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

by Blue,Marina

  Melody stared into the man’s eyes. He was a liar. And a crook. But he didn’t know that Melody knew all that, so she had him at a disadvantage. “Great! But there’s a lot of downed trees and twisted metal, can you get it all up in forty-eight hours?”

  Jerry smiled. “Oh yeah.”

  Melody matched his expression with a grin of her own. “Take one third of the people here, and get cleaning.”

  “Can do.” And with that, the sheriff turned and walked away to collect his team.

  “Next!” Melody yelled. “Where’s Tara?”

  The woman ran over. “Right here!”

  “Good morning, Tara, are you ready to help?” Melody said.

  “I am. I just need a task.”

  “Good. Whip up a menu, order the food, and then get prepping.”

  Tara’s eyes nearly jumped out of her skull. “Sure thing! But with what money do we buy the materials with? ”

  “I’ll cover the costs.” It was Harry Talbot, the bank owner. “Any money you need, I’ll provide. Just send me the bill.”

  Tara smiled again. “Thanks, Mr. Talbot.” She turned to Melody. “I’ll assemble a team and get to work.” And she walked off.

  “Thanks, Harry,” Melody said. “I also need another favor from you.”

  “I told you I’d help in any way I can,” he said.

  “You’re still dating that newscaster, right?”

  He smiled. “Dating’s a bit formal, but yeah.”

  “Get him down here on Saturday,” she said.

  “How? He’ll need a story.”

  “My friend Kat once told me that disaster sells. So you tell him that he’ll have an exclusive on all of the damage that happened.”

  “But won’t the damage be cleaned up by then?”

  “Will it?” Melody said. “Maybe he doesn’t need to know that.”

  “Alright, but when gets here he’ll be pissed.”

  “No, he’ll be thrilled. He’s going to have the greatest piece of his career. While every other town’s still licking its wounds after the hurricane, waiting for help from the state, we’re going to be completely revived. And we’re the ones who did it. Not the government, not some big city bank. Us. Now get calling.”

  “What about entertainment?” Pearl asked.

  “I’ll handle that myself.”

  Pearl looked over. “Well, aren’t we sounding confident?”

  “Because we’re feeling confident. All I have to do is order the stage, and get Rick to schedule the musicians.”

  Pearl smiled. “And get the stage delivered, handle all the garbage in the street, figure out how the sheriff’s going to try and screw us, and watch out for Sparrow.”

  Melody turned to her friend. “Piece of cake.”

  Chapter 44

  “So I have to ask,” Gunner said, “was it worth it?”

  Knox was swimming in the ocean, tied to the single lifeboat that housed the crew of his ship. It was half-filled with water, and inside the three men were using hunks of wood as oars to paddle towards shore, which was so far away they couldn’t see it. Knox said, “Was what worth it? You mean saving your life?”

  Gunner said, “I’ll admit, that was a brilliant plan. Tipping this boat upside down, and having us all drag it to the bottom of the sea with our weight, then using your oxygen tank to replenish the air trapped inside it so we could breathe until the storm passed. Where’d you learn that?”

  Knox thought of the night he and Melody evaded the deputy. “Nowhere.”

  “Oh,” Gunner said. “Anyway, what I meant was, you sank your ship looking for a sunken ship. Was that worth it?”

  “Are you joking?” Knox said. “Inside the Grouse is millions in gold, and it’s the legal property of whoever finds it, and we know exactly where it is. Plus, each of us is still alive. So yeah, it was worth it.”

  He stroked a few more times, dragging the tiny boat behind him.

  Gunner looked around. “Really? We’re like fifty miles out to sea. We got no food. No water. Four mouths. And you’re thinking what?” Gunner yelled.

  “I’m thinking it’s easier to swim without you yelling at me. That’s what I’m thinking.” Knox stroked three more times. This was the most cumbersome he’d ever felt in the ocean. Normally, he zipped through the water, frictionless and smooth, like the sea snake he named his ship after. But now, with his crew tied to him, he was more like a horse trying to do the butterfly stroke. All of his muscles, strained to the max, were fighting their normal flow.

  “Maybe try breast stroke,” Gunner called out.

  Breast stroke… Knox thought of Melody. Was she ok? Did she know about what had happened? If she did, would she care? After all, she-

  “Hey, you need a rest?” Gunner said.

  Knox looked back. “What?”

  “You’re treading water.”

  Looking around, Knox realized his friend was right. “No. I’m fine. We’ll be at shore by nightfall,” he said. But thought, nightfall in two days.

  And he began swimming again. With each stroke he hoped it would bring him closer to shore.

  But there were two problems. First, swimming in rough water was different than in the pool. A pool was still. But the ocean, it moved. Swayed. And worst of all, if it felt like it, an ocean current could flow against a ship, and could keep it in the exact same spot, even as it tried to move forward. That was true even more so for humans rowing and swimming. And Knox could feel that happening. There was a powerful current flowing from the shore, and it was keeping them planted. The best hope they had was to keep rowing, and hope they got lucky, and the current would change with the tide, sending them towards land.

  But even if that happened, they still had a second problem. Since they had no equipment, they’d need to use nature for navigation. That was the sun in the day, and the stars at night. But if it was cloudy, it meant they could spend half their time rowing in circles without knowing it.

  “You ok?” Gunner said.

  “Stop asking me that!” Knox kicked like a dolphin.

  And as he swam he dragged his crew back home, and promised himself he’d see Melody again. Even if she was back in the city. Even if she was back with her husband. He promised he’d see her just one more time.

  All it would take was another few strokes.

  Just another few. Hundred. Thousand. Strokes.

  Chapter 45

  William Brooding paced the floor of Sinton Waters’ office. This wasn’t good. Not at all. If the town could pull this off, it meant everything he’d worked for, everything he gambled, would be lost. And he knew that with Melody's leadership they could. After all, she’d done it before.

  Waters charged into the office at a quick pace, and slid into his chair. “I know what you’re going to say.

  William froze. “You do?”

  “Of course. I heard about the plans in Craving Cove, and I couldn’t be happier!”

  William sat down on the nearest chair. “Why?”

  “Well, originally the town was supposed to roll over, and give me what I wanted without a fight, like a pliant woman, but instead, they’re doing me one better.”

  “Better, sir?”

  Waters smiled. “So much better.”

  “How so?”

  “You heard they’re putting on some stupid beach bash or whatever, yes?”

  “Yes. The Ocean Frolic. And that has the potential too-”

  “Too do nothing. God, I love rubes. They think they’re so smart. This is going to be so much better than if they just signed.”

  William sat down in front of Sinton’s desk. “Why’s that?”

  “Why? Because they’re rolling the dice on some event they think will turn their fortunes around. Can you believe it? When this goes to hell I’ll be able to foreclose as planned, and name my price for each remaining property. Even their bank won’t be able to help. I’ll scoop up Craving in the same time frame, for less than I hoped, because they’re putting all their eggs in a
single basket, making it so much easier for me to smash!”

  William sat there and nodded. But there was something Mr. Waters hadn’t considered. “What if they succeed? You don’t know Melody like I do. She’s tenacious. When she sets her sights on something, she gets it. Always.”

  Waters smile got bigger. Which was an impressive feat. “Not this time. This time, she’s going to fail. Everything hinges on actions taking place in the next two days, which isn’t nearly enough time to plan. Cleanup? Setup? It’s all a screw up.”

  “How can you be so certain?”

  “For a number of reasons. First, I own the sheriff, and he’s in charge of cleaning the town, so it’ll be filthy. Dangerous, even. But I also have Sparrow, and if the event begins, he’ll cut the power from the generators. Plus, I have my secret agent, and my plans there are far more sinister than anything else I’ve cooked up…” Waters laugh was a vicious, evil sound. “But regardless, when this all goes to hell, everyone in the country will see it, thanks to the press that Melody’s guaranteed will show. Come on, Billy Goat, look happy, we’re about to be billionaires. Well, I already am, but you will be too.”

  William smiled. Billionaire. And a single one at that. As soon as he got Melody to sign the divorce papers in his jacket. But even if he didn’t get her to do it in time, this deal was hidden under so many layers that Melody would get none of it. Soon he’d be a rich man. And a free one. “This is great news, sir. But still, it’s a bit of a gamble. I wouldn’t be surprised if she suspected something already. She’s quite intelligent, and added to that, she’s got tons of support. Nobody in town wants her to fail.”

  “Nobody?” Waters said. “Are you sure?”

  William didn’t say a thing. He just stared blankly. Then he said, “Your agent. The one whose identity you’ve kept secret.”

  Then the intercom buzzed. The receptionist said, “Mr. Waters, your appointment from Craving Cove is here.”

  “Speak of the devil,” Waters said. He pressed the button, “Send them in.”

  The door to Waters’ office opened.

  And in walked Tara, owner and operator of The Perfect Sundae.

  Chapter 46

  The town had not only worked that entire first day, but also well into the night. Sheriff Pinter’s team had cleared most of the streets, and piled the garbage high on each corner. Meanwhile, Tara completed an expensive food order and prepared her kitchen with the help of a team she picked. So by the next morning, much work had been done, and yet so much still remained. But Melody was calm. She was spending the early morning on the porch swing, staring out over the ocean with a new cell phone in hand.

  Meanwhile, Pearl was pacing a few feet away. “How can you be so relaxed? We only have one day left. And it’s today!”

  “Give me a moment,” Melody said. She was reading a text.

  “Who’s that?” Pearl said.

  “Kat. My friend from back in the city. She’s doing me a favor.”

  “What kind of favor?”

  “I’ll tell you later. As for now, we have work to do.” Melody put the phone down. “Did you talk to Rudy for me?”

  Pearl sighed. “I did. And he’s in.”

  “And he has enough men and enough poles?”

  “Yes,” Pearl said. “He’s really excited.”

  “Good. And he knows to keep it to himself?”

  “He does. Though I don’t know why you’re keeping his help a secret.”

  “All will be revealed. I’ll call him later, and iron out the particulars.” Melody looked over the ocean. “This day will be perfect.” But it couldn’t be. Because somewhere on the waves, or more likely beneath them, was Knox. And Melody wanted to mourn him so badly. But this place, his home and hers, she had to protect it. She had to help her town hope, even though she didn’t dare to hope herself.

  For you, Knox. I’ll do it for you.

  Then she got up, and prepared for the day.

  #

  Melody and Pearl headed up the long winding road to the entrance of the cove. And while the center of town was spotless, and the glass storefronts were fixed, the road that linked it to the tunnel was still a mess.

  “So much damage,” Pearl said.

  Melody nodded. “You can say that again.”

  “Do you think the sheriff’s even trying to get rid of it all?”

  “I don’t know what his plan is. But I think we’re about to find out.”

  The two women stayed quiet the rest of the ride, and when they got to the top of the winding road, Pearl parked. They got out, and approached the cleanup crew, who were standing around the mouth of the tunnel. “Good morning, Jerry,” Melody said. “How’s it going?”

  Sheriff Pinter walked over. He was in his uniform, but there were large sweat stains under his arms, on his chest, and soil caked his calves. “Not bad, but the hard stuff still lies ahead, and I don’t know if we got the men to do it.” He motioned to the team of twenty local men working around them. They were burly, thick, exhausted, and sweaty.

  “What hard stuff?” Melody said.

  The sheriff motioned to the cove beneath them. “There’s literally tons of metal down there. The boats were shredded, along with the boardwalk, and it’s spread all over the cove. I doubt we’ll get the whole town cleaned up by tomorrow morning.”

  Melody said, “I doubt it’s possible.”

  “What?” Pearl said. “You doubt it?”

  “Of course,” Melody said. “But the plan isn’t to show off every square inch of the cove, just the places that tourists like. Ocean Way. The lighthouse.” She glanced around. Then laid her eyes on, “The beach.”

  “That’s still a lot of area to cover,” the sheriff said.

  “I know, but do you think you can swing it?” Melody asked.

  “Maybe.” He looked down at the valley. “But the problem is getting the garbage dumped.”

  “What do you suggest?” Melody said.

  “I don’t know,” he said. “I’d like to load up trucks down there, then bring them through the tunnel.”

  “But?” Pearl said.

  “But two problems. First, the trucks we got are too small for the job, and if we lease larger ones they can’t fit through the tunnel.”

  “What’s the second problem?” Pearl said.

  “When we use the smaller ones, it’s logistically slow. It’ll take dozens, if not hundreds, of trips. And even if we do get all the wreckage through the tunnel in time, where do we dump it?”

  Melody nodded. “Right. We have to take it to the dump or drop it right at the mouth of the tunnel, which won’t look too nice.”

  “Exactly,” Jerry said. “So… any ideas?”

  Melody looked down at Craving. It was still like an emerald. Just dull. All it needed was some shining up. “No clue.”

  “You know, I do have one idea,” Jerry said. “Maybe we could burn it all.”

  Melody looked at him. Ah ha.

  “Burn it?” Pearl said.

  “Yeah,” the sheriff said. “Make a big bonfire on the beach and burn it overnight. Then just shove the metal parts into the water tomorrow morning before the Frolic starts. It’s not a permanent solution, but it’ll work for the short term.”

  “That’s nuts,” Pearls said. “That’s where we’re going to have the concert. The food. Everything!”

  “Calm down, Pearl,” Melody said. “I think the sheriff’s idea is a good one.” She pondered it for a moment. And smiled. “It’s a great idea, in fact. Get cracking immediately.” Melody walked over, and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Good thinking, Jerry. I’m sorry if I ever doubted you.”

  He straightened up. “Oh. Uh… Yeah. Of course, it’s nothing.”

  “Come on, Pearl. Time to go.” Melody turned on her heels, and walked back to the car. But she stopped halfway. “Oh, and Jerry. What’s going on with the generators?”

  The sheriff looked confused. “The one’s the county provided? They’re running strong with plenty of
power, in the lighthouse parking lot.”

  Melody said, “And the other ones?”

  “Other ones? We only have those two,” the sheriff said.

  Melody smiled. “Right, of course. My mistake. Thanks again.” And with that, both women jumped back in the car.

  Pearl said, “What’re you doing?”

  “Preparing for the Frolic.”

  “I mean with the sheriff,” Pearl said. “You know you can’t trust him.”

  “I trust him to do exactly what he says, which is what I’m counting on. Now let’s head back to the beach.”

  Pearl started up the car, and as they drove, Pearl said, “I don’t get it, you know the sheriff’s dirty, but you seem awfully calm. Like the sea, after a storm.”

  “Storm’s already passed,” Melody said. “Now there’s nothing to worry about.” And that reminded her. Melody needed to make one more call. So as they drove Melody pulled out her phone, and made it.

  #

  “Hello, Mr. Waters?” Jerry said. “This is Sheriff Pinter.”

  “Do you have good news for me?” Mr. Waters said.

  “The best, sir. Melody Song just instructed me to burn all the wreckage on the beach.”

  “And that’s good news because?”

  “Because it’s almost exclusively metal. So whatever won’t burn, will remain. She thinks I’ll shove it into the ocean, but that’s illegal, and I’m going to alert the Coast Guard so they’ll have a ship off the beach to prevent it regardless.”

  “So when this farce opens tomorrow it will be next to a pile of rusting, sharpened metal?” Waters said.

  “That’s correct, sir. It’ll look like a modern art send up to tetanus, and she won’t have the trucks, or the time, to fix it.”

  Sinton Waters cut an evil smile. “Excellent work, Pinter.”

  “Thank you, sir. I’m happy to be of-”

  Waters hung up the phone. He stood at the window of the office, and gazed at Craving Cove. Soon…

  Chapter 47

  There were two long lines of booths set up for food and games on the beach, and Tara was inspecting each. She was straightening up the plates, the napkins, and the signs.