by Nella Tyler
“And in awe of it,” she responded. “We’re slowing down.”
They came to a stop and could hear the anchor dropping. Drake turned and waved for Noah to come down from the bridge.
“Let’s find where we are,” he said.
Noah and Beni joined them as well as Kai and Ashlee.
“It’s so beautiful out here. Where are we?” Ashlee asked.
“We have the same question,” Drake said.
“We are about three hundred miles from Shadow Island. Kai gave me the coordinates,” Noah advised.
“Can we go all the way to the island?” Beni asked.
Noah shook his head negatively.
“We didn’t start out early enough. It would be dark before we reached it. I don’t think you will want to be there after the sun goes down,” Noah said.
“Why not?” Meg asked.
Noah and Kai exchanged a look that did not go unnoticed by the group.
“Tell us what you know, Noah” Drake insisted.
“It’s been reported that strange things take place on the island. But none of it has ever been substantiated,” Noah said.
“And folks in Hawaii love a scary folklore to tell around the fire pit,” Kai added. “You can’t take any of the stories seriously.”
“But you guys believe them, don’t you?” Meg asked.
“I don’t know if I do or not,” Kai said. “I just know what I’ve heard.”
“And you feel the same way, Noah?” Beni asked.
“Let’s just say that I have a healthy respect for the bizarre or unnatural,” Noah said.
“Kai, are you afraid to take us to Shadow Island?” Ashlee asked.
“No. We need to go there to solve the mystery. No harm will come to us,” Kai answered.
“How can you be so sure,” Drake asked.
Kai shrugged.
“I just am. Call it a feeling I have.”
“Well, that’s a good feeling to have,” Beni remarked.
“Look,” Noah pointed to the horizon. “This is another reason why we brought you out here.”
They all looked out over the sea directly in front of them and saw what looked to be a brilliant sunset of red, yellow, and orange hues. There were purple and green shades as well.
“It’s spectacular. But how? The sun was actually behind us. What was causing this kaleidoscope of colors?” Meg asked.
“It’s one of those unexplained, bizarre occurrences,” Noah murmured.
“The ones you have a healthy respect for,” Ashlee quipped.
“Exactly,” Noah grinned.
“The locals called it a rainbow on the water. Records say it first occurred in 1857 on King Kamehameha the Fifth’s birthday. And it would appear every year on that same day,” Kai explained. “The people felt that the rainbow appeared because Kamehameha was such a good king. They would celebrate the monarch’s birthday for a week. When he died in 1872, the rainbow never came back. It did not show up again for one hundred years and forty years.”
“It just suddenly appeared?” Ashlee exclaimed.
Kai nodded.
“In 2012, the rainbow appeared again, but it wasn’t on the late monarch’s birthday,” Kai said.
“So of course the superstitious people of Hawaii suspected that the monarch was sending a message of forewarning,” Noah said.
“And was it a message of doom?” Drake asked.
“Hurricane Buddy hit the island five days later,” Noah said.
“And left the drawing in the cave,” Meg said.
“Yes,” Noah replied.
“So are we to expect another hurricane in a few days,” Beni asked apprehensively.
“I can’t say. But word of this sighting will spread and the people will be alarmed,” Kai predicted.
“You think someone else has seen it too?” Ashlee asked.
“Most definitely. We are not the only people on the water right now,” Kai answered.
Drake glanced at the rainbow and frowned.
“It’s seems to be spreading across the water,” Drake observed.
“And it’s growing so huge,” Beni said in awe.
Kai and Noah looked at the phenomenal intently.
“And vertically,” Noah said anxiously. “It’s coming straight at us.”
The mass of colors seemed to be growing in size and moving toward them.
“Raise the anchor. We need to move. Now,” Noah shouted as he ran to the bridge.
Kai took off running to the bow of the boat to haul the pull. Drake ran to help him. Meg felt the boat move slightly forward.
“Pull the rode,” Noah shouted.
Kai and Drake began pulling but couldn’t bring the rode straight up.”
“Pull the rode, Kai,” Noah yelled.
“It’s a foul anchor. The flukes are stuck,” Kai shouted back to Noah.
“Damn it! Use the anchor trip line. It should be tied to the anchor,” Noah yelled.
Kai grabbed the trip line and lowered it into the water then pulled backward on the anchor line. Meg looked at the gorgeous yet menacing mass of color moving toward them and fear gripped her heart. She held the railing so tightly that her knuckles had turned blue.
“My God! It’s coming toward us so quickly,” Ashlee yelled in fear.
Drake and Kai continued to pull back on the anchor. Then they fell backward onto the deck as the anchor popped loose. They scrambled to their feet and pulled the rode until it was straight.
“The anchor is free. It’s coming up,” Kai called out. The anchor locked into place. “It’s locked in. Let’s go!”
Noah steered the yacht to the left until they were headed away from the colorful mass. Then he pushed the throttle completely forward. The yacht raced through the water. Meg looked back at the humongous rainbow and saw that it was chasing them. Drawing closer and closer. It would soon be upon them.
“Dear Lord! It’s gaining on us,” Beni cried out.
“Get inside,” Drake shouted at them.
Meg heard Drake command but was suddenly immobile. It was as if she had been turned into a statute. All she could do was stand there and stare at the approaching magnitude of color.
“Come on, Meg,” Ashlee yelled.
Still Meg remained still.
“Meg! We have to go,” Ashlee shouted. She grabbed Meg’s arm to pull her from the rail. Meg did not move. “Meg! Let go of the rail.”
“Come on, Meggie!” Beni shouted.
Meg seemed mesmerized by the approaching wall of color. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from it. Then Ashlee and Beni screamed as the mass loomed over the stern of the boat where they stood. Meg stared into the center of its core.
“Seek the key under the blue rock,” a voice whispered.
“What? I don’t understand,” Meg called out.
“Many lives will be saved.”
Then it backed away.
“Wait! Come back!” Meg yelled. But the picture of color began to fade until there was nothing there. Meg turned to Ashlee. “Did you hear what he said?”
“Something about a key. I was so frightened that I couldn’t hear well,” Ashlee said.
“He said to seek the key under the blue rock. That lives would be saved,” Meg exclaimed. “We have to tell the others.”
They ran to the bridge to tell everyone of their experience.
Noah brought the yacht into the harbor slip and Kai, with Drake’s help, secured the moorings. The girls sat around a fire pit on the lido deck. They sipped chilled wine and snacked on cheese, crackers, fruit, and nuts. They discussed their harrowing experience at length and concluded that it was imperative that they go to Shadow Island.
“We now know for a fact that the answers we want are there,” Ashlee said. “I just wish the island wasn’t so creepy.”
“That seems to be the theme of this whole mystery,” Meg said.
“Were you guys scared when you heard that voice?” Beni asked. She shuddered at the thought.
> “It was terrifying,” Ashlee answered.
“You were there as well, Beni. You really didn’t hear anything?” Meg asked.
“No. Nothing. When I heard you yelling for that thing to come back, I thought you were insane,” Beni said.
“I guess you did,” Meg grinned. “But that thing may have been King Kamehameha.”
“Do you really think so?” Beni asked.
“It’s a logical assumption. And if it were him, maybe he wants us to go to Shadow Island,” Meg answered.
“This is getting more frightening by the minute,” Beni mumbled.
“I don’t believe any harm will come to us,” Meg continued.
“Because he won’t let it?” Ashlee asked hesitantly.
Meg nodded.
“I think we have a protector.”
“I agree,” Kai said as he, Noah, and Drake came onto the deck.
The men sat in additional chairs surrounding the fire pit. Meg looked at Drake.
“Has today opened your mind to the paranormal?” Meg smiled wanly.
“I can’t explain what happened today. Nor can I refute it. So I guess I have to go with it,” Drake sighed. “It appears that you were given information that we cannot discard. We have to try to the key under the blue rock.”
“On Shadow Island?” Ashlee added.
“Yes,” Drake returned.
“He didn’t say that we should look for this key on that island. It could be anywhere,” Ashlee said.
“It only makes sense that Shadow Island is the likely place. It’s where we were going to go anyway,” Kai asserted.
“His words were a confirmation as well as instructional,” Meg said. “They confirmed that we are going in the right direction. And we were given directives to advance our cause.”
“It also raises more questions,” Beni said. “What does the key unlock and who are we to save?”
“And from what?” Ashlee added.
“Hopefully going to the island will give us the answers we’re looking for,” Drake responded.
Meg stood.
“I’m bushed and my bed is calling me. I will see you all tomorrow,” she said, then yawned.
Drake stood as well.
“Goodnight all,” he smiled.
Drake clasped Meg’s hand and led her from the yacht. They walked quietly back to the hotel, both lost in their own thoughts. It wasn’t until they entered the hotel and reached Meg’s room that Drake spoke.
“Stay with me tonight, Meg. Lie in my arms and let me hold you,” he said softly.
She turned to look into his beautiful silver-grey eyes. They were so warm and tender. So caring and sensitive. How could she deny herself his gentle attention? She knew that she couldn’t.
“I want to, Drake,” she whispered.
“Then say yes. Sleep with me tonight. Just sleep, nothing else,” he urged.
She caressed his cheek with trembling fingers.
“All right. I need to pack some things,” she stated.
He nodded and took the key from her hand to open the door. Meg went into her bedroom and quickly packed an overnight bag. When she returned to the living room, she saw him standing on the patio staring out to the sea. She laid her bag on the sofa and joined him. Sliding her arms about his waist, she kissed the back of his shoulder.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking about what led us to where we are. It seems incredible that a simple hike to Likeke Falls could turn into the great mystery,” he said wryly. “Have we done something terribly wrong and this is our karma?”
“I think it is our karma to solve the puzzle. I feel with all of my heart that it will lead to something very, very good.”
“How can you be so sure about that?” he asked. “Nothing that has happened thus far has been particularly good.”
“I can’t explain it. It’s just a feeling. I just know that through the darkness there will be amazing light,” she replied thoughtfully.
He turned in her arms to cup her face.
“I trust your gut feeling. I believe in you.”
“And I believe in us,” she said softly.
His eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Do you really? You realize what you’re saying?”
“I do. I’m stepping out on a limb, Drake. It’s up to you to make sure it doesn’t break.”
“You have my solemn vow that it will hold strong,” he promised.
She smiled slowly and he bent his head to kiss her tenderly. After a moment, she pulled back.
“Let’s go to bed,” she whispered.
He slipped an arm about her waist and they went back inside the suite. On their way to the door, he picked up her overnight bag from the sofa and they exited the suite
Chapter 9
Meg woke the next morning to soft snores coming from Drake. She stretched lazily and looked out the opened balcony door at the gorgeous view. She had fallen asleep to the waves crashing on the shore. It had been so peaceful to lie in Drake’s arms and listen to the sounds of the ocean. She had so slept soundly. It was astounding. Never had she slept so well and awakened so refreshed. Could it possibly have something to do with sleeping in the bed with Drake? He had not tried to have sex with her. He had simply held her close and they drifted to sleep.
She got out of bed quietly and picked up her bag to take to the other bathroom. She didn’t want to disturb him as she went through her morning routine. It took her about forty minutes complete the task, as well as shower. Afterward, she went into his kitchen and began making breakfast. It wasn’t long before she heard the shower running and his tuneless hum. She grinned as she decided that he couldn’t hold a tune. She had cooked the bacon and was ladling the eggs onto a platter when Drake entered the kitchen.
“Mmmm, something smells good.” He stood next to her and kissed her cheek. Then he swiped a slice of bacon from the platter.
“Hey! You just ate one of your pieces of bacon,” she scolded.
He chuckled.
“That’s why you cooked them, isn’t it?” he said cockily.
“Aren’t you the wise guy,” she retorted.
He shook his head negatively and grinned.
“No. Just logical.”
She stuck her tongue out at him and moved the platter of bacon to the dining table. He came up behind her and nibbled her ear.
“I can think of a better use for your tongue.”
“Like eating,” she said evasively.
“That isn’t what I had in mind.”
“But it’s what you are going to do,” she replied sassily.
She quickly moved away from him but not before he slapped her bottom.
“Impudent girls get taught a lesson,” he warned.
She grinned.
“I look forward to the lessons.”
“You’d better sit down to eat while you still can.” His smoldering eyes told her exactly what was on his mind.
“I’ll get the eggs and orange juice,” she said in a rush. Her heart was beating furiously as she ducked into the kitchen. And she couldn’t ignore how much her core ached with need. She took several deep breaths then removed the pitcher of orange juice from the refrigerator. Picking up the platter of eggs, she went back into the dining room.
He took the pitcher from her hand and his warm fingers brushed her own. The slight touch only caused her heart rate to increase again. Setting the eggs on the table, she sat heavily in the chair he held for her. He then sat adjacent to her and piled his plate with bacon and eggs.
“I would have made toast but there wasn’t any bread,” she said.
“This is perfect. Thank you for cooking it. It’s very good.” His tone was neutral and her equilibrium was returning.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Do you like to cook?”
“Yes. Very much. I’m always cooking a dish to take to school for the teachers. They call me Chef Lex,” she smiled.
“Lex?” he questioned
.
“The name of the school I teach at is Lexington Junior High.”
“Ah! I remember. Those teachers are very lucky. I can tell by this breakfast that you’re an excellent cook,” he complimented.
“Thanks. It’s a great hobby. Sometimes I wish I had pursued cooking as a career.”
He looked at her intently.
“There is still plenty of time to do so. I have a feeling that cooking is where your passion lies,” he said.
“Maybe. Is it crazy to love architecture and cooking equally?” she wondered. “I can’t imagine not having both in my life.”
He paused eating and thought about what she’d said.
“To be gifted with two brilliant skills is a tremendous blessing: a blessing that you have a responsibility to utilize,” he said.
“This is why I cook for the teachers. It’s my culinary outlet. A way to express myself through food.”
“While you teach the complex elements of engineering. You are one very smart and creative lady,” he smiled.
She ducked her head at his compliment and he chuckled.
“Can’t take a compliment?”
“I rather not be the focus of attention. I’m not any more special than Ashlee and Beni.”
“All of you have your own individual skills and talents. But you shouldn’t squash yours if someone wants to acknowledge them. Not everyone can do what you do. Embrace your talent and allow others to show you the love,” he said. He reached across the table to grasp her hand. He squeezed it gently. She smiled tentatively at him. He returned her smile then pulled his hand back.
They talked about a myriad of things as they ate. And laughter flowed easily between them. Drake realized that he liked Meg immensely. She was intelligent, lighthearted, funny, and kind. She had a caring heart and wished only the best for people. He liked having that kind of person in his orbit. She was easy to be around and didn’t place any demands on him.
She cleared the table and took the dishes into the kitchen. He admired her greatly in more ways than she knew. And he especially appreciated her body. She was curvy in all of the right places and it had taken every ounce of his will not to approach her last night. She had turned in her sleep and her leg ended up across his groin. Her knee nestled on his penis and he’d almost exploded with desire. The memory caused him to go into the kitchen to stand behind her. She looked up at him and smiled.
