by Marilyn Turk
A cool breeze ruffled the curls around her head as she trotted down the crushed shell road. The brilliant winter sun peeked through the moss-laden oaks, dappling her path in light and shadow. Days like these were what brought the first millionaires to the island to get away from the frigid cold in the northern states. Southern winters were so erratic, starting out chilly in the morning, then changing to pleasant spring temperatures in the afternoon. How could such a lovely place be cursed?
Had Mother ever appreciated its beauty?
Deep down inside, Lexie recalled days from her earliest childhood when Mother was happy and family outings here were enjoyable. Yes, there had been lovely days on the island at one time. Lexie caught glimpses of the Atlantic through the trees to her right. The water was so still, more like a lake than an ocean. Tranquil. Something Mother had not been, growing more and more troubled.
Lexie wanted to reach out and embrace the serenity of the moment, keep it for the next time her world was rattled. But how could she be peaceful with so many unanswered questions? Somebody wanted her here, but she didn’t know who or why. If they wanted something from her, why didn’t they present themselves and ask for it? The sight of the ransacked antique secretary flashed through her mind. Whatever they had been searching for must be important. And if they didn’t find it, were they following her around, hoping she might lead them to it?
Her temporary tranquility vanished as she glanced around her, watching for signs of another person’s presence. There were no other horses out today, so someone following by foot would have a hard time keeping up with her, but she urged Angel to a faster gait anyway. And there were no cars either, at least not out this way. She shook her head. She was just being silly. No one knew where she was. No one except Russell, and he said he’d probably be at church by now. Surely he was honest with her.
She continued heading to the northern tip of the island, where she and Russell had ridden together on the bike. A smile crossed her face and she chuckled to herself. What fun that had been, riding on the handlebars! She could just picture the two of them flying down the beach in tandem. Angel seemed to know where Lexie wanted to go as she trotted onto the beach. At the water’s edge they stopped, and Lexie gazed out on the calm sea, barely lapping the shore.
Squinting against the bright sunlight, she shielded her eyes and scanned from east to west, stopping to gaze at the town of St. Simons across the way to the north. The white lighthouse tower glistened as if the structure itself could radiate light. On such a beautiful day, it was hard to believe there was a war going on in the world, even harder to believe there was an enemy threat close to their own shores. And yet, didn’t the people living at Pearl Harbor think the same thing the day they were attacked? She shuddered, and the horse nickered. Did it sense her fear? She’d heard animals could do that.
She stroked the horse’s neck. “You don’t see any enemies out there, do you?”
Angel answered with a whinny, and Lexie laughed.
“You know, you’re a pretty good conversationalist. You might even understand me better than anyone else.”
At that remark, the horse snorted.
“Ha! Okay, maybe that’s too much to ask of anyone, even you.” She pulled on the reins and turned the horse the opposite direction. “Let’s go down the beach, shall we?”
The horse nodded and proceeded along the hard-packed sand. Once again, Lexie relaxed with the rhythm of the horse’s gait and slow, steady swishing of the incoming waves. A lone white pelican soared over the gray-blue water, its eye fixed on an object below. He swooped and plunged in, surfacing with a fish he maneuvered into position. Then stretching out his neck, he gulped his dinner down.
Other than the bird, the vacant, pristine beach showed no sign of life, and Lexie imagined the scene must’ve looked the same to the first explorers to the new world. They, too, must’ve found the beaches empty. Little did they know they were being watched by native Indians hiding in the woods.
Lexie jerked her head toward the trees. The Indians were long gone, so who watched the shores now? She remembered Russell mentioning the club guards that were supposed to keep intruders out of the compound and off the island. A distant memory of the guards patrolling the beach on horseback came to her.
“Hi, little girl. What are you doing out here?” The man on the tall black horse gazed down at her.
“Will you take me for a ride on your horsey?” She extended her arms hoping he’d pick her up.
“Sure. I’ll take you for a ride. Where’s your mother?”
“Over there.” Lexie pointed behind her.
“All right. We’ll ride over there and see her.” He leaned over and lifted her up to the saddle, putting her in front of him with his arms encircling her as he held the reins. She was so high above the ground.
The panic on Mother’s face was not the greeting she expected when the guard rode up with Lexie.
“Lexie! What are you doing?”
“I wanted to ride on the horsey!”
The man lowered Lexie to her father’s arms. “Thank you,” her father said before the man tipped his hat and rode off.
“Lexie, you are never to ride on one of those animals again! Why, you could have fallen off and broken your neck!”
Tears clouded Lexie’s vision as she re-lived the crush of disappointment she’d experienced from her mother’s words. She wiped her eyes with the back of her gloved hand. Mother’s reaction had only deepened Lexie’s desire to ride again, but she had to wait until she went away to college to fulfill that desire. And so far, she hadn’t fallen off and broken her neck.
She glanced around her. No beach patrol was in sight. In fact, she hadn’t seen them since she’d been on the island.
As Angel plodded along the shore, Lexie studied the sand, looking for seashells and admiring interesting pieces of driftwood. How curious that sun-bleached dead trees could be such works of art. As she rounded the bend, she glanced up and saw a lone figure standing some distance away. The man appeared to be gazing out at the ocean, holding an object in his hands. She stared at the person, trying to figure out what he was doing. Maybe he was one of the guards.
Binoculars. That’s what he held. The man looked familiar. Just as she realized who it was, he turned and looked straight at her. She pulled up the reins, stopping the horse, and looked directly at Abner Jones.
Chapter 17
Russell stood up from the piano bench and straightened, stretching his muscles. After sitting on the hard seat for two hours, he was stiff. He’d been so engrossed in the sermon, though, he hadn’t even thought about being uncomfortable. Of course, it didn’t help that he’d come in an hour early to practice. Even though he could play most of the hymns blindfolded, he still liked to warm up beforehand. To be honest, playing hymns before anyone else came to the chapel was comforting and helped him get into the right attitude for worship.
A few of the congregants made their way over and thanked him for playing.
“We’re so blessed to have someone with your talent playing for us.”
He nodded and smiled in return. “Guess those piano lessons were worthwhile.” Not to mention that minor in music at college. At the time, he’d entertained the notion of playing professionally. Father’s heart attack put an end to those plans, though. The club members had agreed with his father’s recommendation that Russell was the best qualified to take over the position of club superintendent. So maybe God had a different plan, and playing music in His house of worship was the purpose for Russell’s talent. Fame and fortune would have to wait a while longer, if ever.
He shook Reverend Wright’s hand and thanked him for his message.
“Will you be able to preach for us all season?” Sometimes finding ministers to come to the island was difficult, especially those with their own congregations.
“I’ll do my best. I told Mrs. Prentice I would definitely commit for January and maybe for February, too, if I can work it out.”
“W
e appreciate your willingness to come. I understand you’ll be joining some of the ladies at the club for lunch?”
“Yes, they’ve been nice enough to invite me. Since the missus passed away, I enjoy the opportunity for a nice meal when I can get it.”
“You’re welcome to join us any time as our guest.” Russell patted the reverend on the back as they walked down the aisle to the front door. “Mr. Sullivan will take you back to the launch when you’re ready to leave.”
The reverend nodded, put on his hat and coat, and walked out the door and down the steps where a cluster of women waited, their hats bobbing in unison as the man approached. Russell smiled and waved, whether anyone noticed or not. Then he walked back in and closed the piano before turning off the lights. Sunlight illuminated the Tiffany stained glass window at the rear of the chapel, sending rainbows throughout the room. He loved the feel of the small chapel, the sacred quiet now that he was alone.
He crossed his arms and stood before the stained glass, commissioned as a memorial window for a former club president. The scene depicting King David on his throne reminded him of the sermon. It was about Joshua, who became the leader of the Israelites when Moses, the great prophet, died. God told Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. Joshua must’ve felt the same way Russell did when he took over his father’s position. Maybe David felt the same way following the footsteps of King Saul. Sometimes it was hard to follow someone who’d been in charge a long time. Wonder if Lexie felt that way about taking over the family responsibilities after Robert died?
Lovely Lexie. Why didn’t she want to come to church? Her family used to be regular attendees—they’d sat in the fourth pew on the left. If his memory served him right, though, Lexie’s mother and father had become less frequent worshippers, and Lexie attended with only her grandparents. He and Robert sat in the back pew, making jokes about everyone else in the sanctuary. Robert said his mother didn’t like the carved animal heads that adorned the end of the rafters. The grotesques, part of the building’s Gothic architecture, frightened her. Russell shook his head. What nonsense. But fear took many forms and prevented many people from thinking clearly. How well he knew that.
He checked his watch, noting the time was half past twelve. His stomach growled, reminding him it was lunchtime, but he had an urge to saddle up and find Lexie. He had no idea where she’d gone; however, she was bound to be on a main trail. What would she think about him showing up uninvited? He chuckled to himself. When did he need an invitation to go horseback riding? The stables were his to enjoy as much as anyone else. He glanced down at his suit. This wouldn’t do—he’d certainly look ridiculous riding up in this attire. Better hurry and change if he hoped to catch her before she came back, whenever that was.
There was no point in turning around and riding away like some scared ninny. She would just continue on her course and act polite, like a mature adult. Her stomach tightened. She straightened in the saddle and nudged Angel forward.
“Good morning, Mr. Jones.”
He grunted and turned back to the sea, raising the binoculars.
She made an effort at conversation. “See anything interesting out there?” Maybe the man was a nature lover.
“Germans.”
Lexie’s heart stopped.
“Germans? You can see them?”
He shook his head. “Not yet, but I know they’re out there. I can always sniff out a German.”
Apparently, the man suffered paranoia from his years in the war. Didn’t Russell say the German submarines had been spotted farther north? Maybe he was delusional and saw Germans everywhere. She hoped he didn’t think she was one.
“Oh, you mean across the Atlantic. I thought you meant right out there.” She pointed to the water while Angel snorted and shook her head.
He lowered the binoculars and looked back at her. “They’re closer than you think.”
Now he was just getting creepy again. She struggled for something else to say.
“If that’s the case, I’m certain our military will make sure they stay away.” If there were any of Hitler’s ships coming close to this country, the U.S. government would keep them from getting too close. Wouldn’t they? The war was being fought over there, not here.
Mr. Jones looked up and down the beach before fixing his gaze on her. “Where’s our army? Do you see any here?”
She opened her mouth to speak but shut it. Uneasiness made her glance around. He was right. There really wasn’t anyone on the island that could protect them from a foreign invasion. Did Abner Jones think he could hold off an invasion by himself? Maybe he did.
“Well, thank you for watching out for the island, Mr. Jones.” She had to get away from this man. As she nudged the horse to move again, Abner Jones reached out and grabbed the halter, the horse neighing at the abrupt gesture. Lexie gasped, and her heart raced. The man drew close to the saddle and peered up into her eyes.
“You should watch out, too, Miss Smithfield. You never can tell when an enemy will pop up.”
Her breath caught. What should she do?
His attention diverted to something behind her, and the approaching beat of hooves on the beach made her turn to look too. Russell galloped toward them on a gleaming chestnut stallion.
As he neared, he called out. “Hello! There you are, Lexie. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.”
Abner Jones dropped his hand from the halter. Lexie exhaled relief but stared at Russell, confused. Was she supposed to meet him? Russell drew alongside, between her and Abner.
“Abner. I see you’re out patrolling the beach. I’m sure Miss Smithfield appreciates the fact that you’re looking out for the enemy, don’t you?” Russell glanced at Lexie and winked.
“Why, yes, of course. It is a great relief.”
“Keep up the good work, Abner.” Russell nodded down at the man, turned back to Lexie. “Are you ready to see the other end of the island?”
“Sure. I’ve been waiting for you.” Well, maybe that wasn’t quite true, but she sure was happy someone had shown up. Frankly, she couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather see at that moment.
They urged their horses forward, Russell looking over his shoulder to tell Abner good-bye. But the man had resumed his lookout position, binoculars held high and seemed not to notice, much less care about, their departure. They trotted out of Abner Jones’ sightline, Russell leading the way.
Lexie called out to Russell above the sound of the waves. “Russell! Stop!”
He pulled his horse to a halt, and he twisted in his saddle to watch her catch up. His broad, cheerful smile warmed her heart in a way she wasn’t used to.
“Am I going too fast for you?”
“What? No. I just want to talk to you. I didn’t remember that we were meeting today, for one thing.”
“You don’t? Well, maybe because we weren’t—not officially, anyway.”
Lexie cocked her head. “So why did you say that?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Guess I couldn’t think of anything else to say at the moment. Got his attention though.”
“Thank goodness you showed up. That man scares me! And I think he scared my horse too.” She patted Angel on the neck.
“Angel? Oh, she knows him. Just doesn’t like to have her halter grabbed like that.” He gave her a wide grin. “I’m glad you’re happy to see me.”
Lexie blushed. She gave him a twisted smile as she tried to keep focused on her questions.
“Is Mr. Jones really guarding the beach? You said…”
“Well, he thinks he is, so what harm is there? He’s still serving his country.”
“He warned me, Russell. Told me to be careful. Was he talking about Germans or something else?”
Russell shrugged. “Who knows?”
“Maybe he was warning me about himself.”
“Oh, I doubt it. Like I said before, he’s harmless, just different.”
“Russell, he told me the Germans were close by. You said they
were way north of here, like North Carolina or further.” She studied his face.
“We don’t know exactly where they are. But they could go up and down the whole Atlantic seaboard, for all we know.”
“Well, maybe we really do need someone to guard the beach. Someone besides Mr. Jones.”
“We have somebody. The Coast Guard keeps a man out here walking the beach, looking out for anything suspicious.”
Lexie looked around, scanning the distance for a sign of anyone.
“Where?”
“Probably at the other end now. The guard rotates men. They come over from the base on the mainland.”
“Well, that’s good to know. It makes me feel safer, and I’m sure you’re glad to have them here to protect the club members.”
Russell laughed and shook his head.
“What’s so funny?”
“Don’t know how much protection one lonely man walking the beach is against a submarine, but I guess that’s better than nothing.”
So much for feeling safer.
Chapter 18
Russell turned his horse away from the beach to the trail through the woods. Lexie followed suit, casting an anxious glance up at the trees, just in case one decided to fall.
The narrow path didn’t allow them to ride side-by-side, so Lexie was happy to let Russell take the lead should anything unexpected occur.
Lexie studied Russell’s silhouette from behind. He sat straight and tall, quite comfortable in the saddle. He probably rode often, since it was so convenient. Unlike her, especially after Father died. Mother had become so overprotective—afraid to let Lexie out of her sight lest something bad happen to her as well.
College had given Lexie freedom to do what she wanted—as long as she came home every weekend to check in and assure Mother she was all right. Strange that her mother wanted to take care of her daughter’s well-being when she couldn’t even take care of her own. In the end, it was the reverse, with daughter taking care of mother, especially after Robert joined the navy.