LAST ASSAULT ON OAK ISLAND 24

Chapter 24

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Before she could ask why, they were joined by a tall, red-haired man around Maruso's age who was well into the bottle. He slapped Maruso on the shoulder.

"I thought it was you over here. I should have known, being Little NATO night." He appraised Lauren hastily, grinning wider. "This is why you've been so scarce. Do you mind I take this chair?" he asked a neighboring table. "Thanks," he said without waiting for an answer. He brought the spare chair to their table and dropped into it. He looked to Lauren again, this time with a truly charming smile. "I'm Karl. You're Lauren, right?"

"Right," Maruso said. "Lauren, this is Karl Wagner. He captains the Little Dipper in West Winds, where he should be now," he added thickly.

Karl managed to look hurt. "You should be glad to see me. I've been collecting your tips all week. You could be making some big money." He looked quickly from Maruso to Lauren and back again. "Am I in the way here?"

"Yes. Make it quick, Karl," Maruso said.

"Okay, okay." He handed Maruso several napkins that had been folded too many times into a wad. "They're mostly fishing trips, so she can probably go," he added, winking at Lauren. "They won't mind. I know I wouldn't." He looked back to Maruso. "I'd take them if I could."

"Then take them." Maruso turned back to his dinner, sending Lauren a look of apology.

"Hell, no. It I get one more violation they'll lift my zone permit. I got caught at Sable Island a—"

"In the Little Dipper?" Maruso cut in. "What kind of fools let you take them that far out?"

"The kind that couldn't find you," Karl growled. "I've a mind to blow up the causeway. That was eighty percent of my business this summer. I was counting on fairs for the pit tours. Monro could have held out for one more season." He settled back, sulking, staring at the table. "Morris and Fields feel the same way."