Read Online Barracuda by Mike Monahan - Free Book Online

upon. They were still at odds as to whether or
not this was a new breed of shark, but they both knew that the only
way to resolve this matter was to capture a specimen and dissect
it. They also needed to tag a live shark with a homing device that
could transmit where these sharks went after they fed and exited
the atoll.
    “Doctor, we could probably find a specimen at
the fisherman’s dock for our necropsy, and we could also hire a
fisherman to help us tag a live one,” James offered.
    “That would work. That would work,” answered Dr.
Two-Times. He knew that the task was too immense for them with the
small skiff they had rented for their daily dives. “We’ll meet the
fishing fleet when they return later and see if anyone has a gray
reefer to sell,” he said.
    ***
    Several men and women were sitting in the pool
enjoying various libations, but the scientists preferred the
privacy of a shaded poolside table. The barmaid who had brought
them their drinks had introduced herself as Flacka. She was rather
thin, a short-haired woman with a bright smile, the kind of person
people instantly liked.
    After they finished their first round, James
asked, “Dare we have another, Professor?” He flashed a playful grin
at this collaborator.
    “Yes, we may, and I want to speak with that
gentlewoman,” Dr. Collins responded.
    James motioned to Flacka that the duo required
another round. She dutifully complied and brought them fresh
drinks. As she was collecting the empty glasses, the professor
queried, “Do you know of any fishermen that capture gray reef
sharks?”
    Flacka looked at the professor incredulously.
“No fisherman catches those sharks. Sometimes they catch a smaller
white-tip shark or a Thresher shark, but never a gray reefer.”
    “Why is that?” he asked.
    “The locals consider the gray reefer to be
sacred, and we thank them for our bounty. The reefer keeps other
large fish from entering our lagoon and eating our precious meals,”
Flacka answered.
    James and Dr. Collins exchanged looks. “We’re
scientists,” James explained. “We would like to catch a reefer,
place an electronic monitor tag on it, and release it unharmed,”
James explained.
    “Go see Celestial. He is the master of the Hummingbird . Tell him I sent you. He knows about these
things, but he is leery of outsiders.” Flacka flashed a one
hundred-watt smile at the men and returned to her duties.
    With a little help from the alcohol, the happy
scientists heaped praise upon each other and the great progress
they had made in such a short time. When they finished their
cocktails, Dr. Collins generously handed Flacka a twenty-dollar
bill, thanking her for her assistance. The two then headed for the
dock.
    It was a postcard sunset with the sails and
masts of returning boats silhouetted against a crimson sky. The
dock was newly built, but it was already showing signs of age and
use. The wooden pilings were stained and crusted with barnacles,
and old truck tires were being used as bumpers, hanging drunkenly
along the length of the dock.
    Many of the locals gathered at the water’s edge
each night to greet the homecoming fishermen. As the boats tied up
to their places along the dock, cheers erupted from the crowd.
James thought this was part local legend, giving thanks for the
safe return of their loved ones, and part joy to have fresh food on
the table. Representatives from local eateries were also present to
purchase fresh fish. The Majestic bought their food this way, as
did the Bikini resort. In fact, the Majestic also sent a
representative to the Bikini resort dock and examined their fish
for purchase since they used larger quantities in their much larger
hotel.
    The dock filled quickly as the boats arrived and
displayed the day’s catch. The smell of fresh fish soon became
overwhelming as the catch was laid akimbo on the dock. Dozens of
species were exhibited: yellow tail tuna, large amberjacks,
horse-eyed jacks, red drum, grouper, a variety of