Hot, Wet, Smooth, and Hard (Craving Cove Book 1)

by Blue,Marina

  Pearl waited by the car as Melody walked over and said, “Having a good time?”

  Tara spun around. “Melody!” She put her hand over her heart. “You scared me half to death!”

  “I bet. So is everything going according to your plan?”

  “It sure is,” Tara said. “The booths are looking good, the food’s on its way, and my team is ready to go.”

  “Great,” Melody said. “Can you show me?

  “Sure thing!” Tara led Melody off the beach, and up the street towards Ocean Way.

  For most of the time they were silent, but as they neared The Perfect Sundae, Melody said, “What’s that?”

  “That?” Tara pointed and smiled. “That can only be the food delivery!”

  In front of the ice cream parlor sat a truck, and a man stood next to it with a clipboard in his hands. As the two woman approached he asked, “Are you Tara Wilds?”

  “I am,” Tara said. “Is everything here?”

  “Here? No,” the man said, motioning to the building. “It’s all in there.”

  “Even the filet mignon? The duck breast?” Tara said.

  “Even the caviar. Biggest load of that I’ve ever delivered, I can tell you.” He handed her the clipboard, and pointed at three spots on the sheet. “Sign right there, there, and initial there.”

  Tara complied, and then handed back the clipboard.

  “Thanks.” The man took it, hopped in his truck, and drove away.

  When he was gone Melody turned to Tara. “Caviar?”

  “I know, I know,” she said. “It’s expensive, but Harrison’s got deep pockets. Honestly, I’d have to sell my shop to cover this bill.”

  “Don’t worry about that,” Melody said.

  “I’m not. So long as you can make this the best Ocean Frolic yet.”

  “There’s nothing in the world that will stop that from happening,” Melody said. “I guarantee it. Now don’t you have some work to do? We need this stuff ready by tomorrow.”

  “Oh,” Tara said. “It’ll be ready! Once everyone goes home tonight, I’ll check every single dish myself. I guarantee perfection.”

  Melody turned to leave, but paused. “Oh, and by the way, I forgot to mention that Rudy asked if he could showcase some of his dishes for the Frolic. He thinks it’s a good idea to go with our own, locally sourced stuff. Personally, I think your idea of going high end is much better, but you know how he’s always going on about our waters and the quality of the fish…” Melody rolled her eyes. “I said it would be ok if he had a little stall of his own. That’s alright, isn’t it?”

  “Of course.” Tara smiled. “And thanks for asking me.”

  Melody reached out, and embraced her. “Thank you. For everything. This time, it’s you who’s going to save the cove. Tomorrow is going to be amazing, I just know it… Now I have to spend the rest of the day setting up the stage, working with the sound team, and getting parking ready. But really, I have such a good feeling. Everything will be perfect.”

  “Yes.” Tara smiled as she watched Melody walk away. Perfect.

  #

  “Hello,” Tara said, “Mr. Waters?”

  Sinton said, “It’s me, what’s the progress report?”

  “Everything’s going to plan. I have the sample of that foodborne illness you provided in all of my marinades, and I’ll put it on every single dish. I promise, there won’t be a person who eats in this town tomorrow who won’t be sick.”

  “Excellent,” Waters said. “But be certain it gets done. I don’t have to tell you what will occur if you fail.”

  “No, you don’t. But have no worries, I won’t fail. I’ll have the kitchen all to myself tonight.”

  “Very well, I look forward to reading about it in the papers.” Sinton Waters hung up the phone.

  The sun was just starting to set.

  Melody Song had a very busy day. Busy cleaning. Busy prepping food. Busy doing all that woman’s work. But it didn’t matter. Sinton had outmaneuvered her. Garbage on the beach. Sickness in the people. And even if everything somehow managed to still proceed, Sparrow was ready to sabotage the generators. So after tomorrow, Craving Cove would be a myth, the town that imploded. Like every other enemy that stood before him. He looked up at the picture of his aunt, and smiled. He was going to add more billions to his coffers, while so many people were about to lose everything.

  Sinton Waters almost felt sorry for them.

  But of course, he didn’t.

  Chapter 48

  It was the morning of the concert. Melody was slumbering peacefully. Until…

  “We have a problem,” Pearl said.

  Melody was in her bed. The sun was shining bright outside of her window. “What is it? And are you still in the same clothes as last night?”

  Pearl said, “Yes. I couldn’t sleep. And you won’t be able to either, when you hear the news.”

  “No coffee first?”

  “You won’t need it. Come on, get up. You have people to speak with. There’s a group downstairs. So put a robe on, and come on.” Pearl spun around and walked out of Melody's room.

  Melody got up, slipped on a robe, smoothed out her hair, and walked downstairs.

  There, in the living room, was a man. He was in blue coveralls, brown boots, and a frown.

  “Melody, this is Justin Grove,” Pearl said. “Justin, you know Melody.”

  “We went to high school together,” Justin said. “It’s good to see you back.” He extended a large hand.

  Melody shook it. “That’s right. You played football. How are you, Justin?”

  “Not good, Melody. Not good.” The large man shifted back and forth on his heels. “I got some bad news.”

  “Best just to spit it out.”

  “Well, ok. Listen. The sheriff had us move the wreckage down to the beach. He said they’d burn it or dump it. But the thing is, there was barely any wood in there at all. So when we tried to torch it this morning, nothing really happened. So then the plan was to shove what remained into the water, which I know is illegal, but when we went to do that-”

  “Jerry stopped you,” Melody said.

  Justin looked at Pearl, then Melody. “Yeah. There’s a Coast Guard Cutter waiting off our shore. How’d you know?”

  “It’s not important. Let me ask you, is Ocean Way clear?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And the rest of the town that tourists use?”

  “Of course. The town’s practically spotless…” Justin looked confused. “Except right on the beach is twelve tons of twisted metal. ”

  Melody nodded. “But no wood?”

  Justin couldn’t stop glancing at Pearl. “No. Not anymore. But-”

  “Thanks, Justin. I appreciate the update. Is there anything else?”

  “Yes. And this news is worse.”

  “Ok. What’s happened?”

  “You know Mrs. Trudeau’s daughter Samantha, from across the street?”

  Melody remembered her first day back, and how Samantha shared a cute cup of imaginary tea with Knox. “Yeah. She’s adorable.”

  “Well, she was helping her mom and Tara prep all that food for today. And being a kid, she snuck a few bites here and there. The thing is, overnight she got mighty sick. Vomiting and everything. They tested her at the hospital and it’s food poisoning. E. Coli.”

  Melody's eyes got big. “Wow. E. Coli? I did not expect that. Is Samantha alright?”

  “Sure. Sure. She’s back home, eating bread and drinking water for a day or two, but that’s not the problem. The problem is-”

  “That she got food poisoning from our cuisine, so we can’t sell any of it.”

  Justin’s eyes brightened. “Yeah, it’s a disaster!”

  Melody pat the big man’s shoulders. “Don’t worry about a thing, Justin. I’ll handle everything. Thanks for coming by.”

  And for the final time Justin looked to Pearl. His jaw hung open. His eyes were confused.

  But Pearl shrugged. It w
as all she could do.

  So he turned and left.

  And Melody Song went to the kitchen, and poured herself a cup of coffee.

  Pearl stormed in after her. “Do you mind telling me what’s going on?”

  Melody took sip of coffee. The smell was overpowering. Her eyes opened like they’d been greased. “How do you mean?”

  “How do I mean? I mean we have two hours before the morning beach goers arrive. How are we going to move a dozen tons of steel in that time?”

  Melody shrugged. “Magic?”

  “Are you being cute?”

  “You always said I was cute.”

  “Not right now.”

  Melody took another sip. “Pearl, I think we can fix this pretty easily. But can I get dressed first?” Melody took a step towards the doorway.

  Pearl crossed her arms and stood in Melody’s way. “No. First I’m going to need to hear how this is going to get fixed.”

  “Pearl, I’m going to need you to savor the mystery.”

  The older woman opened her mouth, but paused. After a few moments she said, “Fine.”

  Melody slid past her into the living room, but on the way she pecked Pearl’s cheek. Then she went upstairs, slipped on some jeans and a tank top, and then the two women drove down to the beach. The day was beautiful. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky.

  But there was a large group of people gathered on the shore, next to the booths and stage. They were all pointing at the metal, and motioning to the Coast Guard Cutter floating a few hundred yards out. Pearl parked her car, and the two got out.

  Every eye turned to them. The nearest guy said, “What’re we going to do? Are we still having the Frolic?”

  Pearl looked at the massive pile of twisted metal. “Not unless we get this moved. I bet the Coast Guard will call this a hazard and shut us down. I almost wish another storm would hit, and wash this crap away.”

  Melody smiled. “Funny you should say that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Melody pulled out her cellphone, and checked the time. “Just wait.”

  “For what?” Pearl said.

  “Give it a minute.”

  “Give what a minute?”

  “I have a favor I called in,” Melody said.

  The group of people started to mill about. They looked at one another. But nobody spoke.

  More seconds passed. Melody stared at her phone. And after a full minute of silence, it rang. She checked the number and smiled.

  “Who’s that?” Pearl asked.

  “You said a storm was coming, well here it is.” Melody pointed out to the ocean.

  About one thousand feet out was a freighter. On its side was a name in big, red letters. The Storm. And behind its wheel was a man with a beard so thick you couldn’t see his smile. In his hand was a cellphone. And on its screen was a picture of a newborn baby girl. “Hello Melody!”

  “Hello Joe!” Melody said. She clicked the phone onto speaker so Pearl could hear.

  The captain said, “Well darling, you called the Storm, and now she’s yours. What do we do first?”

  “First, you tell me about that beautiful grandchild of yours.”

  “Granddaughter, young lady. Like I told you on the drive to the city. Seven pounds, seven ounces. Pink and healthy, hardy and happy. My daughter’s naming her Lucy.”

  “I’m expecting pictures,” Melody said.

  “Can do. But let’s say we get some of this work out of the way first? I reckon you want that ugly pile of scrap you’re standing next to loaded up?”

  “That’s the plan,” Melody said.

  “I’ll get my team moving quick. You may want to clear the beach, when the Storm comes a calling, you best get moving.”

  “Can do, I’ll-”

  “What about payment?” Pearl said.

  “Payment? Who said that?” Joe said. “Melody, when you called me yesterday, you told me there was tons of scrap here. Iron, steal, maybe some copper… the whole nine.”

  “There is,” Melody said.

  “Well, my crane and magnet will make this a one hour job. Seems that whatever that metal’s worth is more than the effort for Joe’s Salvage and Tow. But even if it isn’t, you got me to town in time to see my little girl give birth, so no matter what, we’ll call it even. Now get back ladies, I got work to do!”

  “Thanks Joe, and don’t forget those pictures.” Melody hung up the phone, turned around, and walked up the beach towards town.

  Pearl followed. “I can’t believe… I don’t… It’s just…”

  “It’s just a miracle, Pearl. They happen every day.”

  As they walked away from the metal a man ran over and said, “Melody, did you hear about Samantha’s food poisoning?”

  Melody put her hands up and addressed the group. “Everyone. Listen, please. It’s going to be ok. First off, where’s Tara?”

  The crowd parted, and out came Tara. She was in her pink work uniform, and she looked sheepish. “Hey.”

  “That’s all you have to say?” Melody said.

  “What else can I say?”

  “The truth. That you tried to destroy this town, and poisoned a little girl on purpose to do it.”

  The people around began to mutter.

  Tara looked shocked. “What? No I didn’t.”

  “Yes you did. You poisoned our food, and you did it on purpose. If I’m wrong I’ll go get a random dish, and you can eat it in front of us.”

  Tara’s eyes got real wide. She opened her mouth. But stopped.

  “It’s true!” someone yelled.

  “You lying bitch!”

  But instead of shrinking Tara exploded. “Oh, screw you all! You worship this woman, and she abandoned us years ago. Meanwhile, those of us who fought and stayed get no respect. No love. No husband or kids. I’ve worked my whole life here and have nothing to show for it. The damn place is dying. So yeah, when I got an offer to sell you out I did. So what?”

  “Tara,” Melody said, her tone softening. “You weren’t a terrible person back then. But you are now. And you didn’t get Knox, because you didn’t deserve him. You think it was because you weren’t attractive. But that’s not true. You were always so pretty, but on the inside so ugly. People see that. They sense it. That’s why you’re alone. It’s your own fault.”

  The harsh words, spoken softly, silenced the mob. Even Tara was quiet. Finally, she spoke. “Who cares? I’m going to be rich. While you idiots lose everything.”

  “Wrong,” Melody said.

  “What?”

  “You signed for the delivery, not us, so you have to pay for it. And you can’t return it, because of the poison you added.”

  Tara opened her mouth. Then she smiled. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ll be fine.”

  “No you won’t. Sinton Waters won’t forgive you. You’re smiling because you think we’re screwed. That there’s nothing to feed our guests. But you’re wrong.” Melody smiled. “Rudy!”

  From the mob stepped Rudy. “Yeah?”

  “How’s everything going?”

  Rudy smiled. “Well, depends on what you mean. If you’re referring to the fact that Tara signed for the delivery of tainted food, and therefore owes thirty thousand dollars, then things are going good. If you’re referring to our separate food production using all those cocky fish in the sea, then things are going great.”

  Melody turned back to Tara. “See? You’re not the smartest person here. Now get out. Before your creditors show up for the money you owe them, and you realize that Coldwater won’t be backing you, just like Harry Talbot won’t. Go on. Get.”

  Tara looked around. And without saying a word she stormed off.

  Once she was gone, Melody said, “Great job, Rudy. Thanks a lot.”

  “Wow, she’s evil,” Pearl said.

  Rudy said, “Yeah, she is. But so are most chefs.”

  “Get searing that seafood,” Melody said. “As for the rest of you, go home and
get ready. We still have a lot of work.”

  Pearl added, “And remember, if anyone sees Sparrow you let me or Melody know immediately!”

  As the people dispersed, Pearl turned to Melody. “How’d you know she’d try to screw us?”

  “Just a hunch. She was way too quick to come over after the break-in at the Coeur de Mer. And her whole helpful friendship act seemed too sugary to be believed. Besides, she was awfully close to Jerry this whole time. Then, when she said she’d be alone with the food, and wanted to get the most expensive products possible, it all made sense.”

  Pearl nodded. “Great work.”

  “Thanks,” Melody said. “But there’s still a lot to do.”

  #

  With Tara gone the food was prepped and ready ten minutes early. And the stage was already put up by the time eleven o’clock rolled around.

  And the town, the town was perfect.

  Just in time for the news cameras.

  “Melody, Pearl,” Harry Talbot said. “This is my friend, Brian Murphy.”

  Brian Murphy was the kind of handsome that made other men angry. His blond hair looked so much like spun gold that Rumpelstiltskin could’ve been his stylist. His suit looked sewn on, and his smile was worthy of a toothpaste commercial. He extended a hand. “Hello, I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Melody said.

  Pearl’s cheeks flushed red. “Well, I… Hi. Hello. Charmed.”

  “Easy,” Harry said. “You’re gorgeous, Pearl, but I can guarantee he’s not interested.”

  “Harry,” Murphy said, “I’m always interested in a story.”

  “And we have one for you,” Melody said. “A town, back from the brink. People from all walks of life, working together. While every other spot on the coast is still waiting for a handout, we got to work. And we succeeded.”

  “Well, usually the ratings go down on feel good pieces,” Murphy said, “but since the disaster is a part of the story I think I can spin this.”

  “How many do you think will watch?” Harry said.

  “It depends on how slow the day is,” Murphy said, “but I’d say millions. Probably everybody in a thousand mile radius.”