I stepped back, too, at her unexpected anger. “...Why?”
“How would you like to be named after a sunken cargo ship that killed your parents?”
And just like that, she was out the door and gone.
I stood rooted in place. I had it wrong, misunderstanding from the beginning. She was an emotional shipwreck herself, still buried in grief and I was obviously missing the rest of the pertinent details.
How had her parents died?
Her name was Sindia with a nickname of Sindi!
Journal lesson learned?
The past can resurface when you least expect it.
Chapter 39
More Interesting By The Minute
This mystery just kept getting more complicated by the minute, and, I might add, more intriguing. How did she end up with the name Sindia? And how were her parents killed? Were they killed intentionally, accidentally? Did it involve Sindia’s cargo treasure? If so, that would explain a lot.
All the rest of that morning I combed the beaches for Evan, who was nowhere to be found. By the time I returned home, I felt the sting of sunburn already beginning to hurt. I had lost all track of time searching for him and was now paying for it in spades with the promise of a painful burn.
I took a cool shower then applied lotion to my aching neck and arms that had been exposed to the sun. Thank goodness I’d had the sense to wear a hat and keep my jeans and tee shirt on.
I glanced at the clock. I had time for a quick bite and could then hurry over to the Sindia gazebo to catch Jake for an explanation as to what had happened to so traumatize Sindi. I was gradually getting used to her name, but was confused by why she’d been given it in the first place.
As far as their death was concerned, was it accidental?
If not, and someone had killed her parents, that would explain why Sindi was so skittish. But then what had her parents done to warrant death if it wasn’t accidental? Could Sindi now be afraid someone would come after her, and perhaps even Evan too? That scenario made sense and would explain a lot.
I knew I had get to the bottom of this to figure it out. Also, how did Pete play into it? With his presence at my rental twice, he was obviously a current player. But in what way? Exactly what was he after?
I have this obsession to try to figure out and analyze like crazy. I like to call it a process of elimination, but lately, it had been a process of adding to the already complex and unexplainable, to which I was a reluctant part. Part of what, I had no idea, which explained my frustration.
I had to go back to basics: who knew what and when.
I’d hone in on Jake for some of those answers, positive he could help give me further insight into the whole matter.
I ate quickly then headed straight for the gazebo that faced where the Sindia went down, hopeful Jake would fill me in. There were so many gaps that needed explaining. Jake had said he wanted help. Well, this worked both ways. First, he had to help me understand the backgrounds of a few people before I was willing to help him out.
Like Martha, the cliché queen, once quoted, ‘Scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.’
Chapter 40
Protecting More Than...
Jake was where I expected him to be, sitting and staring out toward the Atlantic, most likely talking to Charlotte, his late wife. I almost felt guilty for invading his privacy.
Almost.
But he had invited me to join him in his mission of finding out what might have really happened since that famous cargo ship, Sindia, sank.
So here I was, about to barge in with a few issues, one of which was to ask why he never bothered revealing her significant namesake, Sindia, whose telling name had great import in all this. Was Jake’s lapse in revealing that detail intentional? Why tell me only so much and no more? I’ve discovered in the past that people are usually protecting themselves or others. But this time I couldn’t figure out who was protecting what and why?
Was Jake protecting, saving Sindia, the girl?
I reshuffled nametags and got a startling eye-opener.
Or was Jake protecting, saving Sindia, the ship’s cargo?
I paused just before I approached the gazebo and Jake.
This game changer might include both.
“Why didn’t you tell me it was S-I-N-D-I?” I asked.
Jake merely nodded and smiled, which puzzled me.
“Forgive my sleight of hand deception,” he said, “but you needed to experience her emotional reactions yourself to appreciate what drives Sindi and why Evan is so protective of her.”
I wasn’t expecting that. Jake was right. Her anxiety and anger leaned toward the extreme. I had to see it myself to believe what a tinderbox she was with all that emotional turmoil simmering just beneath the surface.
But I needed much more before I could help Jake. His approach was a bit unusual, but I got his point: understand the emotions of the players involved.
“I get it. She’s a minefield, but I still need to ask...”
Jake stood. “I’ve got to go watch over Sindi for Evan.”
“Why?” I asked, frustrated. I needed more answers.
“He has to meet someone. She shouldn’t be left alone.”
“I get that now, but...”
“I knew you would,” he said, already stepping back.
I moved to stop him. “Wait. I have more questions.”
“I know, but I must go. I’m late. Try to understand.”
I gave in with a nod, frowning. Who was Evan meeting?
Seeing my disappointment, he said, “I’ll have Evan stop by tomorrow to answer all your questions, okay?”
“Sure,” I said, watching him walk down the boardwalk.
Now I knew for certain Evan was protecting Sindi.
And Jake was protecting both Evan and Sindi.
Were they all aware of the Pete Edwards impersonator?
Did they know he could be a potential player in this?
So why were Jake and Evan so overprotective of Sindi?
Something more was going on here.
My breath caught by another unexpected thought.
Was volatile Sindi protecting something too?
A secret they were all protecting...
Chapter 41
As Promised
As promised, Evan showed up at my front door when I swung it open to leave for my morning boardwalk stroll.
Obviously glad he caught me, he winked. “You ready?”
“How did you know where I was going?”
He smiled. “I have eyes everywhere watching you.”
I silently wondered if that was true at this point, as I agreed then locked the door behind us both.
Once up on the boardwalk and heading south, I asked casually, “So, how did your meeting go last night?”
Startled, he asked, “How did you know about that?”
“I have eyes watching too.” Let him wonder how much I knew and didn’t know at this point. I had my work cut out.
The early morning ocean breeze was refreshing after the heat of the day before. This time I was covered in sunblock and wore a hat for protection. We smoothly settled into an easy pace, walking the boards in the bright sunshine.
I turned to Evan. “So, how about enlightening me.”
“How much do you know?”
“Enough to be more confused, but nevertheless I’m still willing to help like Jake asked in any way that I can.”
Evan turned to me then quickly glanced around us, and then turned back again. What was he looking out for?
“Before my parents died, they sent Sindia something.”
I stopped. The Sindia gazebo was vacant and right next to us. I quickly motioned toward it. “Shall we? Then you can explain. Otherwise, my hands are tied. I need more information other than the fact that Sindi’s real name is Sindia too.”
We walked over and sat down in the gazebo.
“Jake said we could trust you. Can we?” he asked.
I
looked directly into his eyes, unwavering. “Yes.”
He finally nodded “Then ask anything you want.”
“What was your meeting about last night?”
“I met someone over something they want.”
“Well, that sure sounds cryptic.”
He leaned in, winked, and said, “It was meant to be.”
I leaned away, not expecting that and frowned. “Why?”
“I don’t want anything to happen to you, that’s why.”
Why was he flirting? I firmly placed my palm on his chest, leaving no uncertainty as to my mindset. “I’m on a sabbatical from all men. Besides, how could you flirt when you’re linked up with and worried about Sindi?”
“Sindi?” he asked, confused then smiled, leaning closer.
“Your significant other,” I said, tilting further away.
He unexpectedly threw his head back and laughed.
I was bewildered by his reaction. “What’s so funny?”
“Sindi’s not what you think. We’re not a couple.”
I sat there, caught off guard. Another game changer.
“Oh, brother,” I said, embarrassed by my assumptions.
“Exactly. I’m her brother. Sindi thinks our parents were killed because of the Sindia and her legendary secret.”
Chapter 42
What Secret?
“...Secret?” I asked, waiting for the rest of it.
“One Sindi won’t show or tell us what it is.”
“Who’s us?” I asked.
“Jake and me.”
Back to square one.
I kept probing. “Tell you or show you what?”
“Our parents’ note to her and what it says.”
Now he had my undivided attention. “What note?”
“The one she claims our parents mailed to her.”
“Why won’t she share it with you?”
“She thinks that if I don’t know what it says, I can’t get hurt and I’ll be kept safe.”
“But you don’t feel safe, do you?” I asked.
“Not after my second meeting last night.”
Second meeting?
“Tell me about the who and the what of these meetings.”
He smiled. “Jake said to expect you to be pushy.”
I smiled back at him. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“So this is how you eventually solve your mysteries.”
“That and leg work.”
He looked down to my legs showing beyond my shorts.
“I can certainly appreciate that.”
I blushed. “Let’s stick to business.”
“Jake also warned me about that.”
“What?”
“When solving mysteries, he said you’re all business.”
“He’s right. Who was your meeting with last night? Did it have anything to do with the ship, Sindia, or your sister?”
He swung his gaze to the ocean then. “He knows about it. I don’t know how, but he does.”
“Knows about what?” I asked.
“The note our parents mailed to Sindi.”
“Wait, let’s back up. Who knows about what note?”
Evan sighed and turned to me with angry eyes. “Pete.”
I had previously felt Pete was involved in something underhanded and deceitful after catching him lying to me.
“Pete Edling, the Pete Edwards impersonator, right?”
Evan laughed. “Don’t tell me he tried that line on you?”
“Not for long. Now, tell me exactly who this Pete is. I already know he isn’t the CEO of that salvage company.
“He’s no Pete Edwards, who is a straight shooter. It’s his chauffer, Pete Edling, who I heard was fired recently.”
“Can’t you go to Pete Edwards and speak to him?”
Evan laughed. “Too late for that now.”
“Right. Plus, it would’ve been your word against his.”
“Correct. So, what do you think, detective?”
“Me thinks I need to speak to your sister and get her to show me the note.”
“...That’s exactly what Jake and I hoped you’d do.”
“I heard a hesitating...but in your response.”
“But I’m afraid you won’t get anywhere.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“She is adamant, refusing to reveal the note’s contents, let alone let us see it in person to read it for ourselves.”
“Why is she being so stubborn?”
“She overheard me tell Jake that Edling demands it or he’ll play rough. In her naïve mind she thinks if Jake and I are ignorant of its contents, we’ll stay safe. She doesn’t get it.”
“Because she’s now made herself the target,” I added.
“It was unselfish, but also very misguided,” he said.
“What about the authorities?” I asked, already knowing Evan’s reply to that question.
“How do we explain a note we don’t know the contents of, and a certain chauffer, who is now threatening bodily harm if we don’t give it up, and who will deny knowing about these accusations if asked by said authorities?”
“It would be a, he said, he said, thing,” I mused.
“Jake and I already figured that note must contain some valuable information about the ship, Sindia.”
“Why do you think that?” I asked.
“Because my parents have been diving for the Sindia’s pot of gold at the end of the rainbow since we were born.”
“And by pot of gold, you mean...”
“Stolen temple treasures rumored to be on board.”
“So it sounds like they found something significant and told Sindi where it’s located in that note.”
“That’s exactly what Jake and I think happened.”
I whistled low. “And somehow Edling knows this too.”
“That snake, Edling, must’ve heard them discussing it.”
“How?” I asked.
“Who do you think handed off their tanks to them on their last dive? Speak to Sindi. Maybe it’s not too late.”
Neither one of us needed to mention too late for what.
I left Evan, going over his allegations, including Edling being a snake, a word that unexpectedly evoked an incident about how danger lurked everywhere, anytime...
Chapter 43
Taking Note Of The Note And More
My Journal
I must have been about nine years old. Our property and all the other properties on our block and the next block backed up to an oval-shaped mountainous wooded forest with dense brush, wild flowers, wild berries, and boulders. Besides being a lush buffer from the next block over, it was perfect for any child’s imagination in playing hide and seek, and all sorts of adventures that could be conjured up.
Everyone’s fenced-in properties had a gate that opened up to them. Think if it as a preserve left to the wild. I loved it and was always wandering through it, either alone or with my friends. It was safe, as all the neighbors kept their eye out for whoever was playing there, and if you wandered near their backyard, would wave and call out to each of us by name. In a way it was comforting to me.
I remember around five of us neighborhood friends decided to have a game of hide-and-seek that one day.
Having spent so much time hiking in that area, I knew every nook and cranny: where the violets grew: a bouquet for my mother, where wild onions grew: a biting snack, where the berries grew: a sweet snack, and where to find sticks and rocks to make a fort if needed.
On this hide-and-seek game everyone was found but me. I had managed to evade everyone by some miracle and chuckled to myself. I was fearless, hiding out in my comfort zone of the woods, that is until my last hiding spot.
I was hunkered down, listening for my friends’ crisp, crackling footsteps on the fallen leaves covering the forest floor when I heard an odd sound emanating from behind me. I had never heard this sound before in all the years I had navigated every square inch of my forest pl
ayground.
I listened intently. The shaking sound had a pause and then would resume like clockwork. What was it? While keeping a sharp eye out for the enemy, my friends, I slowly turned to look behind me and froze.
A snake! Not just an ordinary snake, but a rattlesnake!
I let out a scream people probably heard three blocks away, as I jetted out of my hiding spot and began running downhill in a direct line for my backyard. It followed me! Forget worn, zigzagging paths that everyone usually took, I was making a straight beeline for my property, dodging, trees, fallen branches and leaping over rocks and boulders.
I prayed my athletic skills were far superior to the snake’s and he had stopped somewhere along the line. I wasn’t taking any chances on looking back and raced on.
As I approached my fence line (of course I was nowhere near our gate) I caught sight of my mother through the trees. She had been raking in our yard, but when she heard me she dropped her rake and was now running up to our fence, looking terrified.
I body-slammed the fence urgently trying to get over it.
“What happened?” my mother said, reaching out to me.
All I was able to gasp was, “Snake! Snake! Snake!”
Without another word, my mother gripped me under my arms, and in one swift movement lifted me over our fence. As soon as my feet touched the ground, I took off for the safety of our house. I think I broke speed records that day.
It took a while for me to revisit my former woodland playground. And when I did, I was no longer the innocent babe in the woods. I was ever watchful for potential danger, always looking over my shoulder.
What I had taken for granted in my island of safety had taught me a valuable lesson: It doesn’t matter where you are or who you are with for an element of danger to pop up when you least expect it to.
Sometimes I tended to forget that and had to have that same lesson retaught to me over and over again. Eventually, by the time I became an adult, the accumulation of all those lessons had reinforced in me: Never take anything for granted. There are ever-present risks everywhere.
Saving Sindia (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 10) Page 10