"Oh, and don't forget we need to stop at the dive booth so we can grab the equipment that I brought you."Shelley was so cheerful that Gray was almost willing to let his mood change.He knew how exciting it was to arrive on the island, but he also knew she wasn't telling him the real reason she was here.
"What exactly did you even bring me?"Gray asked as he motioned for Shelley to head out so he could lock up."Doesn't seem like enough to warrant this emergency trip of yours."
"Well, I've got three extra TDRs and more recording tapes!You mentioned in one of your reports that you were worried about running out, so I came prepared."She beamed as if she'd just solved all his problems.
Gray stared at her, incredulous."The university sent you all the way here to bring that?"He tried to keep his voice steady, but his irritation was bubbling to the surface."I didn't need any of that!I need to speak with Dr.T."
Gray's mood went back to terrible; he didn't bother to hide his frustration.Shelley, however, seemed unfazed.In her mind, Gray would soon realize how crucial her presence was, whether they needed the gear.And besides, she knew it would take him a while to check out her story, given the lack of landlines on the island and with Dr.Terry being in the Arctic.By then, she'd made sure her position was secure.That was as soon as he realized he didn't have any data recorded.She smiled inwardly, thinking of the hidden tapes.
Gray walked toward the dock in silence, fuming.Shelley, apparently sensing his frustration but choosing to ignore it, cheerfully commented on everything they passed along the way.She seemed overly pleased with herself.
"Good morning, Greta!"Gray called as they approached the booth.He smiled at the older woman, another local who had helped him settle into island life when he first arrived.
"Hello, Dr.Gray!Good to see you.And who is this?"Greta asked in her usual singsong voice.
Gray began to introduce Shelley."This is Shelley.She--"
But Shelley quickly cut him off, stepping forward with an extended hand."I'm Shelley, Gray's colleague from the university.So good to meet you!Gray has just gushed about how much you've helped him."
"Well, it was my pleasure to help him out.Now, it looks like I've got some gear or equipment or well I don't know what, but is this yours?"Greta pointed to 2 enormous bags that were sitting in the booth with her.
"Well, I'll be!What's it doing here?I left it with that lovely man, Malcolm, at the dive booth."Shelley kept her smile on, but she was annoyed since Malcolm was one of the few people who had been nice to her.
"He brought it over as they had early dive trips this morning, and he wanted to make sure you had it for today."Greta explained, still looking at the giant bags.
Gray's eyes went wide."I thought the university sent you with a few TDRs and some videotapes?Why are there 2 massive bags here?"The tension in Gray's voice was teetering on the edge of a meltdown.
Greta looked to Shelley and then back over her shoulder at the two large suitcases behind her, then exchanged a glance with Gray."I thought that was luggage for multiple people.All that is yours?How long are you planning to stay?"
"Oh, who knows!Maybe a month or longer," Shelley replied, laughing nervously."I didn't want to buy things here, you know, saving grant money and all that."
"But you have 2 suitcases already at my place, and you have all this too?"Gray's arms were flailing again, and he couldn't stop them.Greta and Shelley stared at him as he was becoming unhinged."And a month or longer?You didn't say that?You said the funding committee wanted you to help, not stay for almost the entire length of my extension!"Gray was turning red; this was not how he wanted to start his day.
The tension between the three of them was palpable.Greta's warm smile faded slightly as she turned back to Shelley.
"So, you're staying for a while?"Greta said, a hint of suspicion in her voice as she turned back to Gray, not waiting for an answer."Cam radioed earlier, and he's already at the Lagoon waiting for you two."
Gray gave her a grateful nod."Thanks, Greta.You're the best."
As he turned to leave, Shelley cleared her throat."Gray, could you be a dear and help?"
Every fibre of Gray's being wanted to say, "No, you brought them, you carry them," but despite his irritation, he wasn't rude.He sighed as he grabbed one of the gear bags that, in reality, contained more of Shelley's belongings.
"What the hell?"he muttered.The bag felt impossibly heavy."Are there rocks in here?How did you even get this past luggage control?"
Shelley laughed it off."Oh, don't be so dramatic!It's just the essentials and a few extras."
Gray bit back a retort, hefting the bag."I hope this doesn't sink the Skiffty Skiff.She's not that big."
As he dragged the bag toward the dock, Gray couldn't help but think that Shelley's arrival was already causing more problems than she was worth, and he hadn't even had his coffee yet.
Chapter 74
Blank space
AsGraymaneuveredtheskiff towards the docks at the Lagoon, he felt wrung out.Even though the day had just started, he was done dealing with Shelley.Declan and Daniel came down to the dock to help unload the supplies.
"Morning, mate!Thanks for bringing all these today; it's a big help.The VIP tour was very early this morning.Morning, Shelley.Are you moving here?"Declan asked, pointing to the large gear bags and exchanging a look with Gray and Daniel.
