Arflin did not stop to think, but he was sailing in treacherous waters where pirates and smugglers often sailed. They would rob him and take whatever he had. They would think nothing of murdering him and then toss him overboard to let the sharks dispose of his body.
Yachters are warned about this part of the Caribbean and to use extreme caution when sailing here.
Arflin continued sailing that afternoon until he was sure he was out of Columbian waters. He reefed the sails. He had not taken the time to really look the boat over before he purchased it. He let the boat drift while he gave it the once over. Stowed in the forward cabin was a twelve gauge shotgun with a box of double ought shotgun shells. He was sure the man that sold him the boat must have forgotten he left it aboard. In a drawer in the galley was a sailing manual. Arflin knew this would come in handy and took it up on deck to glance through it. He learned how to rig a sea anchor and secured the boat for the night. He loaded the shotgun just to be on the safe side. The salt sea air had parched his throat and he was ready for some fresh water. The fact that the water was room temperature did not bother Arflin at all. Later that evening he opened a can of Vienna sausage and some saltine crackers and had that for dinner.
After he finished eating he went on deck to think about what his next move would be. He thought a lot about Lacey in Australia and wondered what she thought about him now. If he could somehow start his life over, he knew it would be with Lacey somewhere in Australia. He knew of course that was only wishful thinking. He also knew he could not run and hide forever. Sooner or later there had to be an end. He preferred death to life in prison and knew that was how he would go out, in a blaze of glory.
After it got dark he went below and locked the hatch behind him. If anyone tried to break in they have to make a lot of noise. Arflin was a light sleeper and he would be waiting for them with a loaded shotgun.
Just as it was getting daylight, he heard something bump into the side of the sailboat. He immediately got up. He waited to see if someone was trying to get on the boat. He felt the bump again as it hit the side of the hull. He silently unlocked the hatch and slowly went on deck with the shotgun.