They Fish the River

By Marilyn E. Burrows

Elin thought she had shaken all the skeletons out of her closet after leaving rehab, but then some disturbing, strange things begin to happen. A young girl goes missing and the police are struggling to find a motive. Someone is following Elin but they never get close enough for Elin to recognize the face of the car’s driver. Her boyfriend Casey has a checkered past and ends up on the police’s radar.

Elin is feeling alone and scared and then the place where her dad is living calls to say he may not live much longer. Her sister comes to visit their father and while Elin is out fishing her sister disappears. As her father’s health fails, there are reports of an unknown man who comes to visit him and leaves him agitated and struggling to make his family understand.

When Elin’s brother comes to town, they are determined to find answers so they begin to sort through the things that have happened, but will it be soon enough to save the young girl and their sister – and to find out who is visiting their father?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781649798978

Marilyn E. Burrows

Marilyn lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, Doug, and their cat, Ginger. Living on Vancouver Island has given her an appreciation for the fragility of life and the immense beauty that nature displays. She has worked in both business and the social services field which has given her the desire to see and explore the complexities of the world that we live in. She has been writing since she was a teenager, starting with poetry and shorter fiction.

Book preview

About the Author

Marilyn lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, Doug, and their cat, Ginger. Living on Vancouver Island has given her an appreciation for the fragility of life and the immense beauty that nature displays. She has worked in both business and the social services field which has given her the desire to see and explore the complexities of the world that we live in. She has been writing since she was a teenager, starting with poetry and shorter fiction.

Dedication

Dedicated to Fancy, my furry co-worker.

Copyright Information ©

Marilyn E. Burrows 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Ordering Information

Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Burrows, Marilyn E.

They Fish the River

ISBN 9781649798961 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781649798978 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022916461

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

Chapter One

The sun was just starting to break through the fog and clouds as Elin set off down the hill to the wharf. There was a crackling of a twig behind her and she quietly stopped. She heard another movement behind her, for a second she panicked. There had been reports of a cougar on the prowl in this area, so she stood very still and held her breath for a moment, but Fancy was restless.

Stop jumping up, Elin softly said to the spaniel, who was wagging its tail as it jumped up and down.

Maybe she would stop if you didn’t ignore her, came a voice behind her.

Elin jumped and took a deep breath as Raymond came around the corner and knelt down. Fancy ran to Raymond and jumped into his arms. Elin stood there, waiting for the next words that Raymond would throw her way.

What are you doing here? Elin asked, slowly looking to see who had come with him. She calmed herself down as she spoke softly, trying to fend off any awkward discussion.

Just getting ready for the fishery opening, Raymond replied as he looked at her with a glint in his eyes. I guess that’s your reason for being here as well.

He let Fancy down and she wiggled over to Elin and licked her hand.

Elin continued down the hill to her boat that was tied up on the wharf. Over the last few days she had cleaned and stocked the boat, as well as repairing a few things that had become worn. She was so looking forward to heading out on the river: as today was the first day that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans opened the waters for commercial fishing. She loved the serenity of the river, and the sun rising over the mountains gave an amber warmth to the day.

See you, or not, Raymond laughed as he jumped into his boat and started the engine.

He untied his boat as he drifted away into the morning fog that hung over the water.

Safe travels, she called as she gathered Fancy into the boat.

Elin rarely understood Raymond’s attempt at humor. She did a quick check list of what she would need for a day of fishing, smiling at the familiarity of the routine. Her father had taught her to prepare well and always check out the equipment. In a way, she felt that being able to fish again honored his memory.

From a ways up the river, Raymond circled back, I thought I saw a cougar in the bushes over a bit. Keep yourself and Fancy safe, Raymond said, as he saluted her and once again set off down the river.

Elin’s phone rang as she began untying her boat. She paused to look at the number that was displayed, and then answered, Hey Junior, what’s up? She sat down on the seat in the boat, listening carefully. OK, I will pick you up when I get in from fishing.

She shut the phone off and untied her boat. Junior was one of the kids that called her place home. His father had been a friend from years past, and she liked the comfortable relationship that she and Junior had built together. Since her parents were no longer living at home, there was plenty of room in the house. She liked to fill it with young people like Junior, who were in need of a place to stay.

Down the river towards the inlet, Elin passed by a small cemetery where not too long ago she had said goodbye to her dear friend who, had been shot in a hunting accident. It never seemed fair when a life ended prematurely and in such a difficult fashion. She saw the flowers left on his tombstone and began wondering why so many things seemed difficult lately. After his funeral, and for her own health reasons, Elin had gone to stay with her grandmother who lived on the prairies. She said a silent prayer as she passed by the cemetery and headed towards the bridge.

As she passed the bridge, she heard a shout and looked up to see Casey dangling from the rail, by one arm, smiling at her. She waved at him as he pulled himself onto the concrete of the walkway. Casey was a joy to be around and she loved his sense of humor, but sometimes…sometimes things never change.

The river was beautiful at this time of year, with clear blue waters and the green from the trees creating an amazing masterpiece. She had fished the river with her father since she was a young child, learning more with each passing year, until she was able to have her own boat. She was only seventeen at the time she got her boat, but she loved the independence and respected the tradition that was being passed down from her father to her. The cool freshness of the water with the gentle breeze reached down inside of her and blew away the sadness that seemed to be hanging around.

Elin looked up as Fancy started barking and running from one side of the boat to the other. Standing on the bank, was a mama black bear and her baby, both were having a drink. They looked over at the boat, but didn’t move as Elin passed by. Fancy kept barking until Elin reached down into her pocket and got a dog treat. They both settled on the seat in the boat as Fancy finished her treat.

Just past the marina, Fancy began to bark again, but Elin was busy getting things in order. In a short while they would be past the mill and she would need to set her nets for the day. She fished for her own use as well as selling what she could at the local market, but also for the freedom she felt on the water. Selling the fish helped her keep up with household expenses and made it possible for her to help the young people who needed a place to stay. The marina was busy today, but they were mostly sport fishers and tourists. She carefully maneuvered through the waters. Just past the mill, she began laying out her nets, making sure she marked them with the orange floats.

The work was tough and tiring, but she felt very good after the nets were set. She looked across at the shoreline and froze. Sitting on the shore was one of her toughest critics, Judy. Elin waved at her. She had tried many times to make friends with her but each time it seemed to go sideways. Fancy sidled up closer to her and laid her head in Elin’s lap. Looking in the water, Elin could see the reflection of light on the waves and a few fish were breaching. Today was going to be a good day to fish.

Elin looked out past the water and began to imagine the river’s journey. Starting up in the mountains and then coming down to the valley, the river remained clear, fresh and alive. They had a deep seaport at the end of the river, where the mountains actually touched down into the water. Further down, the river was met by the ocean. Some people called it a canal but there was a great debate going on whether it should really be called an inlet. Fishing had always been fulfilling to her and Elin let her eyes rest on the water as the light danced on the little waves. Sometimes she felt this was the best therapy on earth.

The fog had drained away and quickly the day turned warm as Elin sat in the boat looking at a horizon that outdid any place she had ever traveled to. The mountains were what she had missed the most while she was away. The mountains, and trees, are what her prairie grandmother feared would fall on her. This coming from a brave lady, who strapped her cash around her body and headed out on the train to visit all the relatives. She giggled as she remembered some of the conversations that she and grandma had on their last visit. But she had missed island life, where the waves crashed on ocean beaches on one side of the island and then, the great serenity of the river on this side.

Elin began getting ready to pull in the nets, as it was nearing the time for her to pick up Junior. Boats were passing by her as they headed back into shore. She hit the net against the boat as she readied to bring the nets in. On the third attempt the net slipped out of her reach and came to rest against the motor. She grabbed the net and worked feverishly to move the net away but it was heavy with fish and moved very little. She clung to the net with all her strength and tried moving the net by force, until she realized that this wouldn’t end well. A boat passed by closely on the shore side of her boat. She looked up to see Raymond smirking. With renewed energy she swung the net against the water.

Do you need a hand? Raymond asked Elin.

No, I’m fine, she replied.

OK. The offer is expiring, he laughed, I could release that net in a flash. If you are able to look beyond your ego.

Raymond began to move his boat forward, thought a moment, then quickly and effortlessly freed her net from near the motor. Elin watched in silence. Why did he always seem to be there when trouble came around?

Thanks, Raymond, Elin said calmly as she began pulling in her net, which was loaded with fish: enough fish to help pay some bills. Her major sticking point with Raymond was that Judy was Raymond’s mother and she had made it clear that Elin was not welcome in her world. Elin tried to keep her distance but she realized that there was something more happening in all of this, something more than she could figure out at this moment.

Elin decided to make steps to look, once again, into what was behind all the animosity. Was it because she left the community and just returned a little over a year ago? A year ago…so much had happened during that time. She had come home when her parents had both contracted the new influenza that had been taking its toll within communities big and small. Her father was very ill and they feared that he would not make it. The illness had weakened him and he was now in a care home, actually a hospice home. Her mother died of the influenza shortly after Elin arrived back home from the prairies. Even now, Elin felt the loneliness of losing her.

The phone rang and Elin picked it up thinking it was Junior again, calling to see when she would be picking him up.

Hi, Elin answered as she sat on the seat in the boat.

Hi, Ms. Gray, this is Hampton House, we are calling to let you know that your father has taken a bit of a turn.

Oh, he has seemed quite sleepy lately. I was wondering if something had changed.

Ms. Gray, he has now entered his final stage of life. It would be good to let the other family members know. We are here for you and your family whenever you need us. Is there any one we can contact for you, maybe your pastor?

No. Thanks for all you are doing. I will get ahold of the rest of the family and let them know.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thanks, Elin said as she hung up the phone.

She sat there for a moment wishing the world would stop moving so fast. Tears washed down her face as she set the boat on course and headed for the wharf. She would let the family know once she got home. For now, she needed to concentrate on getting the boat to shore, picking up Junior and sending some of her fish to the market. The gentle roar of the engine dulled the empty silence.

As she tied up her boat, she heard movement on the pathway coming down to the wharf. Looking up she saw Casey walking down towards her boat. She quickly wiped the tears from her face as he reached the boat.

Hey Elin, how did fishing go?

"Good, Casey. I have some to sell at the market.

If it was so good, why do I see tears on your face?

She kept her head down, trying to busily tie up the boat and get Fancy ready to go ashore. Casey jumped into the boat to help with the tasks, still not sure what was happening but he knew that for Elin to be crying something was going on. They packed the fish into the coolers and separated those to sell from those to take home. It had been an exceptionally good day of fishing.

Do you want me to take the fish to the market vendor, Casey asked, if it will help that is?

That would be awesome Casey. Thank you so much. I guess fishing tired me a little more than usual and I still need to pick up Junior.

Consider it done. Would you like to grab some dinner later?

I have some things that I have to do tonight. My father is failing and I need to let the family know.

Without a word, Casey scooped her into his arms and held her tightly. All that could be heard were the tiny sobs coming from Elin. She rested in his arms and then let go. There was still a lot to do today.

Casey looked at her and ached for the sadness that was etched on her face. He gave her another quick hug and then headed to his truck. Starting up his vehicle, he headed out of the parking lot and onto the highway.

Casey’s truck rumbled slowly down the highway. He was taking his time so he could see when Elin’s SUV would show up behind him. As he signaled to go into the market, he saw Elin’s vehicle in the rear-view mirror. He smiled and remembered the gentleness of the past couple of hours.

One of his favorite songs blared from his radio. He reached down to turn it off so he could talk with the young man coming towards his truck.

Casey, what do you have for me today? asked the young man as he walked up to his truck.

Elin’s got some fish here to sell, what are they worth to you?

Let’s take a look at them.

Casey got out of the truck and opened one of the coolers. The fresh fish glistened in the afternoon sun.

"Pretty good haul. All I can offer is the going rate, $2.00 per pound.

Last time I was here they were $2.15 per pound. How come it’s so much less today?

Casey, its fishing season and many fishers are bringing in their catches. $2.00 is all I can offer. She can always take them home and process them to sell.

No, not this time. We will take the $2.00. I will meet you at the scales.

I have some other stuff you might be interested in though.

No, I don’t think so, Casey replied. He desperately wanted to stay clean and sober, wanted to be able to help Elin through this difficult time.

As Elin hung up the phone, she took a moment and settled the emotional hurricane that was swirling around in her mind. Her sister and brother were both prepared for the eventual passing of their father, but Elin knew that no matter how prepared they all were, it would be difficult. Fancy started to bark as Elin heard a vehicle pull up in the driveway. She got up and looked out the window. Casey walked up the stairs and waved to her as she opened the door to let him in.

Good news, Elin, I got a cheque here from the fish market. It is a little lower than we thought as they are a little overstocked.

Thanks, Casey.

You are looking a little more blue than pink. Is everything good?

Just finished talking with my family, they are coming here in the next few days.

It will be tough for you all. Is there any way I can help? Les at the fish market offered me a little something to perk me up. I can get you some.

No, Casey. Not!

Don’t get wound up. I was only joking. I guess it’s a little late for joking, sorry about that.

Sorry, I’m a little tired tonight. Thank you for the help with the fish.

No problem. I will give you a call tomorrow afternoon. Sleep well.

Casey left and Elin closed the drapes and walked into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Junior was upstairs asleep and she hadn’t yet told him about her father. She would do that tomorrow before the family started arriving. Fancy sat down at her feet and looked up at her with those puppy dog eyes. Elin bent down and picked her up and she nuzzled as close to Elin as she could get. When her cup of tea was empty, Elin put Fancy down and headed up the stairs to bed.

………

The phone was ringing as Elin began to wake up. What time was it? She looked over at the