She climbed into her car and drove away, letting the guardsman think she left the area. In reality, Lorrie only went about a half mile down the road and turned in at the lighthouse. She walked down to the beach, getting soaked in the pouring rain. Lorrie looked out at the rolling waves as she walked up to the water's edge. This was her last task on Scott’s behalf, dealing with Caeli. Lorrie wasn’t actually going to perform this one herself. Lorrie would let Rika use her body to accomplish the deed while additionally fulfilling Rika’s own purpose.
Kicking off her shoes, Lorrie let the water cover her feet and the now familiar sensation of another presence came to meet her. She welcomed the sensation of letting herself go, letting Rika take over the responsibility of her body. Lorrie was tired of pretending to belong in this world. The part of her that once might have been happy in this life died many years ago. Rika had helped Lorrie after that incident and many times since. She was the only one who truly understood Lorrie.
All three boys who hurt Lorrie back then were now dead. Rika had helped Lorrie arrange the demise of two of them by teaching her which chemicals would cause them to suffer most severely before killing them. Lorrie had discovered the travel plans of her two former assailants, and it was Rika who brought the rain that caused the terrible accident that night.
Lorrie arranged to be working in the emergency room when the two men, along with other accident victims, were delivered into her care. She was shocked to find that Maku's father, the only man who ever tried to help her, and Maku's younger brother were victims of the multi-car crash as well. She greatly regretted that they would share the same fate as the two who deserved this punishment. It was sad that these two would suffer in order to accomplish her goal, but Lorrie no longer cared enough about anyone else to change her mind. She would have her revenge as Rika assured her she would. At the time, it was all that mattered to Lorrie.
After the incident in her youth, Lorrie went to the mainland to stay with relatives and attend school. Against all odds, Lorrie fell in love. But her love was not returned. In fact, it went completely unnoticed. The man she loved was in love with someone else. He didn't even realize that Lorrie was interested. He was one of the most handsome boys in school, though he was completely unaware of it. He gave Lorrie no more attention than he gave to the other girls who incessantly flirted with him. Vin's heart belonged to Caeli. Lorrie tried for months to win his favor by competing with Caeli in different ways, but she always seemed to come up short by comparison.
Therefore, when Dr. Erickson refused to help Maku's father, it had been easy for Lorrie to punish the doctor through her relationship to Caeli. As soon as Lorrie found out that Caeli was Salma's niece, she decided it was fitting to use the same poison on Caeli that Salma had refused to treat in Maku's father. The only thing Lorrie could not understand was how Caeli had survived for so long. The dosage of chemicals in the energy bars was high enough that Caeli should have lived only long enough to make this trip; long enough for Lorrie to deliver her to Rika. Yet, Caeli was still hanging on and even seemed to be improving. When Lorrie mentioned this unexpected result to Rika, she was told about Caeli's special talent. That special quality was why Caeli was still alive, and why Rika had requested that Lorrie allow herself to be used so that Rika could confront Caeli directly.
Now it was time to finish what she started. Lorrie found that she was glad to be done with it all. Her miserable existence was coming to an end. Scott would finish off Dr. Erickson. All that remained for Lorrie was pay her debt to Rika. She willingly let Rika take control as she stepped into the water. Lorrie knew that Rika had unfinished business of her own with Caeli.
Lorrie only regretted one task that she had been asked to perform. Before she set out on her adventure this morning, Lorrie sent an email to her friend, Vicki, at the Federal Department of Child Protective Services. Vicki primarily worked in Washington, but could act in any state. That was how she and Lorrie met. Lorrie had reported a suspected case of child abuse, and Vicki had been assigned to investigate during one of her stints on the island. They became friendly and kept in touch over the years. Lorrie discovered that Vicki also knew Vin. They shared a common irritation with his attachment to Caeli.
Vicki was in town this week. She flew down to arrange one final surprise for Caeli. This was Lorrie's last strike at her long-time rival's happiness, and the beginning of Vicki's happily ever after. Lorrie only slightly regretted that it was necessary to harm her brother and nephew in order to make it work.
In her email, Lorrie described a man raising a child that was not biologically or legally his ward. The boy's mother had died, but nobody ever came to claim the child. Lorrie attached lab results which contained proof that the man and the child were not related by blood.
Dear Vicki,
Please find attached the necessary documentation, including a complete blood work up for the man and the boy. The comparison leaves no doubt that the child cannot be his son. Though there is no immediate threat to the boy, State law requires that all such discoveries be reported to Child Services for further investigation. As such, Apela and Max's full medical files are included for your reference.
Sincerely,
Lorrie
It truly saddened Lorrie to do this to her brother, but Rika insisted that it was necessary. The copy of Salma’s test results were exactly what Vicki needed to pursue the case and remove Max from Apela’s care. Lorrie hoped that Vicki would take good care of her nephew. If Vicki pulled off this miracle and somehow managed to end up with Vin, Lorrie had no doubt that Vin would ensure Max's well-being. Vin would, of course, try to legally return Max to Apela. But, if unable to do so, Vin would take good care of him.
As Lorrie dove into the water and began swimming, allowing Rika to complete the transition, she did not notice the man who stood watching her from the shelter of a small cave hidden in the stone at the base of the lighthouse. When Lorrie disappeared from his sight, Maku turned and walked deeper into the cave. He knew exactly where Lorrie was headed. Maku intended to bring her back and hold her accountable for Pete's death.
CHAPTER 52
Salma woke on the floor of a large, pool-like cave. Her head throbbed. She could still taste the excessive chloroform that was used to render her unconscious. As she slowly gathered her senses, she noticed that the cave floor was wet. Salma looked around and discovered that she was laying in about six inches of water. If she had been unconscious much longer, her captors would have had to move her to prevent her from drowning. Salma furtively glanced around, but did not see Ben anywhere. She hoped he was not hurt. Her first thought was to call to him using her talent, but her head was too fuzzy. Instead, Salma tried to raise herself into a sitting position.
"Ah, finally awake, Dr. Erickson. Good. Hopefully, this won't take long."
Scott stepped out of a shadowy corner to stand in front of her. He even helped Salma sit up as she shifted awkwardly within her bonds. Her hands were handcuffed behind her back and her ankles were tied together with rope. Salma assumed the cuffs were from Ben's personal belongings. If that were true, they probably stole his gun as well. The thought of getting shot would have been sufficient to keep Salma from running off, but Scott took the precaution of securing a three foot length of chain from the handcuff on her right wrist to a large spike in the floor. He wasn't taking any chances that she might escape. He also covered her mouth with a small piece of duct tape. Salma could not have responded to Scott even if she had the inclination.
Scott stared at Salma for a moment, trying to gauge her mood, and then walked further back into the cave. She could not see into the tunnel he entered. He was gone for several minutes. When he returned, Scott carried a box, slightly larger and deeper than a typical shirt box. Salma's eyes grew wide as she recognized it. Too late, she tried to hide her reaction.
"I see you are acquainted with this. That will save us both a lot of time." Scott reached over and ripped the duct tape from Salma's mouth in one quick motion.
/> "Where did you get that? It does not belong to you," Salma demanded sternly.
"From your niece's house, of course, but you already knew that. Dear ol’ dad stopped by and picked it up before his untimely demise. I figured since Caeli didn't mind lending you her unique blood for your research, then she probably wouldn't mind lending me this book for a project of my own. She's such a generous person, your niece." Scott was again pleased to see the surprise on Salma's face at his discovery of her anonymous donor.
Rather than be goaded into a pointless conversation, Salma sat quietly. She tried to call to Ben, but her head was still swimming. When she closed her eyes, the room started to spin. She would have to wait and try again when her head cleared. In the meantime, she continued to stall. Salma needed to delay whatever Scott was planning until Ben could reach her. She had no doubt that Ben, if he was able, was already searching for her.
"What sort of project requires you to steal an ancient history book and kidnap a doctor?" Salma didn't really care what Scott's answer would be. The more she got him to talk, the more she could learn and the longer she could delay him; thereby increasing her chances of thwarting his plans.
"I could tell you it was about money and fame, but that was Uncle Neal's desire, not mine. He intended to use your work to obtain his self-serving financial goals. Not me. I prefer the sheer power to do whatever I want, whenever I want to do it. I want that freedom. This book can give me that. But, I do not want to be reliant on anyone else. I want to access the book directly. Therefore, my good doctor, you will be the perfect bait to grant me access to your niece. I can get from her the blood I need in order to attune myself to the book," Scott explained.
Salma was momentarily confused.
"That doesn't make any sense. An injection of her blood will be diluted beyond recognition by your blood. The only way to get that much untainted blood into your system cleanly would be to get a transfusion where her blood completely replaces yours. And you can't get all of the blood from Caeli at once without killing…," Salma stopped, abruptly realizing what Scott's plan entailed. He intended to do exactly what Salma described. He intended for Caeli to make a one-time donation. Salma was horrified.
"Ah, there's the look I was waiting to see. My father would have been happy to know that your niece will die in such a way. He was furious with her for helping send him to prison," Scott said, enjoying the brief moment of bonding with his late father that allowed him to torment Salma.
"What's your father got to do with this? Who are you? For that matter, who is your father?"
"You would know him better as your former police chief Sam Matthews. Oh, by the way, he wasn't too happy with your husband either. I doubt if Mr. Erickson or your niece will be returning home with you. I promised my dad that they would both be made to suffer. Heck, I don't even know if I will permit you to go home. I haven't decided yet. Things could turn out badly with your niece. Her husband has proven to be incredibly troublesome. There is a chance that I may need you as my Plan B," Scott attempted to scare Salma.
She was shocked, but not by Scott's threats. Salma was surprised to learn of his relationship to the former chief. She could see the family resemblance now that Scott revealed it. Ben mentioned that the chief had escaped custody the day of her car wreck. He probably broke into Vin and Caeli's house to steal the Book of Elements and then delivered it to his son. Obviously, something had happened to Sam after that delivery. If Scott was exacting revenge on his father's behalf, Salma would have to find a way to warn both Ben and Caeli. She could not let Scott use her as bait to lure either of them into trouble.
Thunder clapped loudly outside. The storm unleashed its fury off shore and the fallout expanded inland. A strong wind began to blow through the cave. Salma noticed water running down the walls and the center of the cave floor. The flow was increasing steadily, and very soon those six inches of pooled water had become eight. The water was rising quickly.
Loud voices erupted in the next room, but Salma could not understand what they were saying. Salma closed her eyes and the room did not spin this time. She called to Ben.
"Ben, are you all right?"
"Yes, where have they taken you?" He answered succinctly.
"I'm inside a cave. I think it's the one on the beach where you found Caeli," Salma replied.
"Good. We chose correctly. Hang tight. We'll have you out soon."
"Ben, where…"
Salma's thoughts were interrupted by a strong hand gripping her chin. Scott walked over and roughly grabbed hold of her, trying to get her attention. Apparently, he had been talking to her, but Salma had not heard a word he said.
"There you are. It's not polite to ignore your host. Now, before we are interrupted, let's see exactly how your family's blood reacts to this book. Shall we take it for a test drive?"
Scott freed Salma's left wrist, leaving the other cuffed and chained to the floor. He took out a hunting knife and pointed it menacingly at Salma. Squatting in front of her, he held the book on his knees, no longer in the box but still wrapped in its linen cover. Scott pulled back the cloth to reveal the worn cover decorated with different triangle-shaped designs. He placed Salma's free hand on top of the book, covering it with his own. Then he placed the hunting knife against Salma's throat. The water in the cave was continuing to rise around them. Already it was nearing Salma's waist as she sat on the floor. The book itself would get wet soon, if Scott stayed in his current position.
Salma felt a sudden rush of power flow from the book as her hand made contact with the aged leather cover. It was an unfettered stream of energy waiting to be directed by her gift. She could tell that Scott was trying to get her to pass that energy on to him. Initially, Salma considered shifting her hand to dump the book into the water. She could not think of any other way to stop this from happening. Yet she could not bring herself to damage the book; so she tried the only other idea that came to mind and that she might be able to control. Salma concentrated on stopping the flow of energy. She did not want to draw any more energy from the book. Salma also attempted to prevent that which she had already extracted from travelling into Scott.
As she did this, the energy was building inside of Salma, gathering strength. The sensation made her understand what Caeli must have felt when the excess energy from the waves collected inside of her. It was extremely frightening. Salma wasn't certain how long she could continue to do this before she would be overwhelmed and forced to expel the energy into Scott. Regrettably, Salma did not know how to use the energy to her benefit. Her honed skills did not include anything beyond determining a person’s health and emotional state and speaking mentally with her immediate family members and those closest to her.
Thankfully for Salma, Scott’s impatience got the best of him. With a sudden shout of rage, Scott removed his hand from Salma's and plunged the knife deep into her right shoulder, near the socket. Salma cried out in pain and yanked her hand away from the book, reaching up to grasp her wounded shoulder.
"You bitch! Do you think you can keep me from accessing the book? Perhaps I should take your blood instead of Caeli's. It might not be as strong, but it would amuse me for a while. Better yet, maybe I will take both; or maybe I will leave you here while the water rises. This cave is known to flood quickly during heavy rains. Wouldn't it be devilishly cruel if your husband somehow managed to get through all of my men out front only to discover your lifeless body in a pool of water? That would certainly make him suffer enough to meet with Dad's approval. Don’t you agree?" Scott rewrapped the book and snatched it up under his arm before stalking off into the darkness at the back of the cave. He did not return.
Salma surmised that there must be another exit at the opposite end of the cave, but she did not know if Scott's absence would be permanent. She took advantage of the opportunity to try and free herself or lead Ben to her.
"Ben! Help!"
The water was rising more quickly than before. The rain outside must have increased. The pool
was already up to the middle of her chest as she sat flat on the floor. Salma tried to stand, but the chain on her wrist prevented it. She could get no further than a kneeling position. The wound in her shoulder bled profusely and worsened as she continued to struggle. If she didn't get help soon, it would be too late. She tried to use her gift and the excess energy she held to slow the bleeding as she had watched Caeli do for Vin. To Salma's astonishment, it actually worked for a few minutes, but the energy was quickly expended by the serious nature of the injury and her own inability to focus the effort properly. Salma was not able to stop the bleeding entirely.
"Ben. In case you don't reach me in time, you need to know…" Salma started to explain.
"Don't talk like that. I am almost there. Hold on, Love." Ben refused to consider the possibility that he would be too late.
Before heading into the cave, Ben sent Max back to the hotel with instructions to wait in the lounge until his Papa returned. He gave Max an important assignment. Max was supposed to have his Papa bring Colonel Franks to the cave. Max would have to be their guide, and he would have to hurry. Max agreed and ran as fast as he could.
Wrath of the Sea Queen Page 68
