Working Title: “Slow Boat, Bitter End”

A Rony Boston Mystery

(This is a work of fiction, which means the author makes up stuff and tries to make it sound like it might actually have happened. Names, characters, organizations, businesses, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is incidental. Artificial intelligence is used for research but not for any writing assistance. I mess that up on my own.)

IT WAS NOW Neil’s turn to tell us a story. By this point we all would have believed anything. Judith and Abra were the merriest of all, having more fun than the proverbial barrel of monkeys. Griselda, too, was making wise cracks and laughing. Ataturk refreshed our glasses and resupplied the dolma. Neil started.

Well, I told you some of it already. We sold our ranch and got a good price for it, too. We tried New York but that was too big a shock for a couple of Wyoming cowboys. So, we bought a place in Aspen so we could hang out there in the summers. I have no interest in skiing, but it was nice to enjoy those cool summer nights. I will say that people change. Maybe it’s the scenery or maybe it’s meeting a new crowd, or maybe it’s just getting older and more experienced. I’d never wanted to smoke, never had a cigarette after that one I tried in junior high school, but when I got to Aspen, I tried a cigar once. I liked the taste and the way it settled me. Well, I was smoking a cigar one evening on the porch when a man introduced himself and said he wanted to talk to me about an airline service to and from Aspen. We ended up partners in White Mountain Airways, and it was a good investment. When the time came, Barbara and I cashed out. We decided to invest in land developments, including one over here which you heard about. That’s how we crossed paths with Gungor. We got a letter recently that put some doubt into our hearts and that’s why we’re out here. Gungor said if you’re coming this way let’s have a cruise and get you all some history of the region. So, I’ll tell you the truth and just between us; we’re not so sure we’re going to get value out of this investment. All right, there are three facts: One, we sold our ranch and lived in New York for a while. Two, we invested in an air carrier to Aspen. Three, we bought some land over here. We are here to see just what is going on. How about it, Judith?

Judith said, Hell, Neil! Let’s just have a drink and call it good!

And she giggled and elbowed Abra again and they both laughed and so did the rest of us.

Damn good stuff that ouzo, after you force down the first one. Neil, I wish I could go out to that ranch in Wyoming and see what it’s all about. All’s I know about it is people drive pickup trucks they never wash and have a damn good time of it, too. I saw a movie once that was supposed to be in Wyoming and it looked desolate as hell to me. Well, Neil; I think you’re a damn poor liar. But one thing I know is true, because you told us before you were supposed to make a lie in this game, is you had a ranch, and you sold it for a good price, damn good, as you have said. But you never went off to New York City. No self-respecting cowboy would go there unless they had a role in a movie. But Aspen? Now, I’ve heard that’s a fancy mountain town for rich people, and if you and Barbara had a pile of money to fling around, Aspen would be a good starting point. Why not? I think the Aspen part is true. Now let’s see – oh, being out here to find out about this land Gungor has sold you. Well, I don’t think you’re worried at all. Looks to me like you got it all sewed up and now you’re just enjoying the perquisites provided by your Turkish real estate mogul. Am I right Neil?

Well, I’ll be darned Judith. You almost got it right on all three. I guess I need to drink up. Ha! Poor me! And he guzzled again.

But I’ll tell you one thing and just between us chickens. We’re not so sure this real estate deal is going well. We haven’t said much about it, because, as we like to say back home, everything in due time. We’ll see. He looked at Vasil and nodded.

And he guzzled ouzo number something-or-another – who could keep count now? It was only then that I realized that our guide had not joined us for dinner. With my ouzo-influenced judgment, it didn’t seem odd. Probably weary from the day’s events. Who knows? We were having a good time anyway. It was Judith’s turn. She toasted a nice saloon-a and tipped the glass of Greek liquor into her mouth. We all joined her.

Y’all listen here, she started. I like Ruthie’s game, and I’m having a fun time with it. But down in Beaufort we don’t cotton to folks lying, unless it’s us doing it. Ain’t that right, Abra?

Don’t at all, Abra said. But honey; it’s just a game.

Just a game, and a fun one at that. And here’s my chance to lie just for fun, unless I tell the whole truth and nothing but. Well, now will you be quiet Abra, while I tell my story? Don’t go tipping them off with your laughing!

She elbowed her once again, and Abra laughed heartily.

(To Be Continued)

Posted January 28, 2025