The Chilling Tide

by T M Bashford

  When I come out with a towel around my hips, Shae, wrapped in a sheet, has opened the curtains and is staring into the horizon.

  “Let’s go eat lunch, or dinner, or whatever meal we should be consuming at this time of day, birthday girl,” I say.

  While she showers, I check my phone messages and emails. Jamison has called to confirm everything’s fine, but the police haven’t picked up Brett. They’ve diverted their search back to Sydney, though they have people searching for him in Townsville, too. It turns out the pieces of sea glass from Shae’s bedroom are similar to the shiny gems which caused Dad’s horse to refuse the jump. And Brett’s fingerprints are all over them.

  I put a security detail on Brody and Shae’s mom’s house, then text them to explain the media might swarm them when they find out Shae has regained her sight—which is also true. Then I begin to sketch Shae on a riverbank, my first drawing since I left Shae behind in Samoa.

  When she emerges from the shower, I brush my lips over hers. “Happy?” I ask. She nods. “You want this? You want us? Even though it means living in Sydney rather than on Sassy Jam?”

  “It doesn’t have to be an either or. We can sail every weekend and take long holidays to travel the world on Sassy.”

  Not once does she hide behind her curtain of hair, which is softly pinned behind her ears.

  “We can do that.” I grin madly.

  “And I want you. I want to marry you.”

  Seizing her, I laugh into her neck. “Five little words that mean as much as the three little words I never thought I’d hear. Wait here.”

  I go to my old bedroom to fetch the engagement ring. When I sit next to her on the bed again and open the box, she ponders it then me. “Happy birthday,” I say.

  Her eyes widen. “But how did you get it? I left it on Ariel?”

  “Good question. It came in the mail. No note. But the envelope displayed your name as the sender.”

  “Brett. I think he went through my stuff. It’s how he found your drawings.”

  “For months I believed you had sent it back.”

  She straddles my lap, letting the towel fall away, and kisses my lips. “That’s the last time Brett will come between us,” she says. “Ever.”

  We entice Jamison into the White Room by asking for a pot of tea for three, then invite him to have one himself. Once he has his tea, Shae tilts her hand to reveal the ring. With the teacup almost at his lips, he plonks it on the table and rises to his feet, speechless, smiling from ear to ear.

  “Nothing to say, Jamison? That’s a first,” I quip, also standing.

  He paces the room and makes for the balcony, but then spins on his heel and turns to me, his hand extended. Halfway, he changes his mind and targets Shae instead. She kisses his cheek. I slap him on the back. His huge grin splits his face in half. Then he hugs me as a father would. “My boy” and “So happy” are the only words he can utter.

  Shae

  Something seismic has shifted for Drew and me. We’re closer and more connected than ever before, like the space between us isn’t air anymore but an extension of ourselves that’s merely invisible.

  Later, Drew and I cuddle together on the bed under the stars. We search the sky through the circular skylight, which acts as a giant porthole above us, naming constellations. We make love, slowly and gently, before sleeping deeply.

  When I wake the next morning, I’m soaked in winter morning sunlight. Content, I roll over sleepily and fumble for Drew, but he’s not there. I put on my T-shirt and go to my suite to find a robe. I expect he’s in the White Room or having breakfast, but as I pass through the hall, I spot him in the study.

  I stand between the open double doors. “Morning,” I say.

  He looks up, surprised, and beckons me in.

  I walk across the plush carpet. “I’ve never seen you in here before.”

  “I needed to catch up on some urgent work and I went to the desk in my… old room. It felt wrong. Like I don’t belong there anymore.” He stands and circles the huge desk to fold his arms around me. “The walls in here used to push in on me, but today, it’s as if they’ve fallen away. Everything feels right. That’s what you’ve done for me.” He strokes my hair as I lay my head against his chest.

  “I understand what you mean.” I stoop to stroke Boomer at Drew’s feet. “I’m not aching to run off to sea and be alone. The spinning top that was my world when I wasn’t sailing has finally stopped.”

  Drew lifts my chin and his eyes rake over my face. His kiss is sweet and soft and jam-packed full of love.

  “I have something to tell you,” he says after gradually breaking contact. He pulls out a chair and has me sit, then perches opposite me, his palms covering my knees. “I’ve made a big decision and I’m sure it’s right because it feels good.”

  My heart stalls. The last time he made big decisions without me, it didn’t turn out well. Boomer places his chin on my lap, and I cuddle him to me.

  “I’ve decided to let Lucas buy me out of all but fifteen percent of my shares in Vega Corp. He’ll take over the reins. I know it appears odd and sudden, but we’ve spoken a lot more. I’ve also seen him in action at the office, and he’s the man for the job. And he’s a Vega, my father’s son.”

  “But he was horrible the night he came here.”

  “He apologized for his rudeness. He was nervous or defensive or something. He hopes to form a friendship, become a brother. A part of our family. I believe my father would welcome him into the family and he’d approve of my decision because it’s the best thing for the company. Not only that, it’s the best thing for me and us, Shae.”

  I’m too stunned to comment.

  He reaches for my hand. “We can still live here, but we can have a different sort of life. I’ll have some input on decisions within the business, but it won’t be my daily job.”

  “This resembles King Edward and Mrs. Simpson when he gave up the throne of England for her. I won’t let you give up everything for me.”

  “I’m not giving up everything. Just some of it. I’m choosing a better life for us both. I’m putting the company into superior hands. It’s not a sacrifice. I’m going to focus on the America’s Cup. You should join me. The crew has already been selected, but the manager was asked to resign. We could manage the challenge together.”

  I whoop and stand. “That’s a dream come true. I’d love it. Can I really?”

  “You’re free to do whatever you choose to do.”

  “But where does that leave you and this house and Jamison?”

  “Even splitting Dad’s personal assets with Lucas, we’ll be wealthy. We’ll continue to live here, and we can buy a fleet of Sassy Jams and sail the world. We could mount a non-stop around the world challenge. Well, it’s what I’m planning to do. You can join me if you want to.”

  I play-punch him and Boomer barks excitedly.

  Shae

  We roll through October and the weather is warming up, making sailing an even better way to pass the time while Drew finishes up at Vega Corp. Boomer always accompanies me and he’s learning to be a great boat dog. Today, sunshine sparkles off Sassy Jam and the water like she’s a glittering diamond in the middle of an ocean filled with twinkling jewels. The sun is a warm and thickset blanket on my back as I check Sassy over and get ready to set off.

  At first, I sail across the harbor, never willing to miss the view of the Opera House and the iconic coat hanger bridge. But then I’m keen to hit the open sea and we glide toward the heads to find a spot of ocean where there’s not a single boat or building, where my only companions are some far flying birds and a dolphin or two.

  I witness the land recede behind us with excitement coursing through me. I work the winches to adjust the sails and pick up our pace but then tread on something hard. My bare foot stings. I bend to pick up the cockpit locker combination lock. It’s clear it isn’t broken. I’m a hundred percent certain I left it locked in place last time I sailed because I hadn’t acc
essed it in weeks. The locker only contains a few of Drew’s drawings—the ones I damaged and graphitised but can’t seem to throw away, the companionway spare key, and Dad’s gun.

  I flip open the unsecured locker and search under the sketches. The key and the gun are gone. I’ve been robbed. But then why didn’t they take anything from inside the cabin? Maybe they did. I slow us and heave to, throw down the anchor, and go below. I check for obvious things someone might steal—tools or instruments—and then I investigate the aft storage area. They could’ve stolen spare sails, lines, halyards, harnesses, sleeping bags… but nothing is missing.

  I turn to return to the deck and a shriek leaps from my lips as I find myself staring into the whirling, dark eyes of Brett. He resembles something chewed up and spit out, a discarded hairball. His navy T-shirt is rumpled as if he’s slept in it for a week, his uncut hair sticks up in all directions, his stubble is thick. He’s blocking the way out, one foot in the head where he was probably hiding.

  A streak of black dread slicks through me. “What the hell, Brett?”

  He smirks, pleased with himself, holding the doorjamb with one hand, the bulkhead opposite with the other. There’s no space for me to squeeze through. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, Shae Love? Or should I say… Mrs. Vega-to-be?”

  His words wedge a shard of fear into my gut.

  “What are you doing here, Brett?” I pull myself tall, taking in a breath as invisibly as possible. “Did you break in?”

  “Didn’t need to.” His voice is smooth, rich chocolate. “I remember the locker combo.”

  The gun. I peer at his hands again, but they’re empty.

  He takes a step closer. “Where’s my welcome hug?”

  “You trespass on Sassy, hide on her, frighten the living daylights out of me, and now you’re demanding a hug? Let me pass, Brett. I need to get Sassy going.”

  “I heard the anchor drop.”

  “I was… checking something. But I have to go home.” Boomer whimpers on the deck. He hates descending the slippery stairs into the cabin. “The dog’s getting anxious without me and Drew will be missing me. And… and the wind’s due to pick up.”

  “Wind’s good for a yacht, isn’t it? It’s early yet and Drew’s at work. It’s barely lunchtime. Let’s go sailing.”

  “No, Brett, I won’t go anywhere with you. Not after… everything. You lied, you broke me and Drew up. I can’t trust you.” I don’t mention how George told me what he did, in case it angers him.

  “What can I say? I’m in love with you, and a man can stoop to desperate measures to hang on to the girl he loves. Somewhere in that hard heart of yours you must be slightly flattered?”

  “Flattered? You put me and Drew through the worst months of our lives—”

  “Come on. We had a lot of fun. Disneyland, Vegas, long drives, and walks on the beach.

  “Brett. Let me pass.” I ram him, but he’s a brick wall. I push against him again. He stands firm as if I’m a fairy and he’s a giant. I’m reminded of when he attacked me in Samoa and how trying to run from him was futile. He’s a huge bear-like guy. A fat slab of fear lodges into my gut.

  “You’re more beautiful in person than in your photos. Your photo has been all over the media. The happy couple.” He’s not going to budge. I step back again, surreptitiously glancing around to find any sort of weapon if I need one.

  “What’s this about?” I soften my voice and try for a more friendly angle, remembering how I calmed him down before in Samoa. “What do you want?”

  His gaze tears at mine. “I want to go sailing.” His smirk twists on one side, eyes boring into me, his body stiff and ready for action.

  “Do you need to talk? I’m happy to talk. Are you still dry? Do you need my help?”

  “If I did need your help, would you give it?”

  “Of course,” I say and press a smile onto my lips. “What do you need my help with?”

  “Easy. Sail us to Samoa.”

  “Us? You and me?”

  His smirk fizzles. “Yes, you and me. Who else?” I jump slightly as he discharges the words. His face is pinched and spittle lands on my cheek. I wipe it, my anxiety stepping to a new level. I’m sick to my stomach.

  “I can take you sailing, but not Samoa.”

  “Why not? You’ve done it before.”

  He’s serious. I swallow my gulp. “It takes a lot of planning for a long trip—supplies, navigation charts, spare equipment, making sure the boat’s ready for the battering. It’s a four-week crossing. Plus, it’s October, which is cyclone season. Another time though, yeah?”

  “We can reach New Zealand and stock the boat, then get her fully prepared. You sailed to Samoa last year… almost exactly a year ago, wasn’t it?” His gaze leaves me for the first time, and he skims the view through a porthole. “Those were the days—best days of my life.” His head swings back to me and I shrink into myself when his eyes turn stormy.

  “I… Things are… different,” I say.

  “How? Here’s you and me on Sassy Jam. Let’s go.”

  “I’m marrying Drew—”

  “No. No, you’re not.” The words spew from his lips and he seizes my arms. “He’s got enough. He can’t have you as well. Grant me a little good in my life. I’m so alone in this world and no one fills that hole except you. We shared something special during our days in Samoa. You know it, you’re just fighting it.”

  “You haven’t met Lucas? Your half-brother. Don’t you want to meet him? You’re not alone at all.”

  “I don’t have a half-brother.”

  “You do. He came to visit Drew. Your mother had a relationship with Anthony Vega a decade before she married your dad.”

  “So that’s why Anthony and my father never got on.” His grip loosens a little and he glares at the sky. “I always thought it was because Anthony convinced him to pay my ransom.” His fingers dig into my arm as he returns his attention to me. “Don’t mention my mother ever again. The bitch abandoned me.” We’re nose to nose as he snarls, “Why would I care about her bastard? If she hadn’t left, my life would’ve been totally different.”

  My tongue waggles but there are no words.

  He strokes my cheek. “Don’t be afraid,” he says. His finger advances down my neck and over my breast.

  “Please don’t,” I say, my voice wobbling. “Please don’t.” His eyes cradle mine and I drop my gaze. He pulls me in for a fierce hug and I’m reminded how huge he is when his body envelops me. His breath is yeasty and sour. My arms hang limply by my side. I’m shaking against him, terror slicing through me. His big hand squeezes my chin, jerks me to face him. His mouth covers mine, angry and hot. I try to tug free but hurt my neck—his hold is too firm. His breath comes in waves as he forces my lips apart, his tongue a livid animal in my mouth. He shoves his thigh between my legs.

  My anger blossoms and grows. How dare he? He’s not going to ruin me and Drew again.

  I put every ounce of energy into the shove I give him. He takes a step back. I push past him but before I reach the exit, he has my elbow in his grasp. There’s nowhere to escape. Boomer barks wildly.

  “We’re going to New Zealand,” he says. “Be a good girl and get us going—and don’t think I won’t realize if you don’t. I know what the Opera House looks like.”

  I yank my arm and it hurts as he squeezes harder.

  “I didn’t want to do this, Shae, but you’re not behaving. You leave me no choice.” He reaches behind his back and pulls out a gun—Dad’s gun. My eyeballs pulse in my skull as I pan from it to Brett. His expression is calm—he knows he’s going to get his way.

  He tugs me to him. His cheek is against my cheek. “Once we’re there, we will recapture what we lost.” He’s been drinking, but how drunk is he? “We can pick up our friendship and you’ll learn to love me. If we’d had more time in Samoa... you’ll crave how my body will make yours sing. We’ll have sex on the beaches, in the ocean, all over Sassy. I’ve dreamed of bendi
ng you over her helm and hearing you shout my name to the universe. We’ll have that, Shae, and you will beg for me. You’ll always crave more of me, and I’ll forever give you everything I have. Picture it, lying naked on the sand, the sun warming your smooth skin. I’ll take you places you’ll never go with Drew.” He nibbles my ear.

  “Speaking of which, I never want to hear that man’s name again. Mention his name, and I’ll have to do something to force you to forget about him...” He leers suggestively. “Let’s put our harnesses on. Can’t have me ‘falling’ overboard, can we? And don’t even think of jumping. You’d drown or be eaten by sharks before you could reach land.”

  “Rather that than spend a minute more with you.”

  A shattering white pain vibrates through my skull as he whips my cheek with the gun. I slump to my knees. Boomer confronts his fear and leaps into the cabin, barking and snarling. As Brett kicks at him, I pull Boomer close before Brett’s foot can make contact.

  “You can either choose to behave and we’ll have a great time together as we did before,” Brett thunders, “or you can fight this… but just know that I’ll fight back harder. Okay?” He lifts my chin to force me to look him in the eyes, tears coursing down my cheeks.

  He straps on a harness while I crouch in a useless huddle.

  Shae

  When we get up on deck, I gulp in the fresh air between sobs. Boomer nuzzles my leg.

  Brett attaches my harness to the boat and to himself, then ties Boomer up on the cabin roof. A new frisson of fear fires through me.

  “Pull the anchor up,” he demands, then follows me as I palm along the side of Sassy, my cheek throbbing. I scan the horizon and confirm we’re alone. There’s not a slither of land in sight. Even if I did unhook myself from Brett and swim for it, I’d have no idea which direction to aim for. I’d probably drown.

  “Best to motor or sail?” Brett asks.

  It occurs to me he hasn’t a clue how to sail, which is something I must use to my advantage. I check around us and squint up at the sky as if I’m deciding what to do.