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“As it stands now, Gail has had 53 RSVPs. Still waiting on more.” Gail was the company event planner and good at her job.
"How many did we invite? I don't want Intrepid overrun with people snooping about." Frustration edged Beck's tone. “Make plans to organize another tender, actually wait. Only one helps with crowd control.”
“Gail already has a second tender arranged, but if you don't want it then we'll cancel it," Rob replied.
"Have it on standby, just in case." Fletch heard the wind through the phone. Beck had gone out to his private deck off his office.
“Is she making alternative plans to replace the cruise to the island? Damn, the investors will be pissed."
“Beck, I've—” Fletch tried to interrupt him.
“Hang on, Fletch,” Beck told him.
Fletch sighed and adjusted his leg to get more comfortable. This leg was going to be a pain in the ass.
“She’s working on it.” Rob's voice was louder, he must be on the deck with Beck.
“How without Fletch?” Beck was getting aggravated, Fletch heard it. "Without a captain, we ain't going nowhere,"
“Beck, I need to tell —
“A moment, Fletch. Rob, get Gail — "
“Beck! Shut up and listen to me a goddamn minute," Fletch shouted.
There was silence. Fletch knew he was the only one that got away with talking to Beck like that. Not to mention Beck needed to hear what he was going to say.
“What?” Beck’s voice was steel.
“Chill, you're getting too wound up. I’ve got it all taken care of. Do you think I'd let it all go to hell in a handbasket? I have arranged a replacement for me.” Fletch waited for a reply knowing full well what he would say. Fletch was prepared for it.
“Replacement captain? Absolutely not. No one but you can be at the helm of Intrepid. It’s not happening." Usually that would put a stop to any further conversation. Not this time.
“But —
“No.” Beck was firm.
“Listen and stop being a dick, Beck. For fuck’s sake, I have a solution." He could be just as firm and stubborn as Beck.
After a moment, Beck said, “Tell me.”
Fletch sighed. “Finally you’ll listen to reason. You're frustrating as hell sometimes. You know that?"
"Fine, fine, I know. But you're still kicking around in my world, aren't you." Fletch heard the smile in Beck's voice. "So who's this captain?"
"Well, I'm not easy to replace, I'll give you that." He drew in a breath. "I trust and trained Mick. Intrepid will be in safe hands. I guarantee it.”
Silence.
“Beck, it’s your only alternative.”
“I want you on board to oversee —
“Not happening. I won’t and don’t need to babysit Mick,” Fletch told him.
Silence again.
“Fine. You’ve never steered me wrong before and I trust you. But, I’m not happy about it.”
