I Chose a New Life novel · Chapter 19 of 24

Chapter 19: The Last Boat Out

Cliff's POV

They came for the Grayling at six in the morning.

A flatbed truck backed down my dock with its lights flashing, and two men in blue polos stepped out with a clipboard.

I stood on the slip with a coffee in my hand and let them hook the chains to her bow.

I had built her galley myself, the winter after my father died.

"Captain Halvorson," the older of the two said. "Ellery Marine Finance. We're collecting the vessel and the engine under the note."

"I know."

"Sign here."

"I'll read it first."

I read it.

It was clean and legal and had my name typed in the right place.

I signed anyway.

The credit union called at six-twenty.

The loan officer said he was sorry twice.

The closing on my house was postponed to September nineteenth, pending a review.

"Who ordered the review?" I asked.

"I'm not at liberty."

"It's Ellery."

He didn't answer, which was an answer.

I hung up and watched the flatbed haul the Grayling up the ramp and into the street.

The tide was out.

The sky over the harbor was low and gray.

"She was a good boat," I said out loud, to nobody.

"She still is," Della said behind me.

She was standing at the foot of the dock in her old gray hoodie, with her hair loose and her arms crossed against the cold.

Rhoda had said she would be at the inn by now.

"How long have you been there?"

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