Free Venom: A Thriller in Paradise (The Thriller in Paradise Series Book 3) by Rob Swigart Page B

“Tell me, where is the ship now?”
    Commander Shafton flicked an imaginary foreign particle from the immaculate crease in his white trousers and looked thoughtful. “The ship is under tow. There was a problem with her engines we couldn’t diagnose down the coast. She will be here soon. I thought you knew this.”
    Vincent moved his bulk forward and pushed his heavy jaw at Shafton. The others in the room, Lieutenant Commander Whipple, the policeman, and the biologist, said nothing. They appeared like the audience at a tennis match, looking from one to the other. “It was my understanding
Ocean Mother
was already here in this harbor,” Vincent said in a heavily even tone. “Sergeant Hirogawa at the police station told me it was due to arrive before this meeting began.”
    “Yes, yes. The tow is taking a bit longer than anticipated.” Shafton glanced over at Carrie, who seemed left out of the conversation. “Would you like some tea?” he asked her.
    She smiled and shook her head.
    “Look, this is getting us nowhere. I’m here to take back possession of our vessel. We’ll file the necessary paperwork and be on our way.”
    “I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Shafton said softly.
    “And why not?”
    “I’m afraid we’ve had to impound her.”
    Vincent was out of his chair in a surprisingly fluid movement and had his hand wrapped around Shafton’s collar and tie, pulling the smaller man part way out of his own seat. “You what?” he thundered.
    “Uh·oh,” Cobb Takamura said softly. “Mr. Meissner, please sit down. This will gain you nothing.”
    Vincent did not seem to hear. He pulled Shafton out of his seat and lifted him sideways, where he could get a good angle of attack. “You what?” he repeated.
    Chazz Koenig raised his eyebrows and stood up almost languidly. He stretched once and tapped Vincent on the shoulder. “Excuse me,” he began, but just as suddenly Meissner dropped the officer and spun around on Chazz. They moved together almost as if they were dancing, Meissner stepping forward with his left foot as Chazz stepped back with his right. Vincent’s reaction brought him around the corner of the table, his right hand swinging. Somehow the fist, instead of connecting with the wistfully smiling face he wanted to hit, was trapped in a snug nest made of Chazz’s shoulder and right hand, and an unbearable pain was going up his arm. Vincent couldn’t believe how quickly the pain had come. He fell back with a cry, and the pain eased some, although his hand was still trapped. Chazz still looked a little dreamy.
    “Perhaps you didn’t hear the lieutenant, Mr. Meissner. What he said was that assault is not a good idea, and it would be better if you sat down.”
    Vincent found himself reaching back for the edge of the closest empty chair, and Chazz moved forward. Vincent’s arm was zigzagged in front of him, bent at the elbow and wrist. The biologist was relaxed and poised, Vincent’s hand still trapped, the wrist bent toward the inside of the forearm. Whenever he struggled, the pain increased. Vincent sat down.
    “Who the hell are you?”
    Chazz shrugged. “I’m just a researcher on the island,” he said. “We’re a little concerned about whatever it was that killed your crew.”
    “Dr. Koenig is something of an expert in aikido,” Lieutenant Takamura said softly. “He claims it is nonviolent.”
    “Well, it isn’t.” Vincent suddenly laughed. “All right, I got a little out of control there. I’m sorry Commander, I apologize.”
    Shafton finished straightening his tie and nodded shortly. “Your vessel drifted into our waters carrying a dead crew. Since we don’t know what killed them, it seems best we investigate. I must ask you if you know of any substance or material on board that could have caused the deaths.”
    “Aside from normal operating fuel and food and crew personal effects and so on, the ship carried printed matter and some scientific equipment. That’s