Just Different Devils by Jinx Schwartz

is charming in the elderly."
    " Downton Abbey !" Nacho said.
    We stared at him, waiting for an explanation. He shrugged. "The dowager countess. Someone said something like that to her in Downton Abbey , and I thought it very clever."
    "You watch Downton Abbey ?" Jan asked, clearly surprised.
    "Doesn't everyone?" Nacho stood, gave us a regal bow and headed for his cabin, leaving us with our mouths hanging open.
    "Nacho's gay?" Jan asked, cracking us up again.
    "I doubt it. But Jenks and Chino wouldn't be caught dead watching Downton Abbey ."
    "Even if they did, they danged sure wouldn't admit it."
    Hmmmm. That Nacho is surely an enigma.

Chapter Fifteen
     
     
    "Why so uncommonly quiet this morning?" Jan asked me while we had coffee on deck.
    Nacho had left early in his panga, intimating he preferred to fish without interference from dogs, dolphins, and daffy dames. Po Thang was still pouting at the abandonment.
    "Do you ever wonder if there is any such thing as the perfect man out there?"
    "I thought we had them."
    "They wouldn't like Downton Abbey ."
    Jan sighed. "Who would have thought Nacho was in touch with his feminine side?"
    "Wonders never cease. But what I really wonder is why he's here? Other than to rob us blind?"
    "I'm fairly certain that's not it. He's up to something, for sure. But why does he need us?"
    "Cover? Hiding in plain sight?"
    We lapsed into thoughtful silence, until a ringing phone broke in. Rushing down into the cabin, I saw the caller was Jenks. "Hi, Honey! How're things in beautiful downtown Dubai?"
    "Where are you, Hetta?"
    "Uh, on the boat."
    "And where is the boat?"
    "In the Sea of Cortez?"
    "You know what I mean. Chino called. Evidently a friend of his stopped by to see you and Jan late yesterday afternoon and guess what? Your slip is empty. What's up?"
    Jan and I made faces at each other. "Fishing."
    "Fishing?"
    "Yep, we got bored and went fishing. Caught one, too."
    "So, you're back in La Paz now?"
    "Uh, not exactly. We sort of decided to go hang out at Partida for awhile. You know how safe it is, what with all the cruisers here. And this time of year, no serious weather is even in sight."
    Silence.
    Not one to let silence linger I asked, "Have you watched Downton Abbey yet? Oops, gotta go. Fish on!"
    "Well, Hetta, that was pretty lame."
    "What was I supposed to say? He had me dead to rights. I promised to stay put, and I didn't."
    "But, Downton Abbey ?"
    "You're right. We're gonna have to tell the guys we're chartered for a month. They won't be happy, but it has to be done. We're caught."
    "You first."
    I reluctantly called Jenks back and told him about the one month charter. That he was not pleased is putting it mildly. "You what?"
    "Oh, calm down. I doubt we'll even leave Partida. Guy just wants to fish and he has his own panga. Besides, I need the dough, and it was the Trob who set it up."
    "Wontrobski? Well, that's some consolation. Can't you at least get another crew member to help out?"
    "Hey! Jan and I are perfectly capable of handling whatever comes up. This isn't our first rodeo, you know."
    "This guy who chartered you. Is he a competent sailor? He could be a problem if he's a greenhorn."
    "He seems very capable and familiar with his boat. We'll be fine. I'll report in every day if it will make you feel better." I sounded testy.
    "You don't have to report to me, and you know it."
    I wasn't sure I liked the way that sounded. Too detached? I wanted him attached without telling me what to do. Now who was being difficult? Get a grip, here, Hetta. "You worry too much," I said softly.
    "Hetta, someone has to. By the way, what was that about some Abbey?"
     
    Chino was no happier than Jenks about our latest venture, but reluctantly admitted we were probably fine, considering the time of year and where we were.
    He hadn't seen Downton Abbey , either.
    "Well, that's a load off," Jan admitted while I helped her peel apples for a pie. "We also managed not to mention who we had on