Private Eye: 10

The first rays of the sun broke over the horizon, casting a fiery glow on the deck of the Adelaide like a burst of orange dynamite. The crew bustled with purpose, each member knowing their part in this intricate dance. A machine-gunner nestled behind sturdy sandbags, ready to defend our precious cargo. Passengers huddled below deck, confined for their own safety.

In a secluded corner, Pirate Jenny and Amelia exchanged hushed words, plotting the course of action for the day. Captain Jim, a seasoned sea dog, surveyed the labyrinthine cargo hold, calculating the most efficient method to unload and distribute the burlap sacks brimming with forbidden hooch to our eager buyers.

Tension gripped the air as supply ships maneuvered, vying for prime positions like sharks circling their prey. Go-fast boats, sleek and audacious, raced dangerously close to their chosen mother ships, desperate to secure their share of the illicit bounty. The clock ticked relentlessly, each passing moment increasing the stakes.

Then, a resounding foghorn shattered the stillness. Rope ladders were hastily thrown down to the waiting boats, and a swarm of eager customers, their eyes gleaming with anticipation, clambered aboard our vessels. Bargains were struck, prices negotiated, and quantities debated, as the raucous business of the black market unfolded before our eyes.

‘Thunder’ and his boat, both bearin’ his moniker, were right up front in the lineup. See, they had been trailin’ the Adelaide since the last raid by them Coast Guard fellas. Thunder hopped aboard and was greeted by Captain Jim, who then pointed him toward Pirate Jenny and Amelia.

“Ahoy, ladies! Looks like there be some changes in the wind. Jenny seems you got yourself a helper.”

“Indeed, ‘Thunder’. A helper, maybe even a replacement. We’ll see how the day unfolds. They say there’s nothin’ like learnin’ under fire, but we’re hopin’ for more learnin’ and less firefight.”

Amelia’s voice quivered, “Thunder, we got ya on the books for them 383 sacks of our finest scotch. Ain’t that right?”

“Yes, ma’am, that’s the count. Me and ‘Reaper’ will have ’em loaded and set sail soon. Been a pleasure meetin’ you all, but duty calls, and I got a life to live. So, with that said, I bid you adieu and hasta la vista.”

“Ain’t it been a delight crossin’ paths with ya, ‘Thunder’. I reckon we’ll rendezvous again on the next voyage.”

Eugene stepped up, his hat in hand, and addressed Amelia, “It’s been a real pleasure meetin’ ya, ma’am. These here folks might be playin’ on the wrong side of the law, but they sure seem like decent sorts. You can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be givin’ your sister a glowin’ report.”

“Much obliged, Mr. Leftowicz. You ain’t half bad for a private eye. Safe travels back.”

Murphy tipped his hat and gave a wave to Amelia and Jenny. ‘Thunder’s boat roared to life and sped away from the Adelaide, leavin’ a rooster tail in its wake.

“Next in line, step up please. You look mighty familiar. What’s your handle?”

“Call me Captain Jack, ma’am. Yep, I’m a regular customer ’round these parts. If my memory serves me right, I usually spot ya down in Nassau. Ain’t you strayin’ from your usual stompin’ grounds?”

“That’s right, Jack. I’m explorin’ new horizons, seekin’ fresh opportunities. Can’t rightly say where our paths will cross next. How can we be of service to ya today?”

“I reckon I’ll be needin’ ’round 2000 sacks. When I run dry, I’ll be makin’ my way back here.”

“A nice round number indeed. We’ll have ’em brought up for ya. Price tag will be $50,000.”

“Much obliged, ma’am. I’ll have my crew load ’em onto my boat, and I look forward to our next encounter.”

The day rolled on, just like any other, until the cargo hold had been cleared. Jenny turned to Amelia and spoke, “Well, what’s your take on this? Livin’ the life of a rum runner. Is it your cup of tea?”

Amelia paused, considering the question, then replied, “You know, Jenny, I can picture myself in this world for the long haul. There’s still plenty for me to grasp, but with time, I reckon I’ll get the hang of it.”

“That’s swell to hear. I got full faith in ya, darlin’. Prohibition may not last forever, but while it’s here, we’ll make the most of it. And when it’s all said and done, life’s gonna take a different turn, and we’ll adapt right along with it. As is the tradition after a successful day of movin’ our goods, it’s time to throw a bash. We’ll have grub, booze, and all-around revelry. Let the good times roll!”

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