This was it—the moment I’d anticipated and dreaded since Blake had told me he wanted me to join him on this trip. Had that only been yesterday? Time seemed irrelevant at the moment. This was the one person who might have answers. Don’t get your hopes up, Samantha, I told myself.
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected but when the double walnut doors swung in and a short, long-nosed, bushy-browed, little old man stood in front of us, I was taken aback. Had I expected someone taller or perhaps with a bit more of a commanding presence? I didn’t have time to wonder because he grinned from ear to ear and embraced Blake, Mack, and then me.
His arms felt small around my waist, and his thick, gray hair tickled my chin. I had the resist the urge to call him a little munchkin, because he felt so impish during our brief hug.
Then he stepped back and I gaped at his eyes—onyx with wisps of silver in them. I could only stare.
“We meet at last, my infamous friend,” Tonbo pronounced, his voice rich and deep like the ocean itself.
I stuttered to respond as he stroked his surprisingly tidy goatee. His black eyes widened, and his lips twitched into a goofy grin.
“Ah, but where on my manners, come in, come in,” he exclaimed, releasing me from his gripping gaze. I felt like I was waking from a dream. What just happened?
Tonbo gestured to me. “Damsels always before dragons.”
Blake chuckled. “Yes sir.” And Mack nodded. “You got it, boss.”
I had no choice but to go first. Nothing to be afraid of, it’s just his office…
But the room I entered did not resemble your standard office. There was no desk that I could see but instead a round table off to one side, with a water fountain babbling behind it. Rocks formed a mock mountain with a mini waterfall cascading down it. I was tempted to run over and stick my feet in the crystal pool; the water splashing down sounded so refreshing.
The heavy-looking, round table had elaborate carvings etched into its worn wood. High-back wooden chairs, upholstered in dark blue velvet, were tucked all around it. Feels so Knights of the Round Table. Doesn’t really fit an island… more like a castle.
I glanced around; there wasn’t a bare wall to be seen. Bookshelves spanned the entirety, crammed with everything from magazines, the last few decades of New York Times Best Seller’s list, to ancient-looking, leather-bound volumes. On the opposite end of the room, away from the fountain, three long tables sat with probably a dozen chairs behind them. From here, there appeared to be maps strewn across them. Looks like some sort of classroom. It even had a whiteboard on the wall. Strange. Nothing screams mad scientists, more like eccentric History or English teacher.
I wanted to ask so many questions, but Tonbo pointed us toward the round table saying, “Please excuse my untidiness, I’m afraid I have been enjoying my trainees’ company lately. We can cause catastrophes sometimes.” He chuckled at his own joke.
I glanced to Blake, who shrugged his shoulders.
Tonbo pressed his ear with two fingers, saying, “Dara, have some tea brought up and,” he glanced at us, “have you eaten yet?”
We all shook our head. “And a proper lunch. Fetch us something fresh,” Tonbo continued. He glanced at me. “You care for seafood? Fresh crab legs, perhaps?”
I nodded, still struggling to find my voice in his presence. I take back my earlier assessment. Tonbo does command attention and respect; he practically hypnotizes people. Must be those eyes.
Then I heard Tonbo say, “Yes Dara, lots of legs, shrimp, and clams. They’re my favorite this time of year. And oh my, almost forgot, I am completely out of gummy worms.”
Say what? I gaped at the man, while both Blake and Mack chuckled.
Hidden Monster Page 41