How may I serve you today?” I placed my order with Hailey and watched her saunter off. I guessed that she was in her early twenties. She was built l...ke a ballerina; petite and slender. Her long deep red locks flowed in the breeze as she brisked off to the kitchen. I turned my attention to my phone to check my e-mail one last time before I closed it down.I was startled by a gentle tap on my shoulder and a waft of sweet smelling perfume. I looked up to lock eyes with the very attractive mystery. "I'm sorry?" I was disoriented by her segue and our surroundings.It was surreal sitting in the comfortable lounge whilst across the roomwas a fully-fitted dungeon."Do pay attention William, I said that your mother doesn't like me," shesipped her drink and studied me, waiting for a response."She says she's surprised that you are not struck by lightning at thedoorway when you go into the church," I finally answered her."Oh my god that's funny!" she guffawed and patted my knee.She regained her. It was extinct in her time, sheexplained.They stocked up for the trip around the Cape of Good Hope, hoping tocatch it on a quiet day. Jim had caught and killed a wild pig and butcheredit. They baked it dry with some rock salt to preserve it. The trip throughthe Cape was rough, but fast. They sped up the African coast and racedpassed a distant and surprised Portuguese ship making a mere 5 knots tothe cat's 12.Mark saw the Silver Fish first in the early afternoon, as it was lumberingup the Ivory. "Honey, Ithink what you're doing is incredibly selfless. I don't think a man woulddo this for someone else. In my book you're already an honorary girl." Wehad a very sweet hug and before I got too woozy, she helped me down ontothe hospital bed.---That was the last thing I remembered before starting to come around. Icould hear before I could see. It was dark in the room, I presumed it wasnighttime. I couldn't focus my eyes but I could hear voices. I drifted backto sleep."She's coming around" I.