by Rose St. Andrews
Ian stood at the bow of the small ferry, the hot wind buffeting him about. The tiny island was before him and he laughed and rolled his eyes.
"So, explain this to me," he said, turning to the ferryman. "Crab Key is like... what, a hundred yards from shore? So why the ferry? With the dough the Crab family has they could build their own 'bridge to somewhere'."
"Of course it would be a bridge to somewhere... the mainland. Is that a joke or something?" the grizzled old man replied.
"Yes, an historic one. There once was a bridge planned in an area of Alaska that was known as the 'bridge to nowhere', as it was totally unnecessary."
"Wow, no wonder they hired you; you know a peck of stuff. Anyway, to answer your question, there's no connection to the mainland because Josiah Crab likes his privacy!"
Ian nodded and turned back to look at the island. It was a small narrow strip of land, very lush and green, and was completely owned by the Crab family. He could see the large main house, various garages and storage facilities, and then several small cottages nestled among the palms and mangroves. It was clear privacy was just another eccentricity of the family. That and a tendency not to take 'no' for an answer. That was why he was here. He was an American who had been living in Japan for the last ten years and working as a teacher. He loved the Japanese people and culture, the value they put on education, and the fact that they didn't tolerate disobedience in the classroom! He was very organized and strict, yet also patient and caring. When Josiah Crab offered him five times his usual salary, there was no way he was turning him down.
Twenty minutes later, he was in Josiah's study, sitting opposite him over his massive mahogany desk, and casually sipping some excellent Oolong tea. He studied Josiah. While old (he was pushing ninety), his eyes sparkled with strength and intelligence and his deeply lined face spoke of many experiences.
"So, Ian Hutchinson, your picture does not do you justice. How tall are you?"
"How tall? Um, six-three, but if you want me to teach basketball, you can forget it. I stink at the game."
Josiah chuckled. "Not at all, I was merely curious as to how you'll look alongside Taylor, my daughter. She's the reason you're here - to take care of her."
"Ah, I see, she's the one you want me to tutor, is that it?"
"Something like that, yes. You will have access to anything you need in terms of supplies, and any dishes you wish to eat - no matter how exotic. I don't know what foods you enjoyed back in Japan, but simply ask the staff for anything you want, and you'll have it. I have only two stipulations for this position: first, you live and remain here on the island, and second, you do not show my daughter any favoritism! Do not let her age or the fact that she's my daughter in any way dissuade you from treating her exactly like a normal student - in all things. Is that clear?"
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