Balefire

by Barrett

  It was an epiphany.

  All of the people she had encountered on her mini tour were proud, generous, and hospitable. Even with decimated neighborhoods and their meager belongings strewn everywhere, each person had offered a shy but genuine smile.

  She looked over her shoulder one last time. Her heart ached as if a tiny sliver of sadness pinched it when she thought of the people. Time to go.

  She trotted down the path to the dock. “I’m all set.”

  Kenrick turned the key, and the big engines rumbled. He grinned widely, like a man proud of his job. The business card in her pocket said he offered private tours or taxi service. He told her he left the fishing and diving jobs to the bigger outfits. On slow days, he delivered goods for the large resorts. One of the biggest expenses for inhabitants of the cayes was transporting large purchases out to the island. Fuel was expensive, and even pricier if they had to order from the states. Diane and Mark, his best customers, depended on him to pick up orders of fresh produce and meat.

  Kirin leaned back to welcome the salt spray and wind in her face as the boat rose up and skidded across the waves. The route back would be more direct since she had taken more pictures than she needed. Her data would be plenty for one very long article or two shorter ones. Plus, Diane had promised to give her some time for an interview and pictures of their resort. If her luck held out, she might get to the private island resort before she flew out on Saturday. In spite of the rocky beginning, this might be a very profitable trip.

  Once they cleared the shoreline and turned northeast, Kenrick motioned to her. She made her way forward.

  “Would you like to drive her a little bit?” he shouted.

  She was stunned that he would even offer. She grinned. “You bet!”

  He described the instruments, pointed out their direction, and then stepped to his right. She gripped the large chrome steering wheel and felt the power of those twin engines vibrating. Within minutes, she felt comfortable with the power and accustomed to the bumps as they smacked the small waves in their path. As they passed near tiny uninhabited islands, he cautioned her to keep a watchful eye for anything sticking out of the water.

  Forty-five minutes later, Kirin tired from holding on to the bucking boat. She pointed to the wheel, and Kenrick nodded with a big smile. She slid down on the bench.

  During the last twenty-four hours, she had absorbed an overwhelming mountain of disturbing information. The idea that the individuals who provided elegant meals, clean sheets, fast boats, and fancy fishing expeditions actually lived in third world conditions might tarnish those glamorous tropical adventures. She knew most tourists skipped the impoverished areas by design. Never look behind the curtain, it might spoil the illusion.

  In her heart, this was the kind of journalism she had always wanted to write. This could be her chance.

  Kenrick steered the boat northward, and she let her mind wander as the sunlight danced on the surface of the turquoise water. Brightly colored restaurants, shops, and hotels dotted the sandy shore as they sped past. No more thinking, tomorrow will sort itself out. Her only goals were a long shower and a cold drink. The distant sight of the now familiar thatched casitas and long pier was a welcome one.

  After tying up his boat, Kenrick followed Kirin to the condo for his well-deserved salary.

  As they walked by the main buildings and pool, Kirin noticed the music. “Sounds like a party. Do you think they’re celebrating our return?”

  He laughed. “No, I don’t think so. I think probably the people are happy because tonight is the regular Belizean celebration.”

  “What’s that?” Kirin stopped, curious.

  He waved toward staff covering the poolside tables. “They serve a buffet with all the local specialties. They also get local groups to play Garifuna music. It’s very good, you should go.” His eyes twinkled above his gapped-tooth smile. Another Belizean proud of his heritage.

  It sounded like fun, but she wasn’t sure she had the energy to walk back after she got to the condo. “I’ll see how I feel after a long hot shower. Aren’t you going to stay?”

  He actually blushed. “No, my lady is waiting for me.” He winked and waved goodbye.

  Chapter Nine

  “RIGHT OVER HERE.” Mark had his arm around Silke and pushed her to a round table near the bar. There was no room to use her cane because of the crush of people. “Bren and Katie made me promise to bring you over as soon as you arrived.”

  “Thank you,” Silke said. “I’m sure I would’ve made it but I do appreciate your chivalry.”

  The deck around the pool was crowded with small tables, each covered with a white tablecloth and a candle-lit centerpiece. The truth was, she could barely see the people let alone recognize faces. Her self-pity surfaced at moments like this. I can feel the staring eyes on my back and almost hear the “poor thing.” She hated depending on anyone. Of course, Mark and Diane thought nothing of it and loved her unconditionally. Suddenly and unexpectedly, a flash of anger bristled as she thought about Rachel’s hands on her throat and the blood pulsing behind her darkening vision.

  Jaunty, drum-laden Caribbean music played in the background and enticing aromas of garlic and oregano drifted through the air as they navigated around the festive tables. The rhythmic sounds of island music stirred in her belly and made her smile. Last year’s conversations with Bren and Katie were hazy. They were from the East. Bren owned a private security firm of some kind, and Katie was a teacher.

  Katie waved as she grabbed the chair back. “There you are. What a wonderful treat that you’re here at the same time.” She jumped up and embraced Silke as Bren pulled out a chair.

  Bren’s expression faltered when she saw the white cane. Silke folded it quickly. Of course, they didn’t know. Damn.

  “Thanks, Mark, you’re a darling.” She kissed his cheek and squeezed his arm.

  Mark smiled. “You ladies enjoy yourselves and, by the way, my personal favorite tonight is the escabeche with the rice and beans.”

  “I’m so glad you’re both here,” Silke said. “I’m never sure I’ll know anyone around here. Did you just arrive or were you delayed by the storm?”

  Bren folded her muscular arms on the table. Her short, cropped hair was still blond and highlighted the small heart tattoo beneath her ear. “After it scraped through here and Cancun, the storm strengthened and moved north. We were stuck in Dallas for a day and a half. Pisses me off, since I don’t get that much time off. But I’m glad to be here now.” She took a swallow of her beer.

  Katie smiled sweetly. “After that we had no trouble. Diane told us that you flew right through it. My God, it must have been terrifying. I’m glad you made it safely.”

  “It was pretty scary. I can usually handle a little turbulence, but we were really bouncing around like a toy plane up there. When we finally reached Belize, the pilot couldn’t see the airfield and, of course, there are no lights. It took three passes before he could land.” How much of the story did she really want to tell? Eventually they were going to meet Kirin, then the questions would really start.

  The waiter came up to their table “What can I get you lovely ladies to drink? Tonight’s specials are rum punch or mojito.”

  The striking young man must’ve been new. His resort shirt still had a tag on.

  As they each ordered, Silke looked passed the waiter and, through the dimly lit space, recognized Kirin near the entrance. She was searching. Heat rose up the sides of her neck when she realized that Kirin was looking for her. She started to raise her hand just as Kirin nodded and started walking toward her. Her pulse quickened slightly.

  “Glad I spotted you. I hope I’m not interrupting.” Kirin squeezed Silke’s shoulder, moved a chair next to her, and smiled broadly. “Hi.”

  Silke grinned happily. “Not at all, I was hoping you’d be back in time for dinner. Bren, Katie, this is my friend, Kirin Foster, without whom I would not have survived the tropical storm. Kirin, I met these gals a coup
le of years ago, and we hit it off right away. Please sit down.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Bren mumbled.

  “Silke was just telling us about your storm adventure, it must’ve been awful. They said everything was flooded.” Katie focused her attention on Kirin.

  “It was an adventure all right,” Kirin said. “I’m lucky that I ran into Silke or I might’ve been sleeping on the wet beach. She was kind enough to take in a stray and even helped me with a new assignment when my original one fell apart.”

  “You’re being far too modest. I’m the one who needed the help.” Silke smiled.

  Kirin returned the smile. “Well, I guess it was just a case of the blind leading the blind.”

  Silke laughed at their in-joke.

  Katie started to speak, stopped, and looked at Bren. Clearly, they were confused and it wasn’t fair to leave them in the dark.

  The server returned with their drinks, and Kirin ordered a gin and tonic.

  “I’m sure this is all confusing. Let me back up a little. Several months ago, I had an accident that affected the circulation to my brain, primarily the area that processes visual images.” Silke’s voice wavered. “It resulted in a kind of tunnel vision that may or may not be permanent. I’ll just have to wait and see. I can see images directly in front of me, but I have no peripheral vision. So being in crowds or unfamiliar places is hazardous.” She glanced at Kirin who was giving her full attention. “Stress makes it worse, so I was lucky I bumped into someone who was willing to run defense for me.” She gently squeezed Kirin’s forearm.

  It was an uncomfortable moment while they processed what she had just told them. She wished she’d ordered a double rum punch instead of white wine.

  “That’s terrible, I’m so sorry,” Katie said.

  The waiter arrived and explained that they could enjoy the buffet whenever they were ready. He described several of the main dishes and answered questions about the ingredients.

  Silke ordered another glass of wine and tried to stay out of the conversation. She felt the sick ache of shame twisting her insides. Telling the whole story would have made it worse. Maybe Diane was right. It was time for some changes. She had about ten days to harden her resolve and her backbone.

  A new band started playing after most of the diners finished eating. The island boasted a number of talented musicians, and Silke remembered this young singer from last year. Her evocative voice was filled with soul.

  The night and the wine tamped down her discomfort, the temperature cooled, and the lee shore wind freshened the air. Silke closed her eyes and let the pleasant breeze waft over her and the soft buzz engulf her. She felt safe. Katie and Kirin discussed public education and Bren was her comfortably quiet self.

  Kirin pushed her chair back. “This has been great, but I spent most of the day bouncing around in a boat, and I’m still rocking, so I think I need to turn in. I hope I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” She put her hand on Silke’s shoulder. “Unless you want me to wait for you?”

  Silke was glad for the excuse to retire. “No, I think I’d better go as well. Two glasses of wine are my limit. Are you guys going to be around tomorrow? ”

  “We signed up for the jungle tour to the Mayan ruins at Altun Ha. Should be back tomorrow afternoon,” Bren said.

  “We’ll look for you.” Kirin offered Silke her arm.

  They made their way across the deck to the lovely dark beach. The whisper of breaking waves echoed across the sand.

  “Nice moon tonight. It was just a sliver last night.” Kirin kept a slow pace to Silke’s movement.

  Silke’s legs were a little rubbery, and she enjoyed holding Kirin’s sunburned arm. “I’d like to hear about your excursion with Kenrick. I hope it was what you expected.” The breeze shifted a little, and she caught Kirin’s familiar scent—coconut, saltwater, and a leathery floral mix. She inhaled deeply.

  They walked away from the brightly lit pool deck and down to the beach shrouded with shadows. The crescent moon created lacey shadows from dozens of palm trees along the shore. The sand was still warm as her sandals moved through it.

  Ahead of them, Silke could just make out the four posts of the small gazebo that housed the swing. “I’m sure you’re exhausted, but would you like to sit on the swing for a little while?”

  Silke began to see the tumultuous past few days as a blender effect. Just throw dissimilar, unusual ingredients together, shake violently, and allow settling for a day. Voila, a sweet, satisfying concoction.

  “I’d like that. I’ve been a little over-stimulated lately.” Kirin held the swing while Silke felt for the seat. “This is nice.”

  Silke smiled and nodded. “I know exactly how you feel.”

  They didn’t speak for a long time, which felt comfortable. It was enough just to sit and take in the peace and beauty of this perfect tropical evening, even nicer to share it with someone.

  Silke thought back to Kirin’s arrival earlier, and she felt herself flush a little about how happy she’d been. It wasn’t as though she’d been worried, or was it? It didn’t really matter. For the first time in a long time she felt very content and more importantly, safe.

  Chapter Ten

  SILKE CAME OUT of the bathroom the next morning and found Kirin on the living room pullout curled in a ball and snoring softly. Quietly, she dressed and used the French doors in the master bedroom to go out on the deck.

  She used her cane and negotiated her way across the neatly raked sand to the water’s edge a hundred feet away. The skin on her bare feet tingled in the cool water. As she acclimated to the temperature, she ventured farther in, allowing the water to lap over her lower legs. She was still cautious about going in too far on her own but loved the way her heels sank into the wet sand as each wave rolled out to sea. The rising sun warmed her face as the seagulls joined with low-flying kites searching the surface of the sea for breakfast. She missed being able to watch them, but they moved too quickly to stay in her focus. She closed her eyes and remembered previous trips when she’d sat at the water’s edge to watch the birds float on air currents with their wings stretched wide.

  Why hadn’t she used birds in a project? She made a mental note to do some sketches to carve later. The local wood carvers used birds all the time and some of their work was exquisite. Maybe she could get Diane to take her into town and look for some. That would be fun.

  “Seems I just close my eyes and you wander off.” Kirin startled her.

  She laughed. “I know you needed your sleep, so I didn’t want to disturb you. Feeling better?”

  “Much. I think I was unconscious. It’s a beautiful morning isn’t it?” Kirin sat down in the sand near the water’s edge.

  Silke joined her. Kirin had on a white tank top and running shorts, making her look even younger. Than what? She had no idea.

  Silke tilted her head back to the sun’s rays. “It’s one of my favorite times of day, but when I’m here it seems like every time is my favorite.”

  “I know what you mean. This country’s unusual and the people are wonderful. I sure hope I can do it justice. Right now, my head is still spinning with the stories and images. I’m afraid it’s going to take longer than I thought to write this article. But I have a story to tell, and it’s going to be a good one.” Kirin squeezed Silke’s knee. “And it’s all because of you.”

  A tiny electric shock surprised Silke. “Actually, Diane suggested it. I just encouraged you.”

  “No, it’s more than that. It was meeting you and having the opportunity to share our near-death experience—which might have been either the plane flight or the not quite delightful exotic hotel. But I believe it was your kindness and generosity to a cantankerous stranger.”

  “You’re very kind but I think we’re even,” Silke said, embarrassed. “Unless you aren’t hungry, would you like to join me for some breakfast because I’m really hungry.”

  Kirin jumped up and put her hands out. “My treat, let’s go.”

 
; Silke took her hands. The softness surprised her.

  Over a huge Belizean breakfast, Kirin described her tour with Kenrick. She confirmed the rumors were true—Kenrick knew everybody. “I’ll bet very few people have had the opportunity to listen to locals describe a tropical storm they lived through. It’s overwhelming to see. There were so many things I wanted to do, to help, or fix—too many. I know the government doesn’t have the resources it needs, and the Red Cross still hasn’t arrived. It’s heartbreaking.”

  Silke leaned forward to focus. She was a little surprised by the earnest tension in Kirin’s voice. “I haven’t really been any farther than the local tourist spots. It sounds like a unique approach to a story. Maybe the exposure will help.”

  “What exposure?” Diane said as she put her hands on Silke’s shoulders.