* * *
“Here she comes,” someone yelled and the explosion of noise caused even those who knew what to expect to cringe and some to scream.
“Oh dear God!” Lana Peters cried out and clung to Jack. “It’s Armageddon.”
The furnishings that remained outside were ripped and flung high into the air. A wall of water pummeled the windows. The trees that were in clear sight bent backwards, and many split as the howling banshee struck. They were beginning to fly like weird paper kites into the air. It was a scene from the worst nightmare any of them would ever have.
* * *
Ginny watched the world outside turn into utter chaos. The canopy that once shielded the rain forest was ripped apart and trees were torn from the ground as if being weeded by an enormous malevolent hand.
Ed Guest could only sit and stare ahead. Nothing in his cutthroat world had ever prepared him for what he was now witnessing. He had bought and sold companies without thought for the devastation his actions would cause to people and families suddenly without financial support. Everything he assumed would protect him from the greed of other humans suddenly faded into insignificance. This powerful thing was shredding the world, and all he could do was watch it happen. Maybe this was the helplessness the people he had so nonchalantly fired and paid off felt. It was a chastening realization.
* * *
The roaring sound had not abated. Conversation was impossible. The staff and guests from Dudes sat in small groups, some watching the horror movie outside through the heavily fortified windows. The alcohol freely available was being rapidly consumed. There was no panic once everyone realized that Lucy had spoken the truth.
They were all safe, for now.
* * *
Skeet opened his eyes and wished he hadn’t. The searing ache in his head was blinding. He tried to move and felt the bolt of pain in his body explode. He lost consciousness again.
* * *
“I don’t like that noise. What is that? Has Mr. Night Fever decided to land his 747 out front?”
“Oh I do hope so. He is rather good, don’t you think? I loved that fiction thingumy. You know, with the weird ponytail and that dance!”
“Oh, yes, that was good, wasn’t it? I rather like him as well, although I do wish he’d lose some weight. Well, I’ll just take a little look outside, see if whatever it is has landed.”
Lucy stood alone at the window. And watched Dudes being ripped apart. It was painful, much like having her dream ripped away, yet the insurance would take care of all the repairs. It was not that .
Her thoughts were centered around her darlings Skeet and Ginny. ”Oh, Lord, if you exist at all, please keep them safe.”
“Lucy, come on, sweetheart, please have something to eat and go and rest a while. You are as white as a sheet.” Charlie put his arms around her and she gratefully leaned back into his embrace. “I can’t, Charlie, I just can’t, not ‘til I know they’re safe.”
* * *
Skeet, again forced his eyes open. Tree branches and rain were caught in overpowering waves of wind. He tried to move his body under the upturned vehicle to shelter his head and upper torso. He was aware that he was pinned. His legs were caught in the wreckage.
Using his strong arms to try and drag himself free, he acknowledged to himself that there was no pain in his lower body. How lucky is that, he thought and smiled. Then another thought intruded, wiping the smile from his face. He wiggled his toes, at least he tried to. He couldn’t feel them. He lay there as the knowledge forced itself into his aching head. He couldn’t feel anything below his waist, no sensation at all. “Oh shit, this can’t be good.” His own voice gave him a little comfort.
Skeet stretched his arms under the edge of the canopy beneath him and pulled again. Nothing. His upper body was too exposed, but he could do nothing to remedy that. The weakness hit him and he felt the darkness buzzing around him once more.
* * *
Ed Guest watched in utter fascination as the world outside came crashing down. The power of nature was not something he had ever recognized or acknowledged until now. He had never needed to.
His world was power. His money was power, yet it did him no good whatsoever as he sat here, at the mercy of the elements and reliant on a young woman who despised him.
Ginny looked over at her companion. He didn’t look so hot. “How’re you doin’, Mr. G?”
“I’m fine, just fine. Thanks to you.”
“Cool. This might take a while to blow itself out, or move on. Why don’t you grab a nap?”
“No. I want to watch this. I need to watch this.”
“Kinda makes you feel small, doesn’t it?”
“It sure does, Ginny. That’s not a feeling I’m used to, believe me.”
“Yeah, I’d noticed.” Ginny softened her words with a smile. “I reckon you’ll have a bit to tell the folks back home when you get back.”
He looked at her and shook his head. “You know what, Ginny? I don’t know a damned soul that would listen … honestly listen, I mean. I got so many damned people that will just tell me how thankful they are I survived, plus a load of other bullshit. I’ll bet you anything that they hold an emergency board meeting to appoint a new chairman immediately. Huh! They will be very surprised to see me back in one piece.”
“That’s so sad. Why is that?”
“I've earned it, Ginny. Believe me, I've earned it.”
“Well ya just gonna have to un-earn it then, hey, Mr. G?”
He smiled at her, a big open smile. This little girl was far more clued in than he’d supposed. He felt ashamed of his attitude towards her. That was a new experience for him. He chuckled out loud at himself. “Better late than never, hey, Ginny?”
“Yep. That’s what my mom always says. I guess she had to get some things right.”
* * *
Cyril hurried away from the windows and rejoined Sadie and Rebecca.
“Sadie, there is a bloody big storm out there. It’s huge, ginormous even. How exciting. I need a drink. Dammit, where is Skeet? He shouldn’t leave me alone like this in a storm.”
“Alone, alone! What am I - sliced cheese?”
“Oh, ha ha! No, you don’t look like sliced anything. In fact I love that outfit. I just meant, well, I’m kinda used to Skeet being around. This is very strange, don’t you agree?”
“I guess, yeah. I still got my Rebecca, so I’m sorry, I should have realized you would be missing Skeet”.
“Missing him Oh n …. Yeah, you are so clever, my sweet. I guess that’s what it is. Is missing a human okay? It doesn’t sound very good to me.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never missed Rebecca. She never goes anywhere without me. Oh, she has to get out more, then I could find out what this missing stuff feels like.”
“I don’t recommend it. It feels like a heavy hangover without the booze that caused it.”
“Speaking of booze, watch this!”
Sadie swished her way over to where Rebecca was sitting talking to that nice lady with the big smile. Cyril was not far behind her. He was enjoying the undulating movement of her hips. He just wasn’t sure why.
Sadie laid her red hat-covered head on Rebecca’s lap and grunted. Rebecca patted her absent-mindedly on the snout and paid no further attention.
Sadie tried a good strong nudge. Nothing.
“This is so very unusual, Cyril. Watch this!”
Sadie flipped over on her back and stuck her four legs straight up in the air. “This gets her every time, Cyril.”
“Oh, goody, yes! That rollover routine is always a good one. But Sadie, dearest, she doesn’t appear to be paying attention.”
“Hmmm! This calls for stronger measures. How’s about you do a flip as well? So, on three: one … two … three ... flip. Perfect!”
“Oh my, this isn’t good. Nothing. Nada. Zippo. Zilch! Forget about it!”
“Time to bring out the big guns, Cyril. Can you hold your breath until you change col
or?”
“On my, can you really truly do that? I am so impressed. Show me, show me.”
Sadie inhaled very loudly, and held it, held it … and held it.
“I think your crocodile might be trying to get your attention, Rebecca”, said Lana Peters with a worried frown.
“Oh hell’s bells, Sadie, stop holding your breath right this minute. Stop it now. What is the matter, and why the hell is Cyril on his back as well?”
Lana Peters laughed aloud, “She’s holding her breath? Why? Oh my God, she’s turning a dreadful color. What is that - lime green?”
“Spoilt little shit! All right, madam, stop it already, and Cyril, you naughty croc you, don’t you dare copy her. Skeet wouldn’t be impressed if he came back and found you like that.”
“Came back? Came back from where? Where is Skeet? What has the tummy-tickler done to him this time? He should be here, looking out for me, instead of running around in his ugly suit playing with her.”
“Oh, do tell. Which one is the tummy-tickler? What’s an ugly suit? Where are our drinks?”
“It’s soooo hard to get good humans these days.”
Rebecca went over to the bar, had a quick word with Max and returned. “I don’t want to be fetching you two young scamps drinks all afternoon. So Max will bring you over a tub of beer each. Drink it slowly. No more today. When it’s gone, it’s gone. No arguments, get it?”
“Gotcha.”
“Sadie, my sweet, you are a genius.”
“Sigh! I know.”
Chapter 32
Skeet opened his eyes again and the rain hit his face. He opened his mouth and tried to let the cool water down his parched throat. He felt weak and had a rough idea that he was bleeding, probably badly. Not good, not good at all. Dammit, he hated this. He’d never felt useless in his life. Come to think of it, he’d never felt utterly helpless, either.
He took in as much air as his lungs would permit, then the darkness claimed him again.
The rain continued its almost horizontal downpour and the wind moaned through what remained of the trees.
* * *
Ginny stood at the entrance to the cave with tears pouring down her young face. The destruction was horrendous. Her world was being torn apart.
Ed guest sensed her despair. He surprised both of them by taking her in his arms and holding her as she cried. There was nothing on his mind but offering her comfort. This fiery young girl had saved his life. Ginny sensed his act of kindness for just what is was. She allowed herself the luxury of comfort. It felt good.
* * *
The sound lessened. The wind was still pounding the resort but the worst of it had passed.
It took a minute or so for all those in the room to register the reduction in the rage. People stopped talking loudly as each listened, suddenly realizing that the overwhelming scream of the cyclone had eased to a dull roar.
Nobody wanted to talk at first, then everyone started talking and laughing at once. Hey, whatdya know? Lucy was right. The relief was palpable.
Lucy stood near the windows. All she could think about was the fact that two people she cared about were out there somewhere. And Ed Guest was a human being and he was, of course, her responsibility too. She might not like the man, yet she wished him no harm.
It was still too soon to send teams outside. These cyclones were unpredictable and had been known to turn back on themselves. They would have to wait it out, but not for long. The staff were friends of these people. Many of them had already begun readying their gear for a search and rescue mission.
Lucy shook herself and headed for the stage. The electricity was out but the generators had kicked in. As she walked onto the stage, spontaneous applause erupted. The guests stood on their feet and cheered.
Tristan Pittman made the call. “Three cheers for Lucy and Dudes Down Under! The absolute best place on the planet to be caught in and, well, anything.” He laughed and flashed his killer smile. The crowd cheered with relief and acknowledgement of the truth he had just spoken.
“Thanks, folks. Thanks very much. I can’t tell you what it means to me to know you are safe and well.”
Lucy was very pale and it did not go unnoticed. Lana Peters asked, “Lucy, what about little Ginny, Skeet, and the G-man?”
“We will have rescue teams out as soon as it’s clear, Lana.” She smiled her gratitude at the woman who was fast becoming a valued and trusted friend. “We can only hope that they all found cover in time.”
* * *
Ed Guest watched Ginny as she dozed. He was amazed at her strength, amazed and envious. She had come through this better than any of his acquaintances ever would have done. He was a little in awe, the truth be known. He smiled and decided to keep that to himself … for now, anyway.
Ginny registered the reduction in noise as she awoke. She stood and walked over to the entrance of their safe haven.
Yes, it looked like this bastard was moving west to create havoc inland - the mainland wouldn’t miss out. The thought of that sobered her feeling of celebration instantly. She only prayed that there would be no loss of life.
The torrential rain hadn't lessened and Ginny knew that it would be with them for days to come. As soon as this wind had dropped to below gale force, they would need to leave.
She acknowledged to herself that the man she was with had surprised her. He was human, after all.
* * *
Cyril was pacing up and down in front of his favorite window. So, where was Skeet? This wasn’t like him. And the tummy-tickler was here. So where was he? Surely he wasn’t outside in the psycho-clone. No, that would be stupid. Skeet was human, but not stupid!
“Hey, Cyril” said Rebecca. “He’ll be fine, mate. Don’t be worryin’ any. Skeet knows what he’s doin’.” She stroked Cyril’s worried head.
“Oh my God, you mean that my Skeet - my Skeet - is out there in that? Oh, no. You gotta be wrong. You are wrong, aren’t you? I mean he wouldn’t, would he? Why? Why would he do that? Did someone dare him? I know how he is when someone dares him - he has no control, none at all. I’ve warned him. No, I haven’t. I should have, though. Maybe I coulda stopped him. I could have grabbed his shoes - that might have worked.”
“Only if his feet were in them, Cyril dear. Try not to worry. He’s Australian, he’ll be fine.”
“Oh, Sadie, do you really think so? You are such a comfort. I need a drink or six.”
* * *
Ginny turned away from the curtain of water. “Mr. G., before this waterfall gets too much bigger, and it will, we have to move out of here. It’s going to be even harder keeping these guns dry getting back to the other side, but we have got to do it. I would hate to run headlong into a frightened crocodile in the midst of this. Chances are we will, so I think we better work on a way to do this as sensibly as we can. Okay?”
“I’m with you all the way, Ginny. Whatever you say.”
Ginny was a little shocked at the wholehearted response. She graced him with a big smile and a quick hug of gratitude. “Thanks, Ed.”
“We’ll talk about thanks later. Let’s do this thing. What do you need me to do?”
“I’m trying to think of a way. Maybe you could tow me in a life-saver hold. That way I can keep both guns held high. Then we only have to do it once. Do you know what I mean?”
“Yeah, I think so, honey. I swim on my side and drag you along with me, yes?”
“Uh-huh. It’s going to be harder because the wind will have shoved a lot of debris, and God knows what else, into the water. I think we can do it but we need to do it before this rain makes that water flow impossible to get through. Okay?”
“Let’s just do it. You say when and we go for it.”
Ginny gave him another smile and hoped like hell they could make it across to the bank. She would have to worry about how the hell to get back to Dudes after. No time to waste at the moment.
“Don’t worry about how I’m doin’. You focus only on keepin’ hold of
me and gettin’ to the bank, right?”
“Let’s do it.”
“Okay. Stay as close to the rock face as you can. Once you’re clear, I’ll come around. Ready?”
“Ready.” Ed Guest edged himself down behind the falls. Ginny handed him down the rifles while she made her descent. He went ahead of her as planned, and waited. Ginny was right; the water was murky and covered in a mass of fallen branches and other debris.
He waited anxiously, relieved when Ginny joined him. He wrapped an arm around her neck and shoulders and held her firmly while she held the guns clear of the water line. The water was very cold and the amount of floating branches made for a difficult trip. He thought his lungs would burst.
They made it to the bank. He hauled her ahead of him and she placed the rifles on a clear patch of ground, just long enough to stretch and rub her aching arm muscles and catch her breath.
“That was great, Ed. Thanks!”
He gave her a grin. “What now, hon?”
“If we get lucky, the buggy might still be drivable, if we can find it.” Ginny looked around as she spoke. It was not anywhere in sight. Given the strength of that damned wind, she wasn’t all that surprised.
* * *
Skeet regained consciousness again, trying desperately to clear his mind long enough to help himself out of this damned mess he was in.
The screaming of the wind had eased a little, although he couldn’t be certain if that was the case or if his senses were fading on him.
He tried to focus his eyes and look around at his immediate environment. The cyclone had flung the buggy high and it appeared to have landed on the edge of the road between the trees and the lagoon. The cyclone had turned the calm water into a huge surf and it was pounding up onto the grass verge and across the roadway.
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