Run to Cabo
by
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In the far distance was the sound of a large ship. The sound of its horn echoed across the water. Standing at the side rail Murph turned to look up at Federico. He was busy with the dials and watching for rocks as he expertly moved them down the coast. On their port, near the horizon was the glow of a lighthouse beam. This had to be La Foca, or Seal Rock. It seemed they were at equal points from all land. The night was going so well Murph just leaned on the side rail and thought about how he would convince Zina to help them and not enjoy her visit in Cabo. In the midst of his deep thought he picked up a scent of burnt oil. It took a minute for it to register and bring him back to reality. At the same time he turned to the stern of the boat to see a cloud of oil and smoke billowing behind him. Sharply he turned to the deck above to see Federico working the controls of the helpless boat. His Son snapped the cover panel from the engine compartment. Hot oil sprayed over the lad as he screamed and dropped the panel. Federico jumped to the ladder and in a flash he was on the deck. He grabbed the fire extinguisher as Murph grabbed some ice and cold water from a cooler in the cabin to soothe the lad’s burns. The diesel chugged and rattled to a halt. The boat shuttered and they were dead in the water. Still a hundred nautical miles from Cabo, not even close to land and all seemed helpless. There seemed to be no current and the wind was calm. Murph thought they could be stuck till first light when the fishing fleet would be moving in the area and find them. By the position of the moon it seemed they were nearing eleven-o-clock. The lad was resting comfortably with makeshift ice packs and Federico was sitting on the edge of the engine compartment looking at a piece of hose and shaking his head. Just then echoing across the water was the sound of another large ship. If luck is with them at all, the horn could be from the car ferry on the southern route returning from Mazatlan, or a freighter on its way to LaPaz. The ship’s lights were still out of view but hopes were that something good could happen. Federico closed the engine compartment and moved quickly to the back above Murph. He grasped the radio microphone tightly in his right hand and began to transmit messages. Across the night air they could hear scratchy sounds coming from the radio as he listened intently. The disabled boat rocked easily on the peaceful Gulf water. Murph stood at the side rail of the boat straining his eyes at the horizon.
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About the Book
A couple of Americans set out on a routine fishing trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Soon they find themselves at odds with the Federales and local police. One of the group is charged with kidnapping and placed in a prison in LaPaz. His friend attempts to clear him of the charges, only to find working with a foreign country’s bureaucracy becomes very awkward. Among the obstacles, the friend becomes involved with an attractive woman. Her friend also finds the American attractive, making the character’s life even more challenging. The principal character faces many surprises and delays along the way causing serious concern that his friend may remain imprisoned permanently.
About the Author
O’Brien left high school to serve in the Paratroopers at the closing of the Korean Conflict. Later, after finishing his education, he was accepted into a city fire department. Over a successful career he sustained several serious injuries and he retired with the rank of Captain. In an effort to keep a busy mind, O’Brien served in management positions in the health care field over a couple of decades. The advancement of computer technology offered him an opportunity to pursue a life long passion for writing. Now retired in Tucson, Arizona, O’Brien continues to write.