Chapter Twenty-Three

 

As Chaz’s truck rumbled down the dirt road toward the trailer, AJ’s nerves wound tighter. Today had been hotter than yesterday. A midday shower brought some relief, for about a minute. As soon as the sun reappeared, the atmosphere heated to sizzling.

AJ climbed from the truck with the cooler of food and drinks. Grandpa had suggested a few items. Chaz balked at spending the money until AJ reminded him it was an investment in their future.

When he set the cooler on the table, Cassiopeia glanced up at him, her skin paler than normal, drained of color. Dark circles rimmed her bloodshot eyes.

He gripped the rim. “Are you feeling all right?”

Her tail swooshed and she floated to the opposite side of the pool. Her movements were slower than before.

AJ called to Chaz, “You did feed her this morning, right?”

Chaz still avoided coming too near the pool. “I left some bread on the table.”

Bread. Great. If it wasn’t stale after a few minutes, it would get soggy when she touched it.

He pulled the cell phone charger from his pocket, and lifted the phone from the table. “I’m going to charge this so it will keep working.” He unplugged an extension cord from one of the motion lights, and set the phone back on the table.

“I’m sorry,” he said to her. “I shouldn’t have left you last night.” He opened the cooler and pulled out a bottle of water. “Here, drink this so you don’t get dehydrated.”

He held very still as she floated over and took the bottle. Excited, he opened the cooler. “I brought some food for tomorrow. And,” he shut the lid and set a takeout container on top. “A California burger. Grandpa said you might like it. He, uh, knows these things.”

Warily, she reached for the container and opened it. It fell to the ground as she took the burger and bit into it.

AJ watched, careful not to frighten her. “Is there anything else you need? I know these aren’t the best accommodations. I just don’t know what a mermaid needs.”

She swallowed and looked at him somewhat sheepishly. “A bucket.”

“Like a plain old bucket?” He studied her as she looked away, until it dawned on him why she might need one. Trapped in the pool, she had nowhere to relieve herself. “God, I’m sorry. I should have thought.” Of course she couldn’t swim in a sewer, even one of her own making. Chaz must have something inside. AJ would make him give up a cooking pot, if necessary.

He leaned his elbows against the rim. “I’m worried about you. You don’t look well.” He wished he could get in the pool with her.

Even her glare looked lackluster. “I’m fine.”

Inside the trailer, something clanged.

AJ turned to her, his voice soft yet urgent. “Listen to me. In the next few days, some people will come out here for you. One will be my grandfather, Walt Anderson. Don’t be afraid. All right? And whatever you do, don’t let on to Chaz.”

The door to the trailer rattled open, then shut. “What are you two love birds cooin’ about over there?”

AJ relaxed his stance to appear cool, though he wanted nothing more than to beat Chaz to a pulp. “Just having dinner, Chaz. Since you didn’t give her anything worthwhile this morning.”

“I’ll give her somethin’ worthwhile when she gives me somethin’ worthwhile.”

A chill ran down AJ’s spine. “What’s that supposed to mean?” If Chaz tried anything with her, AJ would kill him. Plain and simple.

Chaz pointed at her. “I can’t even get near the pool without her attackin’ me in some way. I’m supposed to be her manager. She needs to show some respect.”

Her manager. Yeah, right. More like her prison guard. “Maybe you need to earn it.”

With a wince, Chaz glared at him. “Don’t gimme that. I provide for her. She needs to earn her keep.” He walked away. “You better talk her into bein’ nice.”

AJ caught her eye before she looked away. “Ignore him for now. We have to make him think he’s in control, so we can get you out of here. And back home.” His throat constricted. Home, where he’d never see her again. His voice caught as he said, “I have to go.”

He walked toward the trailer.

Her voice halted him. “AJ.”

He whirled. Damn that light, he couldn’t see her face. He took a step in her direction, but stopped when she turned away.

He didn’t blame her.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. I promise.” AJ dragged himself toward the long road home.