Forth into Light (The Peter & Charlie Trilogy) by Gordon Merrick Page A

Mike, except that he had a completely unfamiliar elegance now and the lock of hair had been suppressed by expert barbering. He was apparently in no hurry although it was obvious that the boat was being held for him. All his movements were deliberate and looked rehearsed, the mark of celebrity. The captain bowed before him profusely and then he turned and strolled down the gangplank. He was expensively dressed in a crisp summer suit. It won’t stay crisp long, George thought with malicious satisfaction. The two stewards were waiting by the baggage and Mike distributed tips with experienced graciousness.
    George leaned over the barrier and shouted, “Mike, you son of a bitch, aren’t you going to greet the natives?”
    Cochran turned and smiled. “I’ll sign autographs in the lobby of the hotel in an hour,” he called back. Then he laughed and the self-consciousness dropped from him as he hurried to them. He clapped Leighton on both shoulders and shook him affectionately. He took Sarah in his arms across the railing and kissed her on both cheeks. There was a slight hook in his nose and the skin was stretched taut over wide cheekbones, as if he might have Indian blood. He had always had great success with women.
    “God, this is wonderful,” he exclaimed. “Let me look at you. You look divine. How did you find this incredible place? I don’t believe it for a moment. It’s all painted on a backdrop. The very Cosmo, himself. Why aren’t you wearing your beachcomber costume? I was particularly looking forward to it. Oh, lord, how are you both? You look superb.”
    They laughed a lot and exchanged rather incoherent and repetitive pleasantries.
    “Well, let’s get organized and get out of this sun,” George suggested finally. “I take it you haven’t brought any of your wives.”
    “I’ve run out of wives at the moment. A wife in this heat. What a hideous thought. Sorry, Sarah, old dear.”
    The ragged child approached George and he pointed out the baggage, astonished once more at its quantity. “Listen, you bastard,” he said. “You haven’t brought all that stuff just for the day. How long are you staying?”
    “Till tomorrow. But not to worry. I’m not going to be a nuisance. I understand the hotel here is fairly civilized.”
    “So is our house. Don’t be ridiculous. You’re going to stay with us.”
    “No, I’ll be better at the hotel. Not that I’d have the slightest hesitation about turning your house upside down. I just like having my own hole to crawl into. Somebody was supposed to arrange it.”
    George threw his arm around his friend’s shoulder and gave him a hug. George was the bigger of the two which bolstered his confidence. “It’s too hot to argue. This kid will take care of your things. I’ll see that the manager gives you the best room.”
    “You’re joking,” Mike exclaimed as he caught sight of the small boy struggling to attach the luggage to his donkey. “Don’t you have child labor laws here?”
    “No. Everybody’s free at birth to share in the blessings of private enterprise.”
    “No, but seriously. Is that sort of thing usual here?”
    “A lot of kids work, if that’s what you mean.”
    “But doesn’t it bother you?”
    “Oh, come off it, Mike,” Sarah interjected. Reasons for wanting this reunion to be a success were beginning to preoccupy her. She was impatient of the least sign of discord. “Don’t start theorizing until you know something about the place.”
    Memories of college days drifted through Leighton’s mind. He and Mike organizing meetings, drawing up petitions. What had they been about? Antiwar? Pro-war? Definitely socialistic. Mike had had firm and dogmatic opinions about everything and George had welcomed them as revelation. Life had taught him to be more pragmatic and tolerant. Should he be shocked that a ten-year-old be allowed to earn his living? He took a sidelong glance at Mike, dark, slim, stylish—frivolous was a word that came easily