Wrath of the Sea Queen

by Cynthia Woods

  Caeli yawned. Vin posed a good question. Max would, undoubtedly, be upset when they left at the end of the weekend, but she would not abandon his friendship. Apela had given her an idea that would allow her and Vin to stay in touch. Attempting to stifle another yawn, Caeli responded to Vin's query.

  "I like Max. Besides, I could not deter him if I wanted. There is something endearing about him. He is smart, full of curiosity, and strong-willed. Did I mention that you two have a mutual, angelic friend? I'm certain he will look out for Max after we leave. Just to be sure, I have an idea for keeping in touch with him." Caeli could barely hold her eyes open now.

  "Ok, we will be sure to do that. I can see this is working at last, so I better tell you quickly. I'm sorry for doing this, Caeli."

  "Doing what?"

  "Salma laced your water with medication to help you rest. I should have told you about it as soon as she told me, but I could tell that you needed the rest; so I let you continue to drink it. I wasn’t sure if it would even work because of your gift. Everything you have had to drink since you woke earlier has had a small dose of the medicine in it, and it is finally starting to work," Vin explained.

  "Vin, why would you do that?" Caeli stopped mid-drink, stunned, and let the water bottle slip from her hand. Vin caught it before it spilled.

  "Honestly, because you won't let yourself rest. Salma told me that you have been up and about most of the day. You have taken care of everyone except yourself. I'm sorry. I know how much you dislike medication. But, the one thing you really need is sleep, and you simply won't stop. I love you, Caeli. It is my responsibility to make sure you are well, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Please don't be mad."

  "Salma should know better. I asked her not to do this again. A doctor is supposed to respect her patient's wishes. I made myself quite clear," Caeli sputtered in frustration and stood up from the bench. She took a few wobbly steps toward the sliding door. If anyone had been watching, they might have thought she was drunk.

  Vin jumped up after Caeli as she stumbled and caught hold of her to prevent her from falling.

  "Don't blame Salma. It wasn’t entirely her fault. We both wanted to help you. She merely provided the method. Generally, when you get sick, you always improve after a good night's sleep. I only wanted what was best for you, Honey."

  "I understand what you meant to do, Vin, but this is not the way. Not with drugs. I have been drugged enough for one lifetime. Please, help me into the bathroom so that I can use untainted water to clear this stuff out of my system."

  "I'm really sorry, Caeli. I guess this wasn't the best idea after all."

  "It's ok, Vin. Just please don't do that to me again. I have good reason for not wanting the medicine." Caeli turned on the faucet at the sink and pushed her hands beneath the running water.

  "You're right. I should have known better, and I should have told you as soon as I found out what Salma was doing. Forgive me?"

  "Yes, of course, Vin." Already, she could feel the water clearing the medicine from her bloodstream. After five minutes, Caeli sensed the majority of it had been cleansed from her system. She glanced up in the mirror and saw Vin standing behind her still wearing a guilty expression on his face. She understood that he was only trying to help and wanted to do something to let him know that she did not hold it against him. She could never do that to him. Caeli dried her face and hands with a towel and playfully tossed it at Vin.

  "You know, if you wanted to get me into bed, there are much better ways to go about it."

  That did the trick. Vin walked up and hugged her tightly.

  "I'm sorry."

  "You're hopeless. Now, are you going to join me or do I have to sleep alone again tonight? What's a gal got to do to get a little rest around here?"

  Vin laughed out loud. Caeli really did understand. Not only did she understand, but she was also trying to make him feel better as well as accommodate his original intent.

  "You're amazing. How did I ever get so lucky that you could love me?" Vin never tired of rediscovering the depth of Caeli's love. He whisked Caeli off her feet, hearing her delighted laughter in response. The sound made Vin's heart soar. He carried Caeli to bed despite her assertion that she was not a sack of potatoes to be lugged around. Of course, not being able to keep a straight face did not help her case. They both enjoyed a much needed laugh.

  Caeli nuzzled on Vin's shoulder and fell asleep wrapped in the comfort of his arms. Vin watched her sleep for almost an hour. When she started to toss fitfully, Vin shook her lightly. It was one of a few habits he had developed over the years. Generally, it would interrupt whatever disturbed her sleep, but would not actually wake her. Regrettably, this time, it did.

  "Did I kick you again?" Caeli asked drowsily.

  "No. Go back to sleep."

  "Can we talk? I know you weren't sleeping."

  "What's on your mind?"

  "I'm worried about Salma. She has had no end of trouble ever since the plane went down. And there was something odd about that crash."

  "How do you mean?"

  "I don't think the storm brought our plane down. The crash was too carefully controlled. The lightning strike caused enough damage to force us out of the air, but not enough to end in disaster. Lightning is not generally so polite. I'm not certain that the crash was an accident. Do you think the protestors could have managed something like that? Why would they?"

  "I don't know, and I don't think we'll ever know for certain. There is no way to investigate the wreckage."

  "What about Ben getting shot? I don't think that was an accident either."

  "I've considered that." Vin kept his answers short, hoping Caeli would not want to get into the details right then.

  "What about that truck on the ride to the hotel?"

  "I'm surprised you noticed it with as bad as you were feeling."

  "I didn't, at first; but you seemed concerned by it."

  "Ah, so you were watching me then. I kind of like that," Vin teased.

  "You're kind of hopeless," she smiled and leaned up to kiss him.

  "Then there was also the episode at the lighthouse."

  "I understand your concern, Honey. When you lay it all out like that, it does give the appearance of a series rather than a bunch of independent mishaps."

  "Vin, I am really scared for Salma. I'm afraid these people are going to continue until they end up seriously hurting her or worse. I know you and Ben have talked. Does he have any ideas?"

  "After the incident at the lighthouse, he suspects that Dr. Jacobs has a key role in Salma's trouble," Vin replied honestly.

  "Wasn't he the doctor from the ship? That would certainly explain the redhead from the airport. I knew he had to be involved. He is, isn't he?"

  "I honestly don't know; not yet. Try not to worry about all of this. Ben won't let anything happen to Salma. She is as safe as she can be. Try to focus on getting yourself well. Will you do that, for me, Caeli?"

  "Of course, Vin, only…" Caeli let the thought trail off unfinished.

  "Only you can't. You are not well and can already feel the damage. He suspects your improvement is temporary, and he will blame you when things go wrong again." Rika's voice plagued her mind again.

  "Vin will not blame me. I will explain everything to him, especially you. Nothing is going to go wrong."

  "You can lie to yourself if you want, but you can feel the truth. I can make it feel worse if you need me to make the point clearer. Vin will know you are to blame. He will think you are going crazy when you start talking about hearing voices."

  "Only what, Caeli?" Vin noticed the way her brow suddenly furrowed and wondered what else was on her mind.

  "Leave me alone!" Caeli unknowingly insisted out loud. Rika's presence disappeared as quickly as it had shown up.

  "Caeli?" Vin was shocked by her outburst.

  "I'm sorry, Vin. I wasn't talking to you," Caeli apologized.

  "If not me, then who?"

&n
bsp; "Rika."

  "There's that name again. I already don't like her. I assume she is the one who attacked me at the hospital. You are obviously having an issue with her, so maybe you better go ahead and tell me about her. I don't like what I'm hearing or feeling when her name comes up." Each time Caeli mentioned Rika's name it was either in anger, fear, or pain. Though Vin still hoped Ben would discover details about the woman from his internet search, perhaps he could find out more directly from Caeli.

  "I'm not certain I fully understand her. There is something else that I would prefer to discuss," Caeli wanted to change the subject.

  "Only if you promise me that we will revisit this discussion about Rika."

  "We will."

  "Ok then."

  "I wondered if Salma was absolutely certain about the energy bars. Is that the only thing she found wrong with me?"

  "Caeli, are you hurting again?" Vin thought that perhaps her condition had flared up again. Maybe he should have been more insistent about not letting her work in the kitchen.

  "No, well, yes…not exactly."

  "Stay here. I'll get Salma," Vin started to get up, but was stopped by Caeli's hand on his arm.

  "Wait, Vin. I'm ok. I don't need Salma. I'm just not certain how to answer the question."

  "Then tell me why you asked your question?"

  "Salma said that she sensed that I might be struggling with two problems. I think she might be right. So, I am curious to know what she meant," Caeli explained.

  "Well, Ben was supposed to tell her about the metal rod, if that's what you mean. Salma didn't mention it as being part of the problem. Do you want to tell me exactly what happened with that? All I know is what Apela told me this morning," Vin said.

  "What did he tell you?"

  "That he found Max's metal crayon covered in blood near the front of the plane where you fell. It was your blood, wasn't it, Caeli?"

  "Yes, but I didn't feel it when it happened. It didn't even hurt, at first." Caeli gave Vin a summarized description of the injuries she sustained as a result of the crash, verifying the cause of the white ring on her stomach.

  "It bled quite a lot until I got it bandaged. Thankfully, my dark shirt merely looked wet, hiding the blood from everyone." Caeli continued.

  "Not everyone. I saw the blood when I wrung the water out of your clothes on the ship. I also discovered the white ring on your stomach. It looked like the wound was almost healed. How is that possible? I know you heal quickly, Honey, but not that fast."

  "Rika healed me. She was showing me what my gift had the potential to do. That's how I knew that I could help Ben when he got shot. I'm not sure what to make of her yet," Caeli said with a barely stifled yawn.

  "All right, I won't ask anything more about her, for now. I know we still have a lot to discuss, but let's deal with the issue you asked about first. Do you want Salma to check it for you to be sure it's healed properly?"

  "I wasn't asking about that injury specifically, and I have already mentioned it to Salma. I don't think it's a problem. Salma can look at it tomorrow to be on the safe side. I am suddenly feeling rather tired. Let's finish this tomorrow, ok?"

  "Yes, but answer one more question before you drift off again," Vin persisted.

  "Sure."

  "It's an important question." Rika's echo returned.

  "How can you know that?"

  "He is easy to read, and I pay attention."

  "You are being rude. Stay out of our personal conversation."

  "How will you answer him?"

  "I have no idea what his question will be."

  "Then you are stupid or you choose not to see it," Rika said in a condescending tone.

  "Regardless of my awareness, our discussion is none of your business. Go away."

  "Oh, but it is very much so," Rika persisted, much to Caeli's irritation.

  "For the last time, leave me alone!"

  "I will leave when I'm ready. I am curious to hear your answer. Perhaps it will help me discover a way to change your mind."

  "Caeli? Did I lose you again? Honey, you really do need to sleep," Vin unknowingly interrupted the conversation, for which Caeli was grateful.

  "Sorry, I must be more tired than I realized. What was the question?"

  Vin ran his hand purposefully beneath Caeli's shirt and slowly across the bare skin of her stomach from one side to the other. She laughed softly as his fingers tickled her skin.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Caeli, what do you feel when I do that?"

  "I feel excited, as I do each time you touch me. I love you, Vin, but I am much too tired to indulge tonight," Caeli answered.

  "That's not really what I was attempting, at least, not at the moment. Is that all you feel? No other unusual sensations, nothing else?"

  "Should I?" Caeli was curious.

  "I suppose not. I was only testing a theory. It's not important. Try to sleep now."

  CHAPTER 29

  When Maku returned from his shift at the levee, he had only enough time to grab a quick sandwich before heading off to his job as a security guard for the medical conference. He worked from afternoon until dinnertime and was on site when a bomb threat was reported. After the explosion at the levee earlier, he and everyone else on the security team took the threat seriously. Maku helped usher the hotel guests into a neighboring parking lot while the bomb techs thoroughly searched the building, twice.

  As everyone milled about the parking lot, Maku stood near the front entrance keeping an eye on the progress. Lorrie startled him when she walked by and headed on toward the hotel.

  "Hello, Lorrie."

  She completely ignored him. Maku watched her walk up to and converse with a few of the doctors and nurses who were on hand in case they were needed. Maku was not surprised by Lorrie's attitude. She had barely spoken to him since the incident in their youth. He always thought that Lorrie blamed him for not being there in time to help her. As bad as Maku felt about the situation, he now understood that he could not have done anything to change the outcome. Though he tried for years to get Lorrie to reconsider and to help her deal with the psychological effects of the trauma, Maku realized that she would never be the same again. Every time Lorrie saw him, she was reminded of that ordeal. She always turned away, unwilling to expose herself to that memory. Therefore, she would have nothing to do with him. Maku remained a part of Lorrie's past that she wanted to forget.

  After two hours, the guests were allowed to return to the hotel, but Maku had an uneasy feeling. He walked through the building, checking each of the rooms where doctors would be giving presentations the next day. In particular, he and one of his co-workers surveyed the room where Dr. Erickson would be presenting.

  "Why are you worried about this doctor more than the others?"

  "Her work is the main focus of the protestors. If they bomb any room, it will be the one where she is presenting. I want to be certain we don't miss anything," Maku answered.

  "Well, the bomb techs checked everything twice, and now we have, too. There is nothing here. Let's find something else to do; something more exciting. Speaking of which, did you see Lorrie earlier? Yeow! She is looking hot."

  "Yes, I saw her."

  "Is she still dating that redhead? I would really like to ask her out again. I think the third time will be a charm, as they say."

  "I don't know the details of her social life. We don't talk much anymore."

  "Oh, I'm sorry dude. I forgot. Well, she did say she might stop by later with additional supplies, and I'm on duty for the night shift. Maybe I will have her look at this cut on my arm."

  "What cut?" Maku asked his fellow security guard.

  "The one I will put there if she shows up. It will require a beautiful nurse's immediate attention," the man nudged Maku and laughed.

  Maku pushed all thoughts of Lorrie aside now that his shift was over and he was home. He shifted his attention to his younger brother. Pete was both nervous and excited about their plan
ned outing the next day. He wanted to hear Dr. Erickson's presentation and, hopefully, speak with her afterward.

  "They are tightening security again. We will never get inside," Pete fretted.

  He had watched the latest newscast. The protestors were getting more vocal and aggressive as Dr. Erickson's arrival drew near. Police were adding additional security checkpoints around the hotel.

  "You worry too much, Pete. I told you that I have taken care of it. You are already on the guest list for her seminar. I will be working security. We both have permission to be there. Whatever you do, don't forget your ID badge. Without it, you won't be able to get anywhere near the place. I called in a lot of favors to pull this off, so don't mess it up. This is going to be your only chance to talk to her face to face," Maku explained to Pete as they sat at the small table in their modest kitchen.

  The brothers were eating a simple dinner of grilled fish and steamed carrots. It was one of Pete's favorite meals. It always made him feel better and gave him an extra punch of energy the next day. Maku made it especially for this evening, so that Pete would be at his best for their excursion in the morning.

  Maku had more good news to share. His day had been filled with interesting encounters, but one in particular he hoped would excite Pete.

  "Pete, I met one of Apela's new friends today. I could hardly believe it when I learned about his family. He is married to Dr. Erickson's niece. His name is Vin, and he seems to me to be a good man. He is the one who dove in to save the young guardsman at the levee, though it nearly cost him his own life. I think he came to hear his aunt's presentation at the conference. I hope we will see him there tomorrow. I might even be able to get him to introduce us to Dr. Erickson personally. Doesn't that sound great? Your chances are improving already. I believe fate is smiling upon us, little brother."

  Maku looked over and noticed that Pete was already asleep with his head on the table, dinner only half eaten. Even Pete's excitement to finally meet Dr. Erickson could not overcome the growing weakness caused by his illness.