Hidden Monster

by Amanda Strong

We spent the rest of the day with Tonbo, leaving his office, wandering through his elaborate gardens. His personal estate lay just beyond his sanctuary, as he referred to the lush acreage we meandered through. Having never remained a damsel for this long, I felt like I was finally growing accustomed to my super senses. Walking down the paths, I heard the crunch of pebbles under foot, while drinking in the scent of the intoxicating blooms surrounding us. Moisture kissed my bare skin as I let my hand brush the plants we passed. They felt rubbery, like the leaves were waterlogged. I tried not to giggle when Tonbo began rattling on about how horticulture was an underappreciated science, his manic hand waving both endearing and funny to watch. When he pointed to a large, bushy tree, the sensation of déjà vu hit me again. It rolled through me; suddenly, the garden felt hauntingly familiar.

  I swept my eyes around, trying to place what could possibly be triggering such a feeling. I’d never been anywhere this tropical before. And this looks nothing like Colorado. Still, it nagged at me. Blake, who’d been walking next to me, slid his hand into mine. It broke the feeling of familiarity and snapped me back to the present.

  “What do you think of the place?” he asked.

  “Complete paradise.” I grinned back at him.

  He tugged at my hand. “Let’s stop for a bit.”

  I watched Mack and Tonbo continue without us. I had to admit, I’d never been to a more romantic place. I didn’t mind being alone for a minute. His eyes eager, he cleared his throat, and then ran his free hand across his mouth.

  He took both of my hands in his. “Sam, would you like to live here?”

  My heart stopped. I hadn’t had time to think this all through. Being a damsel, I knew I wouldn’t always be able to stay in Durango with my family. I knew they’d find out soon enough I was different. Blake had never wanted to take over for Tonbo. I could see now what a huge responsibility it would be. It would be like being told you were suddenly the mayor or maybe even the president at the age of eighteen. Even though the population was much smaller, they were a bit unruly, thanks to the unrest Kory’s group of dissenters had caused. Did he hope I’d move here with him?

  I gazed back into his eyes. Does he mean now? Permanently? Is this a marriage proposal? I gasped at my own thoughts and then realized Blake had only asked if I would like living here. Slow down, I told myself, no wedding bells yet. The scary realization for me was what my answer would probably be if he had asked me.

  “Yes, I think so,” I managed, and Blake exhaled. Poor guy, I made him wait a bit.

  He leaned in and kissed my lips. I never wanted it to end, but he pulled back and glanced around. Then I caught the scent too, musky cologne with a hint of mint. We had a visitor, and I knew who it was before he appeared.

  “Kory,” Blake muttered, his hand tightening around mine.

  Dark hair, broad shoulders, and a white smile. Kory strolled forward, his eyes sweeping up and down my body. I turned inward to Blake, trying to shield myself from his view, feeling like he had x-ray vision. For whatever reason, Kory gave me the creeps.

  “Hello Blake, Samantha,” he said, bowing his head to me. “Off for an evening stroll? All happily ever after for the two of you, I suppose.” Sarcasm laced his words, “Funny that it did all work for you, Blake. How convenient. The girl of your dreams just happens to be changed and now look at you, walking Tonbo’s personal, private gardens together.”

  “Let’s keep our personal differences out of this, Kory,” Blake said evenly. “I’m coming with you. Let me get Sam home first.”

  Kory’s mouth had opened but apparently, Blake’s words had changed his mind. “Finally something we can agree on.” He grinned, did a mock bow, and vanished.

  I wanted to ask Blake how the heck Kory knew we were here in the first place, but Mack and Tonbo had returned. Tonbo peered around, his brows knit, and his lips pinched together.

  “Kory just left,” Blake said. “I let him know we’re joining him. We’re going to find this bug, whoever it is, and destroy it.”

  Tonbo nodded and then sighed. “I’m sad I missed the boy. Would’ve enjoyed his company for a bit. It’s been too long since his last visit.”

  I stared at Tonbo. Doesn’t he know Kory despises him?

  “Perhaps next time,” Blake answered, his tone strained, as he draped an arm around Tonbo’s shoulders and began walking back with him. Blake showing Tonbo affection made me happy. Behind the smiles and odd sense of humor, there was something desperate about the old man, as though he thought his soul was forever damned for his past mistakes. Perhaps showing compassion on others, like Kory, was Tonbo’s way of trying to redeem himself.

  I caught eyes with Mack, who shuffled to my side. He leaned in and murmured, “Tonbo chooses to love Kory. Like the Prodigal son, he hopes Kory will return one day.”