Free The Collectors Book Six: Black Gold (The Collectors Series 6) by Ron Sewell Page A

thoughts?”
                  “A good old-fashioned keep within a safe refuge. If the bad guys can’t get at the crew, we win.”
                  Bear studied the vessel. “A few cameras but I see no defence systems. This ship is about as vulnerable as a blind man searching for water in the Sahara.”
                  “I wonder what Stan the man will say when we recommend spending a lot of money.”
                  “At the moment I couldn’t give a toss. It’s time to return to the hotel,  and sample their food.”
                  “I agree.”
                  The taxi driver waited until they were seated before starting the engine. “They build the ships to fit the dock.”
                  “Why this dock?” asked Petros.
                  “The company loads oil in the Gulf and delivers to America. This is the first and last major repair yard between here and the States. Labour costs are cheap so it makes sense.”
                  Petros let the man talk. “How do you know this?”
                  “I sometimes work in the yard. When these boats come in for a scrape and paint they need extra painters.  I give this job up for a week and double my money. They insist on a fast turnaround. Time for tankers is mega-bucks a day and let’s face it, a ship in harbour does not make money.”               The car slowed and stopped. “Your hotel, guys, and my card.”
                  Petros stuffed a hundred rand note in the man’s hand. “For waiting.”
                  A smile crept over the driver’s face. “Whenever you need a cab, call me.”
                  Throwing his arm around Bear’s shoulder the two men strolled into the dining room. “We need to talk.”
                  A waitress directed them to a table next to the window. “Is this acceptable, gentlemen?”
                  Bear nodded. “Does your chef cook large portions?”
                  “Our chef will cook you a whole ox if you pre-order.”
                  “A couple of rare and large T-bones plus a mountain of fries. The ox I may order tomorrow.”
                  She turned to Petros. “And you, sir?”
                  “Whitebait for starters and the lamb’s liver with onions and whatever your chef serves with it.”
                  “Will that be standard or extra large, sir?”
                  “For me, standard please.”
                  “And to drink?”
                  “Fresh orange juice and tonic for me. Bear?”
                  “A pot of coffee.”
                  The girl sort of bowed and backed away before turning towards the kitchens.
                  “What’s bothering you, PK?”
                  For a moment, Petros closed his eyes and churched his fingers. “Things ain’t what they seem. I saw a ton of razor wire, nothing else to prevent pirates boarding. A grappling hook fired at the stern would find a thousand places to secure onto. With modern climbing equipment an agile man or woman could climb and secure rope ladders in less than five minutes.”
                  The waitress arrived with the coffee and fresh orange juice. “The chef asked me to say your main course will take fifteen to twenty minutes but the whitebait is ready.”
                  “As that’s my starter, I’m ready.”
                  “One moment, sir.”
                  “But the insurance company paid out. So are you suggesting someone briefed the pirates?”
                  “Your whitebait, sir.”
                  Petros’ eyes met those of the girl’s. “They look excellent. Thank