The afternoon sun beat down on Brian’s head. His first week off from work in over two years and he was enjoying the rest. He’d spent this morning working out then a jog around the neighbourhood. He got the idea last night to take a harbour cruise and quickly checked the on-line schedule of the marina downtown. There was an afternoon cruise from three to five that he booked.

After having a light lunch, he took a shower and stood in front of his closet, towel wrapped around his waist. He took more pride than ever in his appearance. No longer did he have the luxury of eating whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it, and not gain an ounce. He shook out his mane of dark waves and grabbed a pair of white linen pants, a deep blue gauze short sleeve button down and a pair of sandals.

He hadn’t shaved, preferring instead to keep the heavy five o’clock shadow, it made his eyes stand out more. After getting dressed, he slicked some gel in his hair. Normally he didn’t mess with any hair products but being on the open water was going to knot up his long locks.

As he locked the front door, he decided to take the Lotus rather than his Harley. As he approached the black Esprit SE, Denise waved at him from her front yard.

“Hi Bri,” she said in a friendly tone.

“Hey Denise.” He replied, adding, “The new lawn is looking good!”

“Thanks. Off for the afternoon?” she inquired.

“Yeah, I’m heading to the marina for a cruise,” Brian stated.

“Have fun!” she said.

Brian opened the door and got in the car. Backing out of his driveway, he headed down to the Marina thinking the bands the radio played these days were shit. He grabbed a Guns & Roses cassette and popped it in. Drumming on the wheel while he drove, he sped down the freeway, arriving a short time later.

“Hi. I have a reservation for the cruise at three,” Brian said to the girl behind the booth.

“Have you got your e-ticket?” she asked, holding out her hand while Brian searched his pockets.

“I’m sorry, I don’t,” he responded.

“Can I see the credit card you used to book the reservation?” she asked as he handed her his American Express card.

“All set sir,” she said handing him his credit card back along with a printed ticket. “Basin F in twenty minutes,” she said with a smile.

“Thanks,” Brian said as he headed off towards the bar.

“Hey Ketter!” a man yelled from across the crowded deck. “Gone missing from work, have you?”

Brian turned to see Duncan, a guy from his office. “On holiday. I haven’t had any time off in two years,” Brain yelled back, hoping Duncan would end it there. The man was a pompous ass and now that he’d been drinking, Brian was sure he’d be even more of a pleasure to deal with.

As he got a bottle of mineral water he looked around the dock. He’d had a strange, familiar feeling all day. He took a long pull from the plastic bottle when he’d heard the announcement that his ship was boarding.

Heading down the dock with a throng of people, he couldn’t help but smirk, thinking they must look like a flock heading to