by Dick Waters
*.*.*
There was the sound of wood hitting on wood, then a thump at the back of the boat. Mercedes couldn’t see anything, but she watched Melanie’s head rise to ascertain what was happening. She saw Melanie dive onto the floor, but couldn’t see what was taking place.
“Don’t do it Margaret. Put the spear gun down. I don’t want to shoot you but I will. Put the gun down, now!”
Mercedes recognized Denny’s voice. He had come to intervene. She heard the noise the spear gun made, and then heard Denny yell out. There was a lot of commotion. “Ralph, can you see what’s happening?”
“Yes, she just shot Denny in the leg with the spear gun. She is fighting with him for his flare gun. Denny looks severely wounded, and it looks like…” Ralph stopped talking abruptly.
There was a loud crash, and then Denny’s body went sliding across the downstairs floor where Mercedes could see him. She heard the now familiar sound of the spear gun being loaded. Melanie came into view. She quickly undid Mercedes’ foot restraints, pulled Denny over to the head area, and then put each of Denny’s ankles in them. Denny was holding his hands over the area where the spear was sticking out of his leg. Mercedes saw the agonizing pain he was experiencing. She wiped her tears away. “Denny, talk to me. Denny?”
There was no answer, but that didn’t surprise her. She regretted the whole incident now, as it looked like Melanie was going to revert, but not now. The boat engine roared to life, followed by a second engine. She saw Melanie run up to the bow. She could hear her pulling up the anchor. Five minutes later she came back down into the lower cabin, putting some towels around Denny’s leg. Melanie looked up at her sister without saying a word. Her expression said it all.
Melanie put on her white bikini, and then headed out of sight. She heard her yell, “Thanks sis, we were almost sisters again…but I’m sorry for what happens next.” The boat engines simultaneously roared loudly. The boat made a turn that threw her into the wall of the head. She could only imagine what was going to happen next.
Chapter 88
Holly had been watching the mad man trying to get into her cell for almost an hour now. She had been careful not to indicate she knew one of the recent additions to this hotel. Mike Miller was continually brutalized by this man, and the reason escaped her. She thought it was because he was frustrated at not being able to get to her. She had developed a plan of attack if he did get into her cell—she would wrap her right hand chain around his neck and pull her right arm with her left. When he was elsewhere, she practiced the move since she knew she would have only one chance at it.
He delivered a long-string of verbal assaults to each of the men in the cells. He asked questions, but no one answered him. This also increased his volatility. He spent considerable time in front of Scott’s cell, telling him he did him a favor bringing him here. Margaret was a great lover. He was lucky to be one of her stable. He would change places with Scott in a minute, if he could. She heard him boast, ‘she owes me a whole weekend with her for bringing you here.’ There were six of them now, which when they had the chance would really put a strain on the only pot. She was surprised; the thought forced a smile on her face.
*.*.*
I watched this crazy person run up and down the hall, trying desperately to get into Holly’s cell. It was obvious he was Margaret’s accomplice, but my concern was whether she had others. I had the feeling the end was near, and there was nothing I could do about it. We were all running out of options. Holly and Jules had tried to find and rescue Nils, but wound up being captured. I was overpowered, and should have been more careful. Mike and the other man tried to rescue us, and they were added to the group. The only ones left are Mercedes and Ralph.
For the first time since I heard his name, I hoped he was a formidable opponent for Margaret, I mean Melanie, and this idiot. The only other person left is Mercedes. She is most likely with Ralph. Where are they? I considered my options, but there weren’t any. I know she cannot keep six of us here. She only has room for four. Holly seems to be spoken for.
*.*.*
Mike tried to protect Sam from this jerks kicks, but he was too hell bent on giving both of them their fare share. The last thing he wanted was to be unable to help free these people…now he is one of them. He watched the guy pull on Holly’s cell door, over and over again, digging at the entry way…then cussing and taking out his frustration on the only thing available—them.
When Margaret returns, she will probably give him Holly as his reward. That would fit her personality. She might even enjoy watching what he does. Maybe we will be lucky. Mercedes and Ralph will be successful at capturing her. It seemed like they had a solid plan, and there were two of them. What the hell could she do to overpower both of them? His mind quickly supplied a long-list of scenarios that didn’t make him comfortable. The big question was whether Margaret was expecting a confrontation rather than just a dive excursion. That was when some of the pieces fell into place.
This guy must be the one who knocked Scott out, and brought him here. Shit, Margaret probably already expected a visit at the house and another at her boat. That meant that Mercedes and Ralph were walking into a trap, just like they did. He considered that Margaret was more than prepared. If the others are captured, then that is the end of our possible rescue. Mike heard something different and watched the guy run down the hall. Maybe someone’s coming…please let it be the Navy, or better the Marines.
“Jules, he’s gone. I’m sorry we’re all in this together,” Mike whispered.
“Misery loves company. Got any thoughts as to how we’re going to survive?”
“Honestly, I think we’re quickly running out of options. If the noise we heard is not rescuers, and instead it’s the last of our resources…well, I think we might be close to biting the bullet. There are already too many people in the inn.” Someone was coming, so he stopped whispering.
Mike heard a loud series of thumps, which sounded the same as when they were pushed down the stairs. He heard the rattling of chains.
“Get up…I said get up,” a woman’s voice yelled.
It was quickly followed by Mercedes’ screaming. “Leave him alone, you’ve hurt him enough. Let me help him up.”
“Mercedes you’re pathetic. When are you going to act on your own behalf? Go ahead, get him up and be quick about it.” They were all headed in Mike’s direction. Mercedes was almost carrying Ralph, who was only wearing his shorts. Mercedes was wearing a wet suit. She stopped at Scott’s cell. She couldn’t believe her eyes. “Keep moving.” They reached the end of the hall. Margaret pushed both of them on top of Mike and Sam.
“Well Ray, you look like you’ve earned some extra bonus. You did very well. It looks like there are a few too many guests now. What do you think we should do about it?”
Ray quickly ran to Holly’s cell, jumping up and down. “Can I have her, can I?”
Margaret smiled a wicked smile…well; I really do think that would be a very worthwhile prize. Sure, why not? However, get your ass over here and get these chains lashed together.” She flipped a key to him. He quickly wrapped the chains of the four of them together. He started to move away with the key. “Not so fast, I’ll take that back for now.”
Mercedes broke her silence. “What are you going to do about Denny? He’ll bleed to death on the boat if you don’t get him some help.”
“Mercedes, there you go again still trying to save the world. Denny is the least of your problems. You should consider what I’m going to do with your lover—Scott.” She turned to head down the hall. “I’ve worked up a real appetite that your friend here, couldn’t come close to satisfying.”
Chapter 89
I had been listening to the dialogue, expecting to see Melanie at the cell door. She paused at my door, looked back down the hall, and then waved. Ray was standing beside her. “Ray, you did very well today.” She pulled him to her and kissed him. He quickly started working at her bikini, but she broke away from him. �
��Okay Ray, I know you’re ready for Holly and you can have her…but first I need to take Scott for a one-way boat ride. When I get back, you can have the key to her cell. I’ll be busy elsewhere.”
“Margaret, please, I’m ready now. I waited a long time for you to come back. Why can’t I spend some time with her now?”
She pushed him away from her. “I need you to keep your eyes on the four of them. No messing around with the new redhead either. She’s definitely more than you can handle, especially chained to three men. Now, go down there and make sure they don’t try to work themselves loose.” He hesitated. “Do it.” He walked towards the pile of bodies on the floor, but stopped to stare at Holly. “Ray.” He walked the remaining distance.
Melanie turned back to look at me. I heard her words about the ‘one-way’ boat ride and wasn’t happy about the thoughts of leaving the luxury of my cell.
Mercedes pleaded, “Leave him alone. If you want to hurt or kill someone, I’m available. Please Melanie, don’t do anything to hurt him…he doesn’t deserve it.”
“Like I said before, stop trying to save the world and start thinking about your own destiny. I’ll make sure you’re the next on my list.” Melanie stopped talking. “Maybe before I end things for you, I’ll let Ray have you and Holly. Would you like that Ray?”
“Are you serious?”
“Sure. Just make sure they stay where they are until I get back. Then we will put Mercedes in Scott’s old cell…he won’t need it anymore. Mercedes won’t care about what happens to her after that.”
Melanie opened my cell door, coming over beside me. I could see the blood on both parts of her bikini.
“Well, Scott I see you’re checking out my bathing suit…have you missed me?”
I didn’t answer her. I painfully forgot the rules of the game.
“Scott I’m worked up enough to enjoy you right here and now, but there’s too much of an audience. Let’s go to the boat, where only Denny can bother us. He might already be dead.” She turned quickly, returning a minute later with some new restraints.
I could feel her breath on my body as she attached new ankle restraints, and removed the old ones. Then she attached a new restraint to my right wrist, and detached the old one. Then she leaned over my body, attaching the new restraint to my left wrist, and detached the old one. I made my move, twisting the chain around her neck, pulling as tight as I could. She was unable to yell, but she pushed against me and kicked the table behind her. Then she pounded her fist repeatedly between my legs.
The air went out of my lungs and I felt like I was going to heave. I tried puling on the chain but my strength was shot. I heard Ray come running into the cell, and immediately saw his fist headed to my face.
*.*.*
I woke to find myself chained to the hull of the boat at the seating area. I could see what must have been Denny lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the floor. He wasn’t chained, but he wasn’t moving either. The spear was sticking out of his thigh. The towels tied around his thigh only showed slightly that they were once white.
As the boat bounced up and down, I could see it was dark outside the cabin window. The boat engines were close to redlining from the sound they were making. She was in a rush to get somewhere. I wasn’t looking for her to get there, because I knew it would mean my end was even closer.
I closed my eyes, silently saying the Lord’s Prayer. I wasn’t sure if he could hear a silent prayer, so I repeated it again out loud. I said it again as it seemed to make me less concerned about my fate. I added some words praying for Mercedes’ safety and for the others. I committed to being a better person if I was saved. I committed to telling Mercedes I loved her regardless of the consequences. I said goodbye to my parents and thanked them again for their sacrifices. I asked God for my cousin Jackie to be with me when the end comes. I couldn’t hold the tears back any longer.
The pitch of the engines changed, and the boat started slowing down. I could hear the waves splashing against the side of the boat. I could hear Melanie’s bare feet as she headed down the stairs. My eyes were still closed, but I knew she was standing next to me.
*.*.*
“Well now look at you.” She leaned down and licked the tears from my face. “Do you fear the end?”
I didn’t answer immediately but I tried to avoid any punishment and responded, “I’ve made some plans…I’m ready.”
There was no response from her. “No, you’re not ready at all. Not from the looks of this.” She touched me, but this time there was no reaction to her touch. “I didn’t wait all day for this.” She moved her fingers but for once my body was mine, not hers. She did her usual best to get a response but nothing was working for her. “Did I hurt you too much earlier?” Nothing was responding.
“Scott, open your eyes…I said open your eyes.” I opened them. She proceeded to remove her blood soaked bikini. She dragged part of it down my body, but there was no reaction. “Scott, I have all night…you know I get what I’m after sooner or later.” She started licking and kissing my body, but my mind was thinking about the safety of my friends and their rescue. She pounded on my thighs with both her hands, and then left in a rush. She was back a moment later with the flare gun.
“Scott, you will respond to me or I will shoot this flare into Denny here.” She pointed the gun at him, but he didn’t move.
I looked at him. He hadn’t moved since I had been here. “I’m not sure if he’s still alive, but you do what you need to do…I’m going to announce to you and anyone listening, including God, that I love your sister with all my heart. I’ve made my peace and now use that on me. “Do it!” I yelled.
She looked at Denny’s lifeless body, then over at me. She was frozen in position. Then she pointed the gun at my groin. I could see her finger starting to move. For some reason, she let up on the trigger, putting it down on the table. She came over with the key, and started removing my shackles.
Two minutes later, with the chains still locked on my ankles and wrists, she had me at the open stern of the boat. We were standing there not saying a word. I knew she was going to shoot me, but she must have been weighing that I wouldn’t be around any more.
“Melanie, why are you doing all of this?”
She was pointing the gun at my head now, but didn’t answer me.
“Melanie, I asked you a question…answer me…why are you doing all of this?”
Even in the moonlight I could see her eyes tearing up. “Scott, I really love you. From the moment we were at the warehouse I realized what love could really be like.”
I didn’t understand entirely what she was saying, but this was my opportunity. “I know you do in your own way. You could really be a nice person, given the right circumstances.”
“Do you love me?” She waved the gun, like she was a moment away from pulling the trigger.
“No…but someone could love you. You need to give up this crazy vendetta against everyone. You have no chance of anyone loving you when you’re like this.” I could see the tears running down her face, and her body starting to sob. “Melanie, do you remember your grandfather and your sister on his boat when you were growing up?”
Her expression changed slightly, and she nodded.
“Wasn’t that a great and wonderful time? Can you remember yachting on his boat; just the three of you? Wouldn’t he be ashamed at what you’ve done?” I waited for the words to make any kind of impression. I could hear the whine of boat engines in the distance. “Why don’t you be a good little girl and put that gun down? You’re grandfather is telling you to put the gun down now. Be that good little girl he remembered and enjoyed.”
She was sobbing uncontrollably now. The gun was waving considerably. Her expression softened, as she wiped at the tears. She bent her head briefly. When she raised it, I could see what looked like a little-girl smile.
“Grandpa, please forgive me. I didn’t do these things…she did. Scott, I’m so sorry this has happened to you and the other
s.” The tears were flowing. I really felt sorry for her. “This has gone too far. I can’t let her do these things any more…please tell Mercedes that a part of me loves her and wants her to forgive me. I hope you have a wonderful life together.”
She pointed the gun at my face, then smiled and turned it, pulling the trigger. When I reopened my eyes, she was falling backwards into the ocean with her head on fire. The emotion of everything was too much for me. I was crying. I watched her body float away; the glow lighting up the water around her.
The boat engines I heard in the distance were now close by. I could see a man with a megaphone standing at the bow of the boat.
Chapter 90
It was Chief-Inspector Hughes on the boat. They came alongside, tying the two boats together. “Mr. Tucker, I’m glad we got to you in time.”
One of the crew gave me a yellow raincoat to put on, and he headed down below.
“It looked like she was going to shoot you with that flare,” Inspector Hughes said. “Unfortunately, by the time we secured our boat, her body disappeared into the depths.”
“What about Denny?” I asked.
“He’s lost a lot of blood and is unconscious, but he’s going to be okay. Why did she shoot herself?” Hughes asked.
I looked to where I last saw her body floating. “I think she was preventing anything bad from happening in the future. It’s hard to explain, but I think she was giving both her grandfather and her sister a present.”