Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Mr. Bradford, better known on the docks as Tarquin, was aboard a supply ship, rummaging through contraband freshly smuggled off a vessel owned by the Hawkins family, when his phone buzzed with a call from Lowell.noveldrama

"Tarquin, that ingrate Larry Hawkins has sent assassins after you," Lowell's voice came through, light and almost amused.

"What?" Tarquin couldn't believe his ears.

"Yeah, that Larry kid. Sent some goons to take you out," Lowell repeated, chuckling as if the idea of Larry trying to kill Tarquin was as absurd as a mouse taking on a lion. There was no threat, only comedy in the notion.

Tarquin pursed his lips, "Why the hell would he come after me? I haven't even been near Hawkins territory."

"It's about your wife. She stumbled upon some dark family secrets about Mrs. Hawkins being mistreated. Larry's looking to silence her, and you, being her husband, are also on his hit list."

Being Elysia's husband... well, that was a title Tarquin wore with pride.

"Where are they now?" Tarquin inquired, his tone getting serious.

"Still lurking around the hotel. Our guys are keeping an eye on them. Should we nab them or what?"

"Grab them. And make sure they can't contact Larry. Cut them off completely."

After ending the call with Lowell, Tarquin dialed Elliot to check on Elysia.

Elliot was upfront, "Mum's safe, don't worry. But she's not doing great. Grandma's been through a lot, and Mum's heartbroken over it."

Tarquin's brow furrowed with concern. Elysia was hurting because of Pamela's suffering, and that, in turn, hurt him. It was all the fault of those who had wronged Pamela.

"Stay close to Mum. I'll be there as soon as I sort things out here."

"Got it!"

Tarquin then briefed Elliot about Larry's assassination attempt and exchanged any new information they had uncovered before hanging up. Axel emerged from the ship's hold, "Looks like these contraband items are linked to that mystery man."

A cold light flashed in Tarquin's eyes. If it was him, things were starting to make sense.

Recently, he had learned about a large shipment of contraband aboard a Hawkins family vessel, destined for overseas. It seemed off to him then. Transporting contraband now seemed like an attempt to smear Clayton's name. But smearing Clayton also meant smearing Hawkins Sea-freight. Yet, the Hawkins family seemed confident that they would take over Hawkins Sea-freight in three days. They wouldn't tarnish their own name.

So, why rush the smuggling operation?

Now, it seemed clear that the mystery man knew of Tarquin and Elysia's return to Oceanopolis and the upcoming board meeting where Clayton was sure to win. Once Clayton's enemies were ousted, exploiting Hawkins Sea-freight would become harder.

Best to move the goods amidst the current chaos, especially while the other shareholders were oblivious to the upheaval, already discounting Clayton as a threat.

Knowing Elysia's connection to Clayton, the mystery man wouldn't expose it. He still needed these pawns.

Tarquin's disdain crystallized into action, "Contact the National Security Agency. Hand over the goods in Mr. Hawkins' name."

Want to rush things? Let's see how you like being held up.

Axel nodded, "Should we plant someone on board?"

"No need. Let's not spook them. I'll deal with Mr. Hawkins personally later."

There was no rush. The cargo ship had just left, needing at least a fortnight to reach its destination.

Meanwhile, Clayton had just arrived at his office, learning that the cargo ship had set sail an hour ago. He immediately ordered the vessel to turn back and return to port.