“Vanessa, you don’t have to explain yourself.”
She blows out a breath, “Last night was incredible.” I didn’t like this tone, “I don’t think we should do it again.”
“If that’s what you want,” I force the words out, the taste of them like acid on my tongue.
She mumbles something under her breath before she says louder, “It’s for the best.”
We walk in silence back towards the dock, using the same path we took the night before and part ways with a quick goodbye.
She doesn’t turn back, not once, leaving me to watch after her until I can no longer see her.
She’s probably right. Even if it feels wrong.
I walk slowly back towards Torin’s house, the docks busy this morning with boats already coming in with the morning’s catch, and tourists setting out on the water for a day of sports. It’swarm, the sky a clear tranquil blue but a storm brews inside of me.
I’m almost at the house when I’m caught by one of the local fishermen.
“Hey!” He calls over. I turn to see an older gentleman jogging towards me, his hair and beard speckled grey.
“Can I help you?” My tone is flat, unwelcoming and he stops short, cringing a little.
“I wanted to know how Torin was doing,” He tugs at the collar of his shirt, “We haven’t seen him in days, not since…”
“He buried his wife and son?” I finish.
“Yeah.”
“He’s resting and grieving. Is there something I can help with?”
“No, no,” He shakes his head, “Just send him our regards.”
“Will do.” I turn back to the house.
“Oh wait!” He calls, “There is something actually.”
“What?”
“Some guys came into town on an early boat, were looking for him.”
That piques my interest, “And?”
“Well they looked like the type most want to avoid,” He says, “I didn’t tell them where he was but they never left town.”
“Where did they go?”
“Just into town, I think. Probably asking other locals. If I were them, I’d be in the diner. Everyone goes there.”
Dread sinks into the pit of my stomach.
“I’ll let Torin know,” I lie.
If I have anything to do with it, my brother will never know his life is in danger. And neither will Everett.
I watch the fisherman head back to his boat before I head into the house.
Everything is quiet. Calm.
Coffee brews in the pot in the kitchen and a radio is on somewhere in the house, the sound of music softly playing.
