Hot, Wet, Smooth, and Hard (Craving Cove Book 1)

by Blue,Marina

  “Yeah, that’s weak!”

  “Boo this guy!”

  “Boooo! Booo!”

  Rick put his hands up again and shouted, “I meant a pint per person! A pint of beer per person!”

  And cheers filled the room as every patron rushed to the bar. They crowded it, like barbarians attempting to storm a castle.

  Rick wiped the sweat from his forehead. He motioned to the band.

  The guitarist nodded, and the drummer began. They belted out a mellow tune, hopefully to keep the roomful of rowdy patrons as calm as possible. Meanwhile, Rick stepped off the stage, and walked down the steps to the basement of his restaurant. It was a massive room meant to accommodate dry goods, but doubled as a hurricane shelter. He walked to the corner where his desk was, plopped down on it, and dropped his head in his hands.

  “Hey Rick,” a voice said.

  Rick looked up. “Knox. Hi. You don’t want your pint?”

  “No, I’m fine,” Knox said. “I just wanted to know, is Melody ok? What really happened? I called her cell just now and didn’t get an answer.”

  “Right! Sorry, I forgot. She gave me a message for you.”

  “What was it?”

  Rick looked at him. “She said that she had a thing with her husband, and that she was sorry she couldn’t tell you in person, but she’s heading home and won’t be coming back. That’s a direct quote.”

  “What?” Color drained from the big sailor’s face. “You’re sure?”

  “Yeah. Then she hung up.”

  Knox turned around. And walked back up the stairs, into the bar. He pulled out his cellphone, and dialed Melody's number again. The phone rang once. Twice. And went to voice mail. He hung up, and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

  “Hey Knox, what’s up?” It was a thin guy with a blond ponytail. He was in a pair of jeans, and a white shirt that was covered by a blazer. “I thought you had a singer for me?”

  Knox stopped. “I did, Terry. But I’m not… She’s going…” Knox stood frozen. Because he realized that Melody wasn’t coming. Maybe ever. All he could do was shake his head. “She’s not here. Anyway, thanks for coming out.”

  “Hey, when Knox says he’s got the singer of the century, how could I not swing by for a listen? You can’t know this, but these days most agents are done with the teenybopper pop. Everyone in my office wants a real woman with a real voice, and any chance at finding one is worth the look.” He glanced around the bar. “Pity, too. Considering the draw she’s already got, making her into an actual celebrity definitely would’ve breathed some life back into this town.” Terry shook his head. And then lifted his glass of beer. “What a bummer. Well, here’s to Craving Cove. It had a good run.”

  Knox looked over. “Yeah. To Craving Cove. One hell of a good run.”

  Terry drank a mouthful of beer. “So, you think Melody knows what she lost tonight?”

  Knox thought about a record deal for her. And the future they may’ve had. “I doubt she even cares.”

  “Me too.” Terry put his glass down, and said, “Thanks for the chance. And good luck.”

  “Where’re you off to?”

  “Further down the coast. I hear there’s a spot in Panama.”

  “Panama?” Knox shook his head. “That’s not a cheery place at all. My first mate Gunner's got a friend who’s investigating some dogfighting down there.”

  “I’m kidding,” Terry said. “About twenty miles down there’s a spot. Supposed to be one of those big all-inclusive tourist traps. They’re promising great things. I’ll check it out. Should have the whole place up and ready by next summer.”

  “A resort? That’s for rich people. Not real people.”

  “Hey, who did Craving Cove take care of all these years, the rich or the real?”

  Knox lifted his chin. “We took care of the real people.”

  “Exactly.” Terry reached up and put his hand on Knox’s shoulder. “And just look what that’s gotten you.”

  “Yeah,” Knox said. “Good point.”

  “So?” Terry said. “Do you have a backup plan?”

  Knox thought about his treasure. The one he could still have. “Yes I do.” Then he left the bar, and called his crew.

  Chapter 36

  “Thanks for the lift, Joe!” Melody said, getting out of the truck and closing the door. “Give your grandchild a hug from me.”

  “Grandchild?”

  “I mean granddaughter!”

  Joe smiled. “I hope we meet again, Melody Song. And you remember my offer! Any wreckage that needs hauling, you be sure to call Joe’s Storm!” He waved, put the truck into gear with a resounding clunk, and took off.

  Melody turned and looked up at her destination, the Worshill Building. It was fifty stories tall. Melody had to crane her head to see its top. And a strange feeling came over her. This building, she’d been inside so many like it over the past years with William, but now, after spending only a few days back in the cove, the metal and glass seemed odd. Unnatural.

  But Melody shrugged off the feeling of unease, and checked her watch. She had thirty minutes until her deadline. She’d arrived in plenty of time. So undaunted by the skyscraper’s height, she marched through the front door and into the spacious lobby. There was an echo as she walked. Only a few plants, a black sofa, and three guards were present. She smiled at the nearest man. “I’m here for Ms. Celia Banks.”

  The guard shrugged. “Ok. Enjoy, I guess.”

  Melody marched by him. “Oh, I will.” She got to the elevator, and rode it up to the fortieth floor. The doors opened to a dark lobby, with lush, cream carpet. Melody looked left. Nothing but cubicles. Then she looked right. That way was an empty hall. But at its end, a single office door was open, and a light glowed from within.

  “Celia!” Melody called out. “I’m here!”

  From the lit doorway a blond head poked out. “Melody? Is that you? Come on!”

  Melody ran down the hall, and ducked into the office. “Hey. Sorry I’m a little late.”

  Celia said, “You know, you’re cutting it a little close.”

  “Don’t get me started. It’s been a long night.”

  “Well, it’s about to get better.” Celia pointed to a small pile of papers on the desk with a pen on top. “Sign these, it’ll give us the power to seize these funds.”

  “Absolutely.” Melody grabbed the pen, jotted her name on the line, and then said, “Pay me.”

  Celia laughed. “You’re my favorite kind of client.” She grabbed the documents, scanned them, and then took a seat at the desk. She stared at the monitor, and tapped a few keys. “Ok, first I’ll send your signature to the notary, and we should be good to go. Hey, why are you so late, anyway? Did you take the I-93?”

  “No. I had car trouble. A guy ran me off the road and blew up my car.”

  “You’re kidding? And you still came here?”

  “Hell couldn’t keep me from getting this money, I need it to save a friend’s home.”

  “And to pay your lawyer.” Celia looked up. “Wait, you’re not keeping the rest of the cash?”

  “It’s a long story,” Melody said. “And she’s a very good friend.”

  “She must be. Now, let’s get her the…” Celia stopped talking and her face fell. “Wait. Hold on. This is impossible.” She tapped a few keys. “The account. It’s empty.” Celia looked up. “It was cleaned out ten minutes ago.”

  “What?” Melody ran around and looked at the screen. There was nothing but zeroes. Her shoulders slumped nearly a full foot. “What’re you saying?”

  Celia spun in her chair, and stood up. “I’m saying that we’re too late.”

  “Where did the money go?” Melody said.

  The lawyer shook her head. “I’m sorry, but that’s impossible to tell right now. Could be the Caymans. Maybe Switzerland. Either way, it’s not coming back.” Celia looked at Melody. “I’m sorry, kiddo. The cash is gone.”

  Melody nodded blankly. Of cour
se it was. William was no dummy. He probably knew about their discovery the minute they did, and set up a way to hide the funds. “That son of a bitch,” Melody said.

  “You can say that again. I’ve dealt with some slippery fish in my time, but this guy’s a real bottom feeder.” Celia sighed. “Which brings me to one more point. The house.”

  “My house? What about it?”

  “Well, when we dug deeper we discovered that it’s possible that even though you’re not on the mortgage, you may be liable for the payment, since you’re married to the owner.”

  “Great. So I can’t collect any money, but I’m liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars I don’t have?” And another fact dawned on Melody. “Plus, I’m out a lawyer again, right?”

  Celia leaned back, and frowned sympathetically. “I’m afraid that’s right. So may I ask, what’re you going to do now?”

  Melody thought of the Coeur de Mer. The years she spent growing and playing there. It was still Pearl’s for a few more hours. “Head home, I guess.”

  “Oh. Ok. So I feel pretty bad about all of this, can I get a driver for you? It’s the least I can do.”

  “Please,” Melody said.

  Celia picked up her phone, and exchanged a few texts with the car service before turning to Melody and saying, “Ok. There will be a sedan out front in ten minutes. Where are you going?”

  Melody sighed. “Craving Cove.”

  Celia froze. “Craving Cove? Are you kidding me?”

  “No, why?”

  “It’s all over the news,” Celia said. “There was a storm. It came out of nowhere and it hooked towards land about an hour ago. They’re calling for an evacuation, but the experts say it’s too late.”

  Melody could sense the fear in Celia’s voice. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean that Craving Cove is about to get hit by a hurricane.”

  Chapter 37

  The night sky above the Sea Snake was cloudy and dark, and the wind was blowing in fierce as its newly fixed engine chugged ahead strongly. Knox stood on her bow, gripping the wheel in his jeans, black boots, and t-shirt.

  Standing to his side, blond, shirtless, and in shorts, was Gunner, his first mate. He looked at his friend. “Windy night, huh?”

  Knox continued to stare over the bow.

  Gunner followed his gaze. “You worried about running into some rough weather?”

  Still, Knox was stoic.

  Gunner looked at his friend. “Or is it the storm on land that’s bothering you more? You know, it’s bad luck to sail with anger in your heart.”

  “I’m fine.” Knox said. “And that’s not a thing.”

  “Only one of your two statements is true.” Gunner looked at the dark line on the horizon. “What happened today?”

  Knox’s steely gaze was locked on the water beyond the bow. “She blew me this morning.”

  Gunner snapped to. “Really? That’s great! How was… Wait. That should have you glowing like St. Elmo’s fire. What happened after? You saw her at Rick’s, right?”

  “No. Unfortunately, she blew me off, too. Left town without a word. Again. And after I had Terry come out from the city to hear her sing.”

  “Terry Howell? The agent? You’re kidding me, he actually showed?”

  “After the fishing trip we took him on? Yeah, of course. That guy owes me. But like I said, Melody split. Without a fucking word. And she told Rick she’s not coming back.”

  “Did you call her?”

  “Yeah. A lot. But she won’t answer. Just like last time.”

  Gunner stared out to sea. “Shit. That sucks. I’m sorry, man.”

  “Don’t be. I’m fine.”

  “You’re not fine, I can tell. You always were a moody son of a bitch, but this is a new color of blue on you. Hell, it’s actually visible at night.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Neither do I. But I do want a captain with a clear head. Maybe some drinking? It usually helps in times like this. Nothing like alcohol to anesthetize a broken heart. But operating on a coronary is something that should be done on dry land,” Gunner said, “not out on the open water. I’m feeling awfully vulnerable here.”

  “I don’t care.”

  Gunner froze. “A cap that doesn’t care about his crew is a cap that doesn’t deserve one.”

  Knox tensed at the criticism. But then said, “You’re right. I didn’t mean that. All I’m saying is-”

  “I know what you’re saying. And even though you’re the saltiest sailor around, you’re sweet on Melody in a way that would give a taffy puller cavities. But you shouldn’t drown your sorrows at sea. You shouldn’t drown anything at sea.”

  “Not to worry, I don’t think the weather will turn. But just in case, let’s get started, huh? We’ve arrived.” Knox cut the engine and the Sea Snake slowed to a crawl. “Drop anchor!”

  “Aye.” Gunner did as commanded, and threw a switch, dropping the metal weight into the water. Then he looked around the surrounding ocean. “You’re sure this is the spot?”

  The wind was picking up. It whistled as is blew around the Sea Snake, and sent a salty spray that stung Knox and Gunner. Knox stared down at the black water’s surface. “That’s what the coordinates said.”

  “So you’re going in?”

  Knox pulled off his shirt. His thick muscles were round. His abs looked laser cut, with deep, hard angles. “Definitely.”

  Gunner nodded slowly. Then he picked up the blower, a machine that looked like a wide, metal tube with some nobs and a handle, and dropped it overboard. It hit the water, and sank immediately. Then he turned to his friend. “Cap, you know I’ll back your play, but this feels wrong. If the weather goes south on us, we’re probably not going to make it back to shore before it hits.”

  “Afraid of the rain?”

  “The rain? No.”

  Knox said, “If you want, take the boat back with the crew, just leave me a lifejacket, because I’m staying out here to search this patch of floor.”

  Gunner looked at his friend.

  Their eyes met.

  “Ok,” Gunner said. “But I want to go on the record as saying this is a dangerous idea.”

  “Noted.” Knox kicked off his boots, and pulled off his pants. Now he was standing in the chilly air with nothing on but the tight spandex swimsuit that hugged his every inch, along with his round, firm ass. He slipped an oxygen tank onto his back, and stepped onto the railing.

  “Don’t come back empty handed,” Gunner said. “And don’t stay down there too long, you can’t hide below the waves forever.”

  With a cocksure grin Knox said, “Longer than you.” Then he fastened the breather and goggles over his face, turned the flashlight on his mask on, and dove into the water.

  Gunner watched his friend disappear into the dark sea. Then he looked out at the horizon. He couldn’t tell where the water ended and the sky began. And what was worse, he couldn’t see how either of them were acting.

  #

  Ocean. It’s different for every man. But for Knox, it was as much a home as anything he knew. Down there he could see more clearly. Hear further. It was his second favorite place to be. As he sank, he thought of the first. Next to Melody. Even below the waves, he could smell her hair, and-

  No, not now. He shook her memory free. Focus on the task at hand.

  It was time to work. He focused his mind on the search for his treasure. The one on land was gone. But she was his first love. His truest. The most amazing women… God damn it! Not right now! Stop thinking of Melody! Knox needed to concentrate.

  So for the second time, Knox shook the thought of Melody free, and continued his descent. He looked below. The light on his mask illuminated the floor. There was black coral all around the large, sandy patch he was sinking towards.

  It took a long time, but he finally hit bottom, over one hundred feet below the surface. He immediately looked around, and paused. Usually there would be some aquatic life around
, but there were no crabs, no minnows, no fish of any kind. Strange. What had the place so empty?

  Knox didn’t have the answer, so he turned his attention to the sandy floor itself. And instantly felt some relief. As far as he could see, there were rows of tiny dunes wrinkling the ocean floor. It was common. The sea’s current shaped them so. And they looked ordinary enough. If there was a storm further out, the tiny hills would be more erratic.

  Which meant it was peaceful at that depth. A good sign.

  So Knox prepared to start his search. The blower Gunner dropped earlier was sitting on the silt a few meters away. Knox swam to it, picked it up, and aimed it at the floor. He clicked the machine on and instantly the tube sucked in water from behind, and spat it out the front, like a high-power hose. The flow was fast, and kicked the sand below him to the side, digging a hole straight into the wet muck.

  Come on. There’s got to be something here.

  As the seconds passed by, the hole grew larger. And revealed… nothing.

  Knox moved a few feet to the left, and began the process again. He aimed the blower down, and turned it on. Again, the sandy silt flew to the side as the blower drilled a hole.

  And that’s how things progressed. Knox would dig down a few feet, and either hit rock or find nothing at all. Then he’d begin again, a few feet to the side. He worked a large square in this fashion. Fifty feet in each direction. It was slow goings. And an hour later, he was nearing the end of the area.

  There was only one untouched patch of sand left.

  Soon, he’d have to return to the surface for a new tank. But with empty hands, or full?

  There was only one way to find out…

  He pointed the blower downwards, and clicked it on. Sandy silt kicked up for the last time. Knox got closer to the ground. More cloudy mess rose up between him and his feet. He moved the tool back and forth. And there it was! Something was uncovered, and it wasn’t rock or coral. Knox dropped the blower and sank to his knees. He looked down. And his heart dropped when the light illuminated his target clearly.