Photo: Skyline and Port of Montreal © Depositphotos.com/citylights
The main setting for my short story, “Timely Escape,” is the Old Port of Montreal. Records show the port was in operation as early as 1611, when French fur traders used it as a trading post. Today it’s a favorite harbor for pleasure boaters and a port of call enjoyed by ocean cruise ships.
Minutes from downtown Montreal, the quays of the Old Port sit on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and extend more than two kilometers along De la Commune Street. If you enjoy cycling, roller-blading, river rafting, or boat tours, the quays offer these activities and more.
At one end of the marina is the Clock Tower, a 148-foot structure built between 1919 and 1922 and dedicated to Canadian sailors who died in World War I. The clock mechanism is a replica of Big Ben in London, and climbing the 192 steps to the top will reward you with incredible views of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River.
Photo: Glimpse of Montreal © Depositphotos.com/citylights
Turquoise parasols dot a man-made beach at the base of the tower, but you’re not allowed to go swimming in the bordering river. Not that it matters. More than three acres of this sandy urban getaway along the Clock Tower Quay create the ultimate setting for relaxation. Imagine colored chairs, a wooden boardwalk, mist stations, a bar, and a spectacular view of the city skyline. Musical evenings offer extended entertainment where you can drink, dine, or simply watch the sun set.
In “Timely Escape,” ghostwriter Megan Scott takes a few moments to visit the Old Port where the marina is holding a boat party. She recalls how she once stood above on Jacques Cartier Bridge to watch the International Fireworks Competition with Michael Elliott, her crime reporter partner. As she’s about to leave, something catches her attention—something that stuns her beyond belief. Without warning, her next move plunges her into a perilous situation at death's door.
Will she survive the ordeal?
I wouldn’t want to spoil your fun. You’ll have to read the story to find out. “Timely Escape” is available at major online retailers listed here.