They travelled for just short of an hour and Kyair set the boat into a tiny dock where three figures awaited. Scarlet regarded the sight with fear. Since she’d been flung into this world of intrigue, trust did not come as easily to her.
The island was dotted with green trees and the water calmly swept them into the bay as Kyair cut the engine. Scarlet could clearly see the three figures from here. The one at the front was a woman dressed in a white tank top and cut off khaki pants. She didn’t look like the evil head of a scientific research organization or a crime boss maverick. Her brown hair was swept into a bun at the top of her head. She wore large black sunglasses that prevented Scarlet from clearly seeing her face or deducing her age.
The man behind her was obviously in his forties as attested by his gray hair and paunch. He wore a Hawaiian palm shirt and pink Bermudan shorts. The next figure was a young man, about Scarlet’s age. He was dressed in a white tunic and cotton pants similar to Kyair’s.
Kyair handed the younger monk guy the rope and he tied it to an anvil cemented into the end of the pier. The woman had a huge grin on her face as she beheld Scarlet and Carter.
“Hi,” the woman said as the monk helped Scarlet up unto the pier.
“Hello.” Scarlet replied quietly.
Were these the people bent on killing her? They sure were a friendly group. Except Kyair’s look-a-like. His rugged face kind of frightened her.
“Hello,” The woman smiled at Carter. He smiled back and then quietly stood beside Scarlet. They were very confused, tired, and a little bruised so their social skills left much to be desired.
“My name is Thea.” She pointed to the middle-aged man beside her, “This is my brother Tony.”
“Hey,” He nodded at them.
“And Keon, Kyair’s son.”
Oh, monks could have wives and children? Cool.
“Greetings.” Keon nodded at them both.
“Hi, everybody.” Scarlet clutched her elbow to her side and glanced uncertainly at all the new characters in this saga that was her life.
“Oh,” Thea clutched her chest and shook her head, “What am I thinking? You must be tired and overwhelmed by now. Let’s get you inside and you can rest.”
Carter spoke for the first time since landing in this private part of the island. “Exactly who are you people?”
Scarlet was glad that someone had asked because she wanted the same answers.
“We are Kingdom citizens,” Thea said as if this explained anything. “And the King told us to help you. So we are.”
With that ambiguous comment, the group turned their backs and trekked through gorgeous mangroves down a sandy path to a mansion nestled behind tall coconut trees. The house was a two story, painted a cheery yellow. They climbed narrow stairs to the second floor which had an open space. Mahogany wood floors lined the length of the space. The kitchen was stocked with stainless steel appliances, the tan leather couches faced a huge flat screen television, and a little office nook sat in organized disarray behind a small cubicle like divider. The décor was homey and inviting. If the house reflected the people, then Scarlet was in a safe place indeed.
“Okay,” Thea clapped her hands and slipped her sunglasses on top of her head. “There’s a spare bedroom in there.” Thea pointed to a bedroom at the back of the house. Scarlet and Carter followed Thea in as Kyair and Keon made themselves comfortable in the sofa. Scarlet smiled when she saw the bedroom. White curtains flapped haphazardly in the island breeze as sunshine filtered over a fluffy white bedspread lined with colorful pillows. A wooden rocking chair was next to the bed. “The bathroom’s through here.” Thea pointed at an opening to the left.
“It looks amazing.” Scarlet agreed.
“Now you, sir.” Thea peered at Carter, “You can take the room next door. You share a bathroom though. I hope that’s okay.”
“It’s fine.” Scarlet smiled at her, admiring the woodwork of the crown molding on the walls.
“Great, you guys can rest up. Sleep for as long as you need to. We’ll be here ready to answer all of your questions when you’re refreshed.”
Scarlet held the woman’s eyes and touched her softly on the shoulder.
“Thank you very much for your hospitality.”
She felt kind of smarmy for using her power’s without Thea’s permission, but before she slept anywhere and let her guard down, she’d prefer to test her hostess’s intentions.
POOR THINGS, LOOK SO TIRED. I HOPE THEY SLEEP.
She listened for a few more beats but all Thea could think of was their welfare.
She trusted Kyair because Carter did. Now the young man turned to her for an appraisal. Scarlet nodded.
This strange, diverse group had earned their confidence.
Hopefully, Scarlet wasn’t making a bruised and hasty mistake.
Thea left them alone and Carter closed the door. He went over to sit on the bed and closed his eyes.
“Why do I feel like I’m a part of something bigger than even I could imagine?”
Scarlet plopped herself beside him.
“Do you think they’re a part of a cult or something?” Scarlet wondered, pulling at a brown lock.
“I have no idea. I have no idea about anything that’s going on right now.”
Scarlet chuckled softly, “I can read minds and I’m just as lost as you are.”
Carter sat up slowly and arched his back.
“I’m not sure I can sleep. I’m too charged up.”
Scarlet shoved his shoulder. “Speak for yourself. I’m tired. But if it makes you feel any better, you can stand guard at my door until you’re feeling sleepy.”
“That sounds like a plan.” Carter agreed which surprised Scarlet just a bit.
“Knock, knock.” Thea poked her head into the room. “Come here, Scarlet.”
Exchanging a strange glance with Carter, she strode closer to the door.
Thea handed Scarlet a bundle of clothes wrapped in a towel, “I wasn’t sure if you’d have your own clothes. My daughter left for college last year and left some stuff. She’s taller than you but she was always wearing some tight short dresses.” Thea rolled her eyes to show her displeasure for that type of clothing, “Anyway, I thought they’d look a little more tasteful on you since you’re so petite. There’s also new undies in there, still in the plastic.” She winked.
Scarlet awkwardly accepted the package.
WHAT’S GOING ON? Carter telepathically asked.
SHE’S GIVING ME UNDERWEAR.
Carter didn’t reply but if Scarlet had turned around she’d have seen his face turning as red as a tomato.
“Thank you.” Scarlet replied to Thea.
“No problem, dear.” She winked again and left.
Scarlet closed the door and returned to Carter.
“Well,” Carter said, hoping that his reaction wasn’t too obvious. “That was nice of her.”
“It was.” She shrugged. “Okay, well, since they’re offering, I’m going to take a shower.”
Carter shooed her away.
Scarlet hopped into the bathtub and enjoyed her shower. She emerged feeling refreshed and ready for her nap. Carter had his phone charging next to a socket.
“Whatch’ya doing?” Scarlet nodded at him.
“I’m looking up Thea and her brother.”
Scarlet narrowed her eyes. “You’re spying on them.”
“Hey, Kyair was spying on you. I think I can return the favor.”
Something about spying on these nice people didn’t sit quite well with Scarlet. She understood, however, that she couldn’t be sentimental in this period of her life. Bad people tried to kill her and bad people often paraded as good ones.
“What did you find out?” Scarlet sat next to him.
Carter swallowed before answering. “Uh, Thea and her brother are marine biologists. They’ve lived in Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico studying all kinds of species.”
“They’re doctors.” Scarlet nodded.
“They’re rich doctors.” Carter added, “They’ve got their own fish foundation, if that makes sense.”
He peered closer at his screen.
“So you haven’t found any criminal records or affiliations with the Mob?” Scarlet made sure that the sarcasm was thick in her voice.
“No,” Carter caught her tone and arched an eyebrow, “but I’ll keep looking. Maybe I can find out more about this ‘Kingdom’ that they keep talking about.”
Scarlet yawned and stretched. “Well, have fun.” She pushed against Carter’s back to make more room on the bed, “I’m going to take a nap.”
“I’ll be here.” Carter moved from the bed to the rocking chair.
“Yeah?” Scarlet glanced at him as the certainty of his words rushed over her.
Carter, unaware of just how emotionally touched Scarlet was, swiped his phone so it did not go dark,
“Yeah.”
Scarlet smiled softly and tucked herself into the bed.
She’d only known Carter for a handful of days, yet their circumstances were so intense, that it revealed their true character, no matter how deeply they wanted to hide their stains. Carter calculated his steps. He weighed the risks before he moved. He was cool and levelheaded, except when she drew out his anger. Yet, he was caring and sweet. When defending those he cared about, he’d go to the ends of the earth.
Scarlet liked what she knew of Carter.
She liked it a lot.