by S. E. Akers
Crap! He thinks I mean Mike! While Mike struggled to catch his breath, I nervously wrestled with what to do. There was only one thing I could come up with on the spot — compelling him.
“What the heck have you gotten yourself into?” Katie cracked.
“Katie, shush! I have to concentrate!” I shot back. With a deep breath and my guilt pushed aside, I zeroed in on Mike.
Say you gave the watch to me, Mike.
You have to make him think I’m your girlfriend.
You have to make him believe it… REALLY believe it!
With Mike’s windpipe now free and clear, he lifted his head and looked into my eyes. The next thing I knew, he was reaching across the table for my hand.
“Yes,” Mike replied longingly, gently rubbing it. Though I was relieved my compulsion had worked, I found myself in the center spotlight when I glanced down the table. Everyone had stopped eating, totally stunned by what they were witnessing. Kara graciously lent the hushed room a little audio stimulation when a shrill cry screeched out of her mouth. I yanked my hand away with a flushed face and an uneasy smile. Unfortunately the jerk caused my purse to slide right off my lap. My eyes shot open when I heard it hit the floor. It was no longer connected to me. Malachi’s eyes began to dilate immediately, and I knew what that meant. I dove under the table without a second to lose and grabbed it, but not before I cracked my head.
“Are you okay?” Mike asked as I rose.
“No,” I mumbled as I watched Malachi’s daze sharpen. I happened to glance down the table towards Tanner. I wasn’t the least bit surprised by the stormy expression that had hardened onto his face. He didn’t have to say anything. His “just-wait-till-I-get-you-alone” look in those hazel eyes of his said it all. I turned back to Malachi, whose expression appeared more “curious” than anything. “I think I’m going to have to excuse myself.”
“Why stop now?” Katie chuckled.
“Still feeling a tad under the weather, Ms. Wallace?” Malachi posed.
I nodded, unable to speak because of a strange vibe I’d detected in his tone.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Malachi remarked. “The next three courses are true culinary delicacies. Some of my son’s favorites,” he asserted candidly. Hearing him mention Lazarus’ name threw me for a bit of a loop. Mike, too.
“It’s a shame he couldn’t join us,” Mike commented. Even I could hear the grit in his voice.
“Yes…truly a shame,” Malachi Xcavare replied back, seeming distracted by something.
“Good evening,” I added as I rose from my seat. Malachi and Mike both followed my lead. My new “boyfriend” even took the liberty of escorting me to the elevator. Not that I was even going to look Tanner’s way, but I found myself engrossed in a suspicious feeling coming from Malachi, who was watching my every move.
“Mike, you don’t have to walk me to my cabin,” I assured him as he pressed the button, sensing everyone’s heated stares. When the elevator doors finally crept open, he pulled me towards him and planted a soft, lingering kiss on my lips. I kissed him back, uncomfortably, for the sake of my charade. I was just relieved there was no tongue.
“I hope you feel better,” Mike whispered.
“I’m sure I will,” I replied impatiently. Just let me get the heck out of here. As ready as I was to go, I had to clean up my mess. I whispered a quick clarification to Mike before I stepped onto the elevator.
Just make Malachi think I’m your girlfriend.
No one else…
And no more kissing…
EVER!
That should do it, I thought as the doors came to a close. I mustered some courage and glanced at Tanner through the glass. He looked like a lit stick of dynamite ready to explode as he sat there wrestling in his chair.
Four more courses…and then Tanner will have my ass for dessert!
For the next thirty minutes, I paced while Katie tried to help me orchestrate an explanation. My gut began to sense an ominous wave of escalating anger, and it was coming this way. I knew there would be no “courtesy knock”, so I compliantly opened the door. Tanner stormed into my room, not breaking his rigid stride. Perfect timing.
“I can expla—”
“You’re going to,” Tanner insisted as he grabbed my arm and ordered me into a chair. “WHAT WAS THAT?” he demanded. “How did Malachi NOT sense your diamond’s energy with you sitting RIGHT THERE?”
“I wasn’t entirely truthful with you earlier. When you asked me what I did in New Orleans.”
“Oh, this confession I’m DYING to hear,” Tanner growled as he plopped down in the other chair.
“I sort of found something to help me with my identity problem.”
Tanner scowled. “Found?”
“Well, purchased…in a store,” I corrected.
“You picked up something that would conceal your powers in a store?” he theorized skeptically.
I nodded.
“Exactly what kind of ‘store’ would that be?”
“A little boutique that specializes in…magic,” I muttered.
“You went to a VOODOO shop?” Tanner charged.
“Yes,” I admitted. “A lady—”
“Witch,” Tanner corrected sharply.
“A witch,” I rephrased, “She spelled my purse so it would protect my identity.”
“A gris-gris,” Tanner stated doubtlessly, shaking his head. “Where is it?” I pointed over to the dresser. Tanner scooped it up and started examining it. Within a few seconds, he grumbled under his breath, “This thing reeks of Lá Léo Louviér!” His head shot up straightaway. “What did you trade it for?” he demanded, fearing my response. “Don’t say a diamond. PLEASE, don’t say a diamond.”
“No! I didn’t give that woman a diamond! Are you kidding? I would NEVER give one to her! She’s horrible!”
“Then what?” Tanner posed.
I really hadn’t figured out that part of my story yet, so I stalled with silence.
Tanner eyed me suspiciously. “Is that what really happened to your amethyst?” he speculated. “Did you barter it for this?”
Ding, ding, ding… “Yes, Tanner,” I responded with a firm nod, seizing my window. “You’ve got me.”
“Dammit, Shiloh! How could you be so cavalier with your stones? That was yours! YOURS TO KEEP! It makes me sick knowing that scheming bitch has one of my amethysts! She’s been trying to get one for years!”
“Tanner, I’m so sorry. I know how you feel about witches and I—”
“Ugh!” he grunted again and then plopped down onto the bed. “It’s honestly not so much her as it is her clientele. I don’t like not knowing who has one of my stones.” Tanner’s eyes lit up. “Did you run into anyone else when you were there?”
If I’d learned anything from trying to keep a big secret, telling a lot of little truths were a necessity. It’s all about the details. “A pair of albinos,” I admitted. “A creepy man and a haughty woman. Their clothes looked like they were from the turn-of-the-century and they drove off in a Bentley.”
“Were their last names Valorre?” he asked.
My mouth cracked open. “You know them too?”
Tanner nodded gruffly. “What were they doing in there?”
“They bought a book… I think. I didn’t actually see it. It was wrapped up.” Tanner lowered his head in his hands, shaking it from side to side. “But they didn’t sense me,” I assured him.
“No. They couldn’t. Lá Léo’s wards won’t allow it. Only she can sense others and your powers don’t work in there either. That’s her idea of store-security. Anyone else?”
“Just a senile old woman roaming around the store.” Tanner knew I was talking about Padimae. “That was it,” I lied. Bringing up Lorelei wasn’t an option, not with Katie listening.
“Of all the stores to enter, WHY did you go into that one?”
“I went in looking for a voodoo doll, for Bea…to make up for bringing Katie,” I revealed. “I tricked her
into thinking I’d left her behind.”
“So, you’re branching out with your lies now?” Tanner posed.
I deserved that. “How mad do you think she’ll be?”
“Not as mad as me,” Tanner assured as he paced around the room. His eyes softened. “Look, she won’t be as upset as you think. She’s got enough to deal with right now.”
“Tanner, what is it? She’s been acting strange for weeks. I know something’s been bothering her.”
“It’s nothing,” Tanner evaded with a crafty smirk, letting me know that he was just as good at the lying-game.
“Does it have something to do with her trip?” I probed.
“She’s just upset about seeing one of her sisters… Helaine,” he added with a loathsome roll.
“Don’t they get along?” I asked.
“Not since the day Helaine took away Beatrix’s sight,” Tanner replied.
“Her own sister did that to her?” I gasped.
“Don’t look so surprised. You, of all people, should know how vindictive family can be.” Tanner tilted his head, clearly frustrated, and let out a long sigh. “What am I going to do about you, Shiloh? You can’t keep secrets from me. You’re my responsibility…and since your safety rests with me, I’ll just have to keep a closer eye on you,” he vowed with a nod. “And I’m not giving you another amethyst. That you’ll have to earn.”
All things considered, it seemed like a fitting punishment. “Agreed,” I nodded respectfully.
Tanner glanced at my right hand. “Where’s your diamond ring?” he questioned. “And your others?”
“In my purse,” I answered. It wasn’t a total lie. I didn’t quite know how he would feel about my diamond being sewn into the lining of my bag. Why risk it? “I didn’t think I should wear them around Malachi,” I added.
“Good thinking,” Tanner remarked, but it wasn’t the greatest of compliments. He pointed to my purse turned magical gris-gris. “You’d better hope that magic lasts. I’ll see you in the morning, first thing. I have to check on Malachi. He’s giving your friend Mike a private tour this evening.”
That didn’t sound good. “Why?”
Tanner opened the door. “That’s what I intend to find out.”
I grabbed his arm. “I am sorry,” I added. Tanner stopped in the doorway and turned around. I felt his muscles pulsating though his shirt.
“What was that back there?” Tanner asked.
“What? My compulsion?”
“Yes. Why did you do it?”
“Malachi noticed the angelite on my watch. You know, the one you instructed me to wear,” I stressed. “I didn’t realize he would. He wanted to know who gave it to me, so I made him think it was Mike. That’s why I had to compel him…unless you wanted me to tell him it was a gift from you. Why does it matter?”
“Because it seemed like more pleasure than business to me…at least this time it did.” And with that crack, Tanner was out the door.
My eyes flared as my grip on the doorframe tightened. Uh!
“Nice fireworks,” Katie giggled.
“Katie, he’s really upset at me. I shouldn’t have lied to him.”
“He’ll forgive you,” Katie assured. “If he hasn’t already.”
“He thinks I gave his amethyst to a witch. I lied about that too,” I admitted, reeling with regret.
“What else were you supposed to do? You couldn’t tell him. Sometimes you have to lie,” Katie affirmed.
I etched that last statement in my brain to pull up if my bosom friend ever found out about Gallia and the missing fire opal. That’s valuable ammo. Just as Tanner disappeared around the corner, Anna came bouncing down the hall.
“Hey, Shi. A bunch of us are heading up to look at the stars. You should come if you feel up to it,” Anna said. “It’ll be fun.”
“Okay,” I replied. After Tanner’s ass-chewing, I needed some fresh air. I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. Within a minute, I arrived topside to find Ty standing all-alone beside the railing. I sensed a cloud over his head, so I gave him a nudge.
“Aren’t you coming to look at the stars?” I asked.
“Actually, I was waiting on you,” Ty confessed.
“Why?”
“I wanted to ask you something.” Ty’s skin seemed to fade a few shades as he weighed his words. “Are you and Mike—”
“NO!” I blasted. “Ty, that kiss wasn’t what you think it was.”
“It sure looked believable to me,” Ty confessed.
So I hear, I thought as Tanner’s jab rolled through my head. I stared out at the ocean, knowing I needed to give him some semblance of an honest answer.
I insisted, “It was supposed to look that way…for Malachi Xcavare.”
Ty tilted his head. “Does this have anything to do with Mike finding out what happened to his father?”
“You know about that?” I asked.
“Yeah. He told me about it on the plane. He thinks Lazarus had a hand in killing him. He’s obsessed with finding him. I think he only told me in case something happens to him…or maybe he lost a few too many brain cells along with his memory.”
“Could be?” I mumbled, still wondering if that side effect was a possibility.
“Maybe I’m being too hard on him? I know how difficult dealing with memory loss can be,” Ty remarked mindfully. I refocused my attention to the handsome jock. “Shiloh, how can I not remember you? There’s a real reason. I know there is. Someone knows something. I’ve had some time to think about what happened at the Drive-In, and about this necklace showing up in my locker…and I think that someone who can give me answers is you.”
“You were really sick that night,” I assured him as I averted my stare. “Didn’t the doctor—”
“I’m tired of medical excuses. I want the truth,” Ty demanded as he grabbed my shoulders. “I remember the look on your face after I woke up in the ICU.” He gently turned my head, forcing me to look at him. “I want to know how I can not remember someone four spaces after mine in every one of my annuals since the first grade and still feel like my heart is going to burst out of my chest when I see or think of you?”
If his emotionally charged words weren’t enough, the memory of my own heartbreak made me feel lightheaded. I pressed my arms against his chest and stared at it, the same broad chest I’d dreamt about countless of times over the years. I looked at the diamond I’d given him, both grateful and still thankless for its power that fateful night. It was ultimately the reason for why things hadn’t developed further between us, and still a crucial reason why they couldn’t. Just when I’d found the courage to look him in the eyes, a soft light captured my attention instead. The watch on my wrist was casting a mysterious opalescent glow.
This was the first time I’d witnessed its magic. The shimmery light seemed to be increasing in intensity and that meant only one thing, danger — somewhere. I jerked away from Ty and scanned around the deck in all directions. No one was there. I didn’t see anything that would pose a threat.
“Shiloh, what’s wrong?” Ty asked. “And why do I feel like we’ve done this before?” I stopped my surveillance straightway and looked deeply into his blue eyes. Just before I lost myself completely, I spotted something reflecting off them. A wave. I spun around. A huge, menacing wave was racing from the rear of the ship, hugging the side of the vessel and charging towards us.
I locked my arms around Ty just as the water smacked our bodies and drove us down onto the deck. Then, something thick and slithery wrapped around our legs. It was dragging us to the edge of the ship. I could barely see, what with all the water swirling around us. I held onto Ty, pressing him down against the deck, and then whipped the hilt out of my purse. With one swing, I extended its blade and felt the diamond slice into something coarse. Whatever it had ripped into let go of us instantly and strangely let out a grimacing, human-like scream. As the water began to recede, I quickly retracted my weapon and tucked it back inside my bag before Ty co
uld see it. With the wave now gone, I spotted Ty to my right, coughing up water and gasping for air. But there was something else lying there. I crawled over to the side of the yacht, where a section of railing had broken off. A gruesome, scaly black tentacle was lying on the edge of the deck. I heard some people coming towards us from the stern of the ship so I shoved it off the side and back into the sea.
Tammy and Heath popped out from under the tarp of a nearby lifeboat they’d been hiding in. “Are you both okay?” they asked.
“We heard someone screaming,” Anna and Ethan said as they joined our growing huddle.
“I’m fine,” I replied. “But Ty—”
“I’m okay, Shi,” Ty insisted. After a few deep breaths, he checked himself from head to toe. He wasn’t injured, but his pants were ripped, and one of his legs was covered in slimy goo. “What was that?” Ty asked.
“Just a rogue wave,” I replied listlessly. I gripped what was left of the railing and stared out at The Gulf. The scene looked too serene. The waning moon’s reflection was glistening on its tranquil surface, trying to tempt my mind into thinking the worst was over, but I knew the truth. The glinting waters quivered with trepidation, and my gut followed its sway.
“Y’all are lucky you didn’t go overboard,” Ethan remarked.
“Yeah,” I mumbled as I looked at my watch. “Really lucky.”
Chapter 17 — Out of the Pot, Into the Fire
The Jewleeana may have eased its way onto calmer waters, but my vessel tossed and turned on stormy seas of my own. All throughout my sleepless night, periodic peeks out the porthole steered my thoughts. Something was out there, rolling with the waves and fueling my restlessness. An amethyst would have really helped. It had been some time since I’d felt this way, felt this jittery and hunted. Sure the Onyx was always on my mind, but this was different. Something was amiss and it had been…since New Orleans.