CHAPTER 1

Saturday,August 10th 1985

"All hands on deck!" Pat called out from the helm of theboat.

Ed looked around. There were just the two of them. He lookedat his hands, unsure what to say. Pat was taking her Captain's roleseriously. He called back "Both hands on deck, Captain."

Pat looked at him questioningly. He held up both hands, grinning.She shook her head and continued. "Anchors aweigh," she shouted.

Ed walked to the back of the boat. The anchor was safely storedon deck. He waited for a few moments. "Anchor's on board," he calledforward.

"Off to the blue yonder then," Pat called out as she put the motorin forward gear and slowly moved the boat away from the dock.

Ed grinned as he looked back. He called to Pat in full voice."Should we untie the boat from the dock, Cap'n?"

"Oh damn," Pat said out loud, and put the engine in neutral."Christ why didn't you say something!"

The owner of the boat stood on the dock, shaking his head. Heuntied the boat and threw the line into the water. Ed waved at himwith a wink and pulled the line on board.

Ed walked to the helm where Pat was ready to commence theirmomentous trip. Ed smiled. "First, Captain, my name's not Christ.And secondly we ain't exactly heading into the wide blue yonder;we're heading down the Rideau Canal along with about twenty otherboats."

Pat brushed him off with a wave. "Hey I'm the Captain, we usemy language. I've been looking forward to this trip for months. I don'twant a land-lubber like you spoiling it for me." She gave him a quickgrin. "Why don't you go to the galley and brew some hearty coffee?"

Ed rolled his eyes. "Galley? Hearty coffee? This could be a long trip."

"You're the cook aren't you?" She didn't take her eyes off thewaterway ahead.

"Sure I'm the cook," Ed agreed. "It seems I'm also the ChiefMechanic, the Sergeant at Arms, the late night watch, and the boilerstoker—and we don't even have a bloody boiler!"

She turned and kissed him on his cheek. "But you're also my FirstMate." She smiled. "Get it? You're my first lover—my First Mate!"

Ed was tempted to say he hoped he'd 'get it', but thought better ofthe choice of words. "Aye, aye, Capt'n," he said, moving to head downto the galley.

She turned to him with a cheeky smile. "So what am I, your fifthmate? Your tenth mate?"

He smiled and winked at her. "You're my Captain. That's whatcounts here." He stressed the word 'counts'.

"Very clever," she smiled back. "And don't you forget it!"

"I'll go brew some hearty coffee."

Pat called after him. "Make sure the mess isn't a mess."

He turned back. "What?"

"You know make sure the mess, that's boating talk for the eatingarea, isn't a mess—as in untidy." She grinned, pleased with her play onwords.

He walked down the stairs; now wishing he had taken the sameMarine Training Course that Pat had taken. This was going to be along one-week cruise.

The boat they had rented, that Pat had rented, was perfect for twopeople. The living area was high enough that Ed didn't have to walkabout bent over, and the eating and sleeping areas were comfortablylarge. The fridge was small, but held enough basic food and white wineto get them through a couple of days. With plenty of shopping alongthe entire route, storage was not an issue.

Ed looked around. Pat had done a wonderful job of planning thetrip—which was quite a distance—from Ottawa to Ed's hometown ofOakville. The entire length of the Rideau Waterway to Kingston andthen along the shore of Lake Ontario, past Toronto, to Oakville wasa challenge for two non-sailors, but Pat had worked hard and long toensure their get-away cruise would be close to perfect. Everything wasat hand. He put on a pot of coffee.

Ed had been impressed with Pat's organizational capabilities sincethey had met in May 1984 when they worked together on OperationNiagara. She had just a few days to convert him from a typicalEnglishman who knew very little of Canada, to a point where he couldconvince members of the Turkish terrorist party, the Kurdish PKK,that he was a Canadian immigrant from England, but one that hadlived in Canada for four years. It had been a successful operation; Ed'sfirst working operation with the British MI6, which had led him tomove to Canada while still remaining a consultant with MI6. Ed andPat's relationship had changed during the past fifteen months. Theywere lovers, with an agreed-upon understanding that it would lead nofurther. While denying she wanted to marry him, she knew in thedepths of her heart she would gladly put up with a 'Delayed Pioneer',in spite of the fact that he constantly annoyed her with his penchantfor correct English. Ed's love for Pat was what he described as a lovewith a small "L". It was real, but had its limitations.

Ed's true love was a senior MI6 operative Carolyn Andrews,daughter of MI6's Chief of Staff, Lord Stonebridge. In their less-than-normalarrangement they had agreed to live somewhat separate lives,with an understanding that Ed was going to ask Carolyn to marry himin October 1989, but with no understanding of how Carolyn wouldrespond. It was imperfect but acceptable to both of them. In Ed's case,he had little choice but to accept the arrangement since it was betterthen no arrangement.

The coffee had brewed. Ed carried up two mugs of coffee to theCaptain at the helm.

"Do I call these mugs, or is there a boating term for them?" heasked.

"You do indeed," Pat responded taking her mug and tasting thecoffee. "Well done, mate." She grinned. "Get it? Mate the shippingmate and mate the English mate."

"If you don't give over with all these boating word games, I'mgoing to make you walk the plank and you'll end up in Davy Jones'Locker."

Pat grinned. "You mean down in Davy Jones' Locker don't you?"

"God help me," Ed groaned.

"Okay, okay," Pat laughed. "Truce!"

Ed leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Truce it is. Now whatare our plans and where do I fit into our long-awaited cruise?"

"First," Pat asked, "do you like my cruising outfit?"

She was wearing a blue and white horizontally striped top andwhite shorts that just covered her cheeks. Her shoes were canvastopped.

"Very nice, and quite sexy if I may say so. You seem to haveshrunk. Have you lost a couple of inches?"

"Don't be silly," she replied quickly. She didn't like people to makereference to her height. "I'm still five-two—and just as cute as I everwas. So there!"

"Yes you are cute, Pat." He kissed her forehead again. "It must bethe plimsoles."

She frowned. "What's a plimsole when it's at home?"

"Your shoes. They're plimsoles."

"Don't talk silly English. They're cruising shoes."

"As you wish," he smiled, "but in England they're called plimsoles,and in Scotland they're called sannies. Mostly worn by girls. Only sexygirls of course."

She did a small curtsy. "Do you really think I look sexy?"

"Pat, would I lie?"

"Maybe."

"Trust me, you look sexy."

"Yeah, right." She stepped back and looked at Ed. "Have you puton weight?"

"Just a tad. Not enough sexual activity I suspect."

"Too much beer I suspect," Pat replied quickly. "I'll put up withour ten inch height difference, but I don't want a chubby lover.Understand?"

"I'm sure I can lose a few pound on this trip," he winked.

"I'm sure you can. No beer!"

"And lots of activity I trust." He looked at her again. "Are youwearing a bra?"

"Don't be impudent!" She turned her full attention to steering theboat. "But no, I'm not."

"Wow," Ed said, moving toward her. "Could I ... I mean mayI ...?"

"Certainly not," she giggled. "What kind of girl do you think Iam?"

He kept his distance. "Well let me see. I think you are a verycharming, intelligent, hard-working young lady. I think you put ona tough exterior sometimes, but in reality you are generous and kindhearted. You have to be nice if you like cats—it's the law. I think youare very sexy and I enjoy your company tremendously."

She held her head up, keeping her eyes straight ahead. "Really?"

"Really."

She ignored his comments. "If you'd turn you eyes to the starboardside of the boat, you will see the Parliament Buildings coming into view."

"Is that right?" he asked, enjoying his play on words.

She shook her head, deciding not to comment.

He walked over to her and kissed the back of her neck. "And whatkind of a guy do you think I am?" he asked.

"The gothic looking building is the Library of Parliament," Patpointed out. "Behind it is the Peace Tower."

Ed looked up at the impressive Parliament buildings, which werethe centerpiece of the Capital. "It is very impressive," he said, taking agood look at the buildings that towered over them. They cruised pastthe buildings slowly.

"Over to your right," Pat said, pointing ahead of them "is theChateau Laurier Hotel. We pass through the eight locks that startbetween the Parliament Buildings and the Hotel, and then in abouteight kilometers we join the actual Rideau Canal at Hogs Back lock."

"I also think you are super organized," Ed said, lifting her hair andkissing the back of her neck. She shivered slightly at his touch.

She carried on as if nothing had happened. "When we get to HogsBack lock we can pull over and I'll go over the week's planned cruising.We can go over the cooking and sleeping arrangements. I think I'vegot it all organized."

He stood closer to her. "Can we make love at Hogs Back lock?" heasked quietly.

"Can't you think of anything else?"

He reached in front of her and gently placed his hand under hertop on her stomach. She took a deep breath at the feel of his touch.

"Okay," she said as he kissed her neck, "maybe we can."

"I do love you, Pat."

"Thanks, Ed. I like to hear that." She leaned back to kiss him."Now will you get your land-lubber ass out on the deck and help meget this twenty-seven foot monster through the first eight locks withoutsmashing into anything?"

"Aye, aye, Capt'n." He saluted her and headed out on deck. Heleaned back into the cabin. "The Chateau Laurier Hotel is now on ourport side, Captain."

"I'll drink to that," she replied with a grin.

"Oh God," he groaned. "I walked into that one!"

They managed to pass through the first lock with the help of thegatekeeper and other, more knowledgeable, sailors. They only oncecame close to throwing each other off the boat. By the time they hadpassed through the eighth and final lock, they were old hands at theprocess. They waved thanks to the other sailors and headed down theRideau waterway to Hogs Back lock where they would join the Canalin its greater width and grandeur.

"Sorry about that," Pat said as they stood next to each other as shesteered the boat slowly. "I guess I'm more nervous than I thought Iwould be."

He smacked her behind gently. "Not an issue, Captain. You'redoing a fine job."

She turned to him with a wry smile. "That could be consideredinsubordination, sailor."

He put his hand down the back of her shorts, under her panties andsqueezed her cheek. "Now that could be considered insubordination,"he quipped, removing his hand quickly.

Pat smiled and said nothing. She was tempted to increase the speedto arrive at Hogs Back lock sooner, but decided not to give Ed thepleasure of her desire to have him hold and kiss her. She maintainedher smile as they motored slowly. She was happy, very happy. Shewondered to herself if she would ever be as happy again as she wasnow. As if reading her mind, Ed leaned over and kissed her cheek. Patgently moved the throttle forward to pick up speed.

As directed, Ed threw the 'thingies' over the side to protect theboat from banging against the wall of the canal. Pat jumped onto thecanal walkway and secured the boat's front and rear ropes to the metalrings provided. With Ed's help she clambered back onto the boat andbrushed herself off.

"Okay, all hands below," she announced. "The entire crew willmeet below to discuss the week's planned voyage."

"Aye, aye," Ed saluted, and followed Pat into the cabin area.

Pat directed him to the table immediately to the right as theywalked down the three steps. Pulling a file from the drawer in thekitchen, she opened it and spread the contents. She slid a packageacross the table to Ed.

"All hands present, First Mate?" she asked.

Ed looked at her and touched his head to make sure he was in factin the room. "All both of us accounted for, Capt'n."

She giggled and rubbed her hands. "Thanks for playing along, Ed.I'm really enjoying this." She looked over to him. "I enjoy being theboss—just in case you hadn't noticed."

"It never crossed my mind," he lied.

"Yeah right!"

He shrugged and turned to the package in front of him.

"Page one," Pat said, now with real authority, "is the locationsof where we will be docking each night. The second page outlinesthe events of the day, the shore excursions we'll be taking, and thelocations of each meal. You will see that we will be eating ashore inseveral locations. This will give the Head Chef, that's you, a bit of abreak." She looked up to make sure he was with her. He smiled hisunderstanding. She continued on. "Page three is a list of all duties wemust do, broken down by day and night."

He raised his hand.

"Yes, First Mate?"

"On page two," Ed asked, "what do the initials ML stand for?"

She licked her lips. "Make love."

"I see," Ed said, nodding his head and looking up. "There appearsto be no ML on today's list of activities."

She held his gaze. "Captain's prerogative." Leaning over she tookhis page and wrote 'ML' on the top of the list for 'Hogs Back.'

"So do we vote on this?" he asked cheekily.

"My ship, my rules."

Ed raised his eyebrows and smiled. He reached over and takingher hand he stood, taking her with him. He turned her back to him,reached under her top and gently held her breasts. He squeezed hernipples and she shuddered slightly in delight.

"Can we muster in the bedroom, Captain?" he asked.

She took his hands from her breasts and turned to face him,looking up. She kissed his hands. "Ed, I know I'm kind of pushy, andI'll admit I enjoy being the boss, but when you have my breasts in yourhands and we're about to make love I just want to be Pat, okay?"

He nodded. "Lift you arms, Pat." She did and he swiftly removedher top over her head. He lowered his head and kissed her breasts. Herback arched and she moved his head from nipple to nipple. Droppingto his knees he removed her shorts. Her panties were pale pink with afrilly edging.

"I wore them just for you," she whispered, looking down.

He lowered the front of her panties and kissed her softly. Standing,he turned her to the door that led to the berth at the front on the boat."Go in, Pat, I'll join you in a minute. And keep a pillow free please."

She headed into the bedroom, knowing how he was going to usethe pillow.

Ed pulled out his wallet and withdrew the aluminum foil ring thathe carried. Originally made by Pat as a 'pinky' ring for Ed to makehim an Engineer, they had subsequently used it as an 'engagement'ring which, while still strictly speaking was contrary to CSIS rules of'non-associating' with employees within the organization or similarinternational organizations, they considered sufficient to allow themto make love. Ed pulled the curtains on all of the windows and thenquickly stripped naked.

He entered the bedroom, now shaded by the drawn curtains. Patsmiled at seeing his erection. She was kneeling on the bed, her pantiesstill on. She knew how much Ed enjoyed removing them. Leaningdown, Ed took her left hand and slid the ring on her second finger. Shesmiled up in thanks. Before Ed had a chance to join her, Pat reachedfor his erection. She kissed it lovingly, looking up at him as she did.As he smiled down at her, she took his full erection in her mouth andslowly moved her mouth up and down his cock. When he was indanger of coming too soon, he joined her on the bed. They held eachother tightly, forcing themselves to slow down their lovemaking.

"I do love you, Ed," Pat said, speaking into his chest. "I am sohappy."

He reached down and slipped his hand into her panties. "Let mesee if I can make you a little happier," he whispered.

She stiffened as he reached her moist area and gently caressed it.She clung to him, hoping the pleasure would never end. He movedgently out of her grip and slid his mouth to her nipples. Her body felta warmth and lightness beyond any feeling she had experienced. Sheneeded more.

"Please take my panties off, Ed," she asked, almost begging.Slipping her panties off, he lifted her lightly and slid the pillow underher back. In a moment he slid down her body and forced his tongueinto her now wet mound. Her back arched in pleasure as he forced histongue deeper and faster into her. She groaned in pleasure, squeezinghis head with her hands to encourage him. When she could endure itno longer, she pulled his head up to her breasts. "In me, Ed. I want youin me. Please make me come ... make me come!"