Oliver gestured toward a collection of fishing rods mounted in organized displays along the dock's wooden railing.
"These are our premium spinning reels, manufactured specifically for lake conditions and designed to handle the particular challenges that freshwater fishing presents to inexperienced anglers," Oliver explained while lifting one of the rods from its mounting bracket and extending it toward Tabby for closer examination. "The main advantage over Morrison's saltwater equipment is the reduced complexity of operation and maintenance requirements."
The technical specifications he's providing align with the research I conducted online, though his emphasis on beginner-friendly features suggests he's correctly assessed my current skill level.
This information gathering approach is proving more efficient than attempting to decode contradictory forum discussions.
The son remained positioned approximately three feet behind them throughout Oliver's presentation, his expression maintaining the same sullen quality that had characterized his demeanor since their initial introduction.
Tabby noticed that his attention seemed focused primarily on the distant marina entrance rather than his father's explanations about tackle specifications and seasonal fishing patterns.
"Our standard charter package includes all necessary equipment, basic instruction in casting techniques, and guidance on species identification for the most common fish populations in Coldwater Lake."
Oliver continued, returning the rod to its display position and moving toward a nearby tackle box that contained various lures and baits arranged in compartmentalized sections.
"We maintain a ninety-three percent success rate for first-time customers actually catching fish during their initial trip, which compares very favorably to ocean fishing success rates that depend heavily on unpredictable weather conditions."
The statistical claim interested Tabby because it provided quantifiable data for any purposes, though she recognized that success rates could be influenced by various factors including the definition of "success" and seasonal variations in fish behavior.
Oliver's presentation style suggested considerable experience in addressing customer concerns, and his specific knowledge of competitor services indicated that the rivalry between charter operations was both ongoing and detailed.
"How frequently do weather conditions prevent scheduled trips on the lake versus ocean locations?" Tabby asked.
Oliver's smile widened at the question, and he gestured toward the relatively calm water surface visible beyond the marina's protective barriers.
"Excellent question, and one that highlights the primary advantage of lake fishing for serious anglers. We cancel fewer than five percent of scheduled trips due to weather, while harbor operations typically cancel fifteen to twenty percent depending on seasonal storm patterns and wind conditions that make ocean fishing dangerous or unproductive."
Oliver's son shifted his weight impatiently and glanced toward his phone screen, though he made no verbal contribution to the ongoing discussion.
Oliver spent the following twenty minutes providing detailed explanations of various fishing techniques, seasonal considerations for different species, and safety protocols that his charter service maintained for customer protection. His knowledge appeared comprehensive and his enthusiasm remained consistent throughout the presentation, though Tabby noticed that he occasionally glanced toward his son with an expressions that suggested concern about his son's obvious lack of engagement.
"The final advantage I want to emphasize is our educational approach to fishing instruction." Oliver concluded, closing the tackle box and returning his attention fully to Tabby. "Many charter services focus primarily on entertainment value, but we believe that customers receive greater satisfaction when they understand the reasoning behind specific techniques and can apply that knowledge to future fishing experiences."
His educational focus aligns well with my preference for understanding underlying principles rather than simply following instructions without context.
Oliver consulted his watch and appeared to reach some internal decision about concluding the formal presentation portion of their interaction. "Actually, if you're planning to visit Morrison's operation at Crown Pier Marina for comparison purposes, I have a package that needs delivery there today."
"Eugene was scheduled to handle that task, and you could accompany him to observe their facilities firsthand while completing a practical errand."
The suggestion seemed passable from Tabby's perspective because she was already planning on revisiting the marina, watching over a small task like this wasn't of much worry. However, Oliver's son, Eugene's reaction was immediate and notably negative, his posture straightening with obvious tension as he turned to face his father directly.
"Why do I still have to go there?" Eugene demanded, his voice was carrying frustration that seemed disproportionate to the simple task being discussed.
"You said you were going to handle Morrison deliveries yourself from now on."
Oliver's expression shifted to one of exasperation mixed with confusion, and he studied his son's face carefully before responding.
"Eugene, it's a simple package delivery to a distant acquaintance, isn't you friend that Millicent girl also there? I don't understand why you're so vehemently opposed to going to Crown Pier Marina."
Eugene remained silent in response to his father's question, his jaw visibly tightening as he looked away toward the lake surface.
"I was planning to visit Morrison's operation briefly for additional information gathering purposes," Tabby said.
"Accompanying Eugene for the delivery won't be of any inconvenience."
Eugene's expression darkened further at her acceptance, though he offered no verbal protest to the arrangement.
Oliver's relief was immediately apparent, and he smiled broadly while extending his hand toward a small wrapped package that had been sitting on a nearby shelf throughout their entire discussion.
"Excellent solution for everyone involved," Oliver said, handing the package to Eugene despite his son's obvious reluctance to accept it.
"Eugene, this is Tabitha, and she's conducting thorough research into local fishing options. Tabitha, my son Eugene will be happy to show you the way to Crown Pier Marina and provide any additional information you might need during the walk."
The introduction felt unnecessary and formal given the circumstances, but Tabby nodded acknowledgment while observing Eugene's continued silence.
The pair departed from Coldwater Lake with Eugene maintaining a position approximately two feet ahead of Tabby, his pace indicating eagerness to complete the task quickly rather than any consideration for conversation or sightseeing opportunities. The package he carried appeared small and lightweight.
Tabby found herself studying Eugene's profile as they walked, noting details about his posture and expression that might provide insights into his emotional state or the source of his conflict with his father.
Eugene stood approximately six inches taller than Tabby's own height, with brown hair that fell in an unstructured pattern across his forehead and partially obscured his sharp and unfriendly eyes when he looked downward. His clothing consisted of a faded gray sweatshirt and dark jeans that appeared to have been selected for comfort rather than any particular aesthetic consideration. His hands gripped the package with more force than seemed necessary for such a lightweight object.
Her observation was apparently more obvious than intended, because Eugene suddenly turned to face her with obvious irritation.
"What?"
Tabby continued studying his facial features for another moment before responding, noting the way his eyebrows drew together and his mouth compressed into a thin line.
"It's nothing... Ahem... Eugene..." Tabby found it a scantily cumbersome talking to a new, unfriendly individual.
Eugene's reaction was immediate and defensive, his posture straightened as he stopped walking entirely to confront her directly.
"Are you making fun of my name?" he demanded with his voice carrying a semblance of wounded pride.
"What was it that I did?" Tabby asked with confusion, her expression remaining neutral as she attempted to understand what aspect of her behavior had triggered his angry response.
Eugene stared at her for several seconds, apparently trying to determine whether her question contained mockery or actual bewilderment.
His expression gradually shifted from anger to uncertainty as he studied her face and found no indication of deliberate cruelty or amusement at his expense.
They resumed walking toward Grand Central Station without further discussion of the name issue, though Eugene's pace remained quick and his attention focused primarily on reaching their destination rather than engaging in any form of social interaction.
The Grand Central Station underground platform contained the usual mixture of commuters and tourists, with electronic displays showing departure times for various destinations including Monarque. Eugene approached the ticket counter first and purchased his fare without consulting Tabby, while she completed her own transaction at a separate window.
Their subway arrived approximately six minutes after their ticket purchases, though Tabby noted with some disappointment that it was one of the older models that lacked the comfortable seating and better air conditioning.
Eugene selected a seat near the center of the subway car and positioned himself deliberately in a way that left one empty seat between his location and Tabby's chosen position.
She settled near the window on the opposite side of the aisle, placing her hands in her lap and directing her attention toward the scenery of grey walls passing outside as the subway began moving.
The silence between them continued as the subway traveled toward Monarque, with Eugene maintaining his focus on his phone while Tabby watched the unchanging grey walls.
She found herself increasingly curious about the specific reasons for Eugene's obvious reluctance to complete what seemed to be a simple delivery task.
His father's surprise at the resistance suggests that this aversion is either recent or previously unexpressed. The intensity of his reaction indicates that visiting Crown Pier Marina involves more than simple inconvenience for him.
The subway's motion provided a steady rhythm that made extended observation of Eugene's behavior possible without appearing intrusive, though he seemed determined to avoid any form of interaction.
One of Monarque's Grand Central subway stations appeared outside the windows as the subway slowed to a stop.
Eugene immediately began gathering his belongings and positioning himself near the doors hurriedly.
The subway stopped with the usual mechanical sounds and automated announcement.
"Now arriving at: Monarque!"
Eugene exited quickly without waiting to see whether Tabitha intended to follow immediately.
She observed his rapid departure through the window before collecting her own belongings and stepping onto the platform at a more measured pace.