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“It’s as good a place as any. Without more sophisticated gear, we can’t exactly make a search grid. So we might as well just start somewhere.”
“Do you know how big this lake is?” says another. “It could take years to find the pearl.”
“And it would be worth it. That pearl is supposed to be worth a fortune.”
His words set my teeth on edge. As I suspected, these humans are here to steal from the Lady. It won’t work, of course. The Tear is not a treasure to be found. It’s a prize to be won. Only someone worthy would be able to collect it, and nothing about this trio suggests that they are honorable or good.
“How do we know it’s real?”
“How do we know it’s not? What’s the harm in looking?”
Oh, there’s harm. I’ll show them that and then some.
I dive deep and wait for the splashes to indicate that they’ve entered the water. Every part of me longs to snap their necks, to hold them down until their lungs fill with water, to feast on their flesh. To show them the wrath of the lake and what happens to those who would insult the Lady by stealing her treasure.
But the Lady cautioned me about taking lives, and I know Haven would be distraught if three of her renters turned up dead.
As much as I long to kill them, I should not.
But still, they must pay for their actions, for theirintentions.
Satisfied with my plan, I dive deeper and wait.
Haven
Mayhem.
That’s the only word I can think of to describe what’s happening. I woke to shouts from the renters early this morning, and when I ran out on my porch, it was chaos. The dudebros from Cabin 3 were all tied up on the Big Dock, naked as jaybirds. The influencers were having a field day, posting pictures and comments left and right. And the families were horrified that three naked penises were on display for their children, even though the dock is pretty far out and none of the guys are packing anything worth mentioning.
The guys themselves have apparently been attempting to shout for help since daylight, unable to untie themselves. Unfortunately, the gags in their mouths seem to be making that difficult.
I absently grab the clean honey bowl off the porch—how does it keep getting back here?—and run back inside. My phone rings before I can even change out of my pajamas. Of course, it’s Griffin.
“Haven, what the hell is going on out there? I’m seeing posts about naked men tied to the dock!”
I sigh. “That appears to be exactly what’s happening. I’m looking into it. You might wanna come on out here.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he says.
“Great. And, Griff? Bring breakfast, would you?”
He laughs and disconnects, and I throw on a t-shirt and denim shorts and head to the beach.
Immediately, I’m swarmed by both the Wilson and Hefferman families.
“How did this happen?”
“What are you going to do about this?”
“Is it even safe to swim here?”
“Who would do this?”
“We need a refund!”
The questions are coming so fast, I can barely make out who’s speaking. I hold up a hand, pleading for silence.
“Please. Give me a few minutes to find out what’s happening. I don’t know any more than you do right now.”
