by Debbie Kump
Okay. Make that four remaining.
“A little help?” Alyssa shouted breathlessly as another pirate spanned the distance between their ships, closest to Erik.
Erik shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Get your game face on, he encouraged himself as he steadied his feet on the rocking boat while a pirate stepped toward him. Frantically, he searched for something to use to fight, but everything inside the cockpit was already attached.
Then he got an idea. While he heard Alyssa grunt and lunge at her attacker, Erik stepped backwards, inching toward the boom. The dark pirate readied his fist to swing at Erik. But Erik dropped the sail, placed both hands on the boom and shoved it at the man’s face. Erik winced as he heard the metal crunch the man’s skull, knocking him clear off the side of the boat.
Three left. He spun his head to see how Alyssa fared. She swung her blade at the pirate’s chest, catching only air as the pirate backed away. But he didn’t have time to assist as another man bore upon him. Erik turned toward the man, searching for a new plan when the pirate’s knuckles met his face. Erik’s head reeled as blood splattered from his nose. He fell backward into the cockpit, wiping his nostrils with the back of his hand.
Get up! he shouted at himself. You can’t give up this easy! Erik balled his fists as he rose to his feet, swinging madly. Blood boiling, he threw a punch with his right fist, then his left. He hit the pirate in the gut and in the cheek, but it wasn’t enough to stop the onslaught. The man hit Erik again, this time square in the belly. Erik doubled over in pain.
Your life. Alyssa’s, too. The boat. He couldn’t relent now. Gritting his teeth, Erik drew back his fist, aiming at the pirate’s nose when he heard Alyssa yell.
“Wha–?” He wheeled his head around to hear with his good ear.
“DUCK!” she repeated, the hilt of a knife cocked behind her head…aimed directly at Erik’s face. His eyes bulged. He’d seen her precision (or lack, thereof) with the firebombs before. Granted that was at a distance, but Erik wasn’t ready to take the chance.
Erik immediately dropped to the floor of the cockpit. Laughing, the pirate stepped on Erik’s ankle, crushing it beneath his boot, just as Alyssa aimed and released.
Erik roared in pain, hearing the bones in his ankle crunch under the weight of the boot. But the pressure soon relented. Erik glanced up, noticing the pirate’s eyes growing dim…and Alyssa’s blade lodged deep within the man’s sternum. The pirate tumbled backwards, landing with a loud splash in the inky water. Two remaining, Erik counted.
Grasping a second knife in her hand, Alyssa spun around to confront another pirate. But she hesitated momentarily, switching the blade from her left hand to her right. In that wasted moment, the pirate kicked the blade from her hand, sending it scooting across the floor, out of reach.
“Watch out!” Erik screamed. Ignoring the burn in his ankle, he hopped to one foot, ramming his shoulder into the man’s torso and sending him overboard into the deep. Then Erik collapsed onto the floor, his ankle searing with pain, unable to bear any more weight.
With utter dismay, he spotted the final pirate climbing up the side of their boat, his clothes dripping onto the deck as he reached for the knife Alyssa had dropped. Brandishing the blade, he inched toward Alyssa as a look of shock registered upon her face. In desperation, she searched her empty pockets, then balled her fists, ready for the fight.
Erik felt time slow to a crawl as he watched Alyssa fend off the attacker. He willed his body to protect her, to leap between her and the attacker, but he struggled to move, as if his feet were stuck in freshly poured concrete.
She ducked away from his jab to her chest; keeping her eyes trained on his every step. When he paused, Alyssa swung her fist, knocking him across the jaw. Blood sputtered from his mouth, splattering the inside of the cockpit. The pirate stepped backward, balancing precariously on the edge of the gunwale, like a cobra rearing its hooded head, waiting for the next opportunity to strike.
“It’s over,” the man hissed in a heavy accent as he lunged at Alyssa with the blade.
“Not a chance,” Alyssa grinned wickedly, formulating a new plan in her head.
Erik watched Alyssa’s hips twist sideways as her foot rose to meet the man’s torso. The pirate slashed down hard with the knife in a last feeble attempt at defense. Alyssa raised her forearm to counter the blow as she kicked him hard in the gut. Grunting in pain, he tumbled over the side of the boat, gurgling as the inky water filled his open mouth and dragged him under.
But Alyssa lost her balance from the force of her blow. Erik gasped as he helplessly watched her topple backwards, whacking the back of her head on the metal boom. A resounding thud rocked Erik’s heart as she collapsed, inert on the floor of the cockpit.
“NO!” Erik shouted as he crawled to her side, dragging his limp ankle behind. He bent over her, sweeping the hair from her face. “Alyssa!” he cried in desperation, clutching her hand in his.
Blood seeped from her wounded forearm, soaking her white sleeve a deep shade of crimson. For a moment, her eyes focused on his.
“You’ll be alright,” he smiled at her encouragingly. She had to be.
In a failing voice, Alyssa murmured, “I’m sorry, E–rik…I promised…”
Then her eyes grew dull. Her head fell listlessly to one side. Erik shook her gently, but her body had grown unresponsive.
“No, Alyssa. No,” he begged, putting his head to her chest. What could he do now? And why hadn’t he insisted they go back for a medical kit? Their rush to escape Miami suddenly seemed insignificant.
To think he might lose her now…just when he needed her most. Anguishing thoughts of a stark existence alone filled Erik’s head as he cradled her passive body protectively, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Chapter Forty-Four
Alyssa fluttered her eyelids, squinting up at the scattered, wispy clouds glowing warm like sun-ripened peaches in the calm, early morning skies.
Blinking, she surveyed her surroundings. Her head ached brutally as she lay on the floor of the cockpit, despite the soft pillow placed beneath it. Erik had probably brought her here to monitor her condition while he sailed the ship. Blankets off the double bed covered her body, while her wounded arm carefully rested across the top. Even her blood-soaked sleeve had been cut away and her forearm freshly bandaged. Thank God Erik had been there to care for her.
Speaking of which, where was Erik? Maybe he’d gone below. Except he usually stayed near the tiller to keep the sails filled. Alyssa felt a pang of guilt for her lack of help since they set sail.
Then she paused, looking up. The sails. Perplexed, Alyssa stared at the folds of fabric lashed to the mast, the mainsail halyard rattling softly in the light breeze.
We’ve stopped. But why? Alyssa wondered.
Scowling in pain, she dragged herself up to peer over the starboard side. The anchor line was stretched taut. Confused, she slowly spun her head to look over the port gunwale.
The most remarkable sight greeted her…
All the photos Alyssa had accessed from the Siren’s files during her stint underwater paled in comparison to the sight of impossible beauty lying before her now.
“Oh. My. God,” Alyssa breathed, gazing upon the low, forested hills rolling into the sea, like a sapphire plunked in the middle of a huge basin of water dyed a brilliant turquoise. Spilling waves lapped at the white sandy beach. Tall palm trees filled with coconuts stretched far over the water. Nestled inside this protective cove, gentle waves bounced against the hull, lightly swaying the Sunset. The island was small–maybe a mile across at best. But after so long at sea, Alyssa couldn’t help but think of the promise it held.
Suddenly she heard a rhythmic splashing on the side of the boat. A wave of relief passed over her as she kneeled to see Erik swimming toward the boat. His arms sliced through the water, dragging his limp leg behind. At the base of the ladder, he paused, grasping it tightly with his hands as he pulled himself one-legged to the top.
Before she could call his name, her eyes fell to Erik’s tanned chest–stronger and leaner than when they’d departed Miami. His pectorals flexed as he hoisted himself over the side of the boat, dripping wet. Instantly, her tongue tied itself in a knot. Oh, my God, Alyssa thought, swallowing hard. Balancing on one leg, he shook the water from his ears. A frustrated look crossed his face as he tugged on his right earlobe–obviously still bothered by the loss of hearing on that side.
The tops of Erik’s shoulders and cheeks were sunburned and starting to peel. Peeking at his foot, she realized why. He’d literally taken the shirt off his own back to wrap his foot, leaving the last remaining fresh cloth for her wounded arm. And she had neglected to bring a bottle of sunscreen like he’d asked, even though she probably could’ve found one at that scuba shop back in Miami.
Erik stepped gingerly onto the deck, wincing with pain. But his grimace quickly faded. His weary eyes flickered with joy at finding her conscious and awake.
“Hey! You’re up! How’re you feeling? I was afraid to leave you but…” The joyful look on his face vanished as he gritted his teeth to hobble across the deck.
Overlooking her own headache, Alyssa stood to meet him halfway, offering her hand as she helped him onto one of the cockpit’s benches. It must’ve been hell for him to make all those trips down to the cabin while caring for her injuries.
“No worries. I just got up.” Alyssa said, sitting across from him. “But, how did you…” Shamefaced, she paused. What were you gonna say…how’d you get here by yourself? Oh, please, Alyssa. It’s not like you were much help even when you were conscious.
Instead, she settled for, “I mean…where are we?”
“Bahamas, I think, judging by the chart I found in the cabin.” A wistful look filled his eyes.
Alyssa knew how he felt. With the DOTS, they would have known their precise location in a fraction of a second. But it’s hard to miss something that robbed you of everything and everyone.
“So, have you checked out the place?” Alyssa asked, eager to distract her mind from the recurring thoughts of death.
He shook his head. “Can’t do much with this bum ankle.”
Alyssa frowned. “Sorry ‘bout that.”
“It’s not your fault.”
But Alyssa couldn’t help but think that it was. Since she met him, she’d punched him in the schnoz, kicked him in the groin and the shin, and now rendered his ankle useless. If only she’d been faster throwing the knife. Or more accurate in launching the firebombs, she might’ve prevented the entire attack in the first place.
“The place looks deserted, though,” Erik continued, easing the tension hanging in the air. “Might be a private island for a cruise ship or something.” He handed her a pair of binoculars. “Here. Take a look.”
Alyssa stared at the object in his hands, shocked. “Where’d you find those?”
“They were hidden in a drawer behind the cases of bottled water,”Erik said, simpering with guilt for berating her back in Miami. Perhaps it hadn’t mattered that she disregarded his entire list of supplies after all; the Golden Sunset came more stocked than she’d expected. But Alyssa couldn’t hold him at blame for long. It served her right for all the pain she’d caused him.
Alyssa peered through the binoculars, focusing them as she scanned the beach. The island did have its possibilities: cabanas, rows of deck chairs stacked and locked in case of passing storms, and posts for a volleyball net. Well, they definitely had shelter–if they could break open the padlocks. Who knows? Maybe someone would even come back and find them here. Maybe.
“Nice spot,” she grinned, passing Erik the binoculars. “And thanks for your help with…well, everything, I guess.” She glanced down at her bandaged arm appreciatively. “By the way, how long was I out?”
Erik shrugged. “A while.”
But it looked like more than a while to Alyssa. Erik’s pink cheeks peeled. And dark, sleepless circles lined his eyes.
“After you got hurt, I tore the boat apart, looking for something to give you to help with the pain. I just couldn’t–” His voice trailed off. His eyes misted as he looked out to sea.
Alyssa blinked. Couldn’t lose me, she thought, finishing for him. Her heart suddenly filled with a flurry of butterflies.
“That’s when I found the binoculars and the charts,” he added sheepishly. “But I’m glad your fever broke.” He swallowed uncomfortably, his voice dropping to a whisper as he muttered, “You were talking a bunch in your sleep.”
“I was?” Alyssa’s throat suddenly tightened, the warm glow inside her chest instantly fading. She stammered, “Wha–what did I say?”
Erik’s lips drew taut as he gave her a noncommittal shrug. But his glance was knowing. Embers of jealousy kindled in his smoky eyes.
Alyssa’s face fell. He knew.
Despite her attempts to keep her illicit relationship with Justin a secret until her dying days, she had subconsciously let it slip in her feverish state. And judging by Erik’s reaction, she never called for him by name. Not once.
Especially after all he did for her.
Slowly, she reached inside the pocket of her khaki shorts, removing Officer Hidalgo’s dolphin pin. The sun glistened off its silvery surface as her thumb rubbed its smooth texture one last time.
She glanced back at Erik, studying her intently. The angry glow in his eyes began to fade as if he imagined the scene she’d encountered in the Command and Control Room aboard the Siren, again reminding him of the loved ones he found lying dead.
Alyssa bit her lip, strengthening her resolve. It’s time to move on, she decided, her mind suddenly lucid and determined. Everyone she cared about is gone.
Except for Erik. And if she wanted him to know that for sure, she had to let go of the past.
Willing herself to stand, she clenched the pin inside her fist, cocking her arm back to cast it into the sea, to its final resting place near its deserved owner. Her attempts to honor his death had failed. She would never find his family. His body would never be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Neither would those of any of the Siren’s crew.
Her arm arced through the air, freeing herself from the burden she bore, when Erik caught her wrist mid-swing. The pin fell from her hand, skittering across the open deck.
Alyssa crumbled to her knees, her shoulders heaving with unspoken sorrow.
Silently, Erik picked up the pin and knelt beside her. He placed the silver dolphin fish in the palm of her hand, wrapping her fingers tightly around it. “It’s okay to remember,” he said softly as he smoothed back her hair.
She squeezed her eyes shut, frustrated by her lack of tears.
Gently, she felt Erik place his lips against each of her closed eyelids, then lace his fingers through her free ones. She looked up at him, studying his expression. His short wave of jealousy had faded, replaced instead with forgiveness and understanding.
“It’s okay,” he repeated. She saw the pain of loss in his weary gray eyes and the fear he’d harbored wondering if she’d recover. As he wrapped his arms comfortingly around her, the pin dug deep into her palm, reminding her of what she’d left behind. Her head rested against his neck as she closed her eyes sadly…remembering.
After a long moment, Erik whispered, “So what do you think we should do now?”
Alyssa straightened, blinking to clear her thoughts. There would be ample time to remember the dead. But for now, they must tend to their own survival. Several ideas flashed through Alyssa’s mind as she surveyed the secluded island:
Their water supply would soon run dangerously low. They should find a fresh water spring to refill their canisters. And set up bowls to collect rainwater.
The end of the hurricane season was still a few weeks away. They should test the cabanas’ durability in protecting them from the imminent storms.
After the arduous journey and pirate attack, their boat was in serious need of repair. They should patch the sails and scan the h
ull for damage and leaks.
Judging by Erik’s peeling shoulders and face, they were low on provisions. If the sheds here proved empty, they should set sail again to scour nearby islands for supplies.
Plus, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten her fill. They should set up a few fishing lines and search the island for fresh fruits.
Instead, she named the one requirement she knew his body craved most. “You should rest. I’ll get started on…something.” Though on what exactly, she wasn’t sure.
A smile flickered across Erik’s lips. “Thanks. I think I’ll take you up on that offer.” He released her and stretched out across the makeshift bed he’d assembled on the floor of the boat, closing his eyes.
Sitting cross-legged on the bench, Alyssa stared up at the clear sky. A light breeze rustled her disheveled hair. It was hard to believe only a few days had passed since she was trapped inside the Siren, uncertain if she’d ever see the sun again. Harder still to believe what she’d endured since her escape.
She put her hand to the huge lump at the base of her skull, sighing deeply as she gingerly rubbed her head. Her world–the world–would never be the same.
“You doing okay?” Erik looked up, opening one eyelid.
“Yeah…I’m fine. I guess.”
Erik grinned knowingly. “Come here,” he said, taking her hand to pull her down by him on the floor. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders, keeping her close, then planted a kiss on the top of her matted head.
Everything could wait. They were safe. For now.
Alyssa laid her cheek against his warm, bare chest. And fell instantly asleep.
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