Curse of the Sea

by Joni Parker

  “How do you change it to fire more, like you did?” Alex held it up.

  “See this lever?” O’Leary turned the gun to show her the left side. “You’re on semi-automatic. Switch it to full automatic and when you pull the trigger, it’ll shoot three bullets. If you hold the trigger down, you’ll fire until you run out of bullets in the clip. I’ll brace you the first time. There’s a kick to it.”

  Alex moved it, aimed, and fired. The kick was much stronger and Alex felt the rifle rise even though she tried to hold it steady. She took her finger off the trigger and looked at the Captain. “You’re right. It does have a kick.”

  The Captain smiled. “Once you get used to it, it won’t be so bad. Try it again.”

  Alex did. The rifle fired off so many shots she didn’t have time to count. She stopped, knowing that she’d been shot by one of these weapons. Exhaling, she stared at the damaged target and then at the rifle with amazement. “My stars!” She nodded. “How many bullets are in here?”

  “Twenty.”

  Alex pursed her lips in a mock whistle. “Thanks for showing me.”

  “No problem. I didn’t know you’d be here, or I would’ve brought your name badge. I’ll bring it to the reception tonight.”

  The Captain took Alex inside and called Duncan over. “Set up the new training program for the newest model. Want to try it, Alex?”

  “Sure.” Alex said as Duncan turned around to the computer.

  The Captain led Alex to the side where she picked up a black vest. “Put this on—it’s body armor.” She held it for her to slip on. “It’ll protect you from a direct hit in combat. We use it to make it feel more real in practice—no one will actually shoot you.”

  “How does it work?” Alex felt the fabric with her fingers.

  “It’s made out of Kevlar and it’ll stop bullets, but you’ll feel like you got hit with a hammer.” She adjusted the straps on the vest with a loud, ripping sound. “This is Velcro.” She patted her on the shoulder.

  “You sound like you’ve been hit before,” Alex said.

  “I have, but I can’t talk about it.”

  “It’s all right.” Alex ran her hand over the vest. It was thicker and heavier than most fabric was, but it was fabric nonetheless.

  As Duncan typed some commands into the computer, the Captain handed her a different rifle. “Hold it like you did before.” She ran her hand down the barrel.

  Alex raised the rifle to her shoulder and stared it down. A red dot projected onto the wall. “What’s that red dot?”

  “It’s a laser pointer. That’s how the computer knows where you’re aiming.”

  She continued the instruction, showing Alex everything about the rifle. For the computer program, the Captain inserted a special magazine. “This one will fire computerized bullets—it’s designed to give you a real feel. Ready?” She handed Alex a camouflaged helmet with headphones and a microphone attached to it. “You can hear proper sound effects and you can communicate with Duncan.” She strapped the helmet on and nodded at her.

  Alex stood in the same room she’d been in for archery practice. She heard Duncan through the headset. “Can you hear me? Are you ready?” he asked.

  “Yes.” Alex nodded. The first target came up next to her. By the time she turned, it was gone. The second target was closer—Alex fired, but missed. Then she barely missed the next. By the fourth target, a lucky shot scored a kill. After several more rounds, the program paused. She glanced at the message on the wall, which asked her if she wanted to go on or repeat the first level.

  “Repeat first level,” Alex said and read the next message, Stand by. She took a deep breath and the scene repeated. This time, she did much better, hitting most of the targets. At the end of that level, the computer asked again if she wanted to go on or repeat.

  “Go on,” Alex said.

  Stand by for next level, the message said.

  Alex jogged in place to ease her tension. The next level began. The rifle felt less awkward and she noted there were different techniques for various scenarios. Each time she finished a level, another message came up on the wall and she went on to the next level.

  Soon, the lights came on and Duncan’s voice said, “Time for lunch.”

  Alex went to the door and handed him the rifle, headset, and vest. She was dripping with sweat, but smiling broadly. “Thanks, that was a lot of fun.”

  ***

  After Alex left, Duncan waited for a few minutes and picked up the phone. “Captain Jonas? Petty Officer Duncan from the range. I just wanted to let you know the girl, Alex, just left. The Marines were here and Captain O’Leary let her fire the CT Carbine rifle. When she came back in, the Captain told me to let her try out the new training program for it.”

  “How’d she do?”

  “A little slow at first, but once she got the hang of it, she sailed through. On the last sequence, she beat the computer.”

  “I see.” Captain Jonas paused. “Send a report to the programmers and let them know that someone beat the program. We need the best training for our men.”

  “Yes, sir.” Duncan turned to the computer terminal and composed his report.

  Captain Jonas hung up and pressed his lips together. Archery was one thing, but rifles were different. What was she training for? Was this just a prelude for an invasion? Had she enlisted the aid of the Marines? He rubbed his chin. The Admiral might be too gullible. She was a trained assassin with a penchant for weapons.

  ***

  Meanwhile, Alex wandered back to the Admiral’s house, not certain where she could get some lunch. After that workout, she was hungry. The morning had passed quickly, but she found she enjoyed learning about the new weapon and wondered if there was a spare rifle she could take back with her. On the way, Tyler’s black car pulled up beside her. She jumped into the passenger seat next to him.

  “What have you been doing?” he asked.

  “I was at the archery range and they showed me how to use a rifle. Do you think I could have one?”

  “No, the government issues them and maintains strict inventory controls. Even the Marines have to check them out.”

  “Oh, well. How’s the questioning going?”

  “He refuses to speak. Have you eaten lunch?”

  “No.”

  “What would like to eat?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m hungry.”

  “I’ll take you to a favorite spot of mine.” He drove to a shopping center down the street where he parked the car in front of a very tall building. “This is called the Spinnaker. We can go up and view all of Portsmouth from here.” He paid for two tickets and took her up with a group of people in a small lift. It moved quickly and quietly. The doors opened into a room with windows across the front to view the world outside. Alex strolled to the window as Tyler pointed out the sights. When they looked down and to the right, she saw two wooden sailing ships in the harbor.

  “Do those ships ever sail? They look like ones from home.”

  “Not any more, they’re for display only. Do you see those gray ships to the side? Those are the ones we sail now.”

  “They don’t look as pretty.”

  “Yes, but they’re deadly. They’re filled with electronic equipment and weapons of unbelievable power. You don’t want to challenge them.” He smiled. “Why were you learning how to use a rifle?”

  “No reason. It’s something to do.”

  Alex felt more relaxed with him and enjoyed his company. They went up to the next floor and sat next to her as they ate sandwiches for lunch.

  “How did you find out about this entry point the Admiral told me about?” he asked.

  “I was asking Lord Arethus for help and he told me.”

  “Who?”

  “Lord Arethus, he’s a Tree Elf.”

  “How did he tell you this?”

  “I rubbed my pin and he answered. He’d been waiting for me to contact him.”

  “Like a genie in a bottle?” He
grinned.

  “You don’t believe me, do you?”

  “So, show me I’m wrong.”

  “I don’t have my pin with me.”

  “Then show me when we get back.”

  Tears came to her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Talk to me, Alex. The Admiral’s spent a good deal of money setting this up for you.”

  “I’m not lying! Lord Arethus wouldn’t lie to me.” She bit her lip as tears flowed.

  “Come on. You’ll be all right.” He put his arm around her. “Hey, okay, I believe you.” He lied but held her close. “I don’t want to see you go.”

  “I really miss home.” Her eyes watered.

  “It’s only natural.” He wiped her tears away and embraced her. His face was next to hers—her skin was soft and warm, her eyes inviting.

  Alex felt his mustache against her cheek. Goosebumps rose on her skin and she pushed him away. He was getting too close. She swallowed hard and changed the subject. “Where’s home for you? Where’s your family?”

  “I was born and raised in London. My neighborhood was dangerous; there were gangs everywhere. You either became a gang member or a cop. You know you can stay here, Alex. It’s not that bad.”

  “What would I do?” She snapped her fingers. “I know. I could become most wanted by Interpol.” She grinned.

  He burst out laughing. “Where did you hear this?”

  “The Admiral said the bald man was most wanted by Interpol, so I’d probably end up there, too.” To ease the tension between them, she’d tried to make a joke. She wasn’t good at it, but she tried.

  “I don’t think so.” He chuckled. “It’s time to head back.” He took her by the arm and led her to the lift.

  Chapter 47

  THE LONG WAIT

  For the rest of the afternoon, Alex tried to relax by watching the telly in her room, but her thoughts raced. She realized Tyler was trying to get her to admit that she’d made up the story about the entry point. But she didn’t. It was going to happen, right? Lord Arethus said it would be here on Tuesday. Then her thoughts turned to her grandparents and Eledon. She missed them so much. She even missed Lord Ashur and the Council of Elders. After a hot shower, she changed into her gray scrubs. A few moments later, she heard a knock on the door and looked out the little peephole.

  “Who is it?” she asked.

  “Graham.”

  She opened the door and smiled at him. “Come in.”

  He carried in a box and handed it to her. “I brought over some pizza. I’ll get us something to drink.” He got her key and went out.

  She opened the box and smelled it; the aroma was intoxicating, but she didn’t see any utensils to eat with.

  A few minutes later, Graham returned with two bottles of water and two cans of soda. “Try a piece.”

  “How?”

  He laughed. “It’s a pizza—pepperoni and cheese, my favorite. It’s very good. Take a slice like this and eat it.”

  “With your hands?”

  He nodded and took a large bite.

  She held the pizza in her hand and ate it. “Ummm, delicious. What are these red things?”

  “Pepperoni, an Italian sausage. Turn on the telly, Alex.”

  She got the remote and pressed the button. A channel came on where a man was talking. She changed it.

  “Wait, Alex, go back.”

  “It’s just a man talking.”

  “Listen.”

  “…the notorious criminal, Nathan Jones, was arrested yesterday in Portsmouth. He will be transported to a maximum-security jail near London to await trial. Nathan Jones is alleged to be a hit man hired by the Soldiers of the White Infantry, also known as the 23rd Infantry, a white supremacist group. He’s been on the run for the last two years. Thus far, details of his arrest are sketchy. We’ll keep you informed.” As the man spoke, current pictures of Nathan Jones flashed on the screen.

  Graham took the remote and changed the channel. Another man was reporting the same thing with pictures of the tattoos on Jones’ neck.

  “So why does he want to kill the Admiral?” she asked.

  “Because he’s black.”

  “So?”

  “They don’t like anyone who isn’t white. Be careful around this group, Alex. They can come after you for associating with the Admiral.”

  “I’m leaving tomorrow, remember?”

  “That reminds me. Where’s this pin you have? I’d like to talk to this Lord Arethus.”

  “You can’t unless you know how to Elfspeak.” Alex went over to the dresser and pulled it out. “Here. You had it in that plastic bag in your office.”

  “Show me how it works.”

  Alex shrugged. She closed her eyes and envisioned his face as she rubbed the pin. “Lord Arethus, may I speak?” she asked in Elfspeak.

  “Keeper? Is anything wrong?”

  “No, I was just checking on how things were going. Do you know if Lord Odin got in touch with the mortals?”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know, but I’m sure he has everything under control. Why do you ask?”

  “Because no one believes me. I’m in Portsmouth waiting.”

  “Good. Have a good day.” He ended the conversation.

  Alex opened her eyes and looked at Graham. “Lord Arethus said he didn’t know what was going on, but that my grandfather had everything under control.”

  “I see. What do you think of this pizza? It’s good, isn’t it? Have another one.” He picked up another piece. “You don’t have to go, you know.”

  “I do. I miss home…a lot.” Her eyes filled with tears as she finished her piece of pizza.

  Tyler stretched out on her sofa and put his hands behind his head resting against the arm of the sofa. Soon, his eyes closed and his breathing evened out.

  Alex watched him for a few minutes, amazed that he’d fallen asleep so quickly. She covered him with an extra blanket and went to lie down on her bed. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day.

  Chapter 48

  THE LAST DAY

  Alex tossed and turned most of the night, going over her time in the mortal world with excruciating detail. Worse, Tyler snored. He wasn’t loud, but she wasn’t used to hearing anyone in her room. When she finally fell asleep, it seemed like minutes before she heard the sound of the Marines outside. Tyler heard them, too, and sat up on the sofa, yawning. He smiled at her.

  “Good morning. I guess we both fell asleep.”

  Alex got out of bed and went to the bathroom. When she came out, Tyler was eating a piece of cold pizza.

  “Breakfast,” he said between chews.

  “Good idea.” Alex took the last piece of pizza and ate it. It still tasted good.

  “Do you mind if I shower in here?” Tyler asked. “I have some clean clothes in my car.”

  “Sure.”

  “Would you care to join me?”

  “In the shower?” Alex’s eyes opened wide.

  He chuckled. “Why not?”

  “I’m going to join the Marines and then I’ll take a shower.” Alex changed into her workout clothes in the bathroom and left, joining Captain O’Leary and her Marines outside.

  ***

  Tyler went across the street to the Admiral’s house and found the Admiral in the parlor, drinking coffee.

  “Good morning, Admiral.”

  “Inspector, how was your afternoon with Alex?”

  “Fine. I took her to the Spinnaker and had a long talk with her. I thought she was going to confess that this was all made up, but she didn’t. I even got her to get in touch with this Lord Arethus, using that pin of hers. No new developments to report.”

  “I see. Arethus, I recognize the name. Well, thank you. I’ll have Jonas make the calls and let everyone know we’re still on for tonight.”

  “Not a problem. Do you mind if I shower here?”

  “Not at all. There’s an extra guest room upstairs to the left at the end of the hall.�
�

  “Thank you, Admiral.” Tyler left to get his clothes out of the car and went upstairs.

  ***

  An hour later, Alex returned to her room. She cleaned up and changed into her cammies. At the Admiral’s house, she found the Admiral, Captain Jonas, and Leftenant Nelson at breakfast. She felt relaxed and comfortable with them now and sat down.

  “Alex, what time do you think this entry point will appear and what does it look like?” the Admiral asked.

  “I’m not sure on the time, but it’ll probably be after dark. The entry point looks like a glowing white arch.”

  “All of the ship’s captains from Hunter Dawn will be here tonight. I want you to explain what will happen and how.”

  “I wish I knew.”

  “Just tell us what you know. That’ll be good enough. What do you plan to do for the rest of the day?”

  “I’ll go back to the range. It’s fun.”

  “All right. Have a good day. Captain, I think we should be on our way.”

  “Yes, Admiral. Stay out of trouble, Alex. We don’t want anything to happen to you.” The Captain picked up his briefcase and led the Admiral out the door with Leftenant Nelson behind.

  After eating, Alex wandered over to the range and Petty Officer Duncan set her up with the training video once more. As she completed the first set, Captain O’Leary arrived with a squad of Marines. She brought Alex over and let her join the training. They finished by noon and left. Alex headed back to her quarters, when Graham drove by in his car.

  “Have you eaten lunch?” he asked.

  “Not yet. I’m starving.”

  “Come on. Let’s go.”

  She hopped into the car and they drove off base. Tyler drove her to the Cascades Shopping Center once more. They found a small sandwich shop and ate.

  “I promised to bring you back here to get a dress for tonight, didn’t I?” he asked.

  Tyler led her to a large store and went up to a middle-aged woman at the counter. She smiled when she saw him. “Detective Inspector Tyler, how nice to see you again.”