Off the Deep End

by R. Jayne Revere

  Off the Deep End

  Copyright © 2021 R. Jayne Revere

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  ISBN: 978-1-7369025-0-9 (Hardcover)

  ISBN: 978-1-7369025-1-6 (Paperback)

  ISBN: 978-1-7369025-2-3 (Ebook)

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2021936396

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents appearing in this work are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Cover art by Dan Van Oss, CoverMint

  Character Illustration by J. Petersen DarcArt

  Line Editing by Anne Victory

  Proofreading and Oops Detection by Annie and Crystalle at Victory Editing

  Formatting by Tami at Victory Editing

  Printed in the United States of America

  First printing edition 2021

  Untamed Originals, LLC

  PMB #150

  132 West Columbus Ave

  Bellefontaine, OH 43311

  www.rjaynerevere.com

  For all those who have inspired me and encouraged me along the way.

  You know who you are. Thank you.

  Curious Encounter

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Discovery and Fortune

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Revelations

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Trust and Vengeance

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Fated Remembrance

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Recompense of Forfeit

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  A Captive to History

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Alliances and Bonds

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Strategic Deviance

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Depraved Reaquaintance

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Misdirection of the Game

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Loyalty and Perdition

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  What Dreams

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  A Final Note

  About the Author

  Boy, have I got a story to tell…

  Well, that’s one way to start off a journal. Alexandra Thomas established her vantage point on the topmost deck of the large research ship. Cross-legged on the rooftop of the bridge, she surveyed her surroundings. Her new notebook lay open and waiting. She chuckled at her first line entry.

  Her brother’s invite had come at the perfect time. With the past eighteen tumultuous months behind her now, this quest would help satisfy her yearning for adventure. Time away. A refreshing change to occupy mind and senses, to close the door on that rough period and renew her zest for life. Reawaken her soul. This excursion also showed the distinct possibility of a lengthy trip and was already an undertaking far out of her ordinary. A jump start for better things to come. She’d barely contained herself at his request to join one of his assignments. Did he have any idea what this meant to her? A good probability. His intuitive abilities were uncanny.

  On what should be a quick search mission, she would also help watch out for her nephew and provide extra hands on board when needed. Enjoy time on the ocean, an expedition with her family. Get away for a while and just be. This time with her brother and nephew came as a welcome respite too. Seldom anymore did they achieve quality togetherness, with her and her brother now residing on opposite coasts. This voyage would be good for them all as a family, including the delightful bonus of new friends in the making. A journal of their voyage along with plenty of photographs would hold a pleasant record of their shared experiences.

  What destinies lay ahead? A commissioned discovery mission, the vaguest of details. The entire crew and all on board interviewed and vetted. No personal cell phone calls, and computers and cameras inspected upon return. These particulars lent a considerable aura of mystery to the whole operation. So clandestine in nature, the objective must contain classified material of immeasurable consequence to its proprietors.

  Already the core ingredients for a great story.

  Alex’s brother, Jimmy Thomas, geographical engineer, deep-sea researcher and professor, had introduced her and his eight-year-old son, Will, around to the captain and crew over the past hour or so. A wide variety of personalities among them, the troupe was cordial and personable even if a bit eccentric. A fun and tight-knit group. The galley personnel stood out to her with their endearing wit, and a laughing Will had remained in their stead when she made her way to her current position.

  Under normal circumstances, visitors in unofficial capacity were not permitted. Only crew and researchers. This was not an official research voyage, however, thus allowing her sibling some leeway in the people he chose to bring aboard. The task and trip had come on short notice for Jimmy and therefore to her, and four days later, here they were.

  Their vessel still at port but nearing readiness to get underway, the crew continued to prep the ship. Raucous, spicy banter wafted up to Alex’s ears. She clamped a hand over her lips to catch a sudden giggle. I think you guys forgot you have visitors. Light waves lapped against the hull and dock below as early-morning sunlight did its best to moderate the invigorating breeze. She adjusted the towel underneath her to better protect her bare legs. Cold steel roof decking was like sitting on a block of ice! Maybe not the best decision to start the day off in shorts. At least she’d brought a warm jacket.

  Her decision to climb up here was rewarded with an encompassing view of the entire bay area. The opposite end held shipping docks, cranes, and tall stacks of multicolored containers that stretched into the distance against a backdrop of low, coastal mountains. Beyond the harbor, pearly ocean and marine layer blended into an esoteric haze. Seagulls squawked as they glided by on their lookout for breakfast. Fishy brine of ocean air filled Alex’s lungs, a deep, relaxing breath aiding her desire to soak up all the sensations of this experience. This should be fun!

  As she sat there enjoying the scenery, an indescribable perception washed over her. A strange, exhil
arating tingle flushed her skin and made her heart pound. Pleasant in one sense, it also made her shiver. Butterflies. Harmony. Unity. Coupled with… extreme loneliness? What a paradox! What the heck was that? Weird. She pulled her jacket tighter around her as her brows came together.

  That jolt of hollow desolation. The “alone” sensation carried her thoughts straight back to childhood. A little girl, awakening in the night. Crying. Wailing.

  The dreams and intuitions had been repetitive through her younger life, but her grandmother had always come to her room in those wee hours to console her.

  “Gramma, I feel so sad.” A young Alex had sniffled through sobs. “I feel alone. Like a little kid is lost and alone. He just wants to go home. It hurts, Gramma. I don’t know what to do! I need to help him! I want to hug him and tell him he’s safe!”

  Grandma Ann’s words floated into her mind, just as when the older woman had held her protected in gentle arms and rocked her to help ease her small child-self back into slumber. “You have a gift, little one. You are safe. So safe and loved. But you feel things. What others feel. It can help you well in life when you learn to understand it.”

  “But I don’t understand, Gramma.”

  “You will in time, sweetheart. You will in time.”

  Alex shook herself back to the present moment. She hadn’t experienced that intensity of forlorn missing, what she could only term a homesickness, in years! It had lessened throughout high school, and with work and life stress in general since, she’d all but assumed that part of her childhood was the result of a fantastical imagination. Occasionally it would surface, but to a much lesser degree. Why she’d had those wistful connections in the first place remained a mystery. And why all of a sudden now? Her recent independence? No, that development was working out well for her. It was something else. Aside from expected novelty, this trip held a peculiar air about it, an undercurrent she just couldn’t put her finger on. Likely just anticipation of unknown adventure ahead. Even with family here, this trip embodied a journey far from what she called home.

  She removed her sunglasses. Sailboats, small craft, and other larger vessels occupied this portion of the port. Sparkling water, seagulls, and bustling activity on the lower decks also caught her attention. A couple of pelicans sat atop pilings. Nothing out of the ordinary for a place like this. She smiled and wiggled, a small, seated dance in place as excitement melted away the lonely, and she picked up her camera. Twenty or so pictures later, she set it back down beside her, replaced her sunglasses, and pulled her long hair back into a ponytail. Layered ends too short for the tie fell loose at her cheeks. She flipped the tail forward to fall in front of her left shoulder, a position that helped cover a small, heart-shaped scar behind her ear.

  The sea breeze kicked up. She zipped her jacket and secured her notebook to write, but before pen hit paper, the sound of more voices drifted to her from below. She glanced down at the dock.

  Three men in black tactical gear waited at the plank. All carried large duffel bags.

  She slid her sunglasses down her nose to peer over the top as her brother jogged down the plank to greet them. He shook hands with each in turn. Who was this group? Jimmy hadn’t mentioned anything about others besides the crew. And these guys looked military.

  Her high perch granted the perfect place to study them from. A tall man stood easy as he listened, a rifle bag slung over one shoulder, black ball cap shading most of his face from view. Beside him, a bulky blond man chewed the stub of a cigar, head cocked, stance wide, meaty hands on hips. On first impression, all appeared quite capable of governing a mission, but it was clear to her that the man at the front, speaking with her brother now, commanded the lead. Just shorter than either companion, his relaxed yet precise movements told of a controlled confidence. This man projected a calm that bound secrecy. Deviating from that observation, he shared a hearty laugh with Jimmy, and the two shook hands again.

  That laugh! Oddly familiar. Those strange butterflies kicked at her stomach once more. Was it something about him that was bringing up these old feelings? And why a few minutes initially before she’d even seen or heard him? Huh. Weirdness continues.

  Curiosity piqued, she leaned forward as they followed her brother on board. As she struggled to see more of the lead’s face, he confirmed a fleeting smile at some comment the tall one whispered close to his ear. At the last possible second before disappearing from her sight, the tall man with the rifle looked up, met her gaze, and offered a casual nod. No weird butterflies, but adrenaline jolted her gut and she nearly jumped. Busted. She giggled to herself. Hadn’t figured on anyone actually noticing her way up here. Well, okay, interesting, but who and why? She would find out from Jimmy later. Pushing her glasses back into place, she continued writing.

  “Well, according to Captain Mac, it looks like smooth sailing for maybe… he said up to two weeks or more!” Jimmy’s brown eyes sparkled as he glanced out at the smooth ocean surface. A thick mist of marine layer had burned off an hour prior, transforming what began as a dreary cool morning into bright sunshine and warmth. A long stretch of good weather and calm seas would be most helpful to the search. Tall and slender, he pushed back his dark brown hair as it shifted in the light breeze that wafted through open hatches. He chuckled and winked. “You should appreciate that, sis. Catch some rays ’n’ stuff.”

  “You know I’m not just here for the cruise-ship experience,” Alex shot back. The younger sibling by two years, she was used to his teasing. Her hazel eyes flashed back at him. “Although… a nice sunny deck is very appealing. I may just take you up on that.” She bent down and wound her sun-streaked dark blond hair into a long ponytail. Flipping her head back, she straightened to eye her brother. “I still wonder what’s on it though.”

  “Don’t know, don’t need to know. All we gotta do is find it. Military will send out their own recovery team. When they won’t say, it’s always better to not ask too many questions.”

  Alex nodded a wise smile and blew a piece of wayward hair from in front of her eye. “I know. But you know me. Always curious.” She turned and headed toward the hatch. “I’ll go see if Will is finished with his breakfast.”

  “Okay. I’ve got a lot of work this morning since we’ve reached the search site, but we’ll have lunch later, and I’ll spend time with him this afternoon.” Jimmy shifted his attention back to the charts on his laptop, which held down copies of the paper versions underneath. “And he can hang with me for some of this chart work too if he wants.”

  “I’ll tell him. He’ll be excited.” Alex looked over at her brother and moved back to stand beside him, laying a hand on his shoulder. While the more technical aspects of his work eluded her understanding, she did know the basics and let her gaze roam over the topographical lines of ocean-floor elevations that overlaid the real-time scans of that murky surface miles below them.

  Jimmy’s reputation well preceded him among his colleagues and really anyone even remotely interested in oceanography. Her brother’s abilities, some joked, bordered on a near supernatural quality, his intuitive sense at times appearing more accurate than sophisticated multimillion-dollar equipment. “If you want it found, call Jimmy” had been said on more than a few occasions. Alex admired how he managed to stay humble in the presence of such praise too. He would just shrug it off and joke back about the sea talking to him and such.

  She squeezed his shoulder and leaned closer against him. “Thank you again for inviting me. Sincerely. I’m really excited. And to be able to spend this time with you and Will means so much.”

  Jimmy smiled back at her. “You’re very welcome, sis. I’m just glad I was able to get the chance to bring you guys. Don’t normally get an off-the-official-record assignment like this. Glad you’re here too.”

  “Thanks. It’s been a while since I’ve really gotten away. I think I’m ready for another complete change of scenery in my life now too, you know?”

  “Sounds like a plan. New boyfriend in the cards t
oo?”

  “Oh, come on! Seriously? Between you and Lou, I’d be dating half the world by now. You guys have got to lay off it!”

  Jimmy laughed and dodged as she made a motion at slugging him. “Just want my baby sis happy.”

  “Well, I’m quite happy, thank you,” she replied. “I’m doing just fine on my own. And… I’m kinda liking it right now. I’m not that little kid anymore. I can handle things by myself, you know.”

  “I know you can. Really.” Jimmy nodded at her scolding sarcasm. His tone softened into seriousness. “It has been well over a year now. And I am really sorry about Brad. I liked the guy. Still can’t believe he just up and left.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Alex sighed. “I thought he was a great guy too. But I knew for a long time it wasn’t working.”

  Truth be told, from the beginning the relationship wasn’t right. Good, even great at times, but not right, at least not in the way she felt it should be. Not the soul-felt connection that would bind them together across all space and time no matter the challenges that showed up along the way. But was that type of bonded closeness just fantasy? A hopeful promise of a disillusioned mind, the product of too many fairy tales from a pleasant youth? Which in turn had set the bar far too high for the real world to deliver?

  Despite those observations, there had existed an awareness ever since childhood of something out there, of an elusive pull to oneness. There had to be more… didn’t there? Did such a reality truly exist? Maybe it never could. Maybe I’m just a crazy, hopeless romantic. Or too damn independent. She chuckled internally. She didn’t expect perfection, but the feeling, that indefinable something—whatever it was—had to be there. And right or wrong, no matter how hard she’d tried, it hadn’t been with Brad, not in the way it needed to be for her. Painful as it was, the time had come for them to end.

  Her brother’s voice brought her back from her musings. “Well, like I’ve said before, even though I liked him, better to end it than to live a lie and not be truly happy.”

  “Yeah, I know. You’re right. And I should have ended it long before anyway,” she replied. “And thanks. Thanks for being there for me. Through all that mess.”