Chapter 57

It was more a groan than a moan.

“Oh god.” That would be Her Highness.

“This is all your fault.” So would that.

“Now ... I didn’t make you,” I said.

“No ... but you let me,” She said.

“But ... you’re so tiny.” That would be me. “I never thought you would.”

“You’re so tiny,” was repeated a lot during the photograph session after the successful endeavor.

An ominous belch from the royal.

“Over the side, Junior.” I said that...

“I don’t want to see it.” And that.

“Shit ... too late.” Definitely me.

“David. You’re in her way.” Junior said that.

The walk from Ludbubble back to the boat was blessed with a fantastic sunset, warm gentle breezes, frothy yeasty burps and peaceful conversation.

David had arranged a ride back to Pentwater ... they would pick him up at noon. That was part of the conversation. He had known the King’s nearly all his life.

“Really nice people,” He had said. “Salt of the earth. Orchardists. They used to own King’s Canyon and farm 750 acres of cherry trees. When the conglomerate of Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison approached them with the buy offer, they were shocked. Over night they went from orchard owners to multi-millionaires. Never affected them a smidge ... Joan, the daughter, is still salt of the earth. Vacations in Pentwater every season.”