He then chose to grab a chicken sandwich for Eve.

On his way back to the interstate, Dave notices Houston’s restaurant on the left and is thinking that it would be a good meeting spot for the big five when they start their big planning sessions. He thinks again and wonders how many of them will end up on the plan. He hopes all of them will, because deep down, he knows all of them are in unhappy situations.

Here is some chicken and I added a frosty.

Thanks. I’m going to turn in early as soon as this is gone.

Dave smiles to himself because he really wants to get back on the computer and look at more boats.

A 46’ Benteau Oceanis comes up. It is lying in the South Caribbean, and the owners say they will arrange to meet one at any place along the chain of islands with a few days’ notice. They are doing the islands one at a time from the south. The boat is a 2001 model, and they are asking for 249,000 dollars. Next, a Bluewater Yachts Vagabond 47’ comes. It is a 1986 model, and they want 185,000 dollars. The next one is a beauty. It has a very classic look, the look that he likes in a boat. It is a 48’ Mayflower which has a 13’6 beam, and a 5’8 draft. That is not a bad draft for a big boat. It is a 1981 model, and has a ketch rig. It has three cabins, and has a price of only 84,900 dollars. The ad also says that it is lying in South Florida.

Now comes a 47’ Gulfstar Ketch. It is a 1979 model and is called, Sea Suite. It has a water maker, washer, dryer, refrigerator and a freezer. It is also lying in South Florida and is priced at 169,000 dollars. The next one is a 45’ Bruce Roberts at 79,900 dollars. It has a 6’8 and a 13’ beam, and is a 1985 model. The next one is a 48’ Morgan 382. Its name is Irish Mist, and it lies in New Bern, N.C. It is only 57,900 dollars. It has a nice feature which is a wind generator. If all five of them go, they will need a boat close to the 45’ to 50’ range. There are surely a lot of nice choices of boats on the internet," he said to himself.

Dave finishes his frosty and switches off the computer.

It is now the 12th day of October and Dave still has 73 days remaining until the sweetest day of his life. If Columbus could do it with all the archaic methods of his day, I can surely do it today! he thought as he remembers that it is Columbus Day.

Dave wants to research some books on sailing and navigation so he plans to go to a library. He also thinks about meeting with the other four this weekend. Since it is Thursday, he thinks that Saturday night would be a great night for it so he decides to call Peter. Hello, Peter?

Yeah, it’s me.

Hey! Keep Saturday night open. I was thinking the five of us could get together at Houston’s for a preliminary meeting of what may be in store for all of us.

Sounds great, I will tell Mary that I’ll be busy.

Why don’t you call Joe, and I’ll call Paul and James.

Okay, sounds good. See yah!

Dave dials Paul’s number right away, but only gets the answering machine. Hey, this is Dave, Paul. Give me a ring when you get the chance. Then he dials James’s number. A weak hello comes over the line. Did I wake you up? he asked.

No, I was just sitting here thinking about another boring weekend with Rachel. She just doesn’t have the spark she used to have. Maybe it is all because of the weight she has put on. I’m not sure. She just doesn’t turn me on like she used to. I used to look forward to the weekends, but now, I seem to dread them. I would prefer to just keep working.

You will love the news Peter and I have for you. Do you think you could come to Houston’s Saturday night around 7:30 p.m. or so?

I would love to.

I have not gotten a hold of Paul but I left a message for him to call back. I’ll let you know when everyone is on for Saturday night.

Okay, thanks a lot and I’ll see you Saturday night.

Dave is picking up a Wall Street Journal and is turning to the stock pages when his phone rings. Hello?

Hey! It’s me, Paul. What do you need?

Great! Thanks for calling back so fast. The rest of us are planning a get together at Houston’s around 7:30 p.m., Saturday night. Do you think you could get away from Delilah long enough to meet with us and have one of Houston’s great steaks?

You bet I can. What time did you say?

Make it 7:15-7:30 p.m. give or take.

I’ll see you there.

Saturday night comes and James is the first to arrive. I need a table for five. Could you give us one of your quieter areas? We are planning a meeting and want it as quiet as possible.

Sure can. Right this way, please. The waiter takes him to a rather quiet corner where not too many people have been seated. It is Saturday night and James realizes that at Houston’s, a quiet time will probably not last too long. Houston’s is an upscale bar and restaurant combination that is very popular with both the younger and the older crowd.

James is all alone in the corner of the restaurant when he sees Joe coming in. Hey! How are you?

Great, James! I can’t wait to see what this important meeting is concerning. I felt a sense of urgency when Peter called.

I felt something special too when Dave called me. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for it. Life has gotten a little too plain Jane for me and I’m ready for something different.

It has been a long time since the five of us have gotten together on a Saturday night without our wives. You know, I can’t remember how long.

James and Joe were still talking when Dave comes up to their table. Hi, James! Hi, Joe! I’m so glad that both of you could get away!

Joe speaks first, Hey! What is so special about this meeting? James and I were just wondering what is on the agenda.

Well, if I told you right now you might not be able to enjoy your steak. So let’s eat first, and then we’ll talk business, ok?

James speaks up, Sure, whatever. I just hope it is good because I’m ready for something good.

As James was talking, Peter and Paul finally reached their table. The two had met outside, and now, the group of five is complete. Niceties are exchanged as the waiter approaches with menus.

Dave speaks, Why did we wait so long to get away together on a Saturday night? This is really special and I think most of you will like what’s on the agenda. Are you ready to order, sir? The waiter interrupted him.

You bet. I’ll settle for a porterhouse medium and blue cheese on the salad.

Peter and Paul ask for the same, and Joe and James ask for prime rib.

Dave says, "Let’s have a toast to a greater and happier tomorrow!

Glasses are raised, and each one of the three of them has that kind of anticipatory expression. All of them know that Dave and Peter have something up their sleeves.

We decided to meet tonight because Peter and I have some exciting news to share. And as soon as we finish this meal, we’ll share it with all of you.

A few minutes later, the waiter brought them their food and everybody started to enjoy it.

All of them are satisfied, as only Houston’s can do with such ease. The combination of South Florida’s relaxed atmosphere and the great food made them feel euphoric.

Dave begins, Peter and I are going to leave our wives and we are planning to do it in style and by surprise. On late Christmas Eve, both of us will leave our homes for good. Our new homes will be on a sailboat bound for the Far East to have adventure and to eventually replace our wives who have simply become our burdens.

At first, shock and disbelief went from face to face, but then, they all broke out in smiling faces.

Paul asks, You guys are really serious? You are really going to do this? How will it be a surprise?

Dave speaks, We are going to go through the motions of Christmas. We’ll buy gifts and put them under the tree but they will be funny gifts like rocks, logs and pine cones. We’ll leave our wives with only wigs showing under blankets on the couch. We’ll deplete our bank accounts, re-mortgage our homes, and build a sailing kitty that should sustain us for a long time.

Peter adds, The reason Dave and I decided to have this get together is to see if any of you are interested in joining us and becoming mates on our cruise to freedom and a new life. Hopefully, to find new brides that will be totally different from our old wives.

Smiles broke out and James who weighs 400 lbs., the biggest of the group, spoke first. His voice is usually listened to when he speaks. Rachel and I have been differing on all kinds of things lately. You know it used to be my weight she always bugged me about; but now, it seems that she doesn’t like my work, she doesn’t like my diet, she doesn’t like my staying up late, and it seems like everything I do, she wants it done differently. The more I think about it, I think I’m on board.

Dave stood up and reached out his hand, Welcome on board, mate!

Peter says, Well, that makes three! James can handle the ropes and sails better than any two of the rest of us.

Everyone looked at Joe and Paul as Dave speaks, Three down, two to go! This get together is turning out great! We only need two more of these dinners and all five of us will be on board.

Joe mumbles, Pressure, pressure, pressure. Now, if any of us won’t join, we will become party poopers! Can you imagine what Joe and I will feel like when all of you would take off without us? I can see it all right now. Ruth and I will have a big fight right after you guys leave and I’ll kick myself in the butt for not going.

Dave responds, Hey, we are not trying to pressure anybody. We just want to let everybody know our plans and to tell all of you that you are very, very welcome if you decide to join us. We just wanted to let you know that if you decide any time before Christmas, you can still join the party since we are leaving around 12 a.m. on December 25th!"

Joe and Paul are now starting to think very hard.

Niceties are exchanged and the party breaks up.

Dave smiles to himself as he makes his way to his medium blue corvette convertible. Oh, how I will miss this car. He has already owned several corvettes, but he knows he can always buy another one. It is only 72 days to Christmas and he is very happy to know that there will be three on board the ship. We now have a crew, and what we need right now is a boat, Dave said to himself. He also realizes that all three of them will have to get very serious about learning navigation very soon. He wonders about Paul and Joe. It would surely be nice to have them on board with us. What a crew that would be and what an impact we could have on the community! He is already imagining the story that the Palm Beach Post will write about them.

James pulls in the driveway of his house and hits the button on his visor to his garage door opener. As he enters the mud room, he calls Rachel’s name but there is no answer. He looks at his watch and it is already 11:45 p.m. Wow! Did the last four hours go fast? He goes to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and notices that the box of Earl Grey is almost gone. A small table lamp is lit in the living room. Rachel is curled up on one of their leather couches sound asleep. James decides not to bother her as he thinks how surprised she will be on Christmas!

Peter arrives home and Mary is still very much awake. Well, did you guys have a good party? she asked.

Yeah, I guess you could call it that. You know I never get tired of the food at Houston’s. As usual, it was great and we all had a great time.

Sandy came over and we had a pizza delivered. She and Stan are not getting along too well. She said if she only had a better education, she would consider leaving him. Right now, he is her meal ticket and her comfort zone.

Man, it seems like everybody is splitting up. This world is getting to be a very cruel place.

Mary puffs on the last remnant of her cigarette.

If she only knew what my plans are for her.

All is quiet when Dave arrives home. Eve is already sleeping peacefully on her side of the king size bed. He wonders how peacefully she will sleep when Christmas comes.

As Joe heads for home, he is thinking about the plans that his three buddies have and the excitement starting to build in them. He also thinks about Ruth and wonders how she would like life without him. He knows it would probably not take too much persuasion to get him to jump on board. He and Ruth certainly have had their differences. If all five of us will go, we would certainly need a good sailboat, Joe said this as he thinks about how big the Pacific Ocean is, and what an accomplishment it would be, to cross it with only the power of the wind.

Paul feels left out of the party. His white Toyota seems to want to pull into a McDonald’s that has been placed on his path towards home. It is open until midnight, and another cup of coffee would surely taste good. The temptation is too great, so he pulls in and parks. His mind goes to the meeting he just came from. He wonders if Joe will join the party. How would life be in West Palm Beach without my four buddies? Man! I would have to make all new friends but it might be easier just to stay. The big question is, can I say goodbye to all of them and stay back in West Palm with Delilah? What a plan! Their plans are really big. Could they actually pull it off with no leaks? Could it actually be a complete surprise?

Delilah is watching TV in the family room when Paul arrives home. Is that you, Paul?

Why? Were you expecting someone else?

No, I just wanted to be sure it was you. How was your night with the boys?

Oh, it was great! Now, I’m ready for bed.

Without Delilah noticing it, Paul is having a hard time deciding whether to go with the rest of his friends or not.

When Joe gets home, their house is already dark. As he enters, he calls out Ruth’s name but there is no answer. He checks around the house but she isn‘t there. Suddenly, a strange feeling overtakes him. Man! She didn’t say anything about any plans. Joe checks his watch. It is already 11:42 p.m.

At 12:20 p.m., he hears her car. He had come in the front door and hadn’t thought of checking the garage before entering their house. Ruth was surprised to see him in the kitchen. Oh! You are home already? I figured you boys would probably be out late! I was doing a little shopping at Wal Mart and ran into Cindy. She and I grabbed a coffee at Starbucks; we started talking, and ended up grabbing a bite at Red Robin.

Joe noticed her make-up looked rather fresh and her neck seemed a bit flushed. Could she be having an affair with another guy? He wished he knew Cindy a little better but she is one of Ruth’s new friends and he doesn’t know her very well. Now that the smoking laws have changed, it is harder to tell exactly where a person has been. Bars don’t smell as bad as they used to smell. He also noticed that Ruth seemed rather anxious to explain where she had been. Could she be feeling a little guilty?

October 15th Sunday

J oe goes to McDonald’s to grab a cup of coffee. He is going to find out one way or the other if his wife is really unfaithful to him. He thinks of his friend Jim whom he has not seen for a while. Jim was one of his college buddies who decided to be a private eye and he is one of the smartest private eyes he knows. He calls his business the Private, Private Eye. Everything is done on a clandestine level. Jim does not have an office. In fact, he prides himself in not having one. He meets clients in restaurants in out of the way places and he doesn’t even sign contracts. Everything is cash and nothing is traceable. Tax evasion is not his reason for doing this. It is to protect everyone from intrusive liability suits and the time such suits require.

Joe has no idea how wealthy he is, but from all appearances, he is doing very well. Jim’s philosophy in business is simple. Get one half of his fee up front, and when the job is complete, he gets the other half. All of these are done on a handshake. Kind of like the old days when people trusted each other. He makes sure his business card is everywhere. In fact, this is his only way to advertise except for his network of friends who give him all the word of mouth advertising that he needs. Fortunately, Joe has one of Jim’s cards in his pocket which is very convenient for him. I had no idea when Jim gave me his card that I would only be using it to spy on Ruth.

As he grabs a coffee at McDonald’s, he dials Jim’s number. Right away, a strong hello comes from his friend. Hi, this is Joe!

Hey Joe, what’s happening?

Well, I just thought of you and need to see you for a few minutes if you’re free.

Okay, I’m free.

Wow! That is fast! Where are you?

I’m at Denny’s just in front of the Motel 6 in Lantana by I-95.

Great! I’ll go there. I can meet you here but I think Ruth knows that I usually come here. And if she sees me with you, she will think something.

Joe gets up and heads for the door. He opens his white Honda and starts the engine. Man! If I do go with the boys, I will surely miss this car.

A big smile comes from Jim as he greets Joe when he reaches the place. Hi! How is my old buddy?

Well, I’m doing great but I have a problem with Ruth. I’m not sure if she is still the same woman I married and that is the reason why I am here. I think she is having an affair with another guy, but I guess I should nip it in the bud and find out the truth before I do something I will regret.

Wow! I always thought you two were inseparable. Two little lovers that always were a perfect pair.

Yeah, it always used to be that way; but lately, I’ve noticed some changes. They have been minor but I still feel something is up.

I can certainly find out for you and it shouldn’t take too long.

I’ve never hired someone to do this kind of thing and I have no idea what something like this will cost.

To my old buddy, I will be kind. How about if you give me a couple of hundreds for expenses, and if I can determine something quickly, that is all it will be. You know, once in a while a person has to take on a charity case.

Both of them laugh as Joe slips Jim a couple hundred dollar bills. Jim jots a few notes in his small spiral notebook as he gets the usual information for a case.

As they leave the restaurant, Jim speaks, Just give me a call one week from today and I should certainly be able to find something out by then.

Okay, I’ll do that. Thank you very much.

In only a little more than two months, his buddies will be leaving. Joe wonders how many of the five will actually take the big step. Right now, it looks like three, but who knows? If Jim finds out something bad about Ruth, he too may join the group.

Paul wakes up very early on Sunday morning. He normally wakes up a little late, but for some reason, he just doesn’t feel like going back to sleep. It seems that there is something playing on his subconscious. He looks over at his sleeping wife, and decides to get up and take a shower. As he dresses, Delilah stirs, You’re up early. How was your night with the boys? I thought you would probably sleep in!

This time of the year is so nice. I might go for a run on the beach today. You want to come along?

Not today. It is that time of the month again and I kind of have the cramps. Besides, I haven’t touched the house all week and it needs the usual cleaning.

Okay, you stay and clean, and I’ll bring some food when I get back.

Okay, sounds good.

See you then.

Paul puts on his running shoes and heads for Deerfield Beach. Deerfield is only a few miles south, and the beach there is always peaceful. He knows it would be a great place for him to think.

Paul parks his Toyota near the public restroom across the street from Howard Johnson’s. He takes the one space left and feeds the meter six quarters. It takes thirty minutes for every quarter, and for him, three hours should be just about right.

Paul decides to go out to the water’s edge. As he sees the waves slapping quietly at the freshly dumped sand, his mind goes to the group’s meeting the night before. The thought of the great surprise made him smile. Dave can surely come up with some great plans. The Christmas gifts are such a great idea. If they start around December 1st and put one present a day under the trees, I can imagine the pile of gifts their soon to be ex-wives will have. As each day goes by, their wives will have the kind of thought that their men must really love them.

Paul now has a picture on his mind of his friends arriving in the Philippines. Their biggest problem will be picking out good girls, separating them from the bad ones. If there is a way of finding some good families that have some nice girls, it would be great. Perhaps, they could find some good church members who would really appreciate them and be loyal to them forever and ever. What a dream! There is no other country in the world that has more beautiful girls who would love to find an American husband who could take them to America and introduce them to the good life. Thank you MacArthur, for making such a good impression on the Filipino people so Americans would be held in high esteem. I have loved Delilah from the beginning of our marriage, but I don’t know how much she loves me. More often, I think she looks at me as a meal ticket. A lot of the niceties of the early years are gone, and now, it often feels like she is just going through the motion of marriage. Time will tell, and who knows if the pressure of the boys will build to such a crescendo, that I, will not be able to resist."

October 16th Monday

D ave has a lot on his plate and hardly knows where to begin. It is now October 16 th and he has only 69 days left to get ready. The most important item is for him to find a boat, and size has to be a major priority. Now that three have committed, he is quite sure that at least one more will commit. That means they will need room for at least eight people. Forty-five feet will have to be the minimum length, and he knows he could go to 56’. Each foot calls for more money at each port they dock at, so he decides 56’ has to be the maximum. That is the exact length of the