White Ginger

chapter 8



Why had he stopped? Her anxiety about a reef fish was ridiculous, she knew that, but she couldn’t help it. Was their mutual attraction enough to overcome her response to the shark?

Did I blow it with my stupid reaction?

Amelie headed for the shower closet, preoccupied with Arne’s reaction to their lovemaking. Had she imagined the whole scene? The throbbing between her legs assured her she wasn’t hallucinating. Had she consciously thrown herself at his head, she couldn’t have felt more embarrassed. How would she face him again?

She turned the hot water on hard, and then scrubbed her skin with a sponge until she tingled all over.

After emerging from the shower, she pulled on jeans and a t-shirt. A cool wind indicating the coming storm snuck under the cabin door and she shivered. She rummaged through the hatch under the bunk and found a deep blue fisherman’s jumper The wide neck slipped off her shoulder, the jumper hung below her hips like a miniskirt and the sleeves needed to be rolled up several times. With her arms folded protectively over her stomach, she stepped onto the deck.

Bare-chested, Arne kneeled hunched over the motor, tinkering with the engine.

“The fuel line’s been cut, and the radio was smashed. Someone doesn’t want us to get back home.” A muscle flicked in his cheek. At least he wasn’t angry with her.

“Can we use signal flares to attract attention?”

“We can try, but I doubt whether anyone will see it tonight. Look at the clouds.” He pointed with the wrench to the east. Storm clouds had built up into towering mountains. A strange light surrounded them. Lightning zapped through their center, beautiful and elemental and menacing to a craft as defenseless as theirs.

“I think we’re in for a rough night.”

Great. A storm at sea is all we need.

She turned back. “Should we be battening down or something?”

Arne sat back, his shoulders slumped and rested his arm on his knee, the wrench hanging from his white-knuckled grip. He shook his head.

“I don’t think I can fix this fuel line. Amelie…” With the back of his hand, he wiped away a line of sweat, leaving an oil smudge along his cheek.

Her heart went out to him. In spite of his pulling away from their lovemaking, she knew there was a connection between them. She hadn’t imagined it. Maybe he just needed time to get used to her? Would he come back to her arms?

When we’re out of danger–I’ll try again. Because you’re a good man, Arne Keloki. And I want you.

The light faded and a flurry of rain blew across the deck.

“I’ll make us something to eat while there’s still some light. It’ll be all right.”

Her words were a promise to him. And to herself.

* * * *

The wind was rising, swinging Leilani awkwardly into crashing waves. Arne set off a flare which rocketed high, its downward trajectory lost in clouds laden with squally rain. They worked feverishly in the waning light, lashing everything down until there was little more they could do without daylight.

Their attacker had left them without fuel or radio. Their power supply was dead, the sole source of light coming from an oil lamp Arne kept for emergency use.

Starlight had long since been extinguished by the dense, overhead cloud cover. The oil lamp was nearly burned out, the light so low he could barely make out Amelie’s features. Groping his way to the bunk where she sat swathed in a blanket, he perched on the edge. How he wished he could read her expression. Self-disgust ate away at him.

He raked his hands through his hair, trying to find the right words.

“I’m sorry about how I treated you this afternoon. I didn’t mean it to get out of hand like that.”

She pulled the blanket tighter under her chin and huddled into an even smaller space. God, she didn’t want him touching her. How could he have lost control so badly? A flash of lightning spotlighted her wide, stricken eyes, her hunched shoulders.

His stomach roiled.

“You probably think me a brute but I swear–I’m not going to touch you again. Please, put it down to the intoxicating mix of your vulnerability and my fear. When I think what might have happened if I hadn’t turned back when I did. I thought I’d lost you.” Bleakness filled him. If he’d lost her…

Arne forced himself to move to the far side of the cabin.

Amelie lowered the blanket. He strained to hear her over the crashing waves and roaring wind.

“Did I hear you right? Tell me, Arne. Why did you stop making love to me?”

“You were in shock. I was so thankful you weren’t badly hurt I let myself forget. But it was wrong. Can you forgive me?”

“Maybe you were in shock too. I was so absorbed in my little world of woe I didn’t think how you were feeling. You had to care for me, repair the boat and deal with the storm. I should be apologizing to you.”

She thrust back the blanket and stood, falling onto him as the boat heaved. Instinctively, he steadied her. She grabbed his jacket as she knocked into the edge of the counter. “Ouch! Let’s sit on the bunk. It’s safer.”

They staggered back, half-falling on top of each other as they regained the security of the bunk.

“Arne, I wanted to tell you…to thank you for saving my life today. It seems you’re always rescuing me from something. And kissing me–made me forget what had happened.”

He shook his head and drew away. What a generous heart she had. But it was his fault. He shouldn’t have made love to her in her state of mind. Nothing she said could change that.

She grabbed his arms.

“Look at me, Arne.”

In the last of the lamplight, he looked into her eyes. Twin points of light reflected in their depths. She was beautiful. He squashed the desire to hold her close, fisting his hands in his lap.

“You know, I really wanted you to keep–kissing me this afternoon. I…liked it…a lot.” She touched his cheek. “I’d like to…would you like to…Arne, please hold me?”

“Amelie. You don’t know what you’re doing.” He had to be hallucinating. Had she just asked him to kiss her again?

“You didn’t do anything I didn’t join you in this afternoon. It’s just your misguided sense of honor. Anyway, I’m not in shock now. And I know what I’m doing.”

He enfolded her, carefully, his thoughts spinning at the miracle of her generous and loving spirit. She wasn’t in shock now and she wanted him. Him.

“I feel safe right here.” She nestled into his chest, her head resting just above his thudding heart. He breathed out, a slow, disbelieving, thankful sigh.

The light gave out. They lay in the darkness, pulling the blanket over their entwined bodies, sharing their warmth. Somehow, she made everything perfect. The seas roiled and the storm raged outside. Within the cabin, they created their own island of calm.

* * * *

Gray morning light filtered through the salt grimed windows. Amelie lay on her side with her eyes closed, savoring Arne’s warm body curled around hers, the weight of his arm lying across her waist. Nothing happened under their shared blanket, yet everything had changed. He wanted her, he cared for her, he’d been fearful that he had nearly lost her. She was important to him.

Whatever it was that constrained him, she was certain it wasn’t another woman. She had no physical rival. So what was stopping him? Somehow, she’d find out and break through his reserve. She could so easily fall in love with him.

Whiskers scraped the soft skin of her neck. Goose bumps started down her arms. Since when had morning stubble turned her on?

Since waking up beside one gorgeous sailor.

He nuzzled her ear.

“Hello, sleepyhead. Fancy some breakfast?”

“Scrambled eggs?” She rolled over to face him. He looked more like the pirate Jimi had called him with the beard shadowing his cheeks and chin. “Or would rolled oats be more appropriate?” She rubbed a hand over his rough cheek.

He grinned back at her. “More likely peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. No power, remember?”

He raised himself onto his elbow and looked down at her, stroking her cheek in return. “The storm’s passed. We’re not pitching too much. In fact, we might even be able to attract the attention of that spotter plane Jeff said he’d send. Come on.”

Pushing the blanket back, he pulled her up, kissing her cheek. They clambered onto the roof of the cabin, Arne with a pair of binoculars and a large marine torch, Amelie with the flare gun. Breakfast was forgotten as they searched the clearing skies.

When Arne finally sighted the plane, Amelie loaded the flare gun and held it out to Arne.

“Together.” He covered her hand and raised the gun skyward.

Once sure they had been seen, Arne aimed his torch toward the plane, sending a brief message in Morse code. As the spotter confirmed his sighting of Leilani, the pilot dipped the plane’s wings in farewell and then, banking in a tight turn, turned back to base.

“Now how about that sandwich?”

Arne packed the black box into his backpack with a few personal items, and secured the boat against its later retrieval. Within a couple of hours, the orange United States Coast Guard rescue helicopter appeared. Donning life jackets, they climbed back onto the roof.

The HH 65 Dolphin swung into position. Arne kept an arm around her shoulders as he waved at the figure that appeared in the open hatch.

“It’s made good time from its base at Barbers Point.”

Sunlight streamed from behind gradually disappearing clouds, but their boat still rocked in the big waves. He made Amelie stay seated. There was always an element of danger climbing into the sling seat being lowered from the chopper hovering fifteen meters above. Thank goodness he knew the routine. He’d never expected to be on the receiving end of a rescue by his mates in the squad. He caught the seat, and then helped Amelie into it. He checked her grip on the handholds, slung the back pack over his shoulders, and then stepped into the rescuer’s foothold behind her. Finally, he gave the lift-up signal.

Amelie gasped as they swung off the roof over the waves, leaving the precarious security of Leilani. Buffeted by the down draft, he expected her to be nervous. Instead, she gave him a smile, as though she felt perfectly safe with his body protecting her. The winch wound them up into the chopper.

The Dolphin carried a crew of four, the pilot and his copilot, a flight mechanic and a rescue swimmer. Arne knew everyone aboard. And when he’d settled her into a seat, he introduced Amelie.

“So you’re a rescue swimmer too? I’m not surprised.”

The noisy interior was no real obstacle to the shouted conversation. Laurie, his fellow rescue swimmer, eyed Amelie with genuine appreciation. “I know you’ve found some rare creatures out on the reefs, but I didn’t expect you to bring back a mermaid.”

Arne laughed, touching a finger to the delicate blush creeping up her cheeks. “I’m glad this one didn’t get away.” There was so much more implied in that simple comment.

For the next few minutes, Arne turned his attention to the task of reporting the situation aboard his boat. A salvage mission would have to be arranged once the heavy seas had subsided, and Leilani taken under tow into port.

Amelie leaned across to Laurie. “We were lucky the spotter plane came so early.”

Laurie sat forward. “The last interisland flight that got through before the storm saw your flare and reported it. Jeff Jessup was on our tails to be ready to go this morning. At least the spotters had a fair idea where you should be.”

Steve, their pilot, radioed there were no casualties, and then turned to Arne. “We’re going to land on the playing field across from the police station. Jeff wants your statements as soon as possible.”

Arne reached for Amelie’s hand. “Is that okay with you?”

She nodded and squeezed his hand in reply. He held her gaze until Laurie cleared his throat.

“Tell him we’re right to go,” Arne called.

Reality hit as they neared town and Sanderson’s development came into view. Was it possible he had arranged the burglaries? The accident? Was he responsible for nearly killing her?

By the time they reached the police station, it was past the lunch hour. Terry Danbury was waiting to debrief them.

“Thought you might have missed a meal or two when the spotter said you were drifting so I picked up some Chinese takeout. Eat first, and then we’ll talk.” He limped over to the coffee pot and poured three cups.

“You know, Amelie, I’ve always wanted a ride in the sling of the rescue helicopter. But I’d prefer not to be stranded first.”

“It was great. Though I’d prefer not to be stranded again either.” She grinned up at Arne.

His heart thumped. What a woman she was. He’d never rescued anyone who had smiled at him while swinging above heavy seas.

“She was a trooper. And she rescued the box that we think is a clue to what’s going on. Speaking of which…” He handed the box to Terry. “Shall we see what this box is all about?”

While they examined the box, Amelie gave her statement to Jeff Jessup and sketched the tattoo that she’d seen on her assailant’s leg. Jeff admired the clarity of Amelie’s drawing and then his voice changed.

“You were incredibly lucky. This was attempted murder, Amelie.”

Arne focused on Amelie and reached for her as her face paled. “No way are you going back alone to that isolated cabin.”

Jeff handed her a pen and the printout of her statement. “You could stay in town. My wife would be happy to make up a bed for you at our place. I’ll give her a call if you like.”

Amelie considered his offer. “That’s very kind of you but–”

“Thanks, Jeff, but Amelie should come back to my place. We’ve got a few things to talk about.” He poured a coffee and carried it to her, pausing to brush his knuckles over her cheek.

“Thank you.” She sipped her coffee and then wandered to the sofa, picking up a magazine. He doubted she noticed what she was looking at.

Forcing his attention back to Jeff, Arne gave his statement.

“We believe Sanderson sabotaged our tests. He wants the results to show no harm will come to the reef from his project.”

Jeff looked up expectantly. “Can we link him to this box?”

“We’ve got to check the supplier of a couple of these specialized parts, but we believe there’s little doubt about his involvement. The cost of setting up such an elaborate system would be beyond most people.”

Jeff paused in his note-taking. “But you don’t believe he carried out the actual sabotage?”

“No. He hires others to do his dirty work for him. But he’s guilty, whether or not it was his hand that cut Amelie’s air hose. And I’m going to find the proof. I don’t know who Amelie’s attacker was, but by God, when I find him…”

* * * *

The waning moon was high over the sea when Arne and Amelie turned into his driveway. Amelie stifled a yawn.

“Are you hungry?” Maybe he’d leave that talk for now.

“Not very. Maybe a toasted cheese sandwich?”

He pulled the fixings for their simple meal from the fridge, and quickly made some sandwiches He flipped the first cooked one onto her plate.

Holding the toasted triangle in two fingers, she nibbled a corner. “So what happens now–with Sanderson?”

“I have to fly to Honolulu in the morning and touch base with the Federal Police. Currently, the way we manage our reefs means there are several departments whose jurisdiction is involved, so I’ll contact each of them about developments here. And I should attempt to trace the supplier of a couple of the specialized component parts of that box you rescued while I’m there.”

She aimed a light kick at his shin which he avoided by grabbing her ankle. Pretty pink toe nails tipped bare, slim feet. He rubbed her instep. She gave a sexy little groan, and wriggled her other foot up for his attention. “Heaven!”

He grinned and obliged. “This would send me crazy. I can’t bear anyone touching my feet.” As a distraction, it was working very well.

“This is my new favorite form of massage. Actually, it feels quite sensuous.”

“Let me file that away for future reference. Seriously though, I’ll probably be away a couple of nights. You could stay with Lili. Her husband, Kevin, will be there at night. You shouldn’t be on your own.” He couldn’t voice his fear of anything else happening to her. Pressing his thumbs into the ball of her foot, he continued slowly massaging.

“And Lani said you can sleep there while I’m in Honolulu. She told me to tell you she’s got a spare bed in her room just waiting for you!”

“Great,” she mumbled, huskiness softening her voice. Her eyelids drooped.

“So you’ll stay with Lili?” He cradled her foot in his hand.

“Mmm.” Her head tipped onto her chest. She’d agreed, whether or not she remembered in the morning. Carefully, he carried her to the guest bedroom, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Softly, he stroked her cheek and then walked out, shutting the door quietly.

It had been a long and emotional couple of days. He would wait a little longer to tell her how he felt. After all, he’d been waiting for her all his life.

Tidying the kitchen, he considered how much he should tell Kevin and Lili. Whoever had attacked Amelie was still out there. Why had she been targeted? What did they suspect she knew? His gut churned. The attacker would almost certainly be monitoring his movements but he had to go to Honolulu. He had to trust Lili’s husband could keep Amelie safe.