Chuck led him down the companionway and into the saloon. There was a built-in dining table and a galley tucked into a corner, a chart table and seating for eight or so.
“Gorgeous,” Stone said.
“There’s just the one cabin, aft,” Chuck said, pointing the way. Stone found a handsome stateroom, white and mahogany, with a nice head and shower and a double berth. “Perfect bachelor quarters,” he said. “How many of these were built?”
“She’s a custom job,” Chuck said, “the only one of her kind. She was in pretty bad shape when Jerry bought her. He replaced all the lower hull planking and then redid everything from the bottom up.”
“You’re a lucky man,” Stone said.
“That I am. If you’ll excuse me, I’d better check that my guests are drinking enough.”
“Sure.” Stone didn’t think they would need any encouragement. He walked back into the saloon and found a woman looking into the galley cabinets and fridge.
She glanced at him. “Hello,” she said. She was tall and slender, with blond hair. Late thirties, maybe.
“Good evening, doctor,” he replied.
She turned to face him and lifted an eyebrow. “Ah,” she said, “my former patient.”
Stone offered his hand. “My name is Stone Barrington. I’m afraid I wasn’t very appreciative of your kind efforts last evening. In my defense, I plead semiconsciousness.”
She shook his hand. “Yes, you were. I’m Annika Swenson.”
“I know; your card is in my pocket,” Stone said. “I had intended to call and thank you, but my day got busy.”
37
S t u a r t W o o d s
“One shouldn’t be too busy in Key West,” she said.
“You have a point.”
“Annika!” a woman’s voice cried from the top of the companionway ladder. “We’re leaving.”
Annika turned. “Coming!” she called back. “You’ll have to excuse me, Mr. Barrington,” she said. “I’m with some people.”
“I’m here for a few days,” Stone said. “May we have dinner?”
“Yes,” she replied without hesitation.
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll call you, and we’ll arrange a time,” Stone said.
“Good night, then.”
He watched her climb the companionway ladder and enjoyed the view.
Dino was the next one down the ladder. “Was that the lady from last night?”
“It was,” Stone replied.
“You are the only guy I know who can meet a beautiful woman while lying on a sidewalk unconscious,” Dino replied. “Let’s go; dinnertime.”
They made their goodbyes to Chuck Chandler.