The Nigerian Letter - Softcover

Miami Harbor-Saturday a.m.

The Sea Ray 630 Super Sun Sport left Miami Harbor and headed south to Biscayne Bay. On board, a call had been received confirming the departure of a small sailboat from the marina to the south. The name of the craft was Legalese. Its lone occupant was Gene Lawton.

The mix of sail craft and motorboats was another concern Gene had thought about many times. Often, the "feud" between powerboats and sailboats resulted in violent confrontations.

Okay, Gene, he thought, you know the wake from a speeding boat can upset a small sailboat or worse. So stay alert.

Sometimes, the exuberant powerboat operators showed off or intentionally displayed their disdain for the graceful and quiet sailboats. In most instances, Gene knew the operators of both craft were polite and considerate. However, he had experienced the unwelcome intrusions of a few showoffs in larger power craft. They were his pet irritation.

Moving at four knots, under sail with a slight breeze, the Legalese glided through the water on a southwesterly course. The Sea Ray was a mile north of Gene's boat and heading south. Hearing the roar of the twin 12V92s, Gene glanced over his shoulder and was surprised to see the sleek cruiser heading directly toward him. He estimated its speed at 25 knots. I hope this guy isn't drunk or asleep, he thought. "What the hell! He's not slowing down!" Gene stood attempting to draw attention to the Catalina. "Surely he can see I'm under sail. Hey, what the hell-"

The massive 64-foot powerboat was two feet away when it passed the Legalese. With over 2000 hp churning the water at incredible speed, the results were horrifying. The Catalina lifted violently into the air and slammed flat against the surface of the ocean-mast and sails preventing a complete overturn. Gene was flipped 60 feet through the air before he broke the surface of the calm but treacherous ocean water.

His head collided with the errant boom, which had swung wildly before hitting the water. If not dead, he was knocked cold. It didn't matter. With no life jacket, he quietly slipped beneath the calm waters of Biscayne Bay. In time, the sharks and other sea creatures would attend to his remains.

The Catalina lay motionless on its side with sails soaked. It would be a difficult accident to explain in such calm weather. The 30-ton Sea Ray named Crafty headed for Miami Harbor. Its three-man crew never looked back.

The call from the Sea Ray after reaching the dock was answered in the offices of the Lagos Trade Group in Nigeria.

"Yes."

"Only one fish today." The message was short and cryptic. There was no response. Dr. Begda Ldeh nodded approval and hung up the phone.