Love, Lattes and Angel (Mutants)

by Sandra Cox

“I’m sure you’re right.” She looks around. “I guess we should be heading home.”

  As if on cue, Angel appears beside us. Piper gives me a what-did-I-tell-you look.

  “Little wonder girl.” I hold out my good arm and she jumps into it. A rush of love nearly drowns me. Who’d have thought being a parent would color one’s entire universe? There’s nothing like it.

  Piper slides into the boat and holds out her arms. I hold Angel over my head as if she’s a football, while she giggles, before I hand her to her mom then pull myself on board.

  Angel and I spend the next two hours playing silly baby games. Piper steers the boat, occasionally reaching over to tickle our daughter. The agile little sea creature is back to a land baby with a limited range of motion.

  In much too short a time for my liking, Piper throttles down the boat. “We’re home.”

  The shoreline comes into view, outlined by tropical growth in varying shades of brilliant color. Piper shuts down the motor and we drift into the cove. Our time together is over. Once she steps onto the dock, she’s Tyler’s girl.

  A tiny hand touches my cheek. I hug her and nuzzle her neck. If Piper’s correct, I’m going to have to filter my thoughts whenever I’m around Angel.

  “Why?”

  I forget that she can talk. Once her leg and arm coordination catch up with her brain there will be no stopping her.

  “Because I might be thinking of something silly, like pouring chocolate syrup over pizza.”

  She giggles.

  The boat hits the dock and rocks against the planks. Piper jumps out and ties it before we head to the cottage, plants brushing against our legs as we hurry down the narrow dirt track that stands between us and our temporary home.

  A light shines like a beacon through the window of the little hut, outlining Amy as she comes barreling down the pathway, her arms outstretched.

  “Oof.” I grab her in a one-armed hug.

  “Are you all right?” She backs away and lifts my bandaged arm, her touch gentle. Her voice sharpens. “Where’s your watch?”

  I glance at Piper and raise my eyebrows.

  “I didn’t want to take a chance on calling anyone,” Piper answers my unspoken question.

  “Good thinking.

  “The chip’s gone, Amy.”

  “What? How? I didn’t think it could be taken out without damage.”

  I don’t immediately respond.

  “Is there damage?”

  “Probably not.”

  “But maybe?”

  “The chances are good he will fully recover,” Piper tells Amy. “And if he doesn’t…”

  “We’ll deal with that when the time comes. No matter what happens, to me it’s worth it to get the chip out.”

  “Do you think I could get mine removed?” She bounces from foot to foot, her eyes sparkling.

  “I don’t know if the shark bite loosened it or if it could have been removed anyway.”

  Her face falls and I add hastily, “We’ll look into it, Ames. I don’t see how it’s going to make a difference to our security if the doctor removes one or two. And Mr. Dunn seems to trust him, so that’s a plus.”

  As if on cue, Piper’s grandfather calls from the little stoop of the cottage where he’s haloed by porch light, “Why don’t you all come inside? I haven’t seen my great-granddaughter in a week. Not to mention you two.”

  Night sounds and the loamy scent of island vegetation engulf us as we troop to the cottage. The moment we’re through the doorway, Angel holds out her arms. Mr. Dunn scoops her up and herds us into the living room where he has a tray of iced tea waiting. The love surrounding my daughter radiates through the room, making it a happy place. I can’t help but hope it offsets the time she spent in that vacuous, blue liquid in the lab. A jolt runs through me when she looks over at me, smiles, and gives a tiny nod.

  Amy is still excited about the removal of the tracker and shares the news with Mr. Dunn and Tyler.

  Tyler gets up from the couch. “Glad to see you’re okay and that everything worked out.”

  My attention turns from my daughter to the guy in front of me. “Thanks.”

  The relationship between us is tense. Tyler is admirable. Under different circumstance, I believe we’d be friends, but at the moment he’s kissing the reason that stands squarely between us.

  “Welcome home, beautiful.”

  “It’s good to be back.”

  Is Piper’s response strained, or am I only seeing what I wish to? Given what I owe Tyler, I can never in good conscious make a play for his girl. It would take a better man than I, though, to wish them happy. Maybe, someday, I’ll be able to sincerely wish Piper joy with another man, but at the moment, it’s beyond me.

  I put my jealousy on the back burner where it belongs and get down to business. “Once my wrist jammer was removed, Stranger and Craven would start getting the signals to the hospital’s location. And that could lead to us. I think we should leave the island.” I study Mr. Dunn, the biggest impediment to leaving. The man is not young and has heart issues.

  He looks back at me from still-youthful eyes. “If that’s what we need to do, then we’ll do it.”

  My gaze drops to my daughter. She’s watching me too. She pats her great-grandpa’s heart. I get it. Unfortunately, I’m even willing to sacrifice that fine old gentleman to keep Angel safe.

  “How’s your heart?” I ask in spite of myself.

  He thumps it. “I’m fit as a fiddle.”

  Angel shakes her head.

  “Do you have your supply of nitrate tablets?”

  “Sure do.”

  “Do you need one now?” I ask.

  “I’m fine, Joel. What’s wrong with you?”

  He looks understandably perplexed. It dawns on me that Angel isn’t reading his mind, just voicing her concerns about her great-grandpa.

  Piper turns to Tyler. “What are your thoughts? Stay or go?”

  He gives Piper’s hand a squeeze before he starts prowling around the room. “There’re lots of islands. Lots of cays. The cottage is well hidden. They could look for us forever and hopefully never find us.”

  “It’s not worth the risk,” I interrupt.

  “I agree.”

  Surprised, I bite back the protest I was about to lodge.

  “Even though we are well hidden, the sensor going off has got to have narrowed down their search area. I say we move.” He turns to Amy. “What do you think?”

  Before she can respond, Mr. Dunn says, “Amy, do you want to see if we can get that tracker removed?”

  “It would be wonderful, but there’s no way I’m willing to put Angel at risk to do it.”

  “Well, I don’t think you’d have to. You all take the junket. I’ll stay with Amy and catch up with you in Joel’s boat. It’s faster. What do you say?” His gaze travels to each of us, taking in our reaction.

  “I was in the hospital a week. I’d hate to have Amy laid up if Stranger or Craven are on their way.” I shove my good hand in my short’s pocket and rock on my heels.

  “You had a horrible infection. We nearly waited too long.” Piper shudders then pulls herself together. “Maybe this will be a case of simple outpatient surgery.”

  I look at my useless hand. “Maybe.”

  “Well, why don’t I call Doctor Dan and see what he has to say? If it’s not outpatient, we’ll have to let it go.” Mr. Dunn hands Angel to Amy, pulls out his cell, and dials. “May I speak to Dr. Hurt?”

  “Both.” He responds to the question on the other end of the phone. His expression is puzzled then changes to disbelief. All color drains from his face. “I see.” He disconnects the call.

  Piper rushes to his side. “What is it, Gramps?”

  He stares at the phone in his hand. “I was just asked if I was a patient or acquaintance.” He looks up, dazed. “That was the police. Doctor Dan is dead. He’s been murdered.”

  Cha
pter 3

  Piper

  My grandfather takes a deep breath, straightens his shoulders, and looks directly at me. “We’ve got to get out of here now, Pip.”

  “Surely this doesn’t have anything to do with us?” Tyler protests, his features registering the same shock that’s on everyone else’s face.

  “I don’t believe in coincidences,” Gramps says. “We’ll head south. Grab what you need and let’s go.”

  I study Gramps’ features for any tinge of gray and watch his breathing. He catches me at it. “I’m okay, Pip. Get your things and Angel’s together and head for the boat. Go with Joel. His boat is faster. Amy, Tyler, and I will be right behind you.” He pulls out his wallet and gives me a credit card and a couple of hundred dollar bills. “In case we get separated.”

  My breath catches. I jerk my hand back. “You’ll need it, and we aren’t going to get separated.”

  He takes my hand and folds my fingers around the bills. “Then it doesn’t matter which one of us is carrying it, does it?”

  I swallow hard and blink back moisture building in my eyes. “Are you sure you have enough nitro pills?”

  “Yes. Now go.”

  “’K.” I toss a bag together for myself and Angel, and give Gramps a hard hug before I hurry down the moonlight path after Joel, Angel in my arms.

  Joel is carrying the bags, but I’m hard pressed to keep up. I trip over a root in my haste and stumble, clutching Angel to me. The bags under his upper arm and pressed against his body, he reaches out with his good hand to steady me. It’s warm and firm on my skin, sending bolts of electricity down to my toes, but I can’t allow myself to think of that.

  Angel whimpers.

  “What is it, sweet pea?” Joel doesn’t slow his pace, but he gives her his complete attention. Who would have thought Joel would take to fatherhood like he has?

  “Me.” She pats her chest.

  “Are you alright? Does anything hurt?” He holds her hand.

  She shakes her head.

  “Do you think this is your fault?” I ask, picking my way carefully along the path.

  She nods.

  “It’s not,” Joel replies. “It’s the fault of the bad men. We just want to make sure everyone’s safe.”

  “Me,” she says sadly.

  “Of course, we want to keep you safe, but also your momma, Aunt Amy, and me. The lab would take any of us.”

  “’K.”

  I’m not sure she’s convinced, but she lets it go. We reach the dock and climb on board the boat. Joel starts the motor and, turning on only the running lights, heads out to sea. Nothing breaks the quiet except the low hum of the engine and the steady lap of waves. The shoreline grows distant. Where are they? What’s taking so long?

  Finally, I see low lights cutting through the water. My lungs expel the air I’ve been unconsciously holding. Angel pats my face. “Looks like Gramps, Aunt Amy, and Uncle Tyler are just fine, Angel baby.”

  She coos.

  Joel glances over his shoulder. “They’re on their way.” He turns his attention back to the wheel.

  Suddenly, Angel points. “Lights.”

  “Yeah, honey, it’s your gramps.” I kiss her hand.

  She shakes me off and points again. “Lights.” There’s urgency in her voice.

  I glance back. There’re two sets of lights twinkling in the distance. “Oh my God, Joel, she’s right. There’re two boats back there.”

  He looks over his shoulder then grabs the radio. “Trawler, this is Guppy.”

  “Trawler here.” Tyler’s voice comes through with just a hint of static.

  “You’ve got company.”

  “We’ll handle it.” Tyler signs off.

  Joel cuts the lights and picks up speed, traveling fast in the dark.

  “Gramps,” Angel wails. I draw her close and cuddle her. The sweet scent of baby and powder comfort me as her arms creep around my neck.

  “What are we doing?” I’m torn. I want to go back in case they need help, but I don’t dare expose Angel.

  “Getting as far from them as we can. Try not to worry. They’ll put Amy in the cabin. Neither Craven nor Stranger would recognize Mr. Dunn or Tyler.”

  I grab the radio and click it. Joel answers, “Now’s not a good time.”

  “Don’t sign off. We need to know what’s going on.”

  “What’s going on is the police are boarding.”

  “Oh my God.” Shock skitters through my nervous system.

  “I’ll leave the button down.”

  Indistinct voices murmur in the background then grow louder.

  “Mr. Dunn?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m Detective O’Brien. I need to ask you a few questions.”

  “Of course, Detective, though since it’s the middle of the night, the timing seems a bit odd.”

  “Odd time to be taking your boat out, too. Where are you headed?”

  “I’m taking my young friends here on a tour of the islands. We wanted to get an early start, hopefully breakfast on one of the beaches as the sun comes up.”

  “That may have to be put off.”

  “What’s going on, Detective?”

  “A murder investigation, sir.”

  “Ah, Doctor Dan.”

  Even through the radio, I can hear the sadness in Gramps voice.

  “You called his phone shortly after the body was discovered. Why?”

  “I wanted to make an appointment.”

  “For what?”

  “Just to check on the old ticker.”

  “Why not go through normal channels?”

  “He is, or was, a friend of mine.”

  “You’re new to the islands aren’t you? How would you know Doctor Hurt?”

  “We served together in Vietnam and kept in touch.”

  “I see.”

  “Detective, how was he killed?”

  “Someone roughed him up, then tased him in the heart.”

  “And that killed him?”

  I could hear disbelief in Tyler’s voice.

  “From the deep marks, it looks like the voltage was ramped up higher than normal. It brought on a heart attack.”

  Stranger! Or Craven. As if reading my thoughts, Joel looks at me and nods, his features grim.

  “Sir, I’d like you to come down to the station and answer a few questions.”

  My stomach knots. There’s a metallic taste in my mouth. Surely they don’t think Gramps had anything to do with this.

  “Am I a suspect?”

  “Let’s just say a person of interest.”

  “Mr. Dunn’s in excellent shape for his age, but do you really seeing him roughing up another senior citizen? Why can’t you question him right here?” Tyler asks.

  “Mainly because I’m going to have to fill out reams of paperwork and it would be handier for me at the precinct. And as ludicrous as it may seem to you, it’s standard procedure. Victims are often killed by people they know.”

  Tyler snorts. The sound carries disbelief. “How did you get to us so quickly? Grand Bahama is a couple of hours away.”

  “We were in the vicinity on another case. Mr. Dunn, you’ll need to come with us.”

  “I’ll call a lawyer,” Tyler says.

  “I don’t think that’s necessary. We’ll get this straightened out. I want to do everything I can to help apprehend whoever did this to Dan.” Gramps voice drops, “Leave without me.”

  I bite down hard to keep from protesting. My arms tighten. Angel wriggles in protest but says nothing. I loosen my grip.

  “If you aren’t released in three hours, I’m getting an attorney.” Even with the distortion of the radio, Tyler’s voice sounds grim.

  Shuffling footsteps come through the radio then fade away. I’m unaware of the tears running down my cheeks till Angel pats them.

  Giving her a watery smile, I kiss her and hold her tight. “It’s ok
ay. It’s going to be okay.”

  Her face set in solemn lines, she nods.

  “Guppy, come in.” Tyler’s voice sounds hollow.

  I grab the radio. “Guppy here. What happened? Did the police take him? Don’t leave him, Ty—,”

  “No names, Guppy,” he breaks in. “I don’t intend to.”

  “Are you getting a lawyer?”

  “If he’s not out in three hours.”

  “Do you think you should wait?” My whole body quivers as my muscles jump in rhythm with my nerves.

  “They’ve got nothing on him and are going to have to release him. They’re on a fishing expedition. For God’s sakes, he’s seventy years old. The only reason I’m giving them that much time is its going to take a couple of hours to get to the station. Don’t worry, I’m following them over.”

  “Thank you, Tyler. Thank you so much. I’m worried about his heart.” I swallow the sob that is pushing against my throat at the same time icy prickles of fear are thrumming along my spine. I take a deep breath and hold it. I can’t give in to hysterics in front of Angel. Joel reaches over and squeezes my hand.

  “He’s not going to let this slow him down,” Tyler says. “He’s got too much to live for. When he’s released, we’ll follow you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Keep going, we’ll meet you at the destination point.”

  “Yes. Okay.”

  “Over and out.”

  “Over and out.” The cushions sag as I collapse on the seat. “Joel…”

  “Don’t even suggest it, Piper.” His face is grim, his knuckles white from gripping the wheel. Leaving Gramps may not be as hard on him as it is on me, but it’s not easy either.

  “Gramps,” Angel frets.

  I push tiny wisps of curls out of her face. “He’s going to be just fine, sweetings. And he wants us to keep moving.”

  “Me.” Her lower lip quivers.

  My eyes burn and I swallow hard. Even at her young age, her thoughts are for others, not herself. “This is what he wants,” I repeat. “For you to be safe. We need to honor his wishes.”

  Though she nods, her expression isn’t happy. She gazes at the dark waves. I clasp her to me and hold her till she falls asleep then I place her in her carrier and go stand beside Joel.

  He reaches over and takes my hand. As always, the contact both comforts and electrifies. Life is such a mess. How can I want him so when I love Tyler? And why can’t loving Tyler be enough? And why am I even thinking about it now when Gramps may be in trouble?