by Hawke, Jessa
“I’m not going there.”
“I’m no detective, but...” Dillon glanced in both directions, then whispered, “You’re not in love with her husband, are you?”
“I have no time for Chinese whispers. I have an exam at the end of the month... please.”
“I’m off from five. Meet me.”
“I just told you, I’m busy.”
“Please. I want to spend quality time with you.”
Sophie could hear the desperation in Dillon’s voice. “Quality time?”
“I want to show you my town. Take you to some of my favourite places.”
“Ok... that would be a nice way to relax I suppose. What are you doing today... you seem to be everywhere.”
“We’re understaffed at the moment... Straight after breakfast duty, I’m back in the sea, scuba diving.”
~
The late afternoon sun had begun to merge with the horizon while Sophie sat on the beach watching the children playing in the surf. A small motorboat packed with holiday makers and their diving kit hummed onto the wash until it beached. Sophie broke into a smile as notice Dillon at the rudder. He jumped from the boat onto the sand, then began helping the holiday makers out of the boat. Climbing to her feet, Sophie hurried across to speak to Dillon. “Good trip?”
“It’s always good. I’ve told you before that you should join me.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been a keen swimmer.”
“That’s the thing, it’s not really swimming.” Dillon lifted a large tank from the boat then placed it carefully into the waiting trailer. “Just the two of us. Me and you, it will be like an underwater date.”
“Can’t you take me for a conventional candle lit meal?”
“I like to do things a little differently. I’d rather take you to dive on a wreck. How about that?”
“Like a ship wreck?”
Dillon snorted a laugh. “Of course.”
“Is that not dangerous? I’m a novice remember.”
“No, just an old steamer that lies in the shallows. I take tourists on it all the time. It’s less than fifty feet to the seabed.”
Sophie pleaded through her puppy eyes. “It sounds a bit risky to me.”
“Listen, I’ll train you in the pool, build up your confidence before I take you out.”
“Promise that you’ll look after me.”
“I promise.” Dillon placed his hand on the small of her back. He then drew her close. “I’ve done it a million times. Why would this be any different?”
~
Eyes closed, Sophie felt like screaming as she fell backwards off the edge of the boat. The splash of the water and roar of the bubbles welcomed her into the aquatic world. Upon opening her eyes she immediately searched for Dillon, who followed behind.
The wreck was a little more than a crude outline as they began their descent. Dillon glanced over his shoulder to sign if she was OK. She signed back that she was, even if she wanted nothing more than to head back to the surface. Sophie kicked her scuba fins to propel her through the water, desperately wanting to keep Dillon within her sight.
Within a few moments the wreck was visible in all its ghostly glory. Orange rusticles and dark green algae covered every surface of the rusted hulk. It seemed that nature was slowly digesting the wreck, breaking it down to its natural elements.
Sophie’s first impression was that of a maritime graveyard, but it soon became apparent to her that the wreck was teeming with life. She marveled at the schools of brightly coloured fish which weaved in and out of rusted portholes.
Every minute or so Dillon would glance over his shoulder, making sure Sophie remained in touching distance. He treaded water at the entrance to what was once the wheelhouse. Reaching out he twisted the flashlight on Sophie’s mask, turning on its beam. He then gestured for her to enter the wreck first.
Sophie nervously swam into the shadowy room where nothing remained of the nautical fittings and navigational instruments. She jumped as a large eel shot out of the shadows and escaped through the bow window. Turning to see if Dillon was following, she felt reassured that he was directly behind.
Aided by her flashlight, she continued to explore the darkness of the wheelhouse. For a moment the room filled with light as Dillon’s camera captured the sight of a curious crab with its flash.
Feeling a little more confident, Sophie swam towards the doorway at the far side of the wheelhouse. She froze as she spotted the unmistakable silhouette of a distant shark. The large shadow became darker as it closed in. Peddling backwards, Sophie swam towards Dillon, desperately signaling for his attention. Colliding into him, Sophie pointed towards the door. But a confused Dillon saw nothing but blue. Using her hand she did her best to imitate a shark. Before franticly searching about... but the shark was nowhere to be seen.
Looking out of the corroded windows of the wheelhouse she gazed over the broken bow of the ship. There it was. Sophie felt like screaming as a great white menacingly patrolled bow of the wreck. Clinging onto Dillon, they both watched as the beast ghosted above the snapped foremast. Her heart raced as the beast’s tail batted left to right, pushing itself through the water. Fortunately the shark slowly disappeared into the blue haze.
~
Sophie collapsed on the deck of the motorboat feeling utter relief to be out of the water. The fact that Dillon couldn’t stop laughing annoyed her immensely. “What the fuck Dillon! I thought you told me it was safe?”
“I’ve been diving that wreck for ten years and I’ve never seen a great white. The odd lemon shark maybe, but never a great white.”
“I could have an arm missing right now... or even be dead. What’s worse, you think it’s fucking funny.”
“What do you mean? It was awesome.” Dillon freed himself of his tank of oxygen. “We had no cage... and were less than twenty feet from JAWS himself.” Dillon did his best to stop smiling. “Nothing happened, that’s the main thing.”
“It could have though, you need to grow up and start being responsible.”
“Don’t you feel alive?”
“Get me home.”
Dillon sensed that Sophie was still seething. “Are you angry?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.” Dillon leaned forward and stroked Sophie’s pale trembling cheek. “Come on, let’s get you free from your gear.”
-
Cynthia sat watching television while she cracked off a square of chocolate and placed it into her mouth. She noticed Sophie’s bedroom door open. Dressed in a towel with her skin soaked, Sophie asked. “Mrs. Levy?”
“Yes, Sophie?”
“Have you seen my cell? Can’t find it anywhere.”
“No. You seem quite flustered... when was the last time you saw it?”
“Half an hour ago.”
“When David comes from Zach’s room I’ll ask him, I know Zach has a thing for phones.”
“He does. If not I’ll hopefully come across it when I clean my room.”
“I’ll let you know if I see it.” Once Sophie closed the door, Cynthia glanced back at the television and began to reacquaint herself with the movie. Suddenly a strong vibration erupted from deep within the couch. Slipping her hand down the back of the cushion Cynthia pulled out Sophie’s pone. “Sop...”She then fell silent as she read the text message. “Please stop ignoring me. I’m really sorry about today. I really like you and want to meet you again. Dillon. X”
David stepped in from Zach’s bedroom. “The little guy’s fast asleep.” He then sat at his wife’s side. “You’re going to have to explain this movie to me, Cynth.”
“David... I think Sophie has a boyfriend?”
“What?”
“Careful David. You seem a little jealous.”
“I’m not... Honest, just... she kept that quiet.”
Cynthia felt unconvinced by his straight face. “You’re married to me.” She poked David on his arm while continuing to glare at him. “Remember.”
&nbs
p; “Stop being like that.”
“You know I have a point.”
“We’ve just come back from a two day stay at a luxury spa.” David did his best to speak with authority. “Do you think that I like spas? No. But I went for you, to show you how much you mean to me.”
“David...”Cynthia felt herself choke. “I just get jealous, because since I had Zach, I don’t look like the young woman I was. I’m turning into my mother.”” She felt powerless to quell the raw emotion which sat just below the surface. “Things just don’t feel or look the same.”
“But I always thought your mother was sexy.”
“Shut up, David.” Cynthia threw her head backwards on the backrest “I’m sorry. I just don’t like the way you look at Sophie... Because it’s the way you used to look at me.”
“Cynth... come on.”
“The way you acted shocked when I said she had a date... it confirmed my doubts.”
“I’ve never touched her. OK. I can’t lie. She is attractive, but I’ve built a life with you... not her.”
Cynthia caught a tear in the tissue she held below her eye. “I don’t think I can believe you anymore.”
“Look. Let’s go out. Me and you.”
“No. I want to go to bed. Alone.”
“Please, come with me.” David placed a hand on Cynthia’s lap. “Just to talk. It scares me when you say such things, hurts me.”
“Hurt you? Your lack of interest in me doesn’t just hurt me, it kills me. Every single day.”
“I’ll take you to the piano bar.” David took Cynthia’s hand and squeezed her hand. “I’ll ask the pianist to play your favourite songs, while me and you talk about what’s gone wrong. Is that fair?” He stared deeply into her eyes, reminding himself of the first time they kissed. “Give me an hour to save our relationship.”
“You have an hour to prove me wrong.”
--
The pianist played an Elton John ballad while David stared across a candle lit table at Cynthia. He felt his heart wilt at seeing the sadness in her tired eyes. “How can I make you feel better? Name it, I’ll do it.”
“It’s quite simple.”
“Good. What is it?”
Cynthia glanced away, deciding to stare at the paved floor of the terrace instead. “I’m just not comfortable with Sophie.”
“I’ve told you.”
“I found money.”
“Money?”
Cynthia finally met David’s eyes. “$200.”
“Two... where?”
“In Zach’s room.”
“Oh.”
Despite only being lit by little more than the candle light, Cynthia could see David’s ashen face. “I suppose you’re going to tell me that you know nothing about it.”
“I don’t.”
“You’re not paying the slut to sleep with her... are you?”
David choked on his beer, then spat it back into his glass. “Cynthia, please.”
“Just send her on her way.”
“OK. If I must. But it’s a delicate time for her, with her exam and all.”
Cynthia let out a sigh. She had long grown tired of David’s excuses for Sophie. “Here we go.”
“It’s true. You know that.”
“Listen. In return for Sophie leaving, I’m willing to pay her a severance fee. Enough to get her over the exams... see, I’m not a total bitch, am I?”
“I never said you were. Did I?” David took a swing from his glass of beer. “OK. Am I the one...”
“Yes David.”
“Oh. So when...”
“When you next see her.”
“Cynthia.” David felt afraid by Cynthia’s cold stare. “OK”
-
Dressed in a flowery summer dress Sophie gracefully descended the staircase that landed in the centre of to the sushi restaurant. David stood at the foot of the stairs. “Nice to see you, David.”
“As always, Sophie... it’s a pleasure. You look great by the way.”
“Thanks. I was surprised to receive your text... and the fact it was just me and you. What’s the occasion?”
“Sophie. I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
David pulled back Sophie’s chair to let her sit. He felt unable to hide the truth. “I have to let you go.”
“What? You could let me sit first.”
“I have to end your contract?”
Despite her sadness Sophie felt too shocked to cry. “What have I done?”
“Nothing. Nothing. You’re great with Zach... and looking after the house. I promise, if you ever need a reference I’ll write you an amazing one.”
“What is it then?”
“It’s...” David placed his hands on his chest. “It’s me.”
“Did Cynthia...?”
“Sophie, Cynth is mighty jealous of you.”
“Your wife’s jealousy is losing me my job, putting me back on the streets.”
David ordered a bottle of wine with the waiter. He then placed a hand on the back of his own neck. “Because I got you into this mess, I want to make this parting was amicable as possible.”
“But, I thought you liked me.”
“Fricken hell, Sophie. Of course I do. That’s the problem!”
Sophie finally felt emotions creeping to the surface as her leg became restless and her lip began to quake. “Are you going to stop seeing me then?”
“Yes. I have to. I’m a married man, not just that, but I’m a father too.”
“But, I love you.”
“No, you don’t.” David covered his mouth with his fist after speaking louder than he had wished “You need to love someone better.” He sipped heavily from his glass. “That tall blond guy is a looker. I thought he was your boyfriend, anyway.”
“But what about Zach you can’t take him away from me... he’s my brother.”
“I’m sorry.”
“David. Why?”
David placed a hand on his forehead. “I fucked it up, not you. I’m sorry for that. I always will be. But it had to come to an end, someday.”
“But your family is all I have. I can’t go back to being alone.”
“It might seem cold, in fact it is. But this would have always been the outcome. I’m sorry.”
“David.” Sophie grew desperate as David ignored her and stared at the white linen table cloth. “David. Look at me.” His refusal to meet her eyes caused her heart to bleed. “David, tell me that you don’t love me and I’ll leave.”
“I love my family more.”
“I can’t go back to the suite... where do I go?”
David pulled out a white envelope from the inside of his jacket. “Here is a cheque. It’s more than enough to see you over the next six months. Go and start your new life, I’m sorry for ruining this one.”
“That’s all you do isn’t it, pay off your mistakes. Well it’s a good job you’re so damn rich.”
-
Dillon spotted Sophie marching through the reception tugging her luggage behind. “What’s wrong? You’re not leaving until tomorrow.”
“I’m going home.”
“Why? ”
“I’m just going.”
Dillon pulled Sophie back by her arm. “Please talk to me.”
“I’m out of my job. OK.”
“Where does that leave you?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do you have anyone to go to?”
“No.”
“Then stay with me.”
“No... I can’t.”
“Yes you can.” The enthusiasm in Dillon’s voice was audible as he rubbed Sophie’s upper arm. “This place is crying out of staff, Hitler keeps sacking everyone.”
“You have a point.”
“Of course I do. I have my own little pad above a Greek restaurant... It’s tiny but I get 20% off. You like moussaka?”
“Love it. So... are you asking me to move in?”
“Well, I have asked you twice.
.. but I’ll ask you a third time if you want.”
“But, we just met... I can’t move in with a man I don’t know.”
“What do you mean... I’ll sleep in the TV room on the couch. I don’t care.”
“Well that’s mighty nice of you, Dillon.”
“I just don’t like seeing good people in tough situations.”
THE END
T
Taken by the Billionaire
Retiring from his life as a smart thief, Ted Wilkins decided that going back to Texas was the best thing for him. He had landed huge deal yielding a very large amount of money, and he intended to purchase a ranch there and begin his life again. He wondered how his brother, Alex, was doing. He had not seen Alex in almost ten years, although they had communicated quite a lot while he was in the Middle East thinking up ways of making money off the Arab oil lords. He had finally gotten his break when he had managed to convince one of the old oil don's to give him his inheritance before he died and he had finally achieved what he had been looking for his whole life. He was now one of the richest men in the state and he would finally gain the respect of those who had treated him as a loser. There was only one thing left missing in his life: love. Ted had never had time for relationships while in the Middle East, although when he had been back in Texas, he’d had several flings and even married.
He had then gone out to the Middle East with the main aim of making enough money to make him and his wife live a comfortable life, but when he had been there he got wind that she had moved in with another man despite the fact that she had his child. He even began doubting if her son was his, and he decided that he would never give his heart to another woman again. Alex had already gotten married and even had a little daughter named Mia, a cute little girl who had the looks of her mother. They sent Ted photographs often and so he was kept up to date. Ted had lied to them, saying that he was in the military so that they would not have to worry about him. He even wore military tags around his neck to keep up this façade to people he knew. Now he was going back home and he wondered how things were going to be. Would they be the same as they always were?
*****
“I'm sorry I had to leave so suddenly, but I really need to get this inheritance issue sorted out,” Diana Blake said into the mouthpiece as she steered the rental through the Texas heat. “I promise you that I'll be back in Chicago as soon as I am done.”
