1976

Harry woke up just before dawn. The storm had subsided. He reached over to caress his bride and found her not there. He sat up quickly and shook the drowse from his head. He dressed and went to the head hoping to find her there, but she wasn't. He performed his ablutions and headed back to the cabin. She must be waiting, he thought. And still she wasn't there. He ran to find the Chief Mate.

They searched the entire boat, twice. Harry walked the decks with Captain Pineda, whose concern grew with each room. He barked orders at the crewmembers he found not involved in the search.

The Mate approached, his eyes reddened – he had taken a fancy to Harry's wife and found her quite capable of drinking with him. "We've searched everywhere, Captain."

"Did you search the other rooms?"

He hesitated and shook his head.

"Then I suggest you search those," said the captain. "And even his."

Harry wondered what he meant by that, I thought we were the only ones onboard, but the captain ushered him away and towards the galley. They sat together for a while, Pineda trying to calm him down, trying to sooth his guest. He had a bottle of whiskey brought to the table. Harry could see the emotional state Ramon was going through, and that even he cared a great deal for his wife.

Every few seconds a crewmember came in with no results. Finally, Captain Pineda stood at the other end of the room with his Mate. They whispered, but Harry knew what it was they said. He fought the tears, sick to his stomach, and hung his head.

"Señor Harry." Ramon Pineda stood above him, the Mate next to him, other crewmembers off to the side. Pineda waved them to leave.

"I'm afraid she is nowhere to be found. Did you notice her leave the room last night during the storm?"

"No. I slept." He threw his glass across the room and began to pace.

"Think. It's important."

Harry held his hands over his eyes and tears started. "No, she must have gotten up. But why?"

"All I can figure is she went to the head in the middle of the night and the storm washed her over."

Harry thought about what he said. It made sense, but the thought of her falling overboard in a storm, alone, and in the dark. It frightened him and enraged him at once. The captain reached out to Harry and gently held his shoulder from behind.

Harry turned quickly and in one motion swung at Pineda hitting him squarely in the jaw. The captain fell back and into the Mate who caught him.

Two of the crew who had been watching from the kitchen, came up and held on to Harry, who wanted more.

"What kind of boat is this?" Harry said, and he struggled to free himself, but they held him firmly.

Pineda stood in front of Harry rubbing his jaw. "I can understand your anger, señor, but I assure you it is highly possible for this to happen. I'm sorry." He motioned for his men to let Harry go, which they did cautiously. Harry relaxed and turned away from him more embarrassed than anything. He leaned on the table with both arms, "I'm sorry, Ramon."

Ramon came over to him and handed him another drink, patting him on the back.

"You have every right to be mad. I know I would want to kill someone, but who? She takes what she wants and gives less."

Harry looked at him confused.

"The sea. She is in control and we can only hope she allows us to sail her."