Page 21 of Riptide

“Thought you were a dead man,” Garrett joked as he pressed past Seth and punched his arm.

“I was, dude.” He shrugged with a laugh.

“Jesus, I can’t believe what I’m seeing.” Once inside, Garrett grabbed him, giving him a huge bear hug, then him pushed away, still holding onto his shoulder. “I am so fucking happy, man. I can’t believe you are alive. That you’re here. When you called me…I couldn’t believe it.”

“Alive and in person,” Seth joked, holding out his hands.

“We had a funeral for you, for fuck’s sake. A paddle out. You would have appreciated it.” He laughed. “Jesus Christ, I can’t believe this.”

“Thanks, man. Appreciate the sendoff.” Seth gave him another quick hug, grateful for his friend. “Man, I’m really glad to see you.”

“The way Lars told me you went over the cliff…there was no trace of you. We thought the ocean took you. But there was no body. I was thinking you might have been shark food. No offense, but you know how it is.”

“Fuck no. Manō’s not eating me.” Seth wore a confident grin.

“It’s Big Sur, bro. They’re out there.”

“ʻAumākua looks out for me. Don’t matter where I’m at. You should know by now.” Seth patted Garrett on the shoulder.

“You could have drowned. What happened is no joke.”

“No, no it isn’t. It was a hell of a fall. But the Moana? It’s part of me. You know that. This way.” Seth gestured to the kitchen. “Anyone follow you from the airport? You were lookin’ out, right?”

“No, I’m good,” he confirmed. “I’ve got the jet.”

“Pilot’s secure? You trust them?”

“Yes. They know I’m here on top secret business. That’s all they know for now. They’re on standby and ready to roll when we are.”

“Good.” Seth stole one last glance at the closed gate before shutting and locking the front door. “No one knows I’m here besides you, and I want to keep it that way.”

“I assume you’ve got supplies.”

“I keep the place well stocked. I’m ordering in some things by mail but that’s usual. Kalani comes on Mondays and it’s Wednesday so we’re good.” Seth gestured to the large sectional sofa. “Make yourself comfortable. Would you like a beer?” He leaned over and opened the refrigerator. “I’ve got Black Pearl. Aloha Spirit.”

“Whatever you’re serving. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.” Garrett fell back into the sofa and stretched out his arms.

Seth nodded and flipped off the caps of a few beers. He spoke as he poured it into the pilsner beer glasses. The sound of the bubbles sounded as he lifted the drinks and handed one to Garrett.

“I’m starving. I think I’ve got some pretzels in here. I was so tired I just...” Almost had sex. “Fell asleep. Yeah. Ah here we go. Pretzels. Chips. I’ll make dinner soon but gotta have something now.”

Seth tossed a few bags onto the coffee table which had been made out of a tree stump. He slipped into his favorite oversized chair and propped his feet on the ottoman. As he popped a tangy chip into his mouth, he considered how lucky he was to be alive.

“Thanks.” Garrett sipped his beer and reached for a bag of pretzels.

“One minute I was fighting off bad guys at Lars’ house, and the next thing I know I’m trying not to die.” Seth took a swig of the beer, moaning in pleasure as the ale danced over his tongue and down his throat. He released an audible sigh as his head rested on the back of the chair.

“I tried to grab onto branches, rocks, anything I could on the way down. Helped to slow me down but all I remember is the rocks and surf getting closer and then I blacked out. Turns out a bullet took a chunk out of me. Flesh wound, though. I’m good.”

“Jesus.” Garrett’s eyes narrowed in on him, studying his friend.

“Yeah. It was pretty intense. I kind of remember being in a cabin in the woods and more shooting. Then the next thing I know I’m waking up on a yacht. So yeah…that’s about it.”

“Tell me about the woman,” Garrett looked to his beer and brought it to his lips.

“I’m going to tell you something and I need you to keep an open mind,” Seth began as he took another quick sip. “The yacht…Kaimana said it was Evan’s, that she inherited it.”

Garrett’s expression remained impassive as Seth spoke.