******
They exited the dirt road through the woods, and Phyl looked around her as they walked through the tiny, quaint village of Turtle Cay, really a grouping of small, colorful wood-frame buildings lining a small street. There was a general store, a post office, and what she assumed were some government buildings. They passed quite a few people as they walked down the sidewalk, and Phyl turned her head to smile down at a toddler shrieking excitedly as she held her pudgy arms out and took wide, wobbly steps ahead of her smiling mother.
"She's adorable," Phyl's tone was soft as she smiled at the mother.
"She's a 'andful," the mother laughed as she leaned down, keeping her hands near her child to catch her if she fell.
She felt Thad softly squeeze her hand and they continued down the tree-lined street.
"Thad, I will miss Calvin and Owen so much," she sighed, glancing up at him. She thought about their goodbyes, and the sweet hugs all around as they took their leave.
"I know. They're good people and most likely, they saved our lives." Thad narrowed his brows as he looked down at her. "How are you feeling? It's pretty hot out here."
"Honestly, my head hasn't hurt for quite a while now."
"Good, good. I'm glad to hear that."
"You know, Thad, the way that Calvin and Owen live is how everyone, in my opinion, should strive to exist on this earth," Phyl mused. "Simply. Sparingly. Using only what you need, growing what you can." She felt Thad press her hand warmly. "The world would be a wonderful place."
"You're right, Phyl. If everyone were like them, but unfortunately, there are too many money-hungry and greedy souls in this world."
"Sadly, you're right as well." Phyl sighed, then pointed to a pale green building. "There's the restaurant. Sam's house is past that and to the left."
They found the tree-lined road that would eventually lead to Sam Davis' waterfront home and Thad hoisted the bag up on his shoulders as they intentionally kept their pace slow.
"We're a little early." Thad glanced at his watch. "Hopefully, he'll be amenable to leaving before six."
They traversed the paved road leading down to the inlet, and saw the large boat docked at a sizable pier and gazebo, and they turned right onto the gravel road leading to Sam's home.
"Wow. That's an impressive house." Phyl exhaled as she took in the manicured lawn surrounding the two-story wood house set on massive stilts. Painted in tones of coral, the imposing home with the large picture windows would afford the owners, in her mind, very impressive views of the inlet and the Atlantic ocean beyond that.
"It most certainly is." Thad pursed his lips as they paused for a moment to take it all in, then they walked up the curved driveway to the porch and rang the bell beside the double doors.
A Pale Paradise Page 24