Balefire

by Barrett

  “I had a good time tonight,” Silke said as she put her hand on Kirin’s shoulder. “I’m really glad our paths crossed during this trip. It’s been advantageous to both of us, I guess.” She paused. “I’m not sure I’d have made it through the airport cattle-call without you.” She encircled her other arm around Kirin’s shoulders.

  “You’re right. And I’m very grateful for your generosity,” Kirin said.

  Silke pulled her close, and Kirin wrapped her arms around her waist and pressed against her. She felt Silke’s palm on the back of her neck, fingers moving in the hair behind her ear. They held each other in an awkward yet tender embrace. Kirin thought the tenderness fortified them both. Like two ships in a storm, they found a safe harbor.

  Kirin could feel strong muscles under her palms and smelled a fresh pear scented soap mixed with wet hair.

  “I hope you sleep well,” Silke said shyly as she pulled away.

  “Good night.”

  Kirin lay awake in the darkness. Something odd happened with the embrace. She couldn’t describe it. It wasn’t sexual, but whatever it was felt good. For the first time in several weeks, she felt the tightly coiled, internal shock absorbers release. She rearranged the pillow and flipped the sheet back to feel the soft air currents from the paddle-bladed fan above. The tropical dampness evaporated from her exposed skin with each turn of the blade.

  Silke coughed in the other room, and Kirin glanced toward the bedroom door. She crossed her hands on her abdomen and took a deep breath. Silke Dyson is a most unusual woman.

  Chapter Six

  A COARSE RAKING sound drifted through the window along with two voices, and Silke remembered where she was. The boys must be cleaning the beach. Ah, the beach. I’m home. She rolled onto her back and stretched, enjoying the cool smooth sheets on the king size bed caressing and enfolding her skin. The small muscles in her back and shoulders untangled. Relaxed at last.

  The soft whoosh of the ceiling fan further helped to orient her. She identified sounds—the distant rumble of the twin outboard motors on one of the resort’s launches moving off toward town. The familiar shriek of seagulls amplified in her ears. It was good to be back on the Caye.

  That’s odd. I smell coffee. Kirin. She pulled on her shorts and went out to the living room to find it empty.

  The sofa bed was closed, and Kirin’s belongings neatly stacked beside it. There was no sign of her on the front porch or in the bathroom, but the coffeemaker light glowed on the counter.

  “Well that’s nice.” Silke found a cup and searched through the cupboard for some sugar. The events of the last forty-eight hours slowly resurfaced. It felt like much longer than forty-eight hours since the obstacle-ridden travel ordeal had begun. Too bad she wasn’t a writer. This would have made a heck of a story.

  The front door opened.

  “Oh, hi. I guess you’re up. I hope I didn’t wake you. I tried to be quiet.” Kirin closed the door and walked across the living room, flapping a paper bag all the way to the kitchen counter. “I brought you one of those fry jacks you like.”

  “Thank you, that was nice. I guess I was in a coma because I never heard you leave.” Silke filled her cup. “Thank you for making the coffee too. There’s a little left. Do you want some?”

  Kirin fidgeted with the bag. “No thanks. I had about three cups with breakfast. I was so excited about the new article that I woke before dawn and couldn’t wait to get started.” She pulled out the fry jack and put it on the counter. “I snuck out with my laptop, and when I got over to the pool area, the restaurant staff was setting up. They offered me coffee and were so polite. Incredible.”

  The overnight change in Kirin astonished Silke. She seemed almost buoyant.

  Silke pulled out a stool and sat down at the counter next to her. “What did you decide to do?”

  Kirin booted up her laptop and started opening files. “I wanted to start researching Belize and hurricanes. Before I was even able to formulate my plan, your friend Diane came out and sat with me for a while. She quizzed me like my editor and gave me some great suggestions. And get this—she even knows a kid with a boat who might be able to connect me with some people along the coast. I guess he used to work here, but his family lives in Placencia.”

  “That’s terrific. So you’ll have people to interview. It’s probably a good idea to go with a guide. The people here are very friendly but may be reluctant to answer questions unless they know you.” Silke picked up the fry jack. “If Diane recommended him, I’m sure you can trust him.”

  Kirin smiled as she watched Silke take a bite. “We’ll see. He’s coming by at ten to talk to me. I sent Esther an e-mail to see if they’d reimburse me for his service. Even if they don’t, it’ll be a great way to meet some of the locals and see the damage myself. I’m so glad you suggested this. What a great idea.”

  Silke smiled. The transformation was amazing. Kirin was almost vibrating. “I’m excited to see what you find out. That sounds like a great story.” She finished the pastry and wiped her mouth. “I’ll leave you to your work. I’m just going to shower and go over for a little more breakfast. You’re welcome to join me if you like.”

  “I want to finish this note and I’ll come back over for a swim. That pool looked mighty inviting. Kenrick should be here by then . . . perhaps even a confirmation e-mail.” Kirin pushed the wavy bangs from her forehead, revealing two small vertical creases between her dark brows.

  Silke covered her mouth. Kirin’s concentration expression was amusing and sweet. “Okay. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  It made her heart happy to know that the island magic was working so well for a newly converted visitor. Transformation from angry demeanor to pleasant and inviting was refreshing. Paradise had layers of meaning for each person, she thought as she entered the bedroom.

  While the water heated up in the rock-walled shower, Silke brushed her teeth. She gazed at her reflection in the fogged mirror. Six years had come and gone since she’d been here with anyone. The woman looking back at her was older and worn out. Her once glossy reddish-blond hair had grayed at the temples and the laugh lines around her green eyes had grown to crow’s feet.

  She swiped her fingers across the distorted image. Her solitary retreat had always been special in a sacred sort of way. Surprisingly, her unexpected roommate provided a pleasant diversion and the added bonus of her own trip advisor. She laughed, stripped off her clothes, then stepped into the steamy shower and closed her eyes. The tropical humidity and the cascading water on her skin equaled purification.

  FLORA, ONE OF Silke’s favorite waitresses, served the breakfast plate along with a large glass of orange juice in the nearly empty veranda dining room.

  “Can I bring more coffee?” Flora retrieved Silke’s napkin, which had slid to the floor.

  “Thank you. This looks wonderful.” Silke scanned the blue-and-white plate with its beautiful omelet with beans and a tortilla. A hibiscus blossom along with orange slices decorated the plate. Her stomach rumbled. There was no question that breakfast was her favorite meal.

  A hand on her shoulder interrupted her reverie. “Good morning, my dear friend, I hope you slept well.” Diane kissed the top of her head and sat down across from her.

  Silke lifted her arms above her head, stretching her back. “Like a baby. I didn’t wake up until eight-thirty. Kirin, however, had gotten up at the crack of dawn and crept out. I never heard a sound.” She turned and draped one arm across her chair back. “I don’t know what you two talked about, but she’s about as excited as I’ve ever seen anybody.”

  Flora appeared with a glass of ice and a bottle of diet coke.

  “Thanks, Flora.” Diane winked at her then turned back to Silke. “You know, Kirin is an interesting gal. How do you know her?”

  Flora walked away quietly as Silke picked up her juice glass. “I just met her on the plane from Dallas. And she was wound pretty tight, fidgety, couldn’t stay on topic, and incredibly irritable. Whatever happ
ened overnight has really helped her switch off the anxiety and turn on the inspiration—two different creatures. Plus, she’s let her hair down a bit.”

  Diane tore the peel off a piece of orange. “Well she was here when we opened this morning and had a table full of notes and ideas. When she explained what she needed, I thought there was nobody better suited to help her than Kenrick.” She put her arms in the air. “Who better?”

  Behind Diane’s head, Silke could make out an orange construction machine moving a pallet on concrete blocks. The grinding engine noise was abrasive and drowned out the sound of the small birds and the waving palm fronds. Mark mentioned construction on a new condominium unit.

  “I don’t know if you remember Kenrick from when you first started coming here. He was just another skinny teenage boy from the mainland looking for work. Except he worked his tail off and sent most of his money home to his mother and sisters. He earned every break he got.” Diane laughed. “Mark thinks he’s the son we never had. He’s worked on several of the Cayes and knows everybody. And since he just bought that boat, I’m sure he could use a little help paying for it.”

  Silke smiled and sipped her orange juice. “Oh yes, I remember him always smiling. It was nice of you, and I’m sure he appreciates your recommendation. Kirin will get to see more of Belize with a local guide. Much more than just one resort.” She paused. “Maybe she could write about this place?”

  Diane laughed. “As a matter of fact . . . She did mention a little quid pro quo nod to our humble little establishment.” She smiled and waved to an elderly couple being seated nearby.

  Silke just smiled. “I sometimes forget my chubby best friend with pigtails is a pretty savvy businesswoman, a beautiful woman, and still my best friend.”

  Diane squeezed her hand. “Same goes for you.” She nodded upward. “Looks like Kirin is back for a swim.”

  Silke turned around and scanned the pool area until she finally laid eyes on Kirin coming up the steps on the far side of the deck. She wore a black two-piece suit under a long gauzy white shirt and sandals. Her short brown hair was tucked behind her ears and she moved her lean body with confidence. As she drew closer to the table, Silke could see her bright white smile.

  Kirin climbed the three steps up to the restaurant from the wide pool deck and pushed her sunglasses up on her head. “Am I interrupting anything?” The pool reflected the bright sun, framing her perfectly.

  “Please join us. Do you want something to drink?” Diane raised a hand for Flora.

  “Not right now. I think I’ll take a quick dip before I join you. Be back in a minute.” Kirin set her shirt on a chair and her glasses on the table.

  Diane laughed as they watched her get into the water. “You know you’re blushing.”

  Silke jerked around. “No, I’m not. It’s just . . . I’m not used to the heat yet.”

  Diane clapped her hands together. “Okay, but as long as I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you look at another woman like that. Not even you-know-who.”

  Diane couldn’t say Rachel’s name, and Silke felt embarrassed. Good grief, Diane knew her better than anyone did.

  Diane finished her soda and stood up. “Okay, I got the message. You don’t want to talk. But think about my offer to spend time with us this winter. We’d both love it. I’ll be back when Kenrick arrives.” She pushed in her chair and laughed.

  “Thanks, hon.” Silke watched Diane walk past the pool and speak briefly to Kirin who was climbing out of the pool. Kirin picked up a towel and dried off as she walked back to the table.

  Silke tried not to stare.

  “That really felt good, you know, to just move your body freely after being cooped up in an airplane for so long.” Kirin sat on a chair opposite and squeezed some sunscreen into her palm and smoothed it across her shoulders and arms.

  Silke smiled. “I know what you mean. I’ll probably lay out by the pool this afternoon.”

  Flora returned and cleared the table. “More coffee?”

  “Not for me. Kirin, you want something?”

  “Yes, I’d love a diet soda.” Kirin pulled her shirt back on. “See that woman at the bar?”

  Silke turned in the general direction. “Not very well. Could you be a little more specific?”

  Kirin laughed. “I’m sorry. That was kinda mean wasn’t it? I meant the tall woman with that skirt type wrap around her waist, like the one you wore last night. What do they call those? I’ve seen several people wearing them and they look comfortable.”

  “Oh, I see the one you mean. They’re called pareos. They sell them on the beach in San Pedro. I have a couple if you’d like to borrow one. They are comfortable.”

  Flora set down the glass and the diet coke. “Will there be anything else?”

  “No thanks,” they said in unison.

  Kirin leaned back and folded her hands behind her head. “I’m beginning to understand what you find so appealing. It’s beautiful here. Too bad about the storm damage but it doesn’t look like they suffered anything too serious.”

  “Thankfully no one was hurt and they only lost power for a couple of hours before the generators were up and running. They’ve become quite electrically self-sufficient over the years.” Silke pointed to block building behind Kirin. “That’s their generator.”

  Kirin turned around and nodded. “I’m surprised that all of the buildings are fine, even all the little thatched casitas. It looks like the biggest problem is the debris that washed up on shore along with the downed palm branches.”

  “Tropical storms are nothing new. This resort has been here for almost fifteen years. When you go back to the condo, look around at the building’s construction. I watched some of the initial work on the newer buildings, which are all concrete block with specially made doors and windows. The exterior thatching can be easily replaced if necessary.” She noticed Kirin was actually making notes on the placemat.

  “This has the makings of a very interesting story.”

  Silke’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she lowered her head. “I’d just as soon not appear in your story.”

  Kirin paused, confused. “Of course. I would never use your name without your permission. Is there a problem?” She folded her hands in front of her. A slight breeze blew over her hair.

  For just a moment, Silke shuddered against her resistance. She wanted to tell Kirin the truth about her deliberate escape from Rachel to Belize. Another breeze stirred the palms beside them and the moment passed. “Not especially. I’m a little shy. Diane and Mark can tell you much more of the history.” She pushed back her chair and unfolded her cane. “I think I’d better leave you to your work. I have a date with an audio book. Let me know how your meeting with Kenrick goes.”

  “Will do. And, Silke, thanks again for making all this happen.” Kirin touched Silke’s elbow as she passed.

  “HEY, GUESS WHAT?”

  Silke looked up from the iPod she was fiddling with to see Kirin loping across the sand toward the condo. Sporting a teenage grin, she clutched notes under her arm.

  “You won a Pulitzer?”

  Laughing, Kirin dropped onto the lounge chair next to her. “Not yet. But I worked out a good deal with Kenrick. He’ll be my official tour guide for the next day or so and I’ll pay him a daily wage plus gas for his boat.” She kicked off her sandals, pulled off her white shirt, and lay back on the lounge. “Man, it’s hot.”

  Silke smelled the chlorine from the pool and the pleasant scent of coconut sunscreen as the overhead fan brought a nice breeze.

  “He’ll be back to pick me up in an hour.” Kirin crossed her legs. “He suggested I bring a change of clothes because we’ll probably stay overnight. This could be great. I feel like a Nat Geo reporter. Crap. I hope I have extra batteries for the camera.” She jumped up. “I’m going to grab a shower. Do you need anything while I’m inside?”

  “No, I’m good. It sounds like a terrific opportunity. Just be careful.”

  Kirin stop
ped in the doorway, turned, and wiggled her eyebrows. “Is there some danger I should be aware of?”

  “Not really. I think you’ll be fine with Kenrick because he knows so many people.” She shifted her position. “But there’s a drug problem since Belize is part of the South American drug corridor. It’s mostly in the cities. Don’t take valuables with you, especially cash. It might be safer to pay him when you get back—for both your sakes.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Thanks.”

  Silke reset the audio book to the beginning of the chapter. The thought of Kirin’s brief trip to the mainland left a twinge of sadness. Normally, she relished the solitude and the lack of social demands. But Kirin had turned out to be a comfortable companion.