AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah,” I repeat. “Thanks for the birthday present, by the way.”
“You’re welcome. Wish we were side by side,” she says, craning over her shoulder.
The boat teeters.
I tell myself that, no, the space is necessary. I do battle with myself, fighting between thanking her with a massive kiss when we’re back on land or saying a polite goodnight.
The kayakers paddle in a loop and we’re so far behind that we cut across the water in the direction they’re going so we can join up again.
At that moment, Lola swims by, a massive manatee, lit up like a Christmas tree.
From in front of me, Lally gasps.
My gaze follows the sea cow, but then I squint. In the distance, illuminated by the sliver of moon rising in the sky, are tattered sails.
“Did you see that?”
“Yeah, I see it.” My voice is rough. If what Lally told me is true, that boat is out for vengeance and is biding its time.
Lally goes still. Her spine stiffens. “Oh, I see that too.”
“We should go back.” I rarely get spooked, but something about seeing the Dark Seas’ silhouette on the horizon makes me want to be on land.
The guide takes photos of each kayak surrounded by the bioluminescence as part of the package and as a keepsake, delaying us.
I want out of the water. Until I have both feet on land, I go into military mode, on alert, head on a swivel.
Turns out, I don’t have to worry about anything other than Lally’s proximity. She gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I’m heady from her coconut scent. “Happy belated birthday.”
“Thanks again. It was really thoughtful,” I say, no longer needing my sea legs.
She’s quiet until we get back to the cottages. I instantly regret not driving her home, but the dogs need to go out. She understands that things between us shifted. Probably saw Ross and—I scrub my hand down my face.
I’d like to blame the black widow bite for these dark thoughts, but this is all me.
“Well, goodnight, Magnus. See you.” It sounds like a goodbye. One I know I don’t want to hear.
“Lally, wait. Um,” I fish for a reason for her to stay. Something to keep her here a moment longer but not give her the wrong idea. “Thanks for finding out what you could about the Pirate Defense League and the message in the bottle.”
“You can thank Sempre Spirits. That’s what did the talking.”
A beat passes between us.
“I’d better go let out the dogs. G’night.” Lost in thought, I don’t realize she’s gone until the screen door slots into the frame.
A better man would rush after her. Walk her home. Make sure she’s safe even though I created a path and installed solar lanterns between her bungalow and the cottages.
No, this distance is good. It’s done.
After taking a shower, I let out the dogs before bed. It’s late, but I can’t help but focus on Chip’s message, trying to understand what it could mean. A few weeks ago, I would’ve dismissed this, or at least put it on the back burner. But now that I found the diamond, it’s like I’m hot on the trail. The answer is close. I can feel it.
A rumble comes from behind and headlights sweep across the beach. The dogs let out low warnings and are instantly by my side. Maiti and Rebel instantly adapt to the pack.
Three doors open and then close. Heavy footfalls approach in the sand. My senses are on alert. Probably not a couple out for a moonlight walk.
Could be some underage kids looking for a place to drink.
Could be trouble.
