The Bad Boys of Eden

by Avery Aster

  “Well, you can take off your seat belt. We’ll be in the air for just over three hours, landing at the Miami International Airport. Since you’re flying on a charter craft, you won’t need to wait.”

  “Thank you.” Leila unfastened her seat belt, straightening in her seat. “Do you know where I’m going? Everyone’s so mysterious and secretive.”

  “I’m sorry, Leila. I don’t know anything beyond Miami. I do know someone will meet you there and you’ll carry on with your journey.”

  Leila drew a deep breath. Her curiosity was still piqued, but her enthusiasm for the actual trip was waning. The knot between her shoulders had returned. She shifted in her seat, reaching back to rub her neck.

  “Would you like a glass of champagne? We have cheese and fruit as well.” Stephanie moved to the sideboard, efficiently opening doors and drawers and returning with a flute of champagne.

  “Thank you, Stephanie.” Leila watched the bubbles rising in the pale amber liquid. She took an experimental sip. The champagne was fruity and complex, leaving a faint effervescent feeling on her tongue.

  Within moments, Stephanie returned and set a silver tray on the table in front of Leila, laden with several varieties of cheese, fruit, and crackers.

  “Is there anything else I can get for you, Leila? If you wish to take a nap, I can drop the window screens and provide you with an eye mask and blanket.”

  Leila smiled up at Stephanie. “It’s been a long week.” She took another sip of champagne. “But thank you, no. I’m fine. I think I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll be in the back if you need anything.” Stephanie glided out of Leila’s line of sight.

  The champagne worked its magic and Leila sat back, stretching her legs in front of her. She nibbled on a piece of cheese, looking out the window of the jet. Below her, there was nothing but blue ocean, a few clouds visible in the distance.

  The improbability of her situation struck her again, the events of the day playing out in her mind. That morning she had been in Austin, leaving the conference early and in shame, and now she was comfortably ensconced in a private jet, heading for Miami.

  “Stranger than fiction.” Leila held up her empty glass, taking a moment to consider how it had gotten that way. Before she really had an answer, Stephanie was there, filling the flute and then gliding silently away. Leila took another sip, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes.

  “Leila…Leila.”

  A gentle shake of her shoulder brought her awake. She sat up, her head a bit fuzzy, slightly disoriented. A cashmere blanket slid from her lap, pooling on the floor at her feet.

  “Leila. We’re going to be landing in about twenty minutes. I thought you’d want a moment to…regroup.” Stephanie bent and retrieved the blanket.

  Leila watched as Stephanie folded the blanket and placed it in an overhead storage bin. The champagne glass and food were gone, and the cabin was now restored to its former immaculate order.

  “Thank you, Stephanie. I’m sorry…I must have dozed off.”

  “It’s understandable. You’ve had a long day. But it’s almost over. I’m sure wherever you’re going, it’s going to be unforgettable.”

  “I’m certainly hoping so.”

  The chime she’d heard earlier sounded again and Stephanie took her seat behind the closed cabin door. Leila fastened her seat belt as the plane began to descend. Her grip on the seat was less intense than earlier and she managed to keep her eyes open. Out of the window, she saw trees and sand flashing by and then the wheels of the plane touched solid ground. An involuntary sigh of relief left Leila’s lips.

  The plane taxied for a moment and then came to a stop. Stephanie rose and there was noise and movement, a brightening at the front of the cabin as the stairs were lowered. Leila retrieved her bags and stood, walking toward the front of the plane.

  “Enjoy your adventure, Leila. It’s been a pleasure.” Stephanie, her smile undimmed, graciously indicated the stairs.

  “Thank you, Stephanie.” She reached into her purse and located her passport.

  Leila stepped out onto the top step and into the balmy warmth of a beautiful sunny day. It had been hot and sticky in Austin that morning, cool and cloudy in New York, but here in Miami the weather was perfect. She lifted her head, drew a deep breath, and blew out a long sigh. And smiled.

  “Ms. Connors?”

  Leila looked down at the man who spoke, standing at the bottom of the stairs. He was trim and neat looking in a blue suit, his hand folded in front of him. The accent was British, with a hint of something she couldn’t quite place.

  “Yes.”

  “Splendid. I trust you had a good flight from New York?” He extended his hand as she descended. She took it and he guided her to the bottom of the stairs.

  “I’m Mr. Hayward. This way, please. I know it’s been a rather long day, but you’ll be at your destination in just under two hours.”

  “Two hours? And do you know where I’m going?” Leila asked out of habit, not expecting any sort of helpful reply.

  “Of course. It’s a privately owned island off the coast of Bermuda. Quite secluded, completely private.”

  Leila stopped, eyes widening. “You’re the first person who has had any idea where I’m going.”

  Mr. Hayward laughed, a rich sound that floated on the soft early evening air. “Not surprising. The owner of the island goes to great lengths to maintain his—and his guests’—privacy.”

  “What’s this mystery gentleman’s name?”

  Mr. Hayward laughed again, this time shaking his head. “That, I’m afraid, is the end of what I can tell you. The island, however, is called Eden. Aside from that…” He spread his hands, palms upward, in an elegant shrug. His cufflinks caught the sun, winking gold at his wrists. “I can assure you that in all my years here, anyone who has traveled to this island has returned no worse for wear, and in most cases, quite altered, and always for the best.”

  They’d been walking at a steady pace across the tarmac towards a black limo. As they approached, he opened the door and Leila hesitated briefly before slipping in, surprised to see a handful of other people seated on the plush leather seats. Six other people, to be exact, four men and two women, and they certainly didn’t look like vacationers. Leila wondered if they, too, were headed to the same mysterious island.

  She made eye contact and one of the women, a curvy blonde, smiled at her warmly before introducing herself.

  “I’m Darla,” she said.

  Leila dipped her eyes nervously before sweeping up to meet Darla’s gaze. She was very pretty and very curvy with sparkling green eyes.

  “Leila. Leila Connors.” She smiled in return. “And you’re headed to the island as well?”

  “Yeah,” she replied. “We’re in a rock band.”

  Leila took in the group, lingering on the gorgeous blonde that sat on the opposite side, and she couldn’t help but think about what a great hero he’d make for a romance novel.

  “And you?” Darla’s question brought Leila back down to earth.

  “Romance novelist.”

  “You write romances? Contemporary or historical? Or some sub niche? Maybe I’ve read you!” The other woman, a plus size brunette, exclaimed excitedly.

  Before Leila could answer, the limo halted and suddenly the door opened. Mr. Hayward was there to greet her once again.

  “Right this way, Ms. Connors.” He guided her to a small building and held the door open, ushering her inside. The building faced the water, the entire wall before her made of glass. Mr. Hayward stopped and extended his hand. “This will bring you to the island.”

  Leila followed where Mr. Hayward pointed. It was a rather small seaplane, bobbing slightly on the azure water.

  “You’re kidding.” A laugh burbled up and she clamped a hand across her mouth, closing her eyes as she swallowed an errant giggle. She drew a deep breath, coughed lightly, and turned to face Mr. Hayward.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just…it’s
been a very unusual day. I shouldn’t really be surprised but, well, I guess I’m lucky it’s not a camel.”

  Mr. Hayward placed his hand on her arm. “Ms. Connors, I completely understand. Now, let introduce your pilot and you’ll be on your way. It’s been a pleasure, Ms. Connors.”

  Leila suddenly noticed a pretty young woman with wavy light brown hair wearing khaki shorts and a black polo shirt standing a discreet distance away. At Mr. Hayward’s words, she stepped forward, extending her hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Ms. Connors. My name is Joely.”

  Her voice was warm and friendly and Leila took the extended hand, received a firm handshake, and couldn’t help but smile.

  “Follow me then, if you’re ready, and we’ll be on our way.”

  Leila fell into step with Joely as she led her out of the building and into the warm evening. The sun was low in the sky, not far off sunset.

  “We’ll arrive just at sunset, the best time to see the island.”

  They walked down a small pier and quickly boarded the small plane. The rock and sway of the aircraft gave her a moment of panic; in her world, airplanes weren’t supposed to do that. She stashed her bags beneath the seat and knew by now to look for the seat belt. Pulling it across her body, she fastened herself securely to the seat.

  Joely climbed in behind her, moved to the pilot’s seat, and fastened her seat belt. She then began the complicated-looking procedure of starting the plane, flicking switches and knobs. The propeller began to spin, slowly at first, then faster. Leila was far less anxious than she’d been during the helicopter flight. Whether it was the aftereffects of the champagne or if she was finally becoming accustomed to being in some sort of craft that took to the air, she wasn’t sure, but she was relieved not to have her heart in her throat or her fingers dug into the airplane seat.

  Joely turned to Leila, a wide smile on her face. “Ready?”

  Before she could reply, they began a slow taxi across the water. The plane moved parallel to the shore for a few moments, then made a turn. Leila saw the open ocean ahead of them. The props rotated faster and the craft picked up speed, but she could feel the drag and pull of water on the floats beneath the plane, the noise of rushing water filling the cabin.

  Suddenly they were free of the water, the plane lifting from the surface. Leila looked down, watching as they pulled away from the indigo water. They flew over a thin strand of golden beach, the buildings below them growing smaller. And then they were out over the open ocean.

  The voice that had been Leila’s traveling companion since she’d left home, the one that had questioned everything imaginable, from her apparent loss of sanity in embarking on this adventure to whether she was being kidnapped or whether she’d ever reach her destination, was finally silent. Her spirits lifted with the airplane and she settled back against the leather seat. With something like amazement, she realized she was smiling.

  The flight was remarkably smooth and felt surprisingly short considering they were in the air just under two hours. It seemed no time had passed before Joely pointed toward the near horizon. Leila looked out the window to her right and gasped.

  Rising out of the crystal blue water was a beautiful island, dark gray against the indigo twilight sky. As they drew closer, her eyes widened.

  “Oh my. It’s amazing.” She leaned forward, lips parted as the plane dropped lower, as more of the island was revealed.

  From the deep blue, the island rose almost straight out of the water. What appeared to be a solid mass of gray stone differentiated itself into a series of cliffs and plateaus dotted with precarious growths of lush tropical foliage. The cliffs plunged into the ocean, the waves crashing white at their base.

  Joely dropped the plane lower, swinging around the far side of the island. The cliffs dropped away, revealing a small beach with a pier extending into a beautiful half-moon shaped bay. A large bronze plaque protruded from the water, fixed to a large flat rock, and she caught the words “Welcome To Eden”. Squinting, she read the smaller words etched on the sign, “Where reality is whatever you wish it to be…”.

  Leila began readying herself, all trepidation suddenly gone, and reached beneath her seat for her bags. But the touch of Joely’s hand on her arm brought her head up sharply. She pointed to the left, and this time Leila’s astonishment was almost overwhelming.

  “Oh my God… a castle!”

  Appearing to be carved from the very stone of the island, a castle perched on the side of a perpendicular cliff. Parapets and towers, topped with crenellations that looked like teeth, rose from the elegantly proportioned main body of the building, the castle climbing high into the sky, a series of terraces adorning all sides.

  The fading evening light caught the mullioned windows, seeming to set the castle aglow like some magical child’s toy.

  Joely banked and for a moment they hung, suspended above the island in the darkening sky, the castle appearing like an apparition against the jungle that grew around its base.

  “That’s where I’m going?” Leila’s voice was lost in the drone of the engines as Joely brought the plane down toward the ocean, leveling out as the island loomed larger. Leila found that she was pushing herself back in the seat, bracing her feet on the floor of the cockpit. As the ocean rose to meet them, the island blocked the last rays of the setting sun and they slid into the deep shadow cast across the water.

  The floats touched the water and the drag against the floats slowed the plane. With a graceful turn, Joely taxied toward the pier and for the first time, Leila could make out the figure of someone standing on the dock.

  The pilot flicked several switches and the propeller stopped spinning, the quiet sudden and all encompassing. Silently, the plane drifted toward the dock. The figure resolved into a man wearing a white shirt open at the throat and dark pants.

  With an ease that made it clear he’d done this before, the man grabbed the wing strut, guiding the plane alongside the dock. Leila watched as he braced his feet, the plane bumping gently to a halt.

  “We’re here, safe and sound.” Joely announced. “Enjoy your adventure, Ms. Connors.”

  Suddenly the door opened, cool night air filling the cabin. Leila turned. The man on the dock held out his hand, smiling up at her. She turned back to Joely.

  “Thank you. It’s a spectacular place.”

  “My pleasure. And, from what I’ve heard, it only gets better from here.”

  Leila released a long-held breath, sliding from her seat as she took the hand offered to her. Her feet landed on the deck with a small thud, the motion of the platform reminding her that she was still on the ocean. Reaching back, she took her purse and bag from beneath the seat.

  “My name is Dominick. This way, Ms. Connors, if you please.”

  Leila followed the man down the long wooden dock toward the beach. As they reached the sand, Leila glanced up. Above the deep green of the tropical trees, she glimpsed the castle rising into the night sky. From this vantage point, she could see lights in a few windows, glowing golden. And from this vantage point, there appeared no way to access the castle.

  “How do we get up there?”

  “Through here.” Dominick pointed toward the edge of the beach. “There is a passage that leads to a set of stairs carved into the side of the cliff.”

  Leila stopped in her tracks, her eyes traveling from the blackness of where he indicated, up the long, long way to the towers and turrets. Dominick turned. In the dim light, she thought he was smiling.

  “Don’t worry. There is light along the way and I have a torch.” He held up a flashlight and switched it on, a cone of bright light illuminating the dense undergrowth.

  “I apologize. I know this path by heart. You will be perfectly safe. It looks more daunting than it really is.”

  Leila hesitated a moment longer.

  “Come. You’re almost there.” Dominick’s voice was like a soothing wave, washing away the last of her anxiety.

  Leila nodded. “I
’m ready. It’s just been a bit of an overwhelming day.”

  “Understandable. But soon, we’ll be there. A late supper is waiting, you’ll have a chance to relax, freshen up, and start your adventure.”

  Dominick turned away and Leila followed, walking toward the beam of light as it illuminated the sand and then the opening between two large trees. Beyond that, just visible at the edge of Dominick’s light, she could just make out the gray of stone.

  Once at the base of the stairs, Leila realized there were lights rising into the darkness, torches set into recesses in the stone, their flickering light allowing her to see where she was stepping.

  Their pace was slow as she and Dominick walked steadily upward. Leila found she enjoyed the opportunity to stretch her legs, the intoxicating scent of the jungle surrounding her. An unidentified flower blooming nearby perfumed the night air with a heady fragrance and she inhaled deeply, trying to draw more of the scent into her lungs.

  The stairs rose, sometimes broken by long flat stretches, wider, giving views out over the trees and what looked like topiaries of animal shapes dotting the lush grounds below. She caught an occasional glimpse of the ocean, heard the sound of the surf somewhere pounding against unseen rocks. Then Dominick stopped and turned to her.

  “Look.” He moved aside and pointed ahead.

  Lying on the water, larger than she would have ever thought possible, was the moon, round and full and silver, casting a wavering path across the water toward them.

  “Oh, it’s beautiful. It looks so close, as if I could reach out and touch it.”

  “The castle has excellent views of the sunrise and sunset, along with moonrise. It’s one of the many magical elements you’ll find here.”

  They continued upward, finally coming to what looked, in the dark, like a courtyard. Dominick walked across the stones, bringing Leila to a large wooden door banded with thick strips of iron. He grabbed the large handle and pushed, and it swung inward silently on well-oiled hinges. Soft light spilled out across the stones at her feet and Leila was drawn toward the open door like a moth to the flame.

  “You’ll have a chance to settle into your room and then have a late supper with Ms. Bullard.”