Free FOR THE LOVE OF THE SEA by Jennifer Bohnet Page A

advantage of the fluctuating wind.
    Without the noise of the outboard she could hear the natural noises of the river - seagulls screeching, curlews on the mud banks calling their plaintive cries, the wind rustling through the trees. Even the noise of sheep bleating in distant fields drifted down on the wind.
    As James called “Jibe” Cassie automatically ducked, and the boom swung across, taking the mainsail to catch the wind now blowing from the east. And that was the start of an exhausting hour during which James really put her through her paces and Cassie re-discovered her love of sailing.
    “Thank you so much James,” she said as they motored back down river. “I really enjoyed that.” 
    “I told you, you never forget the basics. We must do it again. Fancy crewing for me in this year’s regattas?”
    “We’ll see,” was all Cassie said.
    Ghosts might have been slain but it was too soon to commit herself to doing more of something that had once before taken over her life.
    ********
    Polly and the crew made good time getting to Plymouth. As they motored Clotted Cream into harbour and slowly eased their way into a berth between other competitors, Polly could almost taste the excitement in the air.
    Dexter was on the quay to welcome her. He was part of the official race-organising committee and as soon as the yacht was secure he jumped on board.
    “I’ll give you five minutes to phone Cassie and tell her you’ve arrived safely,” he said. “And then I have a mountain of paperwork to go through with you.”
    Polly made them both a cup of coffee and they settled down to making sure everything was in order for Clotted Cream to take part in the race. As Dexter stamped the last official piece of paper, he looked at Polly.
    “Before I take you to meet people, I have to say something.” He paused before continuing.
    “You know you have only to ask for my help and I’ll give it, but there may be times when it would be best for us not to appear too friendly. The other competitors…” Dexter hesitated again.
    “Might read the wrong thing into one of the organisers being too friendly with a competitor,” Polly finished for him.
    “I know the score Dexter. Don’t worry.” 
    “Thanks for understanding, Polly. I didn’t want you to feel that I was suddenly keeping my distance.”
    He gave her a helping hand as she jumped onto the quay.
    “Right,” he said, “let’s go and introduce you to some of the other competitors.”
    Just as they turned to walk along the quay, Dexter’s mobile phone rang. 
    “Sorry. Duty calls. I’m needed back in the office.” And he was gone.
    Polly stood undecided for a second or two before starting to climb back on Clotted Cream . She’d meet everyone later.
    “Hi you must be Tom’s little sister.”
    She turned to see a huge bear-like man standing on the deck of the next yacht. Polly recognised him immediately as the world famous solo yachtsman she regarded as one of the hero’s of the sport.
    “Want to join us for coffee?” he asked, indicating the group behind him.
    Ten minutes later, sitting in the cockpit of the yacht, holding a mug of coffee, Polly wanted to pinch herself.
    These fellow competitors of hers were all well known sailors and they were treating her presence amongst them seriously.
    They all knew Tom and were pleased to hear that he hoped to be in Plymouth for the start of the race.
    It was as she moved to make room for yet another sailor to join them for coffee that she glanced across the quay and felt the happiness drain from her.
    Walking briskly towards the yachts was Dexter – and at his side a clearly angry Naval Officer. Polly’s heart sank. What on earth was Sebastian doing here? He was supposed to be somewhere in the Med.

Chapter Six
    Looking at the rigid set of Sebastian’s body as he and Dexter marched towards the boats, Polly jumped up nervously.
    If she wanted to avoid an angry confrontation in front of everyone, she’d have to move