He raised both of his palms toward her. “I can't get you out just yet. I need to set things up first. How to get you out...” His eyes trailed down her body. “And how to get you to the ocean."
Lialani's shoulders sagged; she was slightly dejected, but at least she would be free soon. She watched Kyle take the final step to the glass and place a palm against it. He stared at her with his large eyes full of sincerity, causing warmth to flood her body.
"I'll be back, I promise. Trust me."
Kyle spoke so softly that she could only read each word as his mouth formed them.
She gave him a small smile, a silent agreement that she did trust him.
Chapter Three
"Where is it?” Kyle spoke aloud as he rifled through an old file cabinet, the last place he remembered placing his notes.
Over five years ago, he'd found a large unique scale on a cliff while on an expedition in South America. No one on his team could figure out what type of fish it came from. One of the crew members commented that maybe a mermaid had lost it. Everyone else laughed, but Kyle pocketed the scale and did a little research when he got back to work.
At that time, he could only find limited facts and a whole lot of fictional information. So, he had filed it for a later date. Who knew the later date would come like this?
"Yes!” his voice hissed out with excitement. In the back of the bottom drawer, he located the file. Looking up at his workstation and seeing the clutter around it, he decided to sit in a chair across the room.
Opening the tattered manila folder, he began to consume the information. The printout and clippings talked about Greek mythology, of half-men half-fish and their similarities to manatees. It listed their physical attributes, rituals, diets, and even described different varieties of merpeople. He didn't know what truly was fact and what was fiction, but he read on.
Some were called Hullbakers, Sealswimmers, Moonbaskers, Spellsingers, Pearlweepers, and even Landwalkers. “Landwalkers.” He glanced away from the papers as he thought. The old scale caught his eye where it lay on the floor beside the chair. He reached down and picked it up. It was coarse and brittle. Gently, he held it up. He examined it in hopes it could release secrets about the aquatic merworld.
Is she a Landwalker? “Perhaps I don't need a lift and a tank to escort her out."
Placing the scale on the corner of his station, he continued his literary exploration. If the beautiful mermaid in the tank was a Landwalker, he wanted to know how she could change and how to care for her until he could get her back to her people.
Pausing for a moment, he thought about the possibility of being caught. If he were, he would lose his job for sure, and jail time could be a factor. He loved his job, and if she stayed, it would give him the opportunity to study her more thoroughly. His heart beat a fast rhythm at the thought of being around her. His breathing became heavy at the picture his mind conjured up of him swimming in the tank alongside her, as he did the other mammals in order to understand them better. He considered what her skin might feel like to touch. Her hair covered a large portion of her upper body, the part that was ‘human.’ The desire to push back the thick red waves and see what was hidden from his sight was overpowering and caused his body to respond in a way it hadn't around other mammals.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he slid down further in the chair in an attempt to ease the pressure building behind his zipper.
Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and took a few calming breaths. Do I want to risk my own freedom for hers?
In the darkness behind his eyelids, he remembered how the sadness in her silver eyes seemed to pierce his soul. I have to free her.
* * * *
Lialani stretched as the ripples of the underwater current floated past her skin, causing delicate tickling sensations to race across it. She inhaled, allowing wet cool crystals of oxygen to fill her lungs. Flowing water?
The thought caused her eyes to open. Fully submerged in the water, she glanced above her head. It still wasn't deep enough to swim in, but it revitalized her still the same. Her vision was sharper underwater, and every sound around her became magnified.
She heard the heavy beat of footsteps to the left and the opening of a door. The person had been out of view by the time she awakened. She considered the possibility it may have been Kyle but couldn't believe he would leave without speaking to her first.
They made a connection of some sort last night. One she couldn't explain. She chalked it up to gratitude for his willingness to help, even though her heart told her it was something more.
When Kyle left her last night, she fell asleep to the melodic harmony that was calling her. The song of her people, though she didn't know how she knew. There were no words to the sound, no one calling her name. Just a bond that struck the depth of her soul. She was confident that if she could escape from the aquatic prison, the acoustic choir would guide her home. Home?
As if she were a grain of sand without a beach, there had never been an attachment to anything for as long as she could remember. The loss of her parents when she was fresh out of high school did an excellent job of severing the remaining ties.
She inhaled fully, letting her lungs separate the oxygen from the salt in the water. She relaxed and became one with the small current, clearing her mind.
* * * *
"Napping on the job now, are we?"
The aggravating sound of someone's voice awoke Kyle.
"Have you been here all night?"
There was only one person he knew whose tone held such cocky self-assurance. As he opened his eyes slowly, Jim's presence leaning against the workstation greeted Kyle.
Glancing down at his watch and noting it was early in the morning, Kyle stood and flexed. “What are you doing here so early? Your shift doesn't start until noon."
"I'm working on something with Mr. Crane."
Something? More like a beautiful mermaid with passion-colored red hair and brown skin that begs for kisses. Just the thought of her caused his blood to heat up.
Jim boldly glanced around the workstation as Kyle observed him.
What are you looking for? Kyle was glad the folder on the merpeople was sitting closed and innocent on the floor beside the chair he'd been sleeping in. “Can I assist you with something?"
"Actually, you can.” Jim paused in his snooping to stare at him.
Stepping over to the station, Kyle began to gather the loose documents from his whale expedition, anything to give Jim the hint he didn't have time for a lengthy visit. “I have a few minutes to spare. What's up?"
"Has anyone informed you about the park's newest addition?"
The moment of truth. “I heard some talk about a new seal or something.” Keep it minimal.
Jim chuckled. “Or something.” His eyes were dark and piercing as he stared at Kyle. “What do you know about mermaids?"
"They're supposed to be myths ... fantasy,” Kyle answered with the first thing that came to mind.
"They aren't.” Jim stepped around the desk, closer to him. “I caught one."
"How? Where?” The curiosity that laced his voice wasn't faked. He wanted to know how they had come by the beauty in the seal tank. Since she was non-communicative, it was impossible to get answers from her. Maybe if he knew where she'd come from he'd find the mysterious links to helping her.
A rapturous smile crawled up Jim's face. “Out at Laguna Bay Beach. Somehow she washed up on the beach."
"Maybe the current was too strong and pulled her in?” Kyle leaned a hip against his workstation.
"Possibly.” Jim behaved as if what had brought the mermaid to him was inconsequential. “But the crazy thing about it all, she had a little girl in her arms when she surfaced."
That new information really piqued Kyle's interest. “A child? As in a smaller mermaid?"
"No. As in a human little girl. The story is that the child got swept into the ocean while she and her mother were out on the cliff collecti
ng shells."
"The mermaid may have come close to the shore while she was saving the little girl."
Jim glanced off into the distance, as if considering the possibility. “There's still the question of the missing lifeguard."
Squinting, Kyle stared at Jim in silent confusion.
"Yeah, a female lifeguard went in, but a mermaid came out."
"What do you think happened to the woman?"
"She'll show up one way or another.” Jim shrugged, disinterested.
"Do you think they're one and the same?” Kyle questioned.
Jim shook his head, refusing the possibility. “Nope. Besides, the guard has worked at that beach for years. Not to mention, the lifeguard was a black girl with brown hair, not this flame-haired enchantress that we now own."
"Own.” The word felt like bile in his mouth. “You don't plan on letting her go?"
"Are you crazy?” Jim's voice rose in shock. “Mr. Crane would crap a brick. He's already calculating the increase in funds to the park.” Jim eyed him with suspicion. “I would have thought you'd rush at the opportunity to study her. I know I can't wait to jump in the tank with her."
The urge to pop Jim in his mouth overpowered Kyle. He crossed his arms to restrain his clenching fist. “Seems like you've got everything all planned out."
"Mostly. But that's why I'm here."
Kyle raised an eyebrow and cocked his head, indicating he was listening.
Stepping forward, Jim placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder. “I want you to do your thing. Collect all the data you can ... as soon as possible."
He didn't want to alienate Jim since he needed him for information, but it took everything in him not to shrug off the man's touch. Instead, he walked over to his file cabinet, causing Jim's hand to drop. “What kind of information?"
"Anything."
Kyle heard the squeaking of Jim's shoes as the other man headed toward the door.
"Especially ... if when they're dry they sprout legs. And become human. All woman, that is.” Jim's voice drifted off with a solicitous tone.
That got Kyle attention. He slammed the drawer closed and pierced the other biologist with a sharp gaze. “I have a lot on my plate ... I don't know how soon I can get what you need.” Like a straight jacket.
Jim misunderstood Kyle's anger. “I understand it's a lot. No rush. We just need the information like yesterday. Mr. Crane plans to open the exhibit in three weeks and the first show by the end of the month."
Shocked, Kyle barely stifled a growl.
"Happy hunting,” Jim said as he exited the office.
Dropping his head into his hands, he racked his brain in an attempt to think of the best way to get the mermaid away from the park.
"I gotta get her out of here.” Rising, he walked over to the folder of information and returned to his computer to find out as much information as he could. Taking time to review the different types of merpeople, he muttered, “We're going to have a problem if she isn't the land-walking kind."
Taking out pen and paper, he started making a list. He needed to plan for both scenarios. He'd have to leave work and pick up clothes and food at the store. What do they eat?
For a moment, he pondered over the story Jim had told him, wondering what really happened that day in the ocean by the cliff. And what in the hell happened to the female lifeguard?
* * * *
"Hey there, pretty lady, tonight is going to be your lucky night."
Shocked, Lialani broke the surface of the water. Enjoying the opportunity to swim and fully submerge herself finally, she was oblivious to approaching footsteps. Now Captor Jim not only arrived without her being aware but stood in the open doorway on the other end of the ledge.
Lucky night? Curious, she stared at him, trepidation filling her heart. Just an hour ago, she tried the door but, finding it secured from the outside, she was unable to open it. Now here he stood.
She watched him pull some type of contraption from behind the door with a lascivious smile gracing his face. “It's time we found out what type of mermaid you are."
She didn't understand. A large part of her didn't want to. She didn't want him here; he always made her feel uncomfortable, as if danger were just around the bend. Nothing similar to what she experienced with Kyle.
His name in her mind would have made her smile, if not for the sleaze ball currently in her presence.
"You could make this a lot easier on both of us if you'd just swim over here.” He took another step closer to the water.
His voice snatched her back into the moment. Shaking her head, she denied his request. She didn't know what he'd come for, but she doubted it was to let her go.
"Come here, my water beauty."
Moving backwards, she placed herself at a greater distance away from Captor Jim.
"It makes no difference whether you come to me on your own or with a little assistance. You will come,” he said as he patted the machine. “See this? It'll help you become a little more compliant to my wishes."
As she continued to observe him, Captor Jim reached beyond the door and placed something in the machine that appeared to be a claw with a slender piece of tarp-like material in it.
Before she knew what was happening, Captor Jim turned the machine on and began to steer the claw toward her. Lialani ducked beneath the water in an attempt to escape.
It was no use. The tank wasn't big enough for her to get away from the persistent metal hook. No place to hide. After several near misses, Lialani fought against the contraption, whacking it with her tail.
Jim's laughter rumbled across the water. “This crane has taken on bigger fish than you, my seductress."
Refusing to give up, Lialani decided on a different tactic. Swimming toward Captor Jim, she sprang up on the ledge in an attempt to grab his leg and pull him into the water. Into her turf.
She underestimated the determination of his devious mind. Calculating her intention, he swung the arm of the claw around and snared her in its grasp, cinching the tarp tight around her waist.
When he pulled a lever and locked the arm in place, Lialani found herself dangling above the water as the crane slowly pulled her to the ridge. She struggled against the machine in vain.
"Now for the fun part.” He walked out of the tank's doorway and returned with some sort of blower, aiming it at her flailing body. “In a few minutes you'll be nice and dry and a nimble-legged woman. Then I'm going to give you a night you'll never forget."
Oh my, God. He's going to...
* * * *
Kyle froze. What the...
He couldn't believe the sight before him. Jim had the mermaid hoisted above the water with the deepwater winch. To make matters worse, Jim held one of the tank blowers aimed at the lower part of her body as the crane reeled her in to hover over the ledge. Kyle knew what Jim planned. He'd alluded to it in his office. I have to get her out of here. The words rushed through his mind as he slid the supply bag off his shoulder.
Jim's attempt to touch her breast caught Kyle's attention. Furious and quick, the mermaid slapped his hand away.
Jim sneered. “That's how I like it—rough. You will too before this night is over."
The hell you will.
Kyle saw red. Enraged, he made his way to the door as he heard the click of the blower being turned on. Keeping to the shadows, Kyle headed toward the stairs as he scanned the floor for a weapon. Everything told him Jim wouldn't be willing to politely walk away from the merwoman. He was positive Jim had been plotting this assault all day, maybe since he found her and brought her to the park.
Finding the thick diamond-shaped metal sign that read ‘Construction underway', he picked it up and tested its weight. It wasn't the heaviest of things, but with enough power behind the object, it would be enough to give Kyle time to figure out what to do next.
In stealth mode, he took the steps two at a time, thankful for the noise of the blower that kept his approach concealed. Wasting no time, he grasped the sig
n on both sides and stepped into the doorway. With Jim's back to him, he had a clear shot.
The mermaid spotted him before he could make his move, and her widened eyes gave him away.
Jim whipped around and saw him.
"Kyle!"
Both men were stunned at the sound coming from the tightly held woman.
Jim turned lust-filled eyes back to her at the same time Kyle shook off his amazement and raised the sign, bringing it down hard on the top of his co-worker's head.
Thump! The blower was the first thing to go as it fell from Jim's hands and hit the floor, shutting off with a jolt. Jim went next, dropping like lead at Kyle's feet.
Kyle disregarded the clatter of the sign as he released his grip on it. Kneeling, he checked the pulse in Jim's neck. It was faint but there. He sighed with relief. Escape was what he desired, not murder.
Lifting his gaze from the fallen man to the suspended woman, he saw she was no longer a mermaid but was transformed into a beautiful woman with legs. He understood now how she had been able to call his name.
He moved his eyes to her face. After all she'd been through tonight, he didn't want her to think he planned to abuse her, the way Jim would have.
"I guess you can talk when you're in human form.” Finally having the opportunity to observe her up close, Kyle noticed her eyes were still silver, and her hair still shone bright as cherries. I didn't imagine them.
Her cheek flushed as she gave him a small smile, her voice soft as she spoke. “I guess so."
"What's your name?” He wanted to know what to call her.
"Lialani."
He loved her smooth-as-silk voice. His lips lifted at the corners. “Well, Lialani, you think you're ready to get out of here before he wakes up?"
"I was afraid you'd never ask.” She giggled.
"Can you walk?” Stepping before her, he held out his hand.
She gaped at her feet over the ground, then back up at him. “I'm not sure."
Moving closer, he stood directly in front of her. He could smell the salt water on her skin and feel her breath on his face. She smelled like the ocean and sunshine. She smelled like freedom. The machine placed them on an even eye level, which was saying a lot since he stood over six-foot tall. “Hold onto my shoulders."
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