“You’re crazy, you know that? Absolutely loony nutso crazy! You can’t get away with it.”
“Roland, dearest of friends, you should know me better than that.”
“It’s too dangerous. At night, and in this storm? You’d get yourself killed!”
“It’s the only way.”
“It’s not the only way! Waiting till morning is the only way!”
“What are you two talking about?” Allison asked.
“Well, what fun is that?” Chris asked.
“It’s safe, that’s what it is,” Roland said. “Haven’t you learned anything from going out to the Anvil? You’re going to get everyone in a lot of trouble, if not killed with another of your scatterbrained ideas.”
“This time will be different.”
“This time will be different,” Roland mocked him. “I’ve heard that before.”
“But this time it really will be. Think about it. For once I’d be helping someone.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it. It’s all about you. It’s always about you!”
“Usually, yes. But not this time.”
“There is no this time.” Roland drew himself up. “If you push this, I’ll go straight to Lawson and tell him everything.”
“Everything?”
“Yes. Everything.”
“Really?” Chris looked smugly at Roland. “You gonna tell him how great it was to lose your virginity? Huh? I bet if they put that in the brochure, they’d get a lot more applicants.”
“I don’t care,” Roland said, blushing. “If that’s what it takes, I’ll still turn you in.”
“Well have you ever thought to ask Jake? He’s the one who’s in mourning. Shouldn’t it be up to him?”
“Will someone please tell me what the hell you two are talking about!” Allison shouted.
“We are talking about getting Jake out of here,” Chris said. “We’re calmly discussing our only option.”
“Which is?” Allison asked.
“Jake,” Chris said, coming over to me. “You’re going to have to ask yourself how bad you want this. I can get you off this godforsaken pile of dirt, but it’s going to be one hell of a ride.”
I looked up into his feverish eyes. “How?”
“It’s what I keep telling you. No one can keep this bird out of the sky.”
* * * * *
Roland collapsed in the lower bunk, pulled his knees to his chest and withdrew from the conversation. Derek looked thunderstruck. Kate came over and put her arm around my shoulder. Allison sat perfectly still, staring at Chris as if trying to decide whether he was a hero or a fool.
I was completely against the idea. I envisioned a horrific scene of a helicopter plunging into the ocean, or at the very least, of Mr. Lawson announcing our names as the latest additions to the expulsion list. In the end, I told Chris that the risks were too great.
“It’s just a funeral,” I concluded.
“Just a funeral?” Chris said. “Is that all this is? Hey, if that’s the case, then you’re absolutely right. Why risk our necks for that? But as quiet as you are, Jake, you don’t fool me. Where’d you go for your week off? Your grandpa’s. You didn’t think for a second about going home. Your old man is too busy to even pick up a phone, and your mother’s …” he waved his arms, “babysitting a bunch of birds in Canada.”
“Hey, I—”
“You’ve never come right out and said it, but I know how much your grandpa means to you. And you know what? I bet it drives your father nuts, which is why he doesn’t want you at the funeral tomorrow.”
“You don’t know that.”
“It’s written on the wall, my friend. You didn’t find out about your grandpa from your father, who lives two states away. That’d be too easy. That would be something a normal family would do. Instead, your brother calls from halfway around the globe fifteen hours beforehand.”
“You don’t know that!”
“Jake, I wish it were different. I really do. I wish you came from a Norman Rockwell family, but you don’t. None of us do.” He glanced at Roland and Derek, who were both examining the floor. “What makes me such an expert? Because I’ve got seventeen years experience in how fucked up a relationship can get between a father and son, that’s why. So don’t sit there and tell me this is just a funeral. It’s nothing short of a family crisis. When Roland went to the Anvil, did we let him go alone? Hell no. And we’re not letting you go through this alone either. And if the roles were reversed, I know you’d do the same for me. This isn’t just a funeral. It’s about them controlling us.” He pounded his fist into his palm. “They stick us out here in this … this breeding ground to mold us into who they think we should be. Screw that! If we play by their rules, they win every time. Every time! The helicopter isn’t an excuse to fly. It’s about you standing up to your family. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you show up at that cemetery tomorrow and look your father dead in the eye.”
Chris was right, and I hated him for it. He knew what it was that kept me awake at night, knew about the thing I never spoke of. And once he had pulled it out and showed it to me, I realized that this was a battle worth fighting. It was the politician in him, the power of persuasion that was so irresistible everyone in the room fell beneath his spell, including Roland, who only moments before had been muttering “pure suicide” beneath his breath. There was something appealing in his take-no-prisoners attitude, something convincing in his devilish grin that made you want to smile right along with him. Mr. O’Leary had properly coined Chris’ life as a rollercoaster, and despite having been forewarned, I wanted nothing more than to jump onboard and speed recklessly down the tracks.
Everything hinged on acquiring Mr. Noble’s keys. The plan we devised involved Holly and Kate “interviewing” the young Coast Guardsman. The idea of getting arrested for a federal offense did nothing to curb Chris’ enthusiasm; in fact, it only encouraged him. “We’ll bring some dignity back to the Guard,” he said. “They don’t have anything better to do than play Legos with an old lighthouse. Besides, I’ll park it right where I found it and leave gas money on the dash.”
Before he ushered us out of the room (claiming he and Allison had some unfinished business to attend to), he pulled me aside.
“You have to promise me something before I fly you out of here.”
“Sure. Anything.”
“You have to come back.”
“Where else would I go?”
“I mean in case your mother wants you to spend the week at home, or your old man tries pulling you out of here. You can’t let them. I don’t have time to explain it right now, but you have to come back.”
“For the debate,” I said, intending it to be a question, but the words gave away my conviction.
“Just promise me.”
“Chris, the only thing I know for sure is that I will be back. That part I know.”
While Roland led the girls through the courtyard to Mr. Noble’s room, Derek helped me pack. He threw a fistful of the Mr. Crackle candy bars he was rarely without into my backpack. “Can’t get to New York on good intentions,” he said, handing me a wad of crumpled bills.
The money felt awkward in my hands. It had been so long since I’d bought anything, I would have shown up at the bus stop empty-handed.
Roland, Holly and Kate were waiting for us in the Kirkland Hall alcove, our agreed upon rendezvous. Despite their umbrellas, all three had gotten wet. Though the lightning had stopped, a cold rain persisted.
I felt relieved when Holly jingled a set of keys in the air. Only later would my doubts return.
Derek gave her a fierce kiss. “That’s my girl!” he said, grabbing her waist.
“He was putty in our hands,” she bragged.
“It was pretty easy,” Kate confirmed. “I think we got a knack for this.”
“Oh we totally have a knack for this.”
“How’d you do it?” I asked.
“The hardest part was
finding the keys,” Kate said. “While the interrogator here was asking him all these stupid questions, I was—”
“What do you mean stupid questions?” Holly asked.
“‘So, do they ever let you guard anything besides the coast?’” Kate asked in a high-pitched voice while twirling a strand of hair around her finger. “Come on, only a blonde would ask that. But your Mr. Noble didn’t have a clue. He even thought we were students here.”
“So where were the keys?” Derek asked.
“Under his hat,” Holly said. “He started telling us about how his great-grandfather used to work at this lighthouse for like … forever. The story took forever too, but then he showed us his light keeper’s hat.”
“So then Miss Sunshine here asks if she can try the hat on,” Kate added. “And when he put it on her head like it was a …”—Kate could barely contain her laughter—“a tiara at a beauty contest, I grabbed the keys. I’m telling you, he was a pushover.”
“You’re mean,” Holly accused Kate. “I thought he was nice.”
“That’s ‘cause he wanted to bang your boat, girl.”
“There’s only one man who can bang this boat,” Holly said, throwing her arms around Derek.
A moment later, Chris poked his head out of the Senior’s Door. “We in business?”
“We just so happen to be in desperate need of a pilot,” Holly said, jingling the keys and flashing Chris her unforgettable smile.
“Music to my ears. You’ve delivered a boat, and now a helicopter. I want Air Force One here by the end of the week.”
While the others said their goodbyes, Kate fidgeted with the handle of her umbrella.
“It’s not right, you know, them not telling you.” She shook her head. “I’m sure they had their reasons, but …”
There was something familiar in her words—the way they pressed up to what needed to be said—that any Hawthorne would have recognized. It was the way David talked whenever Father was mentioned.
“It’s … complicated,” I said.
I knew that if I said anything more, then all of my emotions would come out. It wasn’t fair to Kate. I felt I owed her something. I wanted to stick around to make sure nothing happened to her, but there seemed to be an unspoken understanding between us that it was me who needed looking after.
After the story of the stolen key had been retold, Roland, who had been unusually quiet, stepped forward and announced in a firm voice:
“I’m coming with you.”
Everyone looked at him.
Chris crossed his arms as if to say—what is it this time? “And why, exactly, would you do that?”
“Because I’m your co-pilot, that’s why.”
“A noble gesture. Truly. Look, we don’t have time for this. It won’t be long before Mr. Lighthouse realizes that these,” Chris rattled the keys, “are missing. Come on, Jake. Let’s roll.”
When Roland started to follow us, Chris turned and shoved him away. “Hey, think for a second, will ya? Stealing a helicopter won’t exactly be a great start to your career.”
“This isn’t about me, or my career,” Roland said, returning Chris’ shove. “It’s about you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you.”
“Look, unless you know how to fly one of those,” Chris pointed in the direction of the helipad, “then you’re dead weight. I’ll see you when I get back.” He turned and walked into the rain.
“You’re not coming back!” Roland shouted after him.
Chris stopped mid-stride. He spun around, not bothering to step beneath the cover of the passageway.
“You hate this place,” Roland continued. “You know they’ll arrest you the minute you get back.”
Chris started to say something, but cut himself short with a shake of his head, as if silence alone could refute Roland’s accusation.
“I bet before Jake came asking for help, you were planning on leaving with the girls. But now you’re on to the next grand plan. You want to go out in the biggest way possible. But as much as you hate being here, that’s not the real reason you’re leaving.”
“Do tell,” Chris said.
“You don’t want to be here when your father arrives. Nothing will piss you off more than him coming to your island. For once, you won’t be the center of attention!”
Chris lunged forward, hitting Roland hard in the stomach. Roland doubled-over, the breath rushing out of him.
Holly let out a scream.
“Hey, come on man,” Derek said, taking a step forward.
With an effort, Roland straightened and faced Chris. Chris looked more surprised than anyone. But there was no anger in Roland’s eyes; only a stubborn refusal to compromise.
“You can hit me all you like, but you’re stuck with me, Chris Forsythe. If it was only you coming back in that helicopter, God knows where you’d end up. You might not give a shit about yourself, but for whatever reason, you seem to be concerned about my welfare. So I’m coming whether you like it or not, because I’m the only guarantee you’re coming back!”
We all waited for Chris’ reaction. Derek looked ready to jump between them at an instant’s notice.
“You are one … stubborn mule, you know that?” Chris said at last.
Roland smiled like he had just been paid the highest compliment.
“That’s it, kiss and make up,” Derek said, grinning.
Holly looked relieved and Kate was smiling.
“You know, your girl will be proud of you for flying,” Chris said, putting his arm around Roland. “Chicks dig that shit.” Then he turned to Derek. “Think you can handle four girls by yourself?”
Derek’s wolfish grin sufficed as a response.
“Everyone know what they’re doing tomorrow?”
“Take the girls to the beach and wait for Sandy,” Derek said. “Then come back and board the ferry. Oh, and forge Jake’s name.”
“Good. Well, I’m not one for long goodbyes, so …”
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Derek asked, to which Chris gave his standard reply that we chanted in unison: “I was born to fly.”
Derek and the girls left through the Senior’s Door. Kate was the last to leave.
“Good luck up there.”
I returned her smile and watched as she ducked into the stairwell.
We were preparing to head out into the storm when the door swung back open. I turned, half-expecting to see Kate, but it was Max standing in the doorway.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the three musketeers.”
“Just enjoying the weather,” Chris said, as if Max’s sudden appearance was of no particular concern. Meanwhile, Roland and I had the look of startled rabbits.
“Rumor has it you’re a wanted man, Bellringer,” Max said, extracting a cigar. “Lawson’s informed the faculty that—”
“I’m to be shot on sight?”
Max permitted himself to smile. “Let’s just say I’d get the privilege of dragging you to the headmaster’s office a second time.” Max started rummaging through his pockets, coming up empty-handed.
“Can’t take a piss without unzipping your fly,” Chris said, holding up his lighter. “Let me guess—amateur night.”
“Hmmmf. Guess it is,” Max admitted, looking hungrily at Chris’ lighter. “It’s been eight years.”
“Sorry to hear that. Let’s say, hypothetically speaking of course, if I were to give you a light—”
“Relax, Bellringer. I’m not turning you in. Not tonight, anyway. Tonight, I’m off duty.”
Chris flipped open the lid of his lighter. With the cigar between his lips, Max leaned over the flame and puffed smoke.
“Nothing quite like it,” he said, leaning against the wall. He took another drag and, with the look of someone experiencing a long-forgotten pleasure, closed his eyes.
Chris squatted on his haunches, also lighting up. I couldn’t have imagined a more unlikely scenario. Chris was having a smoke with the
one person who did nothing to conceal his aversion for him. It was as if a truce had been called, and they sat warming their hands over the same fire.
“No toothpick tonight, Max?” I asked.
“Not tonight. Been saving this for a special occasion,” he said, taking another drag, and then, with the cigar still clenched between his teeth, let its tip droop in the fashion of one of his toothpicks. “Just now finished. It’s official—Raker is operational.
“Wow. That’s great,” Roland said in a way that made it obvious he could care less.
“Surprised you haven’t tried it out,” I said.
“Wish it were that easy,” Max replied. “You wouldn’t believe the list of procedures they make you follow.” He waved his hand as if swatting a fly. “Besides, I’m sure the boys from the Coast Guard will want to do the honors. Just as well they stuck around. Wouldn’t want to travel on a night like this.”
Max’s cigar dangled from the side of his mouth, and when he inhaled, a small circle of light appeared between his dark lips, illuminating one side of his face and leaving the other in shadow.
“Well … speak of the devil.”
Max turned at the sound of footsteps running through the rain. A dark figure materialized from the courtyard, the light of the passageway reflecting off a small, familiar emblem atop his head.
“All you have to do is mention the Coast Guard, and they come a-runnin’,” Max said. But by the time he turned around, we had already vanished into the storm.
We sped down the path toward the helipad. Though I never looked back, I envisioned the shining replica of the lighthouse pursuing us every step of the way. I barely felt the rain. When lightning flickered on the horizon, I caught a flash glimpse of one of the rotors, and when the next flash came, the helicopter stood before us.
“Get the chains along the sides,” Chris instructed.
Roland and I unhooked the chains while Chris climbed up and untied ropes from the rotors. The sight of the enormous, bubble-shaped aircraft sitting motionless in the rain made me wonder how it would ever lift off the ground. Were we actually going through with this? All at once, a gravity specific to the island weighed me down.
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