Ladyfish

by Andrea Bramhall

  Without waiting for a response, he sauntered toward the exit, smiling broadly into the sun as it kissed the carpeted floor of the cabin. Finn pushed her long hair out of her eyes, tucking it behind her ears as she pulled her own sunglasses out of her pocket and slid them into place. Pete was already on the tarmac and heading for a building with a large banner saying “Welcome to the Conch Republic” hanging from it when she reached the door, and she nearly tripped as she bounded down the steps, well aware she was the last person off the plane.

  “Come on, Daniela Finsbury-Sterling! I can’t wait for you forever.” Pete laughed as she practically had to run to keep up with him.

  Finn landed a punch on his well-muscled arm.

  “Ow. I think the bugs are biting me already,” he said, playfully swatting non-existent bugs from his arm.

  “Watch it, or I’ll really have to hurt you.” Her British accent caused a few sidelong glances as they entered the terminal building.

  “Nah, you’d be lost without me.”

  “Please.” She hitched her bag further onto her shoulder and eased her hair out from under the strap. “Who’s picking us up anyway? Didn’t the dive school say that someone would meet us?”

  He fished a page from his pocket and passed it over to her. “We are meeting one Olivia Zuckerman. This says she’ll be the main contact for you through the course and your main dive instructor if you decide you really want to go through with this.”

  “What do you mean ‘if’?”

  He held up his hands to stave off the onslaught. “What I mean is if you decide you like being under the water. You haven’t been diving before, and for all you know, you could hate it when you get down there.”

  “And if I do?”

  “Then I’ll be here with you as long as you want me to be. I can find plenty of onshore attractions to keep me entertained while you play with the fishies!”

  “What about my dad?”

  “I told you. I don’t want the job. I would rather be penniless and happy than sell my soul to Satan himself.” He turned and grinned sheepishly at her. “No offense.”

  “None taken. I feel pretty similarly about him myself.”

  “Besides, I have a good education. A top class degree in IT will get me a job just about anywhere. In fact, I already have an offer on the table. This guy Pritchard has offered me a chance to join a team he’s putting together. Tracing bad guys on the old computer, baby. I may have to work my way up and not get the easy ride I would have in the office with your father. But what can I say? I like to sleep at night, and your dad’s offer comes with far too many strings attached.” He watched her as she walked along beside him. “I won’t be staying in a closet because your dad is homophobic and wants to see us producing heirs to his fortune.”

  “Peter, I don’t want you to make any rash decisions that could affect your future. When my dad finds out I’m not going back home, you know it’s going to get ugly. And if he knows you’re helping me, he could make you miserable.”

  “Finn, I don’t care. The more you worry about his reaction toward me, the more it makes me worry about you. I love you like you were my own sister, and I hate what that man has done, could do, and dares to think about doing to you. Treating you like you’re just something else he owns.” Pete stopped and held up his hands. “I’m sorry. Let’s forget all about the old fart and figure out how to have the most fun possible. We’re in Florida, baby. Let’s go find this Olivia Zuckerman and then find somewhere to party! Maybe she can give us a few hints about good places to go.”

  “Hi.”

  Finn almost crashed into Pete’s back as he stopped.

  “I didn’t mean to listen in, but I’m Olivia.”

  Finn found herself staring at the hand held out in greeting, suddenly and uncharacteristically tongue-tied.

  “Zuckerman. You said you were looking for me.”

  “Hi, I’m Pete Green, nice to meet you, Miss Zuckerman.”

  “Oz. Everyone calls me Oz.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Oz.” He shook her hand before pointing to Finn. “The mute one is Daniela.”

  Finn met Oz’s curious stare for a moment before looking away. She realized she must look like a child wearing her mother’s clothes. Black utility shorts, at least three sizes too big, hung from her hips, cinched in place by an army-style webbing belt. A loose purple cotton shirt wrapped around her torso and snagged awkwardly on the rucksack hanging from her shoulder. Her long hair was pushed back from her face by a pair of sunglasses acting as a headband. She looked around them, focusing on anything, everything, but Oz. She didn’t want to see the disparaging look in her instructor’s eyes before she’d even had a chance to get to know her.

  “Hi, Daniela.” Oz held her hand out to her.

  “Hi.” She shook Oz’s hand tentatively, barely making contact at all. Finally, Finn’s eyes settled on her. “Most people call me Finn.” She gave Oz a small smile, relieved when she couldn’t discern anything judgmental in the smile she got in return.

  “Finn it is then. Shall we get out of here?” Oz didn’t wait for a response but led them out of the airport and toward the car park where she had left the SUV. “I understand you’re staying at the Ocean Key Resort? Is that right?”

  “Yeah, Finn’s dad booked it for us so we thought we’d make use of it,” Pete said. “I figure I’ll hang out in the spa while Finn’s busy working and studying for the diving qualifications.”

  “Where in England are you guys from?”

  “London born and bred me, but Finn’s from more northern climes. Aren’t you, honey?”

  Finn nodded as she watched the world pass by outside the window. “Manchester. I was the ripe old age of five when we moved to London.”

  “Did you have any problems getting visas for the time that you’ll both be here? It can take a little while to get all the dives in for your certificates.”

  “Well, I’m only here on holiday, and Finn’s mum was American so she has an American passport.”

  Oz’s eyebrows rose and she glanced at Finn through the rearview mirror. “Really? Where was your mom from?”

  “Sarasota Springs, Florida. She moved to England when she married my dad.”

  “So do you come to Florida with your mom a lot?”

  “No. This is my first time here.” Finn shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with all the questions the woman was asking. She didn’t even know her, for God’s sake. And her family was the last thing she wanted to discuss with a stranger.

  “Well, it’s a beautiful place, and if you’re going to be here for a while, it’s probably a good time to visit.” Finn met Oz’s eyes in the rearview mirror and smiled, giving a slight shrug before looking back out the window.

  Oz glanced at Pete. “So you’re not diving?”

  “Nah! I’m strictly holidaying here before returning to my life in London.”

  “And what do you do with your life in London that could possibly compare with life under the water?”

  “A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” His chocolate brown eyes were twinkling with mischief as he spoke in an exaggerated whisper.

  “I absolutely understand that, but you don’t seem quite the gentleman to me.” Oz winked at Pete, and Finn started giggling from the backseat.

  “She’s got your number already, pal.”

  Oz glanced again through the rearview mirror and smiled at Finn. Finn’s stomach did a little leap and she took a deep breath to settle herself. A woman’s smile was nothing more than that. A smile.

  “I worked for Finn’s dad doing IT stuff.”

  “Worked?”

  “Yeah.” He pushed his fingers through his hair. “Definitely worked. He will soooo not want me back when he realizes that Finn isn’t going back home. He’ll think I kidnapped her. It’s really the other way around. Don’t let that innocent face fool you.” He threw a smile back at Finn. “She’s stubborn as hell. She has a foul mouth when drunk. And if you’re really lucky, she�
��ll show you her tattoo!” He grinned when Olivia’s eyebrows shot up. “Yeah, I know. She looks so sweet and innocent—like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth!”

  “Pete! Shut up!”

  “See? Ow.” He rubbed his shoulder after Finn punched him from the backseat. “Did I mention that she has a tendency toward violence too?”

  “I’ll do my best not to get on the wrong side of her. I bruise easy.”

  “Hey, don’t you start too.” Finn felt the tension in her shoulders ease with the easy flow of conversation. She nearly sighed in relief.

  “We’re almost there. I’m out on the early boat tomorrow with a bunch of tourists, so it’s probably best if we meet up in the afternoon to go over the game plan and do the paperwork. Is that okay?” Oz asked as she navigated her way through traffic.

  “Sure. What time’s best for you?” Finn swallowed the sudden lump of fear in her throat. She wanted to do this. She knew she could do this. Nothing anyone else said mattered, and Oz could teach her what she needed to know in order to stand on her own. She met Oz’s questioning glance in the mirror, noticing her shrug slightly before she continued speaking. Finn had clearly missed whatever Oz had been saying, but Oz didn’t seem terribly fazed. Tension knotted her shoulders once again.

  “I should be back at the dock around three and have the boat cleared in thirty minutes. If you come to the dive center at four, I should be about done and I can introduce you to everyone.”

  “Sounds good. Is there anything I need to be reading in the meantime? Anything I can do or get?”

  “Not really. We’ll sort everything out when we meet tomorrow. I’m sure you’ll be a little jet-lagged, so it’s probably best to get plenty of rest and just chill for the day. The pool at the Ocean Key is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous.” She pulled up outside the hotel entrance and walked around the car to open the boot as the bellhop arrived with a trolley. “If you ask the concierge, they’ll arrange a ride for you tomorrow. We’re not too far from the dive center, but it’s probably easiest to use the shuttle the hotel operates.” She closed the boot and turned back to them. “Pete, it was a pleasure to meet you and I’m sure I’ll see more than enough of you.” She held out her hand and sputtered when he pulled her into a fierce hug.

  “You make sure you look after her. She’s special.” Pete threw an arm around Finn and hugged her close before mussing her hair. “Short people like her make me feel really tall!”

  “Hey! You lanky piece of piss!”

  “I told you she had a foul mouth.”

  Oz shook her head. “Finn, I’ll see you tomorrow. Four o’clock.”

  Finn looked her straight in the eye, determined to let Oz know she was ready and not in the least afraid. Even if it wasn’t completely true. “I can’t wait.”

  Chapter Three

  William Sterling stared out his penthouse office window across the London skyline, but, as always, he didn’t see it. His focus was purely internal. He rested his hands on the slight paunch of his stomach, the pale blue shirt pulled taut across the flabby flesh. His fingers moved in time with each thought as it flittered across his mind before being dismissed. The telephone rang and snapped him from his reverie.

  “Yes?”

  “Mr. Sterling, Dr. Ethan Lyell is on line one.” He didn’t respond as he punched the button.

  “Dr. Lyell. You have good news for me I trust.”

  “Sir, I’ve created Balor. Your daughter’s work was impeccable. Without her, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

  “Balor?”

  “Yes, sir. I felt it appropriate—”

  “From Celtic mythology?”

  “Yes. Myth describes him as a cyclops able to paralyze and kill with a single glance.”

  “Is that what you think of your creation, Doctor?”

  “It is—”

  “No matter. I trust now you’ll have some results for me on how effective the bacteria are?”

  “Yes, sir. How would you like the results?”

  “E-mail them to me.”

  “Of course.”

  “When I get the results, I’ll let you know what to do next.”

  “Of course.”

  “And, Doctor…”

  “Sir?”

  “I want a projection on how long it will take to synthesize a quantity of this stuff.”

  “How large a quantity?”

  “Fifty-five gallon drums. Twenty of them.” He could hear the scientist swallow on the other end of the line.

  “Sir, I don’t have the equipment here to—”

  “Then you had better get it, hadn’t you, Ethan? Marissa is counting on you.”

  “Please, Mr. Sterling. Please don’t hurt my wife. I’m doing everything you want me to do. Please. Please let me see her. Talk to her. So I know she’s okay—”

  Sterling slammed the phone back into its cradle.

  “Pathetic.” He spun around in his chair and stared at the London skyline. The dingy gray clouds marred the view as he contemplated the upcoming deal. A harmless tummy bug would turn into a lethal killing machine. He mentally counted the millions of pounds riding on the back of the deal. He was already picturing his bank balance reflecting the transfer of funds.

  He smiled as he recollected one of his minions bringing the discovery to his attention. The discovery made by his own daughter. The ability to incorporate toxins inside bacteria so that they reproduced and infected the host; it was absolutely priceless. And she thought I’d only want to market the discovery to treat illnesses. So naïve. If I hadn’t had her DNA tested, I wouldn’t believe she was mine. Shame really. She has the brains to make my little empire even bigger.

  He turned back to his desk and picked up the telephone. She’s got the brains, but not the aptitude. He punched a number on the phone and waited for his secretary to answer.

  “Yes, Mr. Sterling?”

  “Susan, I need you in here a moment.” He hung up the phone and watched as she stepped inside.

  “What do you need, Mr. Sterling?”

  He turned his chair to the side and unzipped his pants. “Take care of this, Susan.”

  She clearly swallowed her revulsion and turned to close the door.

  “Leave it.”

  She froze. She paled and he smiled. She knew too much. Too many of his secrets were stored in that pretty little head. If she weren’t so good with her mouth, he would have dealt with her long ago. He waited, her hand on the doorknob obviously shaking.

  “Is there a problem, Susan?”

  She slowly turned around and crossed the room before dropping to her knees.

  It wasn’t desire for her that made him hard. It was knowing that she hated doing this. It was knowing that she despised him. It was knowing that she despised working for him. But still she got down on her knees and took him in her mouth. No, it wasn’t desire. It was power. He closed his eyes and reveled in it.

  Chapter Four

  At two on the dot, Finn pulled her newly purchased 1967 green ragtop Mustang into the parking lot at the back of the dive center and walked down to the dock. She could see that the boats were all still out and she smiled, glad she would be there to help with the chores common to her new profession. She found a perch on a low wall and leaned back against the trunk of a palm tree, her mind wandering as she stared out across the ocean. The waves broke gently against the dock and the jetties; the sun, hardly above its zenith, moved away behind her, casting long shadows as it marched onward.

  Slowly, dots on the horizon grew into the boats heading home for the day. Closing her eyes, she imagined herself on the deck of the boat, the feel of the wind in her hair, the sea spray on her face, and the sun warming her skin. She craved the freedom she knew she would find there. She could feel the shackles that had held her in London falling away. She hadn’t even noticed as the boat finally pulled up alongside the dock and the deck hand jumped off, taking the mooring line with him and bending it around the cleats, before catching the second line an
d making the boat secure. A gangplank bridged the gap and people with sun-reddened cheeks and windswept hair scurried off as fast as they could, none of them wanting to hang around and feel pressured into helping unload the equipment.

  She hopped off the wall and made her way the last few feet to the boat. Catching the eye of a well-built man wearing his wet suit pulled down to his waist heading away from the boat, she smiled at him.

  “Hi, is Oz on this boat?”

  “Yeah, but she’s probably gonna be pissed that you turned up here. She’s working and she don’t really like it when you girls show up like this. It’s probably best if you just head off home and call her later.” He put an arm around her shoulders to turn her away from the boat. “She did give you her number didn’t she?”

  Finn’s eyebrows drew into a frown. “Yes, she gave me her number. I know she’s working. That’s why I’m here. I’m a bit early, but I thought—”

  “Hey, Mac, go and get the cart or we’re gonna be here all day.” Finn turned to see Oz at the top of the gangplank starting to pass boxes along to a man on the dock receiving them. She gave a quick wave when she saw them talking. “Hey, Finn, you’re early. Is everything okay?”

  Finn ducked under the man’s arm and headed the last few feet to the boat as he shrugged and headed away from them. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I was just a bit bored hanging around the hotel waiting, so I thought I’d come over and take a look around. Is that okay?”

  “Sure.” Oz reached for another box stuffed with lead weights, masks, snorkels, BCDs, regulators, and fins, before tossing it across to the man on the dock.

  “Since I’m here, can I help with anything?”

  Oz’s head snapped up. “You want to help?”

  Finn shrugged. “Yeah. Is that not all right?”

  “It’s more than all right. It’s just unusual. This is the end most people try to duck out on.” Another box hit the dock. “When Mac gets here with the cart you can help stack the boxes so that we can get it all back to the dive center to wash it off before we store it all. Is that okay?”