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15
Postie’s plan
Two days before the children were due to leave the lighthouse, everyone gathered in the kitchen. There was an air of great excitement. Boka the dog sensed it and was running around going nowhere. Only Sprat the cat didn’t seem to be bothered - he was fast asleep in front of the stove. Everyone had some news. Postie started.
“My friend in London has turned up some interesting information on Sea Wolf. It is owned by a man who is suspected of drug dealing and gun running. That’s one of the reasons why he’s got such a fast boat. He’s a clever crook. So far nobody has been able to prove anything, and he is very good at laundering money.”
“What does laundering money mean?” asked Debra.
“It doesn’t mean putting it in a washing machine,” piped up Robin.
“I know that,” said Debra annoyed at her brother’s interruption.
“It means putting money from crime into respectable businesses,” answered Postie.
“Then nobody asks questions about where the money came from?” said Debra.
“Quite right.” replied Postie.
“Well this man has his money well spread around, but here’s the important point. He part owns an aquarium at Crookhaven - and the aquarium has a dolphin show.”
“How many dolphins are there at Crookhaven?” asked Debra.
“There were two, but one died. The one that’s left is called Daisy. If she dies there will be no more shows.” Postie paused. “And no more profits.”
“So he could be interested in getting another dolphin,” deduced Robin. “That ties in with the information we’ve got back from our Bulletin Board. Somebody has seen a newspaper report about a stranded dolphin. And guess where it was taken afterwards - to Crookhaven Aquarium.”
“What else did you find out Robin?” asked Debra eagerly.
“They’ve given it a name. Star.” replied Robin. “What’s more, Star was found stranded on the beach at Crookhaven one day after Dilo disappeared from Lighthouse Bay.”
“Well if Dilo was caught by Sea Wolf and taken to Crookhaven, proving it could be difficult,” said Pat.
“Crookhaven is a long way away. Surely Dilo wouldn’t have swum that far and then stranded himself on the beach,” argued Robin.
Then Debra remembered the dream she had the night Dilo disappeared. She could still see it clearly in her mind. Debra told everyone about her nightmare and how the Witch of Black Rock had cast a spell over Dilo and turned him into a crow.
“When I woke up and looked out of the window I thought I saw a boat out by Black Rock. But I can’t be sure it it was Sea Wolf. I didn’t think it was important at the time.”
“First we’ve got to find out if Star is Dilo,” said Postie.
“And if Star is Dilo, then we’ll have to work out a plan of action to put him back in to the sea. That’s where he belongs,” added Debra emphatically.
“I’ve got a proposal.” said Postie. “I’m on holiday next week. Why don’t I go to Crookhaven and see the situation for myself?”
“Can I come with you’?” asked Debra.
“Me too?” asked Robin.
“I thought you two were supposed to be at school next week’?” Postie remembered.
“We are,” said Debra, “ but finding out what has happened to Dilo is much more important than lessons.”
“This is a lesson in life,” added Robin. “I’m sure Mum would agree.”
Robin was good at persuading his mother if he wanted something really badly.
“What do you think Pat?” asked Postie.
“I think it’s a good plan if Mary agrees. A few days off school won’t do these two any harm.”
“I’m sure she will, I’m sure she will,” said Debra excitedly.
“You will have to make up for it by working extra hard afterwards,” added Pat, looking directly at the twins and wagging a finger at them.
“Oh we will, we will,” said Debra enthusiastically, having already decided that if Robin and his uncle asked, her mother could not possibly say ‘No’.
Postie, who managed a big factory before he decided to become a postman, was a good organiser. Four days later he and the twins were in the audience at the dolphin circus in Crookhaven.
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