Cold green seawater poured over the side, the boat rolled towards the water. The lines hissed through the squealing metal pulleys, tangling around Kelly’s ankle. “What the—?”
Peter grabbed at her, as the boat violently capsized, but the boom swung around and cracked him on the head. He flinched in pain, but still tried to reach her, missing as she was pulled legs first into the dark swirling sea. She was in shock as she felt herself drifting down through the murky green depths. She hadn’t had time to grab much of a breath before the cold water covered her head. Her golden red hair wrapped around her face like seaweed as she fumbled to kick the rough line from her ankle.
She contorted in the water, trying to tug the rope from her leg. Even though she knew better, panic attacked her as her lungs burned, needing air. She frantically clawed at the sheet line, feeling lightheaded and desperate for oxygen.
Suddenly out of the dark water, Peter was there beside her, his clothes clung to his lean muscled chest and she saw something gleaming in his hand. It was a knife. He motioned to Kelly to stop kicking, and he quickly sliced through the line releasing her. He grabbed her arm and helped her up to the surface, she was disoriented and thankful he was there.
They burst out of the water, gasping for air, Kelly clutching Peter, who held her close, his arm around her waist. Choking on seawater she’d swallowed, Kelly noticed they’d surfaced about fifteen feet from the boat. It lay upside down floating like a wounded whale. The cause of the accident was very apparent. The large, steel keel, that normally served to stabilize the boat, was broken in half. Jagged corroded metal dangled from the vessel, filling Kelly with dread.
Unfortunately, the white capped water had no sympathy for their predicament, and it continued to bat them about like tops floating on the water.
“We’ve got to get over to the boat. We need something to hang onto. Maybe there’s a life jacket floating around.” Peter’s voice was strong and controlled, and it helped calm Kelly’s feeling of panic.
He dragged her with him, swimming the few strokes towards the bobbing boat. There were no life jackets to be seen and Kelly was starting to shiver. They clung to the wrecked boat for over an hour, trying to think of a plan.
Just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse, large drops of rain began pelting her head. “Oh my God, Peter what are we going to do?” Her voice was unsteady from the shaking of her body.
He looked at her, his mouth a grim line. “We’ve got to do something quick. You’re going into hypothermia.”
She noticed a welt on his temple where the boom had hit him. There was a thin line of red oozing from it, “Hypothermia?” she mumbled dazedly. “It’s summer time.”
Peter smiled and stroked her wet hair out of her eyes. “You can get hypothermia in water as warm as seventy degrees.”
She knew one thing, her shivering was becoming uncontrollable. Peter was holding onto her protectively, as she hung on best as she could to the boat. She was terrified. Her muscles were quickly becoming fatigued, and the pushing and tugging of the rough water made clinging to the boat almost impossible. She was embarrassed to feel so weak, she wasn’t a wimpy person. But the shivering of her muscles was draining her strength.
“It’s been too long. No boats are coming by. I think we need to swim for it.” Peter’s teeth chattered as he spoke. The rain was coming down harder now. His hair was plastered to his head, and his eyes were dark with worry.
“I can’t,” panted Kelly. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’m so weak.”
“I’m taking you with me. See the rocks over there? Lining the channel? I’m guessing they’re about a mile and a half away.”
“It might as well be two hundred miles, Peter. I can’t do it.” Her speech was slurred. She estimated they’d been in the water almost two hours by now.
“Kelly, listen to me. We have to do something, we can’t just stay here. No one knows what’s happened, or surely someone would have tried to help us by now. My guess is a lot of people are caught off guard by this storm and are taking care of themselves.”
He placed a finger under her chin and looked into her eyes. His were intense, and brilliant green. “I’m not leaving you here, and I’m not letting go of you.” His tone was dead serious. “So if you stay, I stay.”
“Alright… I… I’ll try,” she said breathlessly, as a ripple of water slapped her in the face.
They started for the rocks, and Peter was in the lead. So they didn’t get separated, he’d tied his belt to her arm. His strokes were strong and even, and Kelly felt the tugging of the belt, keeping her on track. He glanced back with almost every stroke to be sure she was ok. She panted and gasped for air in between weak strokes. Spitting out bitter seawater, she struggled against the waves and drizzling rain. Her movements were becoming increasingly uncoordinated, and after about fifteen minutes she felt dizzy. Her muscles were burning, and she was exhausted. She just wanted to rest, to sleep.
“Kelly, keep moving.” Peter’s ragged voice jarred her into motion.
She pushed on, gagging on sea water, and trying to keep up with Peter. But it was too hard. Her vision blurred and her lungs were raw from trying to breathe in the cold air. The rocks they were swimming toward seemed so far away, she felt like crying.
“Shit. I can’t do it,” she groaned, still trying to swim. But her arms were like uncoordinated paddles, and she just couldn’t go on. She stopped swimming, and felt herself sinking down into the dark water. There was a rushing in her ears, but it felt so warm and perfect. She closed her eyes, and, giving herself to the rolling ocean, she sank into the dark abyss.
Chapter Eight
Kelly was conscious of the sound of a clanging cart. There were loud voices over a speaker and she struggled to open her eyes. She found she was lying in a hospital bed, in a Spartan room, with pristine white walls. The sheets covering her felt rough and the smell of antiseptic hung heavy in the air.
“Kelly, thank God you’re awake.” She turned her head to see a weary-looking Peter seated by her bed. He had a white bandage on his forehead, and his jaw was unshaven, his eyes tired and bloodshot. He got up, and opened the door to the hall, calling for a nurse.
“I’m in the hospital? What happened?” She was disoriented trying to remember how she came to be here.
“Don’t you remember the boating accident?” His voice was raspy.
“Boat?” Suddenly the memory of clinging to the hull of the boat came rushing back. She remembered sinking into the warm water, and then nothing after that. She swallowed hard. “I thought we were done for.”
Peter reached out a hand, taking her pale one gently. He lifted it to his warm lips, and her pulse skittered alarmingly. “You and me both,” He gave a dry laugh.
“You saved me?”
He frowned. “I wasn’t going to leave you.”
I nodded weakly. “Thank you. I was so tired.”
“I know.”
“I couldn’t believe what was happening. I’ve never in my life seen a storm come up that suddenly.” Kelly shuttered at the memory.
The door swung open, and a middle-aged nurse came into the room. “How are you doing young lady? Had us all worried you know.” She spoke briskly, but her touch was gentle as she checked Kelly’s temperature, and straightened the pillows. She fetched some orange juice and insisted Kelly drank the entire thing before making an exit.
“Apparently, we weren’t the only ones having trouble. The storm caught quite a number of people by surprise. The Coast Guard had their hands full. They actually came upon us while answering a distress call from a boat near us.” He paused, shaking his head. “Thank God, because after you passed out, I was having trouble going toward the rocks. The waves were huge, the rain was unbelievable.”
Kelly gripped his hand tightly. “I owe you my life Peter. I couldn’t keep going, I was just too tired.”
“Well, I wasn’t about to let go of you.” His eyes stood out in the clear- cut lines of hi
s features, burning into hers. “It was either we both make it, or we both go down to visit Davie Jones locker.”
Kelly shivered. “Well, I must admit it has tempered my love of the sea momentarily.”
The door of the small room opened, and Gayle came in, carrying a large bouquet of flowers, “You’re awake?” Gayle’s voice was excited. She rushed over to the bed and gave Kelly a huge hug.
“Gayle, how long have I been in here?” Kelly’s voice was muffled against Gayle’s shirt.
“Three horrible long awful days,” Gayle looked tired and worn once Kelly inspected her face.
Peter stood up, offering Gayle the chair by the bed. “Well, now that we know our girl is going to make it, I think I’d better go have a bath before I’m arrested for unlawful emissions.”
Kelly felt a thrill at the words “Our girl”. She was so grateful to Peter for saving her life. When she thought of how calm and in control he had been, she felt a flush of something similar to pride. He had truly been heroic.
Gayle sat down in the chair and studied Kelly’s expression as she watched Peter leave. “You really gave us a scare. You weren’t in a coma exactly, but you definitely weren’t doing well. By the time they got you out of the water, you were in a pretty advanced state of hypothermia.”
Kelly sat up in the bed, settling the covers around her. “That’s the closest to dying I have ever been.”
“Stephen called to see how you were.”
Kelly grimaced. “Well, that was nice of him.”
“As much as I hate to admit it, he really did sound concerned.” Gayle watched Kelly’s face for a reaction.
Kelly gave a dry laugh, catching Gayle’s expression. “Don’t worry. I’m not harboring a longing for Stephen.”
“Who for, then?” Gayle grinned. “Peter?”
Kelly’s face reddened. “Not that again.”
“Kelly, he never left this bedside for three days. If I hadn’t smuggled muffins and coffee into him, he would have needed his own hospital bed.”
Kelly’s color deepened. She kept her eyes on the sheets, tracing a crease with a long finger. “That was nice of him.”
“Nice. Kelly why are you ignoring what is so very obvious to those close to you, namely me?”
“I’m not hiding anything,” Kelly said weakly.
“Of course you are. You’re in love with Peter. Just admit it.” Gayle sounded exasperated.
Kelly covered her face with her hands and groaned. “I don’t want to be in love with anybody, especially not Peter.”
“For heaven sakes, why not? He’s gorgeous, intelligent, and wealthy. Not to mention he just saved your ass from drowning.” She grinned.
“I know. He’s great.”
“But you’re still going to pretend you’re not interested?”
“Gayle, I just can’t seem to pick men well. I really have horrible radar. And more importantly, he’s leaving in a few months and then where will I be?”
“You worry too much. If he wants a relationship with you, what makes you think he would leave?”
“Well, he has certainly never said anything about staying.”
“Why would he? You haven’t exactly given him a chance.” Gayle laughed.
Kelly’s head was aching. She put a hand up to her pounding temples. Gayle noticed her sudden pallor and rang for the nurse. “She’ll get you some Tylenol or something.”
The same nurse from earlier returned promptly and took in Kelly’s wan appearance. “Visiting is over I’d say, she looks as if she’s had enough.”
There was no arguing with her; it was obvious from the stern set of her jaw she wouldn’t be moved. Gayle gave Kelly a hug and said she would check back later. Kelly took the pain pill and lay back on the soft pillows. She closed her tired eyes and drifted off to sleep.
****
A day later she was discharged from the hospital. Gayle picked her up and drove her to her cottage, hovering over her until they were inside.
“Gayle, I’m fine really.” Kelly chuckled.
“Well, I just want to be sure you have everything you need.”
There was no sign of Peter. He must have gone out. Kelly was surprised at how disappointed she felt. She’d been looking forward to seeing him. He had come by briefly to see her yesterday and check on when she’d be released. But he hadn’t stayed long, saying he’d had work to do.
Kelly slowly lowered herself to the couch. It was good to be home. She felt almost as good as new. Just a little bruised and tired.
The phone rang near her and she jumped. “Yes?”
“Kelly, it’s Jerry. I heard about your accident, boy you’ll go to any lengths to get out of a date won’t you?”
“Jerry, oh hi.” She’d forgotten he existed. Now she remembered she’d had a date with him the night of the accident.
“How did you hear about it?”
“Well I showed up at your house, and you weren’t there, so I went home and that’s when I remembered Gayle would probably know if something had come up, being your best pal and all, so the rest is history.”
“Well, it’s awfully nice of you to call.” She tried unsuccessfully to get off the phone.
“Oh no you don’t, you owe me a date.”
“Well, Jerry I am still really pretty tired.”
“I thought I would come by tomorrow maybe, take you to lunch.” He was not an easily discouraged man.
Lunch was probably safe. She would have to have a frank talk with him though.
“Alright, I guess that would work.”
“Super. I was shooting for twelve. Does that work for you?”
“That’s fine, thanks. See you then.” She hung up the receiver grimacing.
“Who was that?” Gayle came in carrying a tray with tuna sandwiches and Iced tea.
“Jerry.” Kelly groaned.
“Oh my gosh. I’d completely forgotten about him. He was very upset when he came here to pick you up, and you weren’t here.” She chuckled.
“Well, I was unavoidably detained.” Kelly rubbed her head in irritation. “I don’t want to go out with him. I really just did it to spite Peter.”
“Really, girl, you have been holding out on me. Why would you have wanted to spite Peter?”
Kelly took a bite of her sandwich, chewing thoughtfully. “Much better than hospital food.”
“Well, I guess that’s a compliment.” Gayle joked “Better than hospital food, but not quite as good as real food?”
Kelly giggled. “Sorry, this is the very best tuna sandwich I have ever eaten.”
“Well alright then, now quit stalling and answer the question. Why did you want to annoy Peter?”
“It was the night of the beach party. Constance said so many awful things, and I believed her. I just was trying to show Peter I didn’t have designs on him.” She smiled sheepishly.
Gayle gave her an assessing look. “So… have you given any thought to what we talked about in the hospital?”
“The hospital?” Kelly stalled.
“You know perfectly well what I’m talking about. Are you going to give it a try?” Gayle pried.
Unconsciously Kelly’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure.”
“Well if you don’t I will, he’s too good to let go.”
The sound of the kitchen door opening startled Kelly, and she jumped guiltily. Please don’t let him have heard what they were talking about, she prayed.
Peter came into the living room his thick chestnut hair tapering neatly to his collar. His smile was wide, his teeth strikingly white in his tanned face. There was still a scab on his temple where he’d been struck during the storm.
“You’re home.” The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice. He pulled a large bunch of flowers from behind his back. “I planned on having these in a vase for you before you got here, but you beat me back.”
Gayle sighed. “What a guy. You shouldn’t have.”
Peter smiled at her, pulling a long stemmed iris from the b
unch and handing it to Gayle. “That’s for being such a great friend to Kelly.”
Gayle grabbed it, laughing. “You’ve been warned Kelly.” She stood up nimbly and gave Kelly a peck on the cheek. “Got to go, the greasy spoon awaits.”
After Gayle left, Peter sat down beside Kelly on the sofa. “You’ve been warned about what?”
She flushed, she couldn’t exactly tell him the truth. “Oh nothing, just girl talk.”
His brows flickered a little, but he let it go. “So how are you feeling?”
“Great actually. I’m a little tired but that’s it.”
“Good, I can imagine I will have to try like hell to get you to ever join me on one of my adventures again.” His grin was infectious.
“Well since the last one nearly killed me, uh, yeah.”
“Well, you will be happy to know that Joe’s Boat rental’s has offered to pay all your hospital bills.”
“You’re kidding.” Kelly’s brow’s rose in surprise.
“I think it was a gesture designed to circumvent your possibly suing them,” he said a tad sardonically.
“I have no intention of suing.”
“Frankly they probably deserve it. That boat should never have been rented in the first place. They obviously were not keeping up on servicing the fleet.”
“Well, we’re both ok, so I don’t really need the hassle of a lawsuit. Paying the hospital bills satisfies me.”
“Yes, the important thing is that you’re okay.” His eyes were caressing.
“We both are okay, you were there too, remember?” She wiggled under his gaze.
He looked at her enigmatically. “It kind of makes you realize how easily a life can be snuffed out. It helps you prioritize.”
The Art of Hiding Page 12