Siren Rock (6 page)

She tapped him on the nose and giggled. “I said you’d be trouble.”

He lifted her on top of him. “So, my lovely siren, where do you perch? Where is your rock?”

“Right here, under me. You are my rock.”

He raised his brow. “Ah, so you will be the death of me.”

She kissed him and then braced herself to get up.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to my bed. And you are going to sleep.” She allowed her fingertips to slide out of his hand.

Case smiled. “You mean I wasn’t? I ‘m pretty sure I was just starting to dream.”

Larina giggled. “Well, for now, keep dreaming.”

She walked toward the door as she spoke. “I will see you in the morning.”

He blew her kiss. “Then I will fall asleep fast so the morning can come.”

She blew him a kiss as she turned out the light and closed the door.

Chapter 7

Case woke and ran his hands over his head. He sat up and then plopped right back down. He put his hand up over his eyes to shield them from the light that streamed in from the window. He glanced around the room and noticed there were no clocks.

Huh, this really is paradise
.

He reached for his pants and pulled his phone from the pocket to check the time.

Eleven a.m.

He sat on the edge of the bed as he put on his boots.

“Hey there, Bandit. Good morning, buddy. Hope I didn’t make you wait long.”

Case stood over the bed and pulled up the covers.

He then went into the adjoining bath, and as he caught his reflection in the mirror, he ran his fingers through his hair.

After opening the door, he walked down the hall with Bandit following. When he turned the corner, he saw that Larina was outside. Shielding his eyes again, he poured a cup of coffee, and they headed outside.

“Good morning.”

Larina turned to see him and smiled as she laid her book in her lap.

“Good morning.”

He said. “I don’t always look this good.”

“I think you’re sexy.”

He kissed her, and she handed him a plate from the coffee table. “Danish?”

He picked one up. “Mmmm. Where’s your father, still sleeping?”

“I think he went out right after sunrise.”

“Early riser. That’s what I should be, living on a ranch and all.”

She scrunched her hair. “You’re also a country star; you could be a lot later than this. It’s a nice compromise.”

“This is good.” He held up the Danish. “So today, go to the beach, after I go by the ranch?”

“I say we just go to the ranch.”

“Okay then.”

He reached for his second Danish. “Really good. So at the ranch, maybe ride Robust back to our river?”

“I’d love that.”

“How long has it been since you were on a horse?”

She teased. “That all depends. Do seahorses count?”

He chuckled. “Most definitely.”

Larina stood. “I’ll go get my things.”

Case glanced about the patio. “Where did the dogs go anyway?”

“They are over there by the pit.”

Case got up and walked over to them. “Hi, guys, ready for a car ride?”

Sunmoon and Bandit jumped up, tails wagging.

Larina returned, her arms held out. “Daddy took his conch shell. He only ever takes it to call mother. He told us we would lay low, and there is no reason for him to be out with it in the morning. What if he went out last night and hasn’t been home? I’m worried about him. What if someone followed him or saw something?”

Case pursed his lips. “Did he take his phone? Let me call it.”

Case pulled his phone out of his pocket and called Grant.

“It’s ringing.” Case exhaled slow breaths.

Larina ran her fingers through her hair.

“Grant, this is Case. We were worried; give us a call.” He hung up and stared at the phone and then rammed it into his pocket.

“Do you have any idea where he may have gone?”

“I don’t know what to do. He’s going to be furious if we search for him.”

Larina exhaled a deep breath. “What about his telescope? Do you think we would see anything?”

“Let’s try!”

Larina and Case made their way to the den. As they walked over to the large window, they were each startled when Case’s phone rang, and soon after he answered, they both heard, “Hello, Grant here.”

Case turned around. “Damn.” He hung up and walked toward Grant.

Larina went running over to him. “Daddy, we were so worried.”

“I’m sorry, dear; I thought I’d be back before you kids woke up.”

As Case plopped into a chair, Grant placed the conch shell back on the table.

“I hope I didn’t hold up any plans you may have.”

“Daddy, is everything okay?”

“Yes, everything’s fine. There is one thing, though, while you’re both here. When something happens to me, I want you to take my ashes out to the rock, to Siren Rock. Larina, your mother will know what to do from there.”

“Daddy?”

“No time soon, dear, just when.”

Larina hesitantly spoke. “Okay. Siren Rock is pretty big. Is there anywhere specific on the rock?”

Grant said, “Take Sunmoon. He’ll know.”

“Sunmoon? He’s met Mother?” Larina shook her head. “I don’t believe it.”

“Now I do think you kids should go out, have some fun, and spend some time alone.”

“If you’re sure everything’s okay. We were thinking of going to the ranch.”

“Yes, go.”

As they were leaving the room, Grant reached for Case’s shoulder as he passed.

“Take care of her.”

“Yes, sir, I will.”

“And Larina,” Grant called out. “No need to share everything with your dad.”

“Daddy, really.” Larina blushed as Grant gave Case a pat on the back.

* * * *

When they got to the ranch, Case and Larina fed Doe and Rae, and then went to the barn to prepare Robust and Sas.

“I’ll be right back.” Case said as he ran to the house.

Case returned with a basket and blanket. He lifted the basket up. “Yeah?”

“Yeah!”

Case laid the blanket over Sas then helped Larina mount before he mounted Robust. They rode off, as Sunmoon and Bandit quietly followed beside.

When they reached the river, Case helped Larina dismount. He pulled down the blanket and spread it on the grass and then placed the basket down. They lay across the blanket as Sunmoon and Bandit went to the edge of the river. Case pulled out a bottle of wine. He poured a glass and handed it to Larina. She took a sip as he poured his own. Placing the glass down, he brought out grapes and two sandwiches. Larina took a grape and fed it to Case.

He winked. “I feel like royalty.”

Larina sat up and pulled her legs in close as she wrapped her arms around them.

“I have a confession.”

“Did you just bat your eyelashes at me?”

“Yes.”

He laughed. “Okay this ought to be good. What’s your confession?”

“I went away like I did because I really felt I was making it hard for you to do ‘the right thing.’” As long as I stayed and we continued what we had started, Timmy would never have had a chance of his family being together. I thought maybe you and Annette really could make a go at it, at least maybe try.”

Case remained quiet, listening as he fidgeted with the stem of the grapes.

“I thought I might need to be alone forever with my curse, or ability. I don’t even know which. I felt I could never have a normal life, and I didn’t want to put you through all of that. I didn’t know if you would feel obligated to stay or, worse, if you might flee from me. So I made the move, and I made the decision for both of us. I’m sorry. I should’ve been honest with you a long time ago.”

Case pursed his lips together as he made eye contact with her.

“Case, I never stopped thinking of you. The truth is I look up your sites every day; I keep an eye on your show dates. I even read the gossip, just trying to get a glimpse inside your world.”

Case reached over and ran a finger through her hair. “Honey, you don’t know how happy that makes me.”

“There’s more. I didn’t just buy a few. I bought all your songs, and I love them and listen to them all the time. I remember everything about you, about us. I’ve seen your videos and have secretly hoped any girl in them is not involved with you. I have never stopped loving you. I never will.”

He kissed her and then brushed her hair away from her shoulder as he kissed her neck. He caressed her collarbone as she spoke.

“I’m a little embarrassed now.”

“Don’t be. You told me everything I’ve always hoped to hear.”

“You said you wrote songs about me. Which ones?”

“I did. The song, ‘Will you be mine?’ was the first one.”

Larina slid her finger across his lips. “I am yours. As it turns out, I’ve always been yours.”

Case tilted his head. “No, I mean really mine. My wife.”

She pressed her lips together. “I don’t recall you having asked me since the last time.”

Case raised his brows as he propped himself up. “Will you? Will you marry me?”

“Yes!”

She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close.

He spoke as he brushed the hair from her face. “Larina, you have just made me the happiest man, of any man, of all time.”

They fell into a passionate embrace. She unbuttoned a few buttons of his shirt and kissed his shoulder. He pulled her sweater up as he kissed her bare breast. He then lifted her body to meet his and held her close. She rolled over on top of him and began to unbutton his shirt farther; she kissed his chest, his waist, his stomach.

He rolled her over and un-did her pants, slowly unveiling her lower abdomen. He kissed her low and ran his hand across her body. He put a hand underneath her as he lifted her closer again. And then he gently laid her back on the blanket.

“I need to stop before I can’t. Wanna take this back to the house?”

“Definitely,” she whispered.

He then slowly buttoned her clothes before pulling her up with him as he stood. He led her to Sas and helped her mount once again. He kissed her hand as she straddled the horse.

He whistled to Sunmoon and Bandit, who came running. He mounted Robust and they slowly rode back to the barn.

At the house, Case let the dogs in and then picked Larina up and carried her across the threshold. He kicked the door closed behind them and proceeded up the staircase. He laid Larina on his bed as he sat on the edge. He removed his boot, never taking his eyes off Larina. He stood, and as he leaned toward her, only his fingertips braced him. She reached for him, and he lowered himself to her.

He bit his lip. “I just had a crazy idea. I can’t believe I’m even going to say this, with everything I’ve waited for, everything I want, right in front of me. But…I’m thinking maybe we should wait now, until after we’re married?”

Larina’s lips parted. “I hope you have clergyman, a justice of the peace, or the captain of a ship hiding in that closet then.”

He smiled. “I don’t need a clergyman. My prayers have been answered.”

And they fell into a passionate embrace.              

Chapter 8

Case had arrived at the fair and was preparing for his set. He did the sound check and conversed with his band while they went through the song sequence one final time. His son, Timmy, sat on a stool and watched his father work. Case was pleased that, of all the shows he has done, this is the one his son would accompany him on. It was the perfect venue, with amusement rides and games. The entertainment was family oriented.

Timmy sat quietly, fascinated with all the wires, the lights, and the musical instruments. Case got the call from Larina that she and Grant had arrived. They had made their way to the stage and had gotten as close as they could without a security badge.

He met them and brought them behind the stage. He lifted Timmy off the stool and took him over to meet them. Timmy stood beside his father, a little blond boy in a red-checked shirt and blue jeans. He was a small version of his dad with his deep brown eyes, a wide jaw, and an engaging smile. The only exceptions were his blond hair, which he wore parted on the left, and Timmy had dimples on both cheeks.

“Timmy, this is Mr. Bixby and Larina.”

Grant held his hand out to shake Timmy’s.

“Nice to meet you, Timmy.”

“Hello, sir.” Timmy shook his hand.

Larina smiled. “Hi, Timmy, nice to finally meet you.”

Timmy shook her hand and said, “It’s nice to meet you. Are you in storybooks? A princess?”

“I don’t think so.”

Case put his hand on Timmy’s shoulder and said, “I see why you’d ask that. She stands before us, with a body of delicate strength, in a sweater revealing a single shoulder. Her soft hair frames the most beautiful face in the world. It flows around her graceful neck. Heavenly eyes of emerald that just twinkle with life. She is lovelier than any gem known to man. You’re right Timmy, she’s definitely a princess.” He winked at Larina.

Grant turned to Timmy and said, “I think he likes her.”

This made Timmy giggle and Case laugh.

Timmy asked Larina. “I think I’ve seen you with daddy’s horse?”

“Your daddy’s horse?” she asked.

Case shrugged sheepishly “He’s seen my photos of you; they’re my screen saver.”

She blushed. “Oh I see.”

Case knelt in front of Timmy. “You’re going to sit with Larina and Mr. Bixby while I play my songs. Then I’ll quickly join you, all right?”

Timmy agreed and then asked, “Maybe then we can go on some rides?”

Grant said, “That’s exactly what I was thinking, Timmy.”

Timmy threw his arms up. “Oh boy!”

Case mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

Case said. “Okay, I’ll see you guys soon; you know where your seats are. Cheer me on.”

He walked away, and the three made their way to their seats.

As the show began, Case was introduced. When he walked on stage, he was greeted with applause, as well as a few screams, from a predominately female audience.

He bowed his head and did a short segment on the harmonica. He then strummed his guitar and went on to perform some of his best-loved material. As he finished his set, he received a standing ovation. He and the band left the stage to several more catcalls.

Case quickly packed up his equipment and loaded it into his truck. He changed his shirt and put on a ball cap and sunglasses to blend with the crowd. He walked over to join them at their seats, so everyone could stay and enjoy the reminder of the show.

The next act was to be a group who had taught various sizes of dogs to perform acrobatics and dance to music. It would be followed by a magician.

As that show began, Case whispered to Larina, “I didn’t want to have to follow this act.”

Larina held his hand tight and placed her head on his shoulder.

After the stage show, the four of them walked around the fairgrounds. They went on most of the rides, switching up partners each time. Grant opted out of the rides that twirled, leaving Case and Timmy to ride those alone.

At the Ferris wheel, Case maneuvered a seat with Larina. As the wheel went higher, Larina tilted her head toward the sky.

“I’ve never felt closer to heaven.”

Case squeezed her hand. “I have.”

She moved in even closer to him until the cage started to move, and then she sat still.

She spoke nervously. “Not that I want to get any closer today. That was scary.”

Case started to rock the cage, and Larina smacked his knee. “Stop that.”

They were all getting to know more about each other than ever before. They tried their hand at several of the arcades. Timmy managed to win a plush seahorse, after exhausting an entire stack of tickets. They tasted samples from local restaurants, though decided on hamburgers, hotdogs, and fries. They finished their meal with a caramel candy apple. It was soon time to go back home. Case and Timmy would head back to the ranch. Larina and Grant would go back to the house.

As Larina bent down to address Timmy, she said, “It was so nice to spend the day with you, Timmy; I hope we see you again soon.”

“I had fun. Wish I didn’t have to go. Wish I could stay at Daddy’s.”

Case pulled him in close. “We still have all next week; it’ll be our week again. Having today was just an extra treat.”

Case gave Larina a kiss on the cheek. “See you tomorrow.”

He shook Grant’s hand. “Thanks for coming. It meant a lot to me.”

Case situated Timmy in his car seat, and he himself climbed into the truck. They waved as they drove off.

Grant put his arm around Larina’s shoulder.

“That is a very well-behaved boy.”

“He really is. He’s adorable.”

Grant noticed an arcade game ahead. “Try our luck, one last time?”

“Sure.”

Grant and Larina positioned themselves to shoot at the Loch Ness monster.

Larina crinkled her nose. “It somehow doesn’t feel right shooting at this, does it?”

“With that mindset, I am sure to win.” Grant smiled.

Larina threw her hands up. “I got him.”

“Well done, what’s the prize?”

Larina selected a plush seagull, and when the attendant handed it to her; she kissed her symbol of good omen.

* * * *

As Case approached the gate to his driveway at the ranch, he was taken back by a blue glow. As he got closer, the bright blue light of the police car was all he could see. He felt his heart pound against the wall of his chest. He was sure he heard it thump with each beat, sure it would wake Timmy. He dimmed the lights of his truck as he took a deep breath. He glanced behind his right shoulder, where Timmy sat fast asleep. He lowered his window as the officer approached.

“Mr. Wade? Case Wade?” the officer asked

“Yes, I’m Case Wade. What’s wrong, Officer?”

The officer tilted his head. “Yes. I recognize you. Good evening, sir. I need to talk to you. I wonder if we might go up to the house.”

“Sure, of course.”

Case buzzed them in and they drove up to the house. When he got out of the car, Case scratched his head as he walked toward the officer, who now stood under the porch light. Case glanced to his left at the cruiser parked a few feet away, where he noticed another officer sat quietly.

Case pointed behind his back. “My son is asleep in the truck. I need to get him. Was there another break-in? Did something happen to one of the animals?”

“No, not that has been reported. Let your son sleep. We can talk here. It won’t take long. I have only a few questions.”

“Sure, okay.”

The officer motioned to the porch steps. “Mr. Wade, you may want to sit down.”

Case sat down and planted his feet firmly on the ground, resting his elbows on his knees.

The officer spoke. “We found the body of a Miss Annette Sprigs today, an apparent drowning.”

Case‘s mouth dropped as he lurched to his feet. “What!”

“It would appear to be a boat accident. Sir, I do need to ask. Where were you today?”

Case shook his head before speaking. “I just came back from a county fair. It was in Fort Lauderdale. I was there all day with my son, until just now.”

“I imagine, just for the sake of clarity and crossing ones T’s, someone can vouch for that?”

Case ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah, sure, lots of people. I had a show. I was in front of an entire audience.”

“Your son… Miss Sprigs was his mother?”

“Yes, she is.” Case brushed his hands over his head. “Was. Is. Yes.” He looked intently at the officer as he said, “Are you sure it was her?”

“Yes, sir. Her parents came and identified her. Do you always have your son? Does he live with you?”

Case rubbed the back of his neck. “No. I have shared custody with his mother… or I did.” Case squinted. “Do you think I had something to do with this?”

“I just need to ask some questions.”

Case rubbed his forehead. “Yeah, sure, I understand.”

The officer closed a note pad. “Everything you told me matches what we have.”

The officer handed Case an envelope. “This is our preliminary finding, along with a probable cause of death.”

Case reached for the envelope. He held it and just stared at it.

The officer said, “It’s mostly all there. She was in a small motorboat. It seems she may have hit her head on a rock. There were four teenagers who saw it and reported the mishap. The report is she reached for something, though the witnesses said it looked more as if something reached for her. I won’t even say what they thought they saw.”

“What do they think they saw?”

“You know the imagination of folks who come to these parts and with the town name of Siren Rock… Let’s just say these kids were inebriated.”

Case sat on the step again and began tapping the envelope against his other hand.

The officer reached his hand out. Case stood but felt unsteady on his feet.

The officer shook his hand. “I’m sorry to have been the one to have to inform you. I’m sorry for your lost, for both you and your son. We’ll be in touch if there is anything else. Goodnight, sir.”

The officer walked toward his car and then turned around. “One more thing, in your copy, the witnesses are referred to simply as that. The names are blackened out, as they are underage.”

Case exhaled a deep breath. “Thank you.”

The officer got in the cruiser, and Case stood frozen as they drove away. When the vehicle was no longer in sight, Case tilted his head toward the sky and then covered his eyes with his hands.

I can’t believe this. What am I going to tell Timmy?

He placed his palms against his temples and stared at the ground. He shook his head and then walked over to his truck and opened the back door to unfasten Timmy from his seat. Timmy was still asleep, and Case carried him to the house. As he opened the door, Bandit greeted them.

Case whispered, “Hey, buddy, I’m sorry we’re so late.”

Case carried Timmy upstairs to his room and placed him on his bed.

“Daddy, why were police here?” he asked as he rubbed his eyes

Case sat next to him.

Tell him it’s a dream. Tell him it’s a dream.

“
They had to tell us some really bad news.”

Timmy rubbed his eyes again and propped himself up on his elbows.

Case rubbed Timmy’s knee as he spoke. “Your mom had an accident. Not our kind of accidents, but a really bad one. She can’t be with us anymore. She loved you, and would want to be with you, but she can’t be. She died, Timmy. I’m so sorry.”

Timmy’s eyes watered, and then he started to cry. Case held his head against his chest. After a few minutes, Timmy sat up and asked, “Do you mean like Sudsy? Mom said that was an accident.”

An accident. I can’t believe how careless and irresponsible she was. I should have known that wasn’t right. I think she killed Sudsy.

Case nodded. “Yes, just like Sudsy.”

Only this time it was her.

Case brushed his hand through Timmy’s hair. “It will be okay. We will live here together, and I will be with you until we are both very old men.”

“Daddy?”

“Yeah?”

“Is Mom happy now? Will she be nicer now?”

Case blinked his own tears away as he pressed his lips together.

“Yes I believe so.”

He patted Timmy’s knee again.

“Do you need to go to the bathroom?”

Timmy said, “Yeah.”

Case took him to the bathroom and helped him to brush his teeth. When they returned to the room, Timmy got into his pajamas. Case helped him back in bed and started to pull the covers up.

“Will you sleep here tonight?” Timmy asked

Case kissed him on the forehead. “I was thinking the very same thing.”

They shared a weak smile, and then Timmy got wide-eyed.