Falling in Deep Collection Box Set

by Pauline Creeden

  Brandon perked up. “Devil’s Isle? Bermuda? That means we’re smack dab in the middle of the Triangle?”

  I nodded.

  “That’s it. Explains everything,” Norton added. “It’s the damn triangle.”

  “It explains nothing,” Kate snapped. Ever the scientist, she refused to brush things off and blame them on superstition. “Well, unless you’re willing to believe that geography can stop a boat and turn off GPS,” she groaned.

  Amir, not as easily swayed to disbelief, argued. “That’s exactly what I believe. Why not, Kate? There’s plenty of electromagnetic energy floating around. Why not a spot with enough to throw off a GPS?”

  I escorted the researchers past stores and homes. Small buildings of coquina brick or graying wood siding stood on both sides of the path mixing with the lush vegetation. Palms and elephant ear plants spread their large green leaves. Hibiscus bushes flounced their red and yellow blossoms while clematis climbed and wound their way in and out of other plants. Luke looked around the paradise. His face showed wonder at how his mundane research voyage turned surreal.

  “What’s that, over there, with the dish on the roof?” Kate asked, finally over her snit about the Bermuda Triangle.

  “Oh, that’s our research facility. We have a few folks looking into the native flora, others studying the dolphin pods. It’s a universal space. Those interested are welcome to the equipment,” I explained. “I do a little research there when I have time.”

  Excitement reached Kate’s eyes. “Those interested? Even us?” she asked.

  “Sure. I don’t see it being a problem.”

  “Well, you won over Kate,” Brandon piped in. “And Lucy was set when she saw the pod. Just us now, Anya.” He gestured to himself and the three other men.

  Norton spoke up. “Speak for yourself, kid. Beer and beach and someone to help work on the Sea Star. What else do I need?”

  “Okay, fine. Just three of us now.”

  I smiled and turned the group around, moving back towards the guest house, all the while wondering if I’d won over Luke yet. I tried to put the thought out of my mind, but it remained.

  The smell of frying fish lead us straight to the doors of the Sword and Dagger. The tavern sat off the path overlooking the inlet. It had no glass in the window openings allowing the warm breeze to blow through the pub. The antique, carved bar and round pedestal tables shared the same nautical engravings of anchors and compasses. The bar, however, included a scene across the front of a mermaid leading a pirate ship away from a giant octopus. Wide wood planks covered the floors and walls and the tavern resembled the interior of a clipper ship.

  “Alavay, Anya,” the older man behind the bar called. “Company, eh?”

  “Alavay. These are the folks whose ship broke down outside the reef. Luke, Norton, Brandon, Kate, Amir, and Lucy,” I introduced, pointing to each. “And this is my Uncle Rowan.”

  “Nice place you got here,” Norton added. “Whatcha got on tap?”

  “Three taps, no bottles unless you count the rum,” Rowan explained. “Dark, light, and amber. What’ll you have?”

  Norton smiled and grabbed a stool at the bar. “This is my kind of place. I’ll take a light and whatever you’ve got frying in the back. Smells great.”

  “It’s cod. And it’s good.”

  “Cod?” Brandon questioned. “How far away do you have to go to get cod?”

  “It’s closer than you’d think,” Rowan offered, not actually explaining how he got hold of a northern Atlantic fish. It would take ships weeks to reach cod fishing ground, fish, and return. But mermaids move much faster and have unsurpassed fishing skills. “Anyone else interested?”

  Everyone decided to follow Norton’s lead. Rowan drew the beers and went to the back, calling to me over his shoulder. “Uh, Anya, come help if you would.”

  I knew what that meant. I was in trouble.

  Heading to the small kitchen, I hung my head anticipating the lecture to come.

  “I know what you’re going to say,” I started.

  “Do you? Do you know?” Rowan barked back. “If you know, why don’t you tell me?”

  “You’re going to tell me that I brought a group of humans into your bar, a group I know nothing about, and I did it during the festival on top of all of it. And you’re going to ask me if I’ve told Nishan about them yet. And when I say no, you’re going to turn red and walk away.”

  “Close,” he said shaking his head. “Very close, but wrong. I know you haven’t told your father. Your father has plenty of other people telling him about this, and he doesn’t need you to do it. He did ask me to watch you, though. He knew you wouldn’t stay away from the boat. Granted, I think it was the research he figured you’d be after, not the researcher.”

  How did he know how I felt about Luke? Was it that obvious? Shocked, I stumbled to regain my composure.

  “He knows? Who is telling him things?” Dumb-founded, I couldn’t begin to guess who else had knowledge of the crew and the time to get word to my father.

  “You’re buddy Greg has a big mouth, young lady. That tends to be the case when a man’s pride is hurt.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Really? Anya, you’re smarter than that. Greg ran to Nishan when he realized you have eyes for that sailor in there.” He motioned to the barroom. “We can talk about this later. I have people to feed.”

  Handing me two plates, he put the rest on a tray and walked through the swinging door to the bar. Reluctantly, I followed, carrying plates heavy with fried fish and potatoes, golden and crisp. The smell alone had the team anxiously picking up forks.

  I knew there was something about Gregorio that hadn’t set well with me, but I never figured it would be his willingness to tattle on me to my father.

  “This is amazing,” Lucy announced through a mouth full of flaky fish.

  Kate nodded in agreement, not willing to stop eating to comment. The guys slowed enough to order another round of beers. I, however, ate while explaining more about Orotava.

  “The island isn’t very big,” I noted. “We figure that’s why we aren’t on most maps. Some of them have us, but we’re listed as unpopulated. I guess folks figure no one would want to live on such a small piece of land. Or maybe it’s just because there are so many barriers to the island.”

  Rowan looked at the researchers, trying to read their take on that news.

  Kate was the first to respond. “So cartographers, topographers for that matter, just overlook the island?”

  “It’s easier than you’d think,” Rowan added as he dried glasses and put them away. “It isn’t like there is much out here to attract them. No unknown species have been attributed here. No neighboring islands really. You’d have to aim for Orotava to pay attention.”

  “Then there’s the fact that our governor of sorts paid off a huge map-making company in Boston to keep us uncharted over 250 years ago,” I added.

  Luke finished a swig of beer and looked admiringly at his crew. “I thought I saw a wreck when I was swimming in this morning. How many downed ships do you deal with?”

  “You got caught in the storm last night I’m guessing. Hell of a storm,” Rowan added.

  “Luke decided to swim in since no one was reef-side today. They weren’t sure when someone would see their boat,” I said.

  Rowan seemed surprised. “Swam the reef, did ya? Not too many attempt that.”

  Luke was nonchalant, but he seemed a bit on edge. “I can see why. Hell of a reef to come up against. It bit me pretty hard.” He put his hand to his bandaged side.

  “Then you must’ve seen the Vengeful Dane,” Rowan continued. “She’s has been there a long time. I don’t much think about her anymore.”

  “How long has she been there?” Brandon inquired.

  “Give or take 200 years.”

  “Well she’s well preserved then,” Luke added. “I’d have expected far less wood left.”

  Rowan brighten
ed at the discussion. He loved that ship. “We’ve done a lot to keep her that way.”

  “Luke, we should dive the ship. That’s alright, isn’t it, Rowan?” Brandon asked, finishing his pint and motioning for another.

  “Sure. Just watch the sharks. They circle that reef. Good eating for them even without divers floating about.”

  The team spent the afternoon in the tavern, talking with me and Rowan and meeting the few locals who came in for a drink or dinner.

  As we rose to leave, Gregorio walked in.

  “Alavay, Anya. I’ve been looking for you,” Gregorio started as he walked across the room.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” I began. “Luke and his friends needed some help. I didn’t realize we had plans.”

  “Oh, are you all from the boat beyond the reef?” he asked. Not waiting for an answer, he continued, “No problem. I knew you wouldn’t leave me waiting without a good reason.”

  “But I didn’t leave you waiting,” I added in my own defense.

  “Well, you did tell me to come by the lab today. I figured if I went by, you’d be there. Obviously I was wrong. You had other things to do.”

  He leaned over and kissed my cheek delicately. I felt myself flush with the awkward attention. However, instead of acknowledging my discomfort, I made introductions to the group. Finishing our food, we said good-byes to Gregorio and Rowan.

  “Goodnight, all. I trust you’ll have a pleasant night,” Gregorio said to the team. “Anya, will we meet tomorrow?”

  “Oh, well, I’ll be in the lab most of the day. I suppose if you want to come by I could make time for you,” I said reluctantly.

  “I’d appreciate that. Even a sliver of her time is worth a wait. Don’t you agree, Luke?”

  Catching him off guard, Luke took a long look at me and answered Gregorio, “Very true, Greg. Very true.”

  “It’s Gregorio,” he commented in a sharp tone. “Anya, I’ll be down to the lab then.”

  Nodding in agreement, I kissed Rowan on the cheek and headed out with the team.

  The sun hung low over the water by the time we left and headed towards the guest house. Norton made plans to meet with my friends and work on the Sea Star the next day, and the team had nothing to do other than sit on the porch and discuss their options and the island.

  While they all knew their research needed to continue, the boat became their first priority. With the plan for repairs made, Kate suggested they look into the island’s research and communication facilities. After all, her family needed to know her whereabouts. Brandon’s concern lie in the downed ship and the chance to excavate a bit. Norton focused on the boat, as expected, and Lucy had the dolphins to obsess over. That left Luke and Amir, the wild cards. Amir figured he’d join one of the others in their ventures, but Luke wasn’t so quick to commit to anything. Other than setting up a time for us to meet alone the next day, Luke had no need for plans. And what I hoped to do would lend itself best to time alone with him as well.

  Fourteen: Luke

  THE MORNING AFTER we landed in Orotava, Kate and Norton took off for their personal endeavors with most of our equipment before the rest of us woke. Lucy set out for the marina after scrounging up something to eat and Brandon and Amir headed to the beach. By the time I entered the kitchen, it sat vacant and thoroughly rummaged. I found a stray bagel on the counter and some coffee left in the pot. Grabbing both, I ventured onto the porch.

  My head swam with the details of the past two days. The balls of light. The joint fainting spell. The reef. The sharks. The mermaid. I’d seen a mermaid, twice, and then she turned human and stitched me up. I’d eaten dinner with her and learned about her life. Anya rescued me, she met my crew, and she’d shown us around the island. But I still had so many questions for her. Did she consider the cottage her home or did she live in the sea? Why did the tribe hold land? In which environment was she more comfortable? Where did she truly feel alive?

  The new issue was that I’d seen her transform and watched the scales give way to smooth skin. Seeing her naked in human form was enough to distract me from her being a mermaid, at least for a minute.

  A knock at the door startled me from my internal interrogation. I opened it and took in the sight of Anya almost glowing in the morning sun.

  “Come in,” I said as I finally found words. “Good morning.”

  I turned to welcome her in and tripped over the corner of the throw rug.

  “Good morning. I hope it isn’t too early,” she returned, snickering a little at my stupor. “I didn’t want to wake anyone. You all had quite a day yesterday.”

  “Oh, no, not at all. I’m the only one here, though. Hope that’s alright.”

  “Great. I mean I was hoping to talk to you. I set Norton up with Javier, and Maya told me Kate was down at the research lab early.”

  “That’s our Kate. She wanted to get a hold of her son most of all, but research is her second love. You’re lucky she waited until morning.”

  “A son?” Anya cooed. I could see the twinkle in her eye at the mention of a child. “No wonder she was anxious.”

  “The rest are at the beach, I’m sure. We won’t be able to drag Lucy along when we decide to leave if the pods are still here.”

  “I saw them as I walked up. They’re at the marina. Lucy and Amir were fishing, and it looked like Brandon was sunbathing.”

  I didn’t mean to, but I laughed at the vision of my vain and muscle-bound friend laid out on the towel.

  “Sounds like Brando. I guess everyone’s accounted for then. That gives us time to talk.”

  “Well, first I wanted to check your bandage.”

  Hesitating a bit, I removed my shirt and raised my arm, allowing her a clear view of the bandage. Suddenly I felt uncomfortable in this relaxed environment. Something between us had shifted and I was uneasy having her touch me.

  “We should probably change it. I’d hate for the wound to get infected, and you never know with coral cuts.”

  As she removed the bandage, her fingers traced my rib. She sent shocks through my body reminding me of the pulse in the ocean, the one that sent the sharks away. Her touch stirred me and fired off more questions.

  “The stitches look good. They aren’t red and they’re holding well,” she remarked with surprise. Her response concerned me a little. Astonishment wasn’t something I wanted to hear in my surgeon’s voice, after all. But I merely nodded and murmured agreement.

  Anya bandaged me and stepped back avoiding any further contact with my bare skin. I found myself suddenly wishing that my thigh rather than my side had been gouged by the coral. Her touch would have done wonders there.

  Trying to clear my head, I asked, “And what else did you want to discuss?”

  I hoped she would broach the mermaid topic without prompting. Not knowing how to begin the conversation, I found myself relying on her again.

  “Well, I’m sure you’ve noticed the island’s unique aspects,” she said.

  “Unique aspects? Is that Orotavan for mermaids?”

  The sarcasm dripping from my comment startled her. Seeing her reaction, I apologized quickly.

  “Anya, I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to make of all this. I saw you. From the boat. While I was on the boat I mean. You were swimming with something, or someone I guess. And then in the lagoon. You made the sharks turn back. Now you’re standing here, checking my bandage and the stitches you put in. I can’t explain any of it.” I shook my head and turned away from her in frustration.

  “I don’t know how to help you understand other than to just tell you outright.” She breathed deeply and I found myself thinking about her gills.

  “So, how much do you want to know?” she asked.

  “How much? As much as you’re willing to tell.”

  “Alright, that’s fair.”

  Another deep breath and she dove into an explanation.

  “This is Orotava. That part you already know. My family founded the island. Centuries before human
s took to the seas, mer lived in almost every body of water and on a number of islands. Each tribe took a different section. The Obthaluse, that’s my tribe, had the North American coast of the Atlantic and pieces of the Caribbean as well. Orotava was just one of the islands we inhabited.”

  “So there are more of you? Mermaids, I mean,” I stammered. “In tribes? On islands or in the oceans?”

  I couldn’t seem to get the questions out quickly enough to satisfy my curiosity.

  “Mer populate the waters across the globe. Most of the saltwater mer live in tribes even now. But lots of those in lakes and rivers live in smaller pods or alone. Tribes war and create alliances. We act much like humans, but we have far more territory to fight over than you do and we’ve been doing it a lot longer.”

  She sounded almost embarrassed of those facts as she continued.

  “Our land holdings dwindle every year as humans claim more land for themselves, and we move further away, deeper into the seas. The Obthaluse have fewer than 20 islands to walk now, all small, and most unmapped. But many of those are collective islands.”

  “Collective islands? Like co-ops?” I asked. “So tribes mix on land?”

  “Sometimes, yes. It’s best if we all have our own space, but there isn’t enough land for that anymore. We’ve learned to make do, and some tribes now inhabit human land.”

  “Seriously? Mermaids and humans and no one notices? Where? Where can that happen?”

  She laughed at my excitement.

  “I bet you could figure it out if you thought hard enough,” .” she She laughed a bit, insisting. “Just think of the most ocean-centric places you can, and then limit the list to the vivid exceptions.”

  “Uh, ocean-centric places. Ok, so cities focusing on the beach. But what’s a ‘vivid exception’?”

  I thought for a minute in silence and then lit up with the novelty of my guess. Laughing, I announced triumphantly, “Key West!”

  “Yes, that’s one. New Orleans is a big draw for mer, too.”

  “I could see that,” I said thinking of my time in that great city. Who would guess they were dining with a mermaid when the actual humans were acting so strangely?