Neptune's Ring

by Ali Spooner

  The group remained silent for several minutes as they digested Levi’s story. Carlos sensed there was more, but he would not press Levi on the issue.

  The sun was starting to rise and the pre-dawn mist was beginning to form when Jonah appeared on the porch.

  Carlos stood and welcomed him into the house.

  “Would you like some coffee?” he asked.

  “I would love some, thanks,” Jonah said.

  He sat down beside Levi. “My men will be bringing the body out of the woods in just a few minutes,” he said. “Her remains will be concealed in a body bag, but are you okay with us bringing her through the yard?” he asked gently.

  Levi smiled warmly at the man. “Celeste is at peace now, so they are only her human remains. I only have one request,” she said.

  “What would that be?” Jonah asked.

  “Celeste asked to have Roberto ride beside her when she was taken home. Is that possible?” she asked.

  “It is a break from the normal routine, but we can make an exception,” Jonah said as he took the mug of coffee from Carlos.

  “Thank you,” he said. “The morning has turned very cool,” he said wrapping his hands around the hot mug. “I have many questions to ask you, Levi,” he said.

  “Can they wait a few more minutes, until Celeste is on her way home?” Levi asked.

  “Of course,” Jonah said as he lifted the mug and took a sip of coffee.

  They watched out the window as the Crime Scene Technicians carried a small stretcher from the clearing. “Come with me Roberto,” Jonah said.

  “Do you want me to go with you?” Carlos asked.

  “Yes, please,” Roberto said as he stood to leave.

  He hugged Levi close. “Thank you, my friend,” he said with tears in his eyes.

  “You are welcome, Roberto, and I will be seeing you soon,” Levi said.

  Cat and Levi watched the three men walk over to the small group and then Roberto and Carlos followed the group down the hill toward the harbor. A strange resemblance to a funeral procession, Levi thought as she watched the men disappear over the hill.

  “Goodbye Levi,” she heard Celeste faintly whisper.

  “Goodbye,” Levi whispered back.

  “Did you say something, Levi?” Cat asked.

  “Nothing really,” Levi said as she picked up the coffee pot. “Are you ready for a refill?”

  “Yes, please,” Cat said as she lifted her mug to Levi.

  Jonah walked back into the house and Levi told him the story of her contact with Celeste and how she was able to locate her body.

  Jonah took notes as Levi spoke and asked questions during the process.

  “Not that it matters much, but did Celeste say how she died?” he asked.

  Levi thought for a few seconds. “Van Buren strangled her,” she said, not far from the truth. “He was obsessed with Celeste.”

  Jonah started to ask another question then quickly changed his mind. There was no need to know if she was sexually assaulted. Celeste’s body had been recovered and Van Buren could not be punished, so he left his investigation closed at that point.

  “What will happen next? Levi asked.

  “Her remains will be taken to the hospital morgue and we will use dental records to make a positive identification before releasing her remains to her mother,” Jonah said.

  “Then she can be laid to rest once and for all,” Levi said, thinking out loud.

  “Yes, and thanks to your efforts her mother and Roberto now can find peace in some closure,” Jonah said as he stood to leave.

  Cat and Levi watched him walk down to the harbor and he took Carlos’ keel boat back across the water.

  “What now?” Cat asked.

  “Some much needed sleep,” Levi said.

  “Would you like for me to stay with you today?” Cat asked.

  “Thank you, Cat, but I think I will probably sleep most of it away,” Levi said. “I would appreciate you calling Nat and Liz in a few hours. Tell them I am going to be turning my phones off to get some rest and that I will call later, for them and Vanessa.”

  “I sure will,” Cat said. “I will take the boat back, but if you need anything, just give me a call,” Cat said.

  “Thanks, I will, Cat,” Levi said as she hugged Cat. “Will you tell Codi I need to take a rain check on tomorrows diving trip too?” she asked.

  “Not a problem,” Cat said then left the house.

  Levi watched her until the boat disappeared from view and after stripping out of her clothes collapsed on the bed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Levi slept most of the day waking only when she became hungry late in the afternoon. She went to the kitchen and pulled the chicken pasta leftovers from the freezer and popped them into the microwave. Levi turned her cell phone back on and found she had two messages. She keyed in the number to check her voicemails and found the first to be a message from Cat letting her know that she had contacted Nat as she had asked. The second message was from Nat imploring Levi to call as soon as she woke up to give them a report on how she was feeling. Levi smiled and dialed the number to the resort office and waited for the phone to be answered. When there was no answer after eight rings, Levi left a voice mail for Nat to give her a call.

  The timer on the microwave sounded and Levi pulled out the hot dish and carried it to the table. She poured herself a glass of tea and ate while she looked out the window at the beautiful day she had missed. There was one more task she had to finish today and then she would shower and have a relaxing night in front of the television. She placed her dishes in the dishwasher and rummaged through the drawers until she found a book of matches.

  Levi then walked to the bedroom and opened the drawer on the bedside table and removed Van Buren’s journal and tucked it under her arm. Levi left the house and walked to the shed behind the house. She had seen a can of lighter fluid earlier and picked up the can and started down the path to the garden. She smiled as she walked passed Celeste’s garden and continued across the clearing.

  When she reached the site that had been Celeste’s grave she found the shovel resting against a small tree. She was surprised that there was no yellow crime scene tape roping off the area, then assumed because there was no potential for prosecution of a dead Van Buren, there was no need to do an extensive search for evidence. They had recovered Celeste’s body and made little effort to repair the disturbed soil at the grave. Levi would take care of the area after she had finished her task.

  She picked up the shovel and dug a small hole in the soft soil. Levi then opened the journal and soaked its pages with the lighter fluid before dropping it in the hole. She struck a match and tossed it in the hole and watched in silence as flames began to eat away the pages, destroying the final piece of evidence to Celeste’s death as she promised.

  A light smoke lifted into the air as the charred pages disappeared one by one until the journal was burned beyond recognition. When she was satisfied that nothing remained of the bound journal, Levi picked up the shovel and began to fill the hole with soil and then used the shovel to smooth the remaining soil atop the former grave site.

  Nat, Cat and Vanessa made their way across the water to the island just as the sun was beginning to set. When they stepped onto the dock, Nat said, “I smell smoke.”

  “I do too,” Vanessa said as she took off for the house at a full run.

  Nat and Cat followed closely behind Vanessa and arrived at the house as Vanessa ran in to find the house empty.

  “She’s not in there,” Vanessa said when she came out to find Nat and Cat on the steps of the porch.

  “The garden,” Cat said and led Nat and Vanessa around the house to the now familiar path.

  They had just reached the small garden finding it empty when Levi emerged from the woods with the shovel resting on one shoulder and the canister of lighter fluid in her hand. She stopped dead in her tracks when she looked up to see her lover and their two friends staring at h
er.

  “Did I sleep longer than I think?” Levi asked. “Is it Friday?” she teased.

  “No, you silly woman it is still Thursday, but when Cat called to tell us what happened we decided to come over a day early to check on you,” Nat said.

  Levi dropped the shovel and lighter fluid and melted into Vanessa’s arms.

  “I am so glad you are here,” she said to her love. “It’s good to see you too, Nat”.

  “It scared us when we smelled smoke,” Nat said. “What on earth were you doing?”

  “Just fulfilling a final promise,” Levi said. She offered no more information and her friends respected her enough to let it stand at that.

  “Cat has told us most of the story and we are so proud of you, Levi,” Nat said. “I probably would have fled from the island tearing my hair out if that had happened to me,” she said.

  “I was never scared,” Levi said which was true. “Celeste was such a beautiful and sweet young woman, I think she was frustrated when no one took her presence here seriously.”

  “I am glad she will finally have some peace,” Vanessa said.

  “Me too baby,” she said. “It’s getting dark, why don’t we walk back to the house,” Levi said. “I have some cold beer in the fridge.”

  “That sounds good to me,” Nat said.

  They walked from the clearing and her friends waited as she placed the shovel and lighter fluid back in the tool shed.

  “You know Cat, I think we should go back down for our bags before it gets dark,” Nat said.

  “Take the golf cart, it is much easier than climbing the hill with bags,” Levi said.

  Cat and Nat climbed into the cart and drove down the hill. Levi turned in Vanessa’s arms and kissed her deeply. “I love you so,” she said.

  “I love you too, and I am glad to find that you are well.”

  “I am very good,” Levi said. “But, I do need a shower.”

  “Go on in then and take a shower while I wait for Nat and we get settled in,” Vanessa said.

  “Thanks baby, I will make it quick,” Levi said and then rushed into the house.

  Levi showered quickly and dressed in a pair of sweats and a large t shirt. Then she went to the fridge and took out a beer before joining her friends on the porch as they watched a beautiful sunset.

  “Isn’t that a beautiful sight?” she said as she sat next to Vanessa.

  “It is quite beautiful here,” Vanessa said.

  “I am so happy that you are here,” Levi said as she smiled to Nat and Vanessa.

  Nat’s phone rang and it was Liz calling.

  “Have you made it to the island and is Levi alright?” she blurted out.

  “Yes, we got here a few minutes ago and yes, Levi is fine, my love,” Nat said.

  “Good, let me talk to her please,” Liz said.

  Nat smiled ay Levi as she handed her the phone. “Mama wants to talk to you.”

  Levi lifted the phone to her ear and said, “Hello.”

  “You tell Nat I heard that smart ass comment,” Liz instructed.

  “She heard your smart ass comment,” Levi said to Nat.

  “Oops,” Nat said.

  “Oops is right,” Liz said to Levi. “Are you really okay?”

  “Yes, Liz I am fine. I was very tired this morning and slept most of the day, but I have eaten, had a nice hot shower and now I have three gorgeous guardian angels to watch over me,” Levi teased. “I am sorry that Nat found it necessary to leave you a day early though.”

  “Nonsense, she just used that as an excuse to come over early,” Liz said. “She has been chomping at the bit to be there all week.”

  “Oh, so Nat just used me, did she?” Levi said falling into Liz’s train of thought. “I see how you are boss,” she said to Nat.

  Nat blushed then shrugged her shoulders. “But I was worried about you, Levi,” she said with a sheepish grin.

  “Ask her why she already had a bag packed then,” Liz said.

  Levi burst out laughing.

  “What did she say?” Nat said.

  “She has you so busted,” Levi finally managed to say, still chuckling. “I am fine, really Liz, so I will let you talk back to your profusely blushing lover,” Levi said then handed the phone back to Nat.

  “Hello, My Love,” Nat said sweetly.

  “It is so good to be surrounded by my friends,” Levi told Vanessa. “I hope it wasn’t too much of an inconvenience for you to come early,” she said to Vanessa.

  “Not at all, Killian was more than happy to take over for me,” Vanessa said.

  “Good, that means I get one more night with you,” Levi grinned.

  “Yes, you do.”

  Nat hung up from Liz and turned back to the conversation. “What time does Carlos and his crew, usually start work?” she asked.

  “Normally, at five, why do you ask?” Levi said.

  “Just dying of curiosity,” Nat said.

  “Do you want to go down tonight and take a peek?” Levi asked.

  “Yes, but no, I will wait until you and Carlos can give us a proper tour,” Nat said.

  “That’s good, I think Carlos needs to see how impressed you are with the work,” Levi said.

  “Who needs another beer?” Vanessa asked.

  “I will take one,” Nat said.

  “Me too, baby,” Levi said.

  “I had better pass, I still have to drive,” Cat said.

  “Can’t you stay the night?” Levi asked. “I will give you some clothes to wear,” she said.

  “Thanks, Levi, but I am expecting a special phone call tonight,” Cat said.

  “In that case, let me get fresh beer and I will drive you down to the boat,” Vanessa said.

  Vanessa walked into the house and returned with three cold beers. “I will be right back,” she said and softly kissed Levi.

  “Will we see you tomorrow, Cat?” Levi asked.

  “We haven’t missed a day yet, have we?” she asked Levi.

  “Well, no as a matter of fact we haven’t,” Levi said. “How about we meet for a late breakfast at the diner, after Nat and Vanessa have had the grand tour?”

  “That will work,” Cat said. “I will have the boat so I will come over around nine then,” Cat said.

  “See you tomorrow then,” Levi said with a bright smile.

  They watched as Cat and Vanessa disappeared in the golf cart then Nat turned to Levi. “You are okay for real, no bullshit?” she asked.

  “Yes, Nat, I am fine,” Levi said. “No bullshit.”

  “Good. I really didn’t use today’s events as an excuse to come early, I truly was worried about you,” Nat said.

  Levi chuckled. “I know Nat, but the look on your face was priceless,” Levi teased.

  “I swear, some days I don’t know who is worse you or Liz,” Nat said.

  “Oh, Liz has me beat by miles,” Levi said.

  “Uh hmm, you are probably right,” Nat said.

  Vanessa returned to the house and plugged in the cart to charge. She joined Nat and Levi on the porch and picked up a fresh beer.

  “Welcome back, baby,” Levi said.

  “Thanks sweetie,” Vanessa said.

  “I didn’t think to ask if you two had anything to eat,” Levi said.

  “No, we came straight over once we got here,” Nat said.

  “I can fix you sandwiches or something hot if you like,” Levi offered.

  “I will fix us some sandwiches while you stay here with Vanessa,” Nat said.

  “Fine then,” Levi said as she snuggled next to Vanessa.

  After they finished the meal, Nat stretched lazily. “I think I am going to give Liz a call and make it an early night.”

  “I hope you can sleep tonight,” Levi said.

  “I do too,” Nat said. “If not, I will have the coffee made when you two get up,” she said with a grin.

  “Sleep well, Nat and tell Liz we said hello,” Vanessa said.

  “I will. Goodnight
ladies,” Nat said and walked into the house.

  The night breeze was turning cool and Levi shivered. “Are you ready to go inside?” Vanessa asked.

  “I am getting a little chilly,” Levi said.

  “Why don’t we go inside then and I can shower and come snuggle you warm again,” Vanessa suggested.

  “That sounds perfect to me.”

  Levi closed the door behind them and followed Vanessa into the bedroom, closing the bedroom door behind them as well. She lit a few candles around the room and undressed before crawling beneath the bed linens. She snuggled into the comfortable bed and waited for Vanessa to return.

  Vanessa showered quickly and dried her hair before walking into the bedroom. When she stood next to the bed she saw that Levi’s eyes were closed and she feared her lover had fallen asleep. She slowly climbed onto the bed and smiled as Levi’s eyes opened.

  “Hello, Baby,” Levi said.

  “Hiya, Sweetie,” Vanessa said and leaned down to kiss Levi.

  “I have missed you so badly,” Levi said as her hand stroked down Vanessa’s side.

  “I have missed you too,” Vanessa said as she rolled on top of Levi, pressing their bodies together.

  They shared tender, slow kisses as the desire grew between them. Levi’s breathing grew ragged as Vanessa’s mouth kissed down her body and came to rest on Levi’s breast. Levi’s body writhed beneath Vanessa’s as her tongue and fingers tortured her body with light touches.

  “Please, baby, I need you now,” Levi begged.

  Vanessa opened her mouth and took Levi’s left breast in her mouth as her finger’s penetrated Levi’s wetness and she cried out with pleasure.

  “Oh yes, baby, that’s it,” Levi purred as Vanessa suckled her breast and stroked her slowly.

  Vanessa’s thumb rubbed across Levi’s clit as her fingers glided slowly in and out of her body and she felt Levi shiver with delight. Vanessa could feel her own wetness begin to trickle down the inside of her thighs as Levi’s body coiled and her climax struck like a clap of thunder.

  “Oh yes,” Levi cried out as she reached down to hold Vanessa’s mouth on her breast. “That feels so good baby.”

  Levi regained control of her breathing and rolled Vanessa onto her back as she crawled between her spread thighs. Her hunger for Vanessa was voracious, but Levi restrained her desire while the tip of her tongue teased Vanessa’s lips. Levi was toying with Vanessa’s erect nipples with her right hand and she moaned loudly as she tasted Vanessa’s excitement with her tongue.