“Yes.” Steve took a deep breath. “But there weren’t nearly as many there as there were of precious stones in the other section. I thought maybe the wall with the coal was for the people who commit crimes or died in disgrace.”
“I bet you’re right. I hadn’t thought of that.”
“I know the woman seems to like you, Amanda, but I still don’t understand why they picked us to witness the ritual.”
“I have no idea either. I only hope nobody ever finds that cave. I’m sure the stones there are priceless. Some greedy person might destroy their civilization just to get at the treasure.”
“Nobody will ever know about it from us. It’s a good thing you and that native woman are so good at reading each other’s signals. I might have blabbed if you hadn’t told me what she was asking us to do.”
“She is special to me because she saved your life. She gave me back my man. I’ll always try to do as she asks for that reason.”
“I’m glad she saved my life, too. If she hadn’t, I’d have never known what a wonderful loving person you could be.” He hugged her.
Abruptly Amanda changed the subject. “Steve, do you ever think about your wife?”
“I think about you constantly, darling.”
“I don’t mean me. I mean Janet. Do you think about her?”
“You can pick some of the worst times to ask me questions.” He chuckled. “I’m getting ready to make love to you and you bring up another woman.”
“Well, I was just wondering...”
“Yes, Amanda, sometimes Janet crosses my mind, but not in the way you mean. When I think of Dave and his family, I occasionally wonder if she’s still acting strangely and I hope for his sake she isn’t.”
“What do you mean?”
“Honey, I now realize my marriage to Janet was over a long time ago. We hadn’t slept in the same bedroom for over a year. She didn’t want me and she’d made that clear. I guess because I was raised believing a man stands by his wife, no matter what, I kept thinking she’d change. Until I met you I wasn’t ready to accept the fact the marriage couldn’t be saved. When I did meet you, I knew it was over.”
“I’m sorry, Steve. I thought you’d been happily married.”
“Well, I’m happily married now. I have a wonderful wife and I know she loves me.”
“Oh, she does. She really does.”
“Then let’s stop talking about the other woman and concentrate on the two of us.” His mouth covered hers before she could answer.
* * * *
June 30—6:00 PM
Panama City Beach, FL
“There are a couple of rental cars here,” Steve said as he and Amanda pulled into the driveway of the house on the bay.
“I bet one of them belongs to Phyllis and Curtis. I’m anxious to see them.”
“Me too.” They got out of the car and Steve added, “Tony and Wilma sure are renting a nice place.”
Before she could answer Tony stuck his head around the corner of the house. “Come on around to the front yard. I’m serving drinks out here on the dock.” He turned back around and yelled, “The second time newlyweds are here, folks.”
Steve shook his head and grasp Amanda’s hand. “Be prepared for anything.”
“I am. I know those two.”
They rounded the corner of the house and were greeted by loud voices yelling, “Surprise!”
“Oh, my goodness!” Amanda squealed. “Everyone’s here!”
It took a while for the excitement to settle, but finally the group gathered in the gazebo on the pier. Tony mixed drinks, served beer and wine and said there would be a big cookout as soon as everyone caught up on what had been happening.
“Okay, Ray, you’re still in charge, so why don’t you get us started?” Tony suggested.
“I can do that.” Ray stood with a Budweiser in his hand. “Why don’t we start with Phyllis and Curtis? What’s been going on with you two?”
Phyllis sipped her wine and said, “Well, things have been a little hard, but we’re coping. You know our son was sixteen when the plane crashed and when we got home he was getting ready for college. It’s been hard to reconnect as parents and child because he’s now a young man, but we’re still very proud of him.”
“He’s doing well,” Curtis continued. “He elected to go to college in California so we won’t be seeing him as much as we’d like, but he seems to want to reconnect as much as we do. I think it’ll happen. It’ll just take time.”
“I decided to set up my own accounting business at home and Curtis has been offered several jobs. We’re okay there. But like the rest of you I suppose, we’re an oddity in the community. Nobody understands why we won’t talk much about the island.”
“We all understand that,” Ray said and looked at Gene. “How about you, Doc?”
“Things with me are good. I had to renew some medical skills, but I’ve partnered with another doctor and we’re running a clinic in Baltimore for the disadvantaged. I realized I didn’t have to have the big salary to be happy.” He grinned. “I missed Debbie and Bobby so much I flew to Okalahoma and got them a couple of weeks ago.”
“I’m staying with Gene’s parents and they’re wonderful. My in-laws in Oklahoma blamed me because Robert didn’t get out of the plane. They didn’t even want to have anything to do with Bobby. It’s been a strain there. Gene’s parents have accepted me as their own and they love little Bobby, who by the way, is in Baltimore with them.”
“I’ve asked Brenda to marry me. We’re planning a January wedding next year and we expect all of you to be there.”
There were congratulations and best wishes and a commitment to attend from everyone.
Ray then nodded at Tony and Wilma.
“As you know, the Bible thumper and I are going to tie the knot this weekend. We’re so surprised and excited you’re all here to witness it.”
“Yes, we’re happy you all came. It’s as it should be. We’re going to get married here on the beach and the only outsiders to come will be the preacher....” He looked at Wilma, smiled and added, “And a Rabbi.”
“Of course in Chicago I was plagued with people wanting to interview me and when I told them they had to talk to Amanda, I think I made some enemies.” She sighed. “My kids couldn’t believe I wouldn’t talk much about it. They finally decided it must have been boring or I wouldn’t have been able to keep my big mouth shut.”
There was a smattering of laughter. “If they only knew,” Curtis said.
Everyone nodded.
Ray continued. “Before I turn to Amanda and Steve, let me tell you that Joanna and I are living together. We’ve decided to wait and see what happens before we commit to marriage.” He smiled at her. “So far things are going well. I left the military and I’m attending the police academy. Joanna decided she wanted to work part time for a while and that suits me just fine. She’s turning into a good cook. We’ve also seen doctors and they tell us, when things are right there’s no reason not to try again for a baby.”
“We are going to have another one, but I’m still trying to get over the losses.” A tear formed in her eye. “But I’ve been going to counseling and I think we’re going to beat it, aren’t we, honey?”
“We sure are.” He smiled at her and turned to Steve. “Okay, buddy, tell us about this second wedding and what else is happening.”
“As I’ve said many times, our real wedding took place months ago on the island. To satisfy some of the family, we renewed our vows. Of course, we enjoyed it because it gave us an excuse to honeymoon again. We just didn’t know we were going to get to do it with all our friends.”
“Our families have really meshed, which pleases us to no end. We’ll be living in Georgia in Steve’s old family home.”
“That is if I ever get it back into shape. It’d been abandoned for a long time. We’re getting close to it being finished though.”
“What about your first wife, Steve? What happened there?” Ray asked
.
“She’d remarried before I was rescued. It took a lot of paper signing, but it wasn’t as much of a hassle as I thought it’d be to set things right.”
“We’re all glad about that. If any two people were meant to be together it’s you and Amanda,” Phyllis said.
“Let me ask you all something.” When everyone looked at Amanda, she went on. “I’m working on the book constantly. I have my laptop with me and I’ll get copies of what I’ve done made for each of you I want each of you to let me know if you approve of the way it’s shaping up.”
“If you do as good a job as you do when you’re interviewed, I know it’ll be great.” Debbie smiled at her.
“I didn’t know how much you wanted said about your personal lives. Steve and I have decided to let the world know how we fell in love.”
“Not about the cure.” Gene looked frightened.
“Of course not.” She smiled at him. “You, my friend are getting credit for that.”
He nodded. “By the way, Amanda, thanks for the check. I put it back to use when I really need it. The clinic doesn’t bring in much money, and now that I’m going to have a family I’m sure it’ll come in handy.”
Everyone nodded and mumbled thanks for their share.
“That was the first third. You’ll get the next when I turn in the manuscript and the last third when it comes off the press.” She nodded to all of them. “I also want you to think of a good title for our book. I’ve thought of calling it The Survivors, but that’s too much like the TV show. I’m using The Island as a working title, but I’m not sure I want to keep that. Do you think that might draw too much attention to the place? I don’t want some foolhardy person trying to find it. If you think there’s something better, please give me any suggestions you have.”
“The Island sounds good to me.” Wilma looked at the rest of them. “What do you folks think?”
There was some mumbling then Ray said, “Does anyone want to suggest something for the title?”
“I agree with Wilma,” Curtis said. “The Island seems to cover it. I think if anyone tries to find the place it’ll be because of the story, not the title.”
They all nodded their heads.
“Okay,” Ray said. “Are we ready to vote?”
They cast their votes and Ray turned to Amanda, “Looks like it’ll be The Island. The vote was unanimous.”
“Then that’s what it’ll be.” She smiled at everyone.
Tony stood. “Now that’s settled, I’m going to fire up the grill. I hope nobody requests fish tonight because we’re having good old American hamburgers and Texas baked beans. Nobody better complain about that.”
Nobody did.
Chapter 24
Twenty Months Earlier
Several weeks passed and nothing out of the ordinary happened. The natives had finally quit guarding them and their lives went on as usual. Joanna’s pregnancy was beginning to show and everyone was excited about the baby. She said she was going to name it Steven Ray if it was a boy, or Amanda Jo if it was a girl. Of course Steve and Amanda were thrilled. Because she was sick almost every day, she and Ray decided to postpone their wedding.
Mr. X began to disappear more and more every day and though Steve and Amanda often wondered about it, nobody tried to find out where he went or why. He always showed up at mealtimes or when there was work to do. He also had sarcastic remarks to say each day—and they seemed to be getting more caustic.
Because the rains had been hard on the leaves covering the huts, they decided to put new ones on and reinforce the shelters. They also built another hut to store their cooking utensils, jugs, baskets and other communal items. It took a couple of weeks to complete these tasks.
After a busy day of dragging palm branches to cover the new hut, the women decided to go to the lagoon for baths earlier then usual.
“Debbie, you’re lucky Gene’ll watch Bobby while you come for a bath. I hope Ray’ll be as thoughtful when our baby comes.”
“I’m sure he will be. He seems excited about it.”
“It’s going to be fun having another baby to play grandmother with. Don’t you think so, Amanda?”
“I sure do. I miss my grandchildren so much.”
Wilma was floating on her back and turned her head toward the younger women. “Now maybe both you girls can become grandparents someday. Having your own kids is the first step.”
Joanna laughed. “Maybe I’ll have a girl and she can grow up and marry Bobby.”
“At least that way our family here on the island can continue,” Wilma said in a matter-of-fact voice.
Amanda bit her lip. Though she was sure she wasn’t the only one to think so occasionally. It was the first time anyone had suggested this life on the island was forever. It made her sad. She missed Diane and the children—and yes, she missed Noah, too. They were her family. She couldn’t help wondering what they were doing today. Did they miss her? Had the twins already forgotten her? She wished she could tell them about Steve.
Before she could go further into her thoughts Debbie shouted, “He’s watching us!”
They all whirled to where she pointed.
Standing on the bank, leering at them, was Mr. X.
“You get the hell out of here!” Wilma shouted at him.
“Can’t do that. The naked beauty of all five of you bitches together has me mesmerized.”
“You bastard. Don’t you have any respect for us at all?” Wilma was off her back and now standing in the water.
“Why should I? You’ve no respect for me.”
“And why should we have respect for you? You’d done nothing to earn it!” Joanna was about to cry.
“Look at who’s talking. You getting knocked up in this godforsaken place certainly doesn’t call for respect. Got to admit thought, you’re cute naked even with your protruding belly.”
Joanna began to cry.
“You awful man,” Debbie said.
He grinned. “Maybe if you all were nicer to me—”
“Please, Mr. X. We need our privacy.” Amanda interrupted.
“Why? You don’t seem to mind being naked with a married man, and I don’t mean you. I mean his real wife back home.”
“You have no right to say that to her,” Phyllis said. “You’re the most uncouth man I’ve ever met.”
He laughed a sinister laugh. “You don’t know the half of it, you pretty little chocolate mama.”
“If my husband gets hold of you, he’ll rip you to shreds.”
“Let him try!”
“Maybe if we screamed—” Debbie started.
He shook his head. “The men can’t hear you and they’ll be no help to you now. I can stand here and watch your five naked bodies until they get all shriveled from the water and you can’t do a thing about it.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Amanda stared back at him. “If we scream, my native friends might come and run you off.”
For a long moment he stared back at her. Nobody spoke. Finally he said, “Bitch,” and stomped off.
“Good thinking, Amanda,” Wilma said. “Now let’s get out of here before he changes his mind and comes back.”
The women quickly dressed and headed back to the beach.
The men knew immediately something had happened to them. “Did the natives bother you?” Ray demanded.
“It wasn’t the natives,” Joanna said, almost in tears again.
“It was that damn Mr. X. He was spying on us while we were bathing. He kept saying crude things and tormenting us,” Phyllis explained.
“That son of a bitch.” Curtis was seething.
“I told him, you’d rip him to shreds, honey.”
“You’re right about that.”
“And we’ll all help him,” Tony mumbled and reached for Wilma’s hand.
“Amanda told him she was going to call her native friends if he didn’t leave. This seemed to scare him and he left,” Wilma said, as she gripped Tony’s hand.
“Where’s he now?” Ray asked putting his arm around Joanna.
“All we know is he headed back into the jungle,” Debbie said.
Gene had one arm around her and Bobby in the other one. “Did any of you see where he went?” he asked.
They shook their heads.
“All we wanted to do was get out of there and get back here.” Amanda leaned into Steve who’d encircled her in his arms.
“He’ll show up for supper. We’ll set him straight then,” Steve said.
“That’s right,” Tony added. “He never misses a meal.”
But he did miss the meal that night. If fact, when darkness fell and they’d all gone to their huts, he still hadn’t shown up.
* * * *
July 4—7:00 AM
Wendover, GA
“Well, Mrs. Brookshire,” Steve said sitting up and stretching. “Now that we have electricity and water and our house is almost finished, we’re going to have to get some furniture in here soon.”
“Why?” Amanda sat up beside him. “I like sleeping on this air mattress with you.”
He put his arm around her shoulder. “I like it here with you too, but one of these days we’re going to get too old to sleep in the floor.”
“Speak for yourself, buddy.” She poked him in the ribs gently.
He grabbed her hand and lay back down, pulling her down on top of him. “I’ll show you just how old I am, my love.”
“Oh, Steve.” She laughed. “There’s nothing old about you. I bet there aren’t many young men who could keep pace with my husband.”
“Maybe it’s because they don’t have a wife who’s always willing to—”
Amanda tensed.
“What’s the matter? Did I squeeze you too tight?”
“No. I saw somebody looking in our window.”
She moved and Steve sat up.
“She darted away, but it was a woman. I’m sure of it.”
“I’ll check it out.” He stood and slipped on his pants.
“I’ll come with you.” Amanda grabbed her robe.
As they started out of the bedroom, glass shattered in the other part of the house.
They hurried to the living room, which had three sets of French doors leading to the terrace. A hand was reaching inside the broken glass to turn the knob of the center door.
The Island Page 20
