The Stowaway (Or The Tales of Curly and Crooktooth)

Chapter 6

 Michael eventually caught his breath hidden behind the shacks, which looked more drabby in the cloudy daylight. He searched the docks for Micky for a good hour but decided to take a small rest, seeing that the ship stayed in the harbor. How could he have been so stupid? He couldn't go the rest of the way on the ship because the Captain wanted him dead. On the other hand, he had to stay in Micky's company because the Captain also wanted him dead.

His head ached from last night. He rubbed the back of it and found a large knot. Maybe he should start wearing a helmet instead of a hat.

He shoved his wool hat into his jeans pocket. It was too easy to recognize.

Think. Think. Think.

He had to come up with a plan. But in order for any plan to work he had to find Micky first.

A flash of blond hair caught Michael's attention. He had a tour guide.

"Hey...!" His call out fell short. He couldn't remember the guy's name.

"Patrick!" No response.

"Paul!" No, that was a Beatle.

"Peter!"

Third time was a charm. The blond turned around. He was emptying the trash can that Michael disappeared from last night. Looking to register who called him, Peter dropped the trash bag at the sight of Michael.

"Where've you been, Mike?" He kept checking his surroundings as if something, or someone, was going to drag him off into the night. Nothing could of course because it was daytime. Something could potentially drag him off into the day, but that would be less poetic.

Michael pulled Peter into a hug, which shocked both of them. Peter simply had a comforting energy.

"I need to find Micky," was the first thing he said once he let go.

"Something happened, didn't it?"

"What? I'm fine. Not a scratch on me. I just need to find Micky before the ship leaves"

"I'm not as dumb as I look, Mike." Peter frowned, an unusual expression for him. "The others brush off the murders as a sailor's curse, or a tall tale but I know better than that. What happened?"

"Listen man, I just need to find Micky." Michael snapped.

"So you've told me. Starting to sound like a broken record. He's in town right now with Ratrunner. Now, where were you last night?"

Michael retracted his first impressions. Peter was pushy. "What is this, an interrogation?"

"If I can solve what's happening here, then maybe people would respect me more."

"So this is about respect, huh? How chivalrous."

"I doubt you can even spell that."

"You're right. I probably can't. But can you?" Mike sneered.

Peter went quiet. He couldn't.

"Thanks for the help, oh knight in shining armor." Michael walked off towards town. Then, he went the opposite direction. Then, he turned around and went back the same way. He sighed.

"Which way is town?"

Peter shook his head. "Admit you need my help?"

Michael reluctantly nodded.

"Glad to help." Peter smiled and motioned for Michael to follow him.

Michael stood his ground. "Woah, uh uh. Just tell me the directions, I can find my way."