All are in peril in BG. Will Uncle Bubba survive? What are William Land's plans for CG? Will Tiger get to Raven before he's forced to do this favor for a mysterious Bounty Hunter and clear his name? Brandy and Bruce are about to face down Regan and...
But at once Bart explained things to the Rigging Crews, telling them this was a matter of survival.
Denver was happy for him to explain what was required.
They immediately set to work like a well-oiled machine and would do anything he desired.
The pontoon bridge was soon assembled and spanned the river shore to shore, these riggers were the cream.
It was resting in the calms just before the Serpents Neck, the sharpest bend this far downstream.
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There was nothing more than the odd staging pier between here and Busted Gulch, where they could have strayed.
He knew it was simply a matter of, nail biting time before they appeared.
One Ferry had been positioned just upstream, with the premise that they were there to redirect and assist the river traffic via the Salt Marsh.
At short journey that for a wide boat like the Liberty Belle, could be harsh.
All due to work underway whilst building a new bridge across the river.
As developed by the County planner.
To support of the planned development of the marshes.
Creating the Los Bogus Marinas.
The second Ferry was deployed in the marshes out of sight from the river.
From there it could spy on any passing traffic, that came hither or dither
Denver's team and the riggers who had volunteered were posted across there little fleet.
The smaller boats were deployed in the reeds, guns ranged and ready to salt and pepper the enemy with their leaded condiment.
The peppering of boats was not their primary aim.
Although Denver would have the Liberty Belle for lunch, in this mind frame.
He would see it riddled from stem to stern, to rescue Jhonny and crew.
Who if things went to plan would be in a safe place during any crossfire, the conflict drew.
It was late afternoon before the Liberty Belle, closely followed by the Hutch, cruised sublimely into the calms.
Where they were instructed to drop anchor by the Ferry captain, with a wave of his arms.
The time had come for the ruse to begin with a shout.
Pulling alongside the Liberty Belle, the ferries Captain called out.
"Hi, I am Captain Riggs and would like to speak with Captain Pugwash?"
A confident voice called back.
In his voice there was not a tremor or a crack.
"Good day to day to you Captain, what fine weather we are having."
And as cool as ice, he added.
"However, I am sorry to say that Captain Pugwash is buried below, after receiving a nasty bang to his head in an attack by some nameless and unsavoury characters."
He could barely withhold his internal laughter.
But he had a tell, in the corner of his eye was a joyful tear.
"However, I am pleased to make your acquaintance this is Captain Blyth speaking, his replacement."
It was a half-truth, he thought they had given him a good beating, maybe to within an inch of his life, and locked away unconscious below decks.
Not realising in the dark that it was only a young lad, called Jhonny, who to their beating had been the subject.
"We are at your disposal, what seems to be the problem?"
"A new river crossing is under construction, and you have to take a detour through the marshes."
"You got to be kidding me there is no way a Paddle Steamer could navigate through there!
And how come we did not receive an advanced warning."
"I personally informed Captain Pugwash, on his way upriver, it should be in the Captain's Log."
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The pirate was seething on the inside but kept his cool.
It was fair to say this was not his first close call.
"Darn it, why was I not informed?
I will have to kick the navigator's butt, later.
But however good that will make me feel, it is not going to help us out here."
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"It is a pity Captain Pugwash received a fatal bang to his head, or he would have told you himself."
If only you knew, Captain Blyth, thought smugly
As he smiled and asked, sincerely.
"OK then Captain, where do we go from here?"
Gotcha, thought Denver, who was hidden out of sight, from the smug stinker.
He has swallowed the bait, hook line and sinker.
And will soon have that sinking feeling.
And for sure, his heart will not be the only thing I will be breaking.
