SUAMALIEISLANDSYEARTWOBOOKONE
AMANDA TRU
Copyright©2024byAmandaTru
Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview
Idon’t want to be here ThethoughtknockedinsistentlyinFaith’smind.
She ignored it, justas she’d done everyother minute since luggingher suitcase outthe frontdoor ofher Oregon apartment,boundforanobscureislandinthemiddleoftheSouthPacific.Dutifully,sheraisedherhandtothedoorin frontofher,hopingthesoundofher fistagainstthehardwoodensurfacewoulddrownoutthenaggingwhisper shecouldn’t shake.
Butherhandhesitated,herbreathcatchingasshefoughttheurgetoturnaroundandretreatdownthedecorativestonepath towhereherrentalcareagerlywaitedforhertojumpbackinanddrivepastthejaw-droppingviewsoftheoceanshe’dpassed onherwayhere.TodrivethroughthelittleislandvillageofSoirée,overthemilesofislandparadise,andtotheairportinBon Matin,whereshecouldgetbackonanairplaneforthefirstflightofftheSuamalieIslands Backtowhereshecoulddisappear toherquiet,solitarylife,freeofobligation.
However,insteadofdoingwhatshewanted,shesether jaw andknocked,her fistagainstthedoor onlyaccomplishinga fewfeebletaps.Farlouderandmoreinsistentwerethethoughtsdemandingthatsheturnaroundandperformading-dong-ditch thatwouldmakeapre-teenproud
Butshewasn’therebychoice.Shewaskeepingapromise.
Determinedly,sheraisedherhandandtriedagain,thistimeknockingfirmly,thesoundechoinginsidethebeachhouse. Shewaited
Stillnoresponse.Thesoundofthewavesonthebeachpurredlouderthananysoundfromtheothersideofthedoor. Nowshewasgettingirritated Sheknewhewasthere
If he didn’t answer, maybe that meant something was wrong. And if something was wrong, didn’t that mean she was supposedtohelp?Andifshewassupposedtohelp,howwasshetodothat?Shouldshecall911?Butshewasn’tinthestates Didtheyevenhave911?Shescannedtheadorableexterior.ThestyleofthehouseechoedatraditionalSuamaliebeachhouse, butitwas a high-class version, clearlyequipped withall modernamenities. Unfortunately, thatmeantthatthe buildingwas secureandwouldn’tofferaccesspointsotherthanthefrontdoor Breakingandenteringwasn’therforte,andsincethiswasa beautifulnewbeachhouse,itwouldbeashametobreakawindow.
She knocked again, this time incessantly She’d come all this way Ifshe could getup the courage to knock, he’d better answerandnotmakeherdealwithsomethingbeingwrong!
Thistime,herfistagainstthedoordidn’tstop.Shekeptknocking.Glancingatherwatch,shesawthetimetickpasttheone, thenthetwo-minutemark.
Fiveminuteswasn’ttoomuch,right?Ifsheknockedforfiveminutesandhedidn’trespond,she’dcomeupwithadifferent plan The backof her mind tickled withthe realizationthat she’d walked up to the door not wantingto knockat all Mere minuteslater,shewaspoundingonthedoorinasteady,unendingrhythm.
Faith’sfistwasmid-knockwhenthedoorsuddenlyjerkedinward “What!”anangryvoiceyelled.
She’dbeenpoundingwithsuchforcethatthesuddenabsenceofthedoortocatchherfistthrewheroffbalance.Stumbling forward,herfootcaughtonsomething,andshetwisted,fallingdirectlyintothelapofamaninawheelchair.
“I-I’msosorry!”shegasped,instinctivelygulpingadeepbreathandimmediatelyregrettingit.Shegagged,findingtheair lacedwithfoulbodyodoremanatingfromthedisgruntledcushionthathadbrokenherfall
Shelookedupinshockandhumiliationtoseeanunkempt,grungymanlookingatherwithseethinganger.Hishairwaslong andtangled,hisbeardwasfullandsnarly,andhissmellturnedherstomach
Witharmsandlegsflailing,shescrambledoffhislap,kneeingandelbowinghiminmultiplebodypartsinherhaste.She gotherfeetunderherandstood.Shebrushedherlongblondehairbackandstraightenedhershoulders,tryingtoscroungeup anyremainingdignity
“Hi,SergeantSundquist.I’mFaithMarlowe,yournew specialtyin-homehealthnurse.Themilitaryassignedmetoassist withyourrecovery Iwastoldyouwerenotifiedtoexpectme”
“So,you’refromthemilitaryandheretohelp?”themangrowled,lookingupatherwithnarrowedeyes.
Faithnodded “Exactly”
“Nothankyou.Scariestphraseever.Military akathegovernment isneverheretojusthelp.” Faithshookherheadinconfusion.“Butyou aremilitary.”
“Was,”Sundquistclarified “Theypaidfor this place That’s all Ineed ItoldthemthesamethingwhenIlefttheStates Leavemealone.”
Faithcouldn’t help but stare at the maninshock He was a pitiful specimenof humanity He sat withhis backramrod straightagainstthewheelchair,hismilitarytrainingevidentinhisposture.Butthefootrestsonthechairwereunused.Insteadof legs,GideonSundquisthadstumpsthatendedabovetheknee
He was obviously in a sorry state. He needed help. Faith had been trained how to help him given his unusual circumstances.Hemustnotunderstandwhatshewasheretodo.
“SergeantSundquist,afteryourpreparatoryprostheticlegsarrive,I’llprovidedatabacktotheStates,andthey’llconstruct yournewcustomlegswhilewecontinueyourphysicaltherapy.Beforelong,youwillhavenoneedforthatchairandbeableto continueyourlifequitenormally”Shefinishedherspeechbrightly,fullyexpectingittomakeadifferenceinhisdemeanor
But the scowl under his bushy beard appeared encased in cement. “I left normal a while ago and have no intention of returning.Idon’twantanyofit.”Sundquistmovedbackwardandmovedtoshutthedoor.
Faithpushedherhandonthedoor,preventingitfromshutting.“I’msupposedtohelpyou!”sheprotested. “I.Don’t.Want.Help.”Sundquistseethed.
And that’s when something in Faith changed She was done being nice She had a job to do, and a gross, stinky man wouldn’tpreventherfromaccomplishinghermissionandclearingherconscience. Resolutely,shefoldedherarmsacrossherfront “I’mnotleaving”
Thedoorslammedinherface.
Unfazed,Faithleanedhershoulderagainstitandcasuallyexaminedhernails.“Wouldyouprefermoreincessantknocking orsongs?IalwayswantedtoauditionforBroadway.”
Awindowopened.
Withgreatgusto,FaithbeganbeltingoutthethemesongfromOklahoma Somethinglandedinherhair.
Was it a bug?
Somethinghitherbarelegbelowherskirt.
What was that?
Sheturnedtowardthewindowtoinvestigateonlytobepeltedwithadozenlittlewhiteballsthatflewthroughtheairand plasteredherface,hair,anddress.
Spit wads!Butnotjustanyspitwads Machinegunspitwads!
“Youmonster!” Faithshrieked,puttingher arms up defensivelyas another volleycame her way. She turned and sprinted downthepathwaybacktohercar
Themonster’svoicecalledafterher,“ThebestwaytogetspitwadsoffistoJUMPOFFACLIFF!”
FaithhoppedinherToyotaCamryrentalcarandspungravelassheleftthebeachhouse.Then,shedidexactlywhatshe’d wanted to do before she evenknocked She gotto the mainroad and turned left She hurried pastthe gorgeous oceanviews intermixedwithtropical jungle.ShewentstraightthroughthelittletownofSoirée,notevenpausingtonoticethecuteshops withfreshpaint She drove five kilometers over the speed limitalongthe longstretchofroad followingthe shore until she reachedtheoutskirtsofBonMatin.Thenshewentdirectlytotheairport.Sheparkedandattemptedtousethevisormirrorto painstakinglyremoveeveryremainingwhitewadstucktoherdressandhair
Tearswelledinhereyes.Thiswasn’thow itwassupposedtobe.Shewasherefortherightreasons.Shedidn’tdeserve this.
Shereturnedtherentalcarkeystothekioskeventhougharrangementshadalreadybeenmadeforitsextendeduse Thenshe marchedintotheairportanduptoasingleticketcounterthatlookedlikeastiffbreezewouldblowitover.
“Whenisthenextflight?”Faithaskedthewomanbehindthecounter “Ineedtobeonit”
“Let’ssee…”thewomanrepliedthoughtfully,actingasiftherewereamyriadofflightstosortthrough.
This was a tinyairport. Faithalreadyknew that onlyone airplane flew out of here and there were approximatelytwo flightsaday.
“IcangetyoutoLuamuathedayaftertomorrow.Butthenyou’llneedtobookyourfinaldestinationeitheronlineorwhen
yougettotheairport.”
“Thedayaftertomorrow?”Faithasked,aghast.“Isn’tthereanotherflightouttoday?Whatabouttheflightstomorrow?”
“All flights have leftfor today, and the airportis closed tomorrow We are expectinga large storm, so we’re closingin anticipation.I’msorry.Oursoonestflightisthedayaftertomorrow.”
Faithshuther eyes andmoaned Whatwas she goingtodofor the nexttwodays? It’s notlike she couldcampoutatthe airport.
Her car!Ifshecouldn’tgetaflight,sheneededhercarback!
Panicked, she turned and ranout the wide front airport doors, completelyforgettingthat she’d not yet reserved a plane ticket.
Sherantothesamesmallkioskshe’djustleft “Ineedmyrentalback,”shetoldtheattendant “Sorry,Ijustrentedittosomeoneelse,”hereplieddismissively.
How was thatpossible? She’d justturned itinfive minutes ago!“Butthe agreementwas for anextended rental,” Faith insisted,workingtokeephertonepatient.“Thatwasmycar.”
Themanshrugged “Youreturnedit”
Heturnedawayfromherandtossedkeystoanotherman.
“Thanks,Ronnie!”theothermancalled.“Ioweyouafavor.”
“Noproblem,”RonniecalledbackashisfriendhoppedinFaith’sToyotaCamryanddroveoff
“Butthatwasmycar!”Faithprotested.“YoujustgavehimthecarIholdacontractfor.”Thenanawfulthoughtgrippedher. “DidIjustfundthatman’scarrental?DidIpayforthecarhejustdroveoffinatnocharge?”
Ronnieshrugged,“Iguessyoushouldreadthecontractnexttime.”
Faithopened her purse and pulled out the duplexcopyof a fine-print document. “I have mycontract right here. If you recall,youwerepaidforatermofonemonth,duringwhichtimeyourfirmwouldsupplymewithavehicle.Ireturnedacar, butthetermisstillactive.Meaningyouarestillrequiredtoprovidemewithacar.”
Ronnieshrugged “That’snothowIreadit”
“Shouldweseehowmylawyerreadsit?”Shepulledherphoneoutofherpurse.“Mybrotherisalawyer.Actually,he’s currentlyonstafffortheSecretaryofStateintheUnitedStates I’msurehecanfindoutformehowthecontractshouldapply hereintheSuamalieIslands.”
Ronnie’seyesgrewwide,andhepaledslightly.
Faithlookedhimintheeyeandsaidsternly,“Ineedacar,Ronnie.Youeithercallyourfriendandhavehimbringthecar back,oryougetmeadifferentone.”
Ronnieputhishandsonhishipsandturnedafullcircle,lookingaroundtheemptylot
Thiswasnotachainrentalcarcompany.Itwasjustsomeguyswhorentedoutafewvehiclesinapartoftheworldmost peopleneverknewexisted Itwasn’tliketherewasahuge,orany,selection
“I’llgiveyoutheBug,”hesaidfinally,pointingacrossthelottoadilapidated,orangeVolkswagenBeetle. Faithhurriedtofollowhimacrossthelot.“Doesitrun?”
“Oh,sure!Mostreliablecaronthelot!”Ronnieassured
Hewaslying.Faithknewit,butshedidn’thaveachoice.“Whenyourfriendgetsbackfromhisjoyride,IwantmyCamry back Thatis,ifI’mstillheretomorrow”
“You’llbehere,”Ronnieassured.“ButIwon’t.Airportisclosedtomorrow.SoonestyoucanhavetheCamryisdayafter tomorrow”
“Istherenootherwaytogetoffthisisland?”Faithgroaneddesperately.
Ronnie’s mouthscrunched inthought. “Notreally. Imean, people have private boats to travel betweenislands, butthey don’ttakepukers IsupposeyoucouldcheckdowninSoiréeatDundee’sAdventures ButDundeeisusuallybookedwithtours andwon’triskastorm.”
Faithhadalreadylearnedthat“pukers”wastheislandtermfor tourists Dundee’sAdventuressoundedlikeapossibility Maybeshecouldhitcharideofftheislandbeforethestormhit.
She held her hand out for the keys Hopefullythe orange Bugwould get her backdownto Soirée At least Ronnie had providedthetiponDundee’sAdventures.Butshestillcouldn’tmanageathankyou.
“Don’trentthe Camryoutagainuntil I’moffthe island and call youfromthe States, okay?” She couldn’timagine being here past the two-day mark, but fifteen minutes ago, she couldn’t imagine heading back the way she’d come in an orange VolkswagenBugstraightoutofthe1970s.
Thecarstartedlikethegrumblesofacrankyoldman,buttheenginefinallyturnedoverandstarted Thesmellofgasoline filledthe car.WithbothFaithandthe car engine wheezingandgagging,she drove outofthe parkinglotandturnedbackthe wayshe’djustcome.ShedrovepasttheoutskirtsofBonMatin,notingtheupscale,beachfronthomes.Lotsofbeautifulcoast layunoccupiedbetweenBonMatinandSoiree,withonlytheoccasionalsmallbungalowpeekingoutoftheterrain.
She entered the small townand wandered througha few streets, wonderinghow to locate Dundee’s Adventures. Soirée
wasmuchlesstouristythanBonMatin.Ithadaquaintcharmtothedilapidatedbuildings,andtherehadobviouslybeenrecent effortstoupdatewhilestill maintainingtheculture.Faithlikedit,andunderdifferentcircumstances,exploringwouldbefun. Butthiswasn’tavacation Sheshouldhavenevercome Sheshouldhavefoundadifferentwaytofulfillherpromise Acard Sheshouldhavesentacardinsteadofcomingherself.
Shefinallyfoundherwaydowntotheharborarea AsignoveradockannouncedthelocationofDundee’sAdventures She parkedinthelargelotandhoppedout.Gravelcrunchedbeneathhersandalsassheapproached.Shescannedthearea,takingin a small office,beyondwhichwas a marina Alongwoodendockstretchedoutfromthe sign Other woodendocks extended fromthemaindock,andboatstiedtotheminneatrows.Asmallboathousedockedatonecornerofthebay.Aboveitall,an impressivecliffformedthebackgroundtotheturquoiseblueofthebayanditsoccupants.
Faithstopped at the little office shackat the entrance to the dock Asmall “open” signwas posted inthe window, but nobodywasatthewindow.Sheknockedatthedoor,butnosoundcamefromtheunoccupiedbuilding.
Shescannedtheareathoughtfully,lookingforsignsoflife Butallshedetectedwasthegentlelappingofthewavesagainst theshoreandthecreakingofboatsswayingintheirberths.Theangleofthesunofficiallyannouncedevening,andtheharbor alreadyseemedlikeithadbeendesertedfortheday
Faithsteppedontothedock,herfootfallssoundinghollow asshewalkedthelengthofit.Shepeereddowneachrow she passed,seeingnothingbutsleepingboats.Shewalkedtotheendofthedock.Theboatslaybehindher,andthebaymeetingthe oceanlayinfrontofher Thesunwasalreadybeginningitseveningartistry,tingingtheblueskywithsoftpinkandthefeathery cloudsinhuesofpurple.
Withnowhereelsetogo,shesatontheendofthewoodenplankfacingtheocean,herfeetdanglingbelow Whatwasshesupposedtodonow?
Shepulledoutherphone.Toherrelief,shehadcoverage.Scrollingthroughhermessages,shefoundatextfromherfriend, Jennifer,askingifshe’dmadeittoOliOli.
Jennifer. Maybeshecouldhelp.Jenniferhadbeentheonetogetherinthissituation;maybeshecouldgetherout.
Well,Faithhadtoadmitthatwasn’ttechnicallytrue Jenniferworkedforthemilitary Faithhadcontactedherfriendtohelp herfulfillherpromise.Likeanexpertdetective,JenniferhadlocatedinformationandpulledstringsthatwouldallowFaithto fillthepositionofGideonSundquist’snurse
Faithhadn’twantedtouprootherlife,butitwasjustatemporaryposition.Jenniferhadgonetosomuchwork,andFaith couldn’trefuseanopportunitythatwouldallowhertofulfillherpromise.Sometimesyouhavetodothingsyoudon’twantto do,justtogetthemdone.She’dtoldherselfthatinapproximatelyonemonth,sheshouldbeabletoreturntoherlife,obligation free.Butshehadn’texpectedthatherpatientwasamonster.Norhadsheconsideredbeingassaultedbymachinegunspitwads.
Shetouchedthenameonher phoneandheldthedeviceuptoher ear Theringingsaidthecall hadgonethrough,butthe sounddidn’tendwithJennifer’svoice.Instead,thecallwenttovoicemail.
“Hi,Jennifer ThisisFaith Thisisn’tworking SergeantSundquistisawful He’sbeyondhelp Itried,buthewantsnothing frommeor themilitary.Heshotspitwadsatme!I’mdone.Ineedaflightoutofhere,butI’mhavingtroublebookingone.I wanttogohome.Callme.”
Shehungupandslidherphonebackintothesafetyofherpurse
Shesighedandclosedhereyes,focusingontheslightoceanbreezecaressingherface.
Lord, what do I do? I thought I was doing what You wanted Did I screw up somewhere? None of this was supposed to happen!
Butthis wasn’tthe firstthingthatwasn’tsupposed to happen Ifeverythinghad happened the wayitshould, her brother wouldbealive,andshewouldn’tbehere.
Shetookdeepbreathsoftheoceanair,andsomehow,thesoothingsoundofthewavesletherdriftbacktomemoriesthat painusuallykeptaway
Thedockandoceanreceded,andshewasinasterilehospitalroom,herheartbreakingasshelookeddownatherheavily bandagedbrotherlyinglifelessinbed
“Hey,Will,” Faithspoke softly,tryingtokeepthe shockandgrieffromher voice.She’dmade itintime,butbarely.His organswereshuttingdown Thedoctorssaiditwouldn’tbelongnow Buthowdidyousaygoodbyetoyourbrother?
“Faith.”
Hernamewasbarelyaudible,butitwasthere.Herecognizedher.
“Yes,I’mhere Theytell me you’re goingtobeatmetoHeaven” Faithwasn’twillingtolie tohim They’dalways told eachother the truth, however hard itwas. He needed to know thatthis was a see-you-later conversation, and thatlater was Heaven
Theonlyrecognizablefeatureofthefigurebeforeherwashiseyes.Bandagescoveredmostofhisfaceandbody.Butshe knewtheeyes.Shereadfearandacceptanceastheyfocusedonherintently.
Shedidn’tknowhowmuchherememberedorifheknewwhathadhappenedandwhyhewashere.Theytoldherhe’dbeen heavilysedatedsincehisarrival.They’dbeentryingtokeephimhereuntil shearrivedtosaygoodbye.Whenshe’darrived,
they’dloweredthesedationsoshecouldtalktohim.Buthisorgansweredamagedbeyondrepair.Hewasn’texpectedtolive morethanacoupleofhoursnow.
“Nohouse,”hewhispered
Shesmiledsadly,tearsescapingthecornersofher eyes.Will hadalwaysdreamedofbuyingthemahouse.He’dalways triedtotakecareofher
“YoucanhelptheLordbuildusahouseinheaven,”shetoldhimsoftly.“Makeitabeachhouse.”
Hislipspartedagain,andshereadtheword,“Pray”
Shenoddedandstruggledtopushthesobsaway.Shecouldn’tansweranyquestionsabouthowhegothereorwhyhewas dying.Willwasn’tsupposedtobeincombat.HeworkedadeskjobforHomelandSecurity.Shedidn’tknowthecircumstances thathadlandedhiminthemilitaryhospitalinGermany
Butshecouldpray.
One ofhis hands laybandage-free onthe white sheet She reached downand gentlytookitinhers Thenshe closed her eyesandprayed, “Dear Lord, it sounds like my Will is going to get to meet You very soon. I’m sad he gets to move to the head of the line, and I don’t understand why or how this happened Please comfort him and me Will has struggled, Lord, but he was the one who walked me to church every Sunday when I was little. Thank you for giving him to me as my brother and for the way he’s always cared for and watched over me. Please remind him of his faith now. Remind him that You forgave his sins long ago when he trusted Jesus as his savior Give him the hope and assurance of knowing that he belongs to You. Ease the pain and replace it with peace. When he shuts his eyes on earth, please let him open them in Heaven in Your arms ”
Analmostimperceptiblesqueezepunctuatedher“Amen.”
Sheopenedhereyestoseehimstaringatherintently.Hewantedsomething. Shebentdownoverhimtohearmoreclearly.
“Where’sSunny?”thewhispercamedesperatelyandurgently.
Faithshookherhead WhowasSunny?She’dreceivedtheshockofherlifewhenshegotthecallthatsheneededtoboard a plane overseas right away to say goodbye to her brother. They’d provided no information to her about how this had happened She’d simply been ushered into this room, provided minimal details about his condition, and instructed to say goodbye.
“I’msorry,Will.Idon’tknow whoSunnyis.Theyhaven’ttoldmeanything.Idon’tknow whathappenedorhow yougot here.”WasSunnyhisgirlfriend?Faithhadtalkedtohimlastweek,andhehadn’tmentionedanyonenamedSunny.Ifhehada girlfriend,wouldn’thehavetoldher?
Unsatisfiedwithheranswer,heliftedhimselfup,hisgazemoreurgentashebecamemoreagitated Faith’seyesflew wide,surprisedathisstrength.Hewasdying.Heshouldn’tbeabletolifthimself.Alarmed,shegently triedtopushhimbackdown Ifhegrewtooagitated,theywouldsedatehimagain,andshewouldn’tgettosaygoodbye “It’sokay,Will.I’llfindSunny.Don’tworry,”sheassured. Anotherlightsqueezeonherhand.“Helphim,Faith.HelpSunny.Promise?” AtleastshenowknewthatSunnywasahe Faitheagerlynodded.“I’llfindhimandhelphim,Will.Ipromise.” Heleanedbackagainstthebedwithasighofrelief “Promise?”hewhisperedagain “Ipromise,”sheassuredagain.“YouknowIkeepmyword,Will.Justrest.I’lltakecareofit.”
Heclosedhiseyes,onelastwhisperfeatheringthroughhislips “Loveyou” Tearsgatheredinhereyes.“Iloveyou,too,Will.Thankyouforalwaysbeingmyhero.”Sheliftedhishandandplaceda gentlekissonit.
Shesatholdinghishandashisbreathingslowlylengthened Asanurse,Faithhadsatatdeathbedsbefore,andsheknew whenthetimegotclose.Onceagain,shebeganprayingoutloud,wantingherprayerstousherhimintoHeaven. He tookhis lastbreath Faithbreathed outwithhim ThenFaithbreathed in, buthe did not The heartmonitor flatlined Faithshuthereyes,imaginingherbrother’sfirstbreathofHeaven.Anursecamebehindherandquietlybeganshuttingoffthe machines
Faithstood,bentdown,andplacedonelastkissonWill’sforehead.She’dsaidgoodbye,butthisimagewasnotoneshe intendedtokeep.Instead,shewouldrememberthelittleboywho’dprotectedherandwalkedtochurchwithher.
Asense of purpose filled her heart as she turned to leave the room She needed to find someone named Sunny Faith intendedtokeepherpromise.
Astrange buzzingsoundcoaxedher eyes openagain,andshe foundherselfstill sittingonthe dock,unsure whator whoshe waswaitingfor ShewashereonOliOlitofulfillherpromise,andnowshewishedshe’dnevercome
She lookedtowardthe cliff,movementcatchingher eye.Asmall objectroundedthe shoreline andspedtowardher.The buzzinggrewlouder,andFaithsoonrecognizedajetski.
Itcamedirectlytowardher,andFaitheventuallysawthatawomanwasthesinglerideratopit Faithremainedseated,and thewomansteeredrighttotheendofthedockbesideher.ShehoppedoffandtiedthejetskitothedockwhileFaithwatched curiously
Thewomanwastallandworeawetsuitwithlongsleevesandshorts.Herwildredhairwastiedbehindher.Sheturnedto Faithwithawidegrinunderhighcheekbonesdottedwithfreckles Shepulledoffapairofsunglassestorevealstartlingblue eyes.
“Hi,”shegreeted.“CanIhelpyou?”
Faithhurriedtostandup “Doyouknowwhentheownerwillreturn?I’mlookingforDundee”
Thewomancheckedherwatch.“Dundeereturnedaboutthirtysecondsago.”
Faithblinked “You?You’reDundee?”
“Suream,”thewomangrinned.Sheheldoutherhand.“DrewDunagan.Dundeeforshort.Thisismyplace.”
Faithstartledbutrecoveredquickly,acceptingherofferedhandtoshake “Hi I’mFaithMarlowe I’mhopingtogetaride toLuamua.Ineedtocatchaflighthome.”
Dundeelookedathershrewdly.“Noflightsouttoday,andtheairportisclosedtomorrow,right?” “Right,”Faithadmitted
“What’sthehurry?”Dundeeasked.“Doyouhaveanemergencyyouneedtogetbackto?”
Faithfeltatwingeofguilt “No,notexactly Noemergency It’sjustthereasonIcamedidn’tworkout Iwanttogohome” Thatsoundedlame,andFaithknewit.
Dundeelookedatherwithcompassion.“Unlessit’sanemergency,it’snotworththerisktotrytogetoutbeforethestorm. I’msorry.I’vebeenoutall dayonajetski tour andjustdroppedmyclientsoffwheretheyarestayingandcamehome.The cloudsareincreasing,andthesunsetisred.Stormwillbeherebeforemorning.”
Faithfeltguiltyforasking She’dbeensoupsetandeagertoleavethatshehadn’tconsideredthatshewasaskingsomeone toriskherlifebecauseFaithdidn’thavethepatiencetowait.“I’msorry,”Faithsaidwearily.“Icanwait.It’sjustbeenatough day”
Dundee’sgazefocusedonsomethingaboveFaith’sleftear.Shereachedoutandgentlyextractedawhitewadofpaper.“No worries.You’rewearingevidenceofatoughday.”
AlittlesobcaughtinFaith’sthroat,andexhaustionsuddenlycaughtuptoherinawavethattookthestrengthfromherlegs. She satbackdownonthe dockto face the sunsetwithits pinks deepeningto red ina beautiful foreshadowingofthe angry stormapproaching
“I’mjustgoingtosithereforamoment,ifthat’sokay.”Faithsaidweakly.“ThenI’llbeonmyway.” Dundeeploppeddownbesideher “I’lljoinyou,”shesaidbrightly Theysatincompanionablesilenceforafewminutes,watchingthepurplecloudsswirlwiththeshadesofpink. “Whereareyoustaying?”Dundeefinallyasked.
Oh, no!Dreadturnedherstomach
“I’msupposedtostayatSoiréePointResort,butIthinkImissedthecheckin.IwasplanningtocheckinafterIvisitedmy patient Butthatdidn’tworkout IthinkmyreservationssaidIhadtocheckinbyfouro’clock”
Dundeenodded.“Theresortisn’tfinishedandisonlyopeninlimitedwaysnow.Theyareworkingonphasetworightnow which is the cultural center and central village A few private beach houses are complete Some beach bungalows are available.Butthat’sit.”
Faithnodded.“I’msupposedtostayinoneofthebungalows.Mypatienthasoneofthebeachhouses.”
Dundeeturnedtoherininterest “Whoisyourclient?”
“Gide ImeanJames Smith.”FaithhadbarelyrememberedthatGideonSundquistwas hereunder adifferentname.She wasn’tsurewhy,butJenniferhadmadeitclearthatFaithwasn’ttouseGideon’srealnamearoundtown
Thecorner ofDundee’smouthcurvedupinanamusedsmile.“You’dthinktheycouldhavecomeupwithalessobvious aliasthanJamesSmith I’mgladtheysentsomeonetohelpSunny”
Faith’smouthdroppedopen.“Youknowhim?”
Dundeepausedbeforeresponding.“We’vemet.”
Thewayshesaiditmadeitcleartherewasastorythere “Whathappened?”Faithasked.
“AskSunnyaboutme”Dundeesaid,hereyessparklingmischievously “Lethimtellyou” “Oh,I’mnotseeinghimagain,”Faithrushedtoclarify.“Hedoesn’twanthelp.Hedoesn’twantme.”
“Sometimeswhatpeoplewantandwhattheyneedaretwodifferentthings.”Thebitofwisdomfellfromherlipsaseasily asifshewerementioningwhatshe’deatenforlunch.“Itwouldbeashameifheranyouofflikehedidtheothers.”
“Therewereothers?”Jenniferhadn’tmentionedthatFaithwasareplacement!
“Yes,atleasttwo,”shesaidcasually,asifitwerenormal.“Buttheygotaflightoutthedaytheyarrived.Sinceyouhaveto stayafewdays,youmightaswelltryagain.”
“Iamnotgoingbackthere!”
“Sometimeswhatpeoplewanttodoandwhattheyneedtodoaretwodifferentthings,”Dundeerepeatedquietly.
Faithalreadyfeltguilt Shedidn’tneedsomestrangerpilingmoreonher She’dmadeapromisetoherbrother Now she wasfullyplanningtobreakthatpromise.She’dfoundSunny,butshecouldn’thelphim.
Afreshwaveofgriefwashedoverher,muchhigherthanthewaveslappingattheshore I’m sorry, Will! I tried! It’s just too hard!
Faithswallowed, tryingto breathe past her tighteningthroat and keep her emotions incheck. She turned and looked at Dundeewithnarrowedeyes “I’mnotsureIlikeyou”
Dundee laughed. “I’mokaywiththat!” She pointed to the small cross onFaith’s neck. “Your name is Faith, and you’re wearingacross JustmakesureyourJamesSmithisn’tyourNineveh”
Faith’sbreathcaught,caughtoffguardatthereference.
WassheJonah?Toooften,peopleassumedthatiftheywerefollowingGod’swill,theroadwassmooth,andyougottodo what youwanted. Faith’s mind sorted throughvarious Bible stories, suddenlyrealizingthat the opposite was true far more often.GodhadcalledJonahtodosomethinghedidn’twanttodo.
Faithdidn’twanttobehere Shedidn’twanttohelpGideonSundquist ButwasthatexactlywhatGodwascallingherto do?
Dundee’s voice came frombeside her Faithturned to see her watchingthe sunsetintently “IonlymetSunnyonce, very briefly. I’ve never metsomeone more desperatelyneedinghelp. Somethingcaused himto be the wayhe is, butIdon’tthink that’swhoheis.”SheturnedandmetFaith’sgazedirectly.“Heneedssome Faith. ” Faithlookedoutattheocean,watchingthecloudsformandturndifferenthuesofpurpleandredinanever-shiftinglight display.Somehow,thescenematchedhermood.
Dundeesuddenlyhoppedtoherfeet,theconversationover “Followme Youcanstayinmyboathousetonightandcheckin atSoiréePointtomorrow.”
Faithfollowed Dundee backdownthe dock, feelingcompletelymystified Who was this womanwho rananadventure businessandofferedunsolicitedlifecoaching?
The worst part was that Faithfeared Dundee was right. GideonSundquist needed help. Faithhad made a promise she neededtokeep.Themoreshethoughtaboutit,themoresherealizedthatasmuchasshedidn’t want todoit,she’drathergoto Ninevehthanbeswallowedbyawhale.
Sunny tried to stifle the yawn, but his cheeks puffed out and his eyes squinted shut anyway, the uncontrollable urge overridinghisbestintentions.Heswallowed,andhiseyesquicklypoppedbackopentolookaroundnervously,hoping nobodyhadseenthesignofweakness.Hewasonsecuritydetail.Anydeviationfromstrictlyperforminghisassigned duty could land him in serious trouble Perhaps worse than any threat of physical punishment was the promise of the humiliationtobedispensedshouldanysuperiorwitnessarogueyawnonsecurityduty.
Hisgazenervouslyrovedthequiet,darkroomilluminatedonlybythesinglelightshiningfromthedoorattheoppositeend Thedoublebunksoneithersideoftheaisleremainedstill,hulkingshadows,andtheonlysoundsmeetinghisearswerebreathy snoreskeepingsteadyrhythmsfromthebunks’sleepingoccupants.
It was after midnight, but more hours remained onhis shift Aninfinite number ofrounds laybehind him, and the same numberremainedahead.He’dslowlywalkdowntheaisle,marchoutandaroundthebuilding,andthenreverseandcomeback. Thenhe’d pivotand do itall over again The entire time, he’d tryto hold inthe yawns thattold ofanintense dayofbasic trainingmeantto breakthe recruits. His slow footfalls sounded hollow as he walked downthe aisle, his gaze scanningthe sleepingformsofhisfellowsoldiersintraining
Hissteadysurveyfalteredoverapairofopeneyes.
Heblinkedandturnedback,startledtoseesomethingdifferentinthedozensofidenticalbunks.Hadthedimlightstagedan opticalillusion?
His footfalls paused. Onhis left, a manlayinhis bunkwithwide eyes staringup atthe ceiling. Shockcoursed through Sunny Themanwasn’tblinking Washedead?
Hetookaquicksteptowardthebedonlytostopagainatthesightofthelightglisteningofftheman’swetface. Sunnyswallowedwithdifficulty,recognizingglisteningtearsstreamingdownfromthewideeyes Themanwascompletely silent,buthislipstrembledassilenttearstrackedpathsdownhisdrawnfeatures.
Sunnyhesitated,unsureofwhattodo.Shouldheignorethemanandcontinueonhisround?Hewasobviouslydealingwith aprivatematter Sunnydidn’twanttoembarrasshim JustasSunnymovedtowalkaway,recognitionhit It’s Hillbilly.
Sunny’shearttwisted Thismanwasn’thisfriend Sunnybarelyknewhim,butbynow,everyoneintheplatoonwasaware of Hillbilly. Sunnythought his real name was Hilton, at least that’s what the drill sergeants called him. But everyone else calledhimHillbilly.
Hewasaratheroddman.Hewassociallyawkwardandneverseemedtoknow whattosayordo.Hisframewassmall, andhefidgetedalotwhenhetalked,hishandsseemingtoputinphysicallabortogethiswordsout.Sunnysuspectedhewasa highlyintelligentguy,buthisawkwardnessextendedtohisphysicalability whichwasadeathsentenceinbootcamp Hewas uncoordinatedandhadyettocompleteanyphysicaltasktoanadequatelevel.
Hillbillywasridiculedbyhispeers,buthewasalsotormentedbyhissuperiors TheyoftenpubliclypointedHillbillyout asanexampleofwhat not todo,usingpublichumiliationtoattemptbehavior modification.ButHillbillynever improved.If anything, he got worse. His physical performance on tasks deteriorated, which triggered more humiliation and worse performanceinagut-wrenchingdownwardspiral.
SunnyknewHillbillyhadeventriedtoreporthimself.Therumorwasthathe’dtoldothershefeltlikehewasgoingcrazy. Butthiswasbasictraining Nobodycared,oratleastnotenoughtodoanything TheydismissedHillbillyandsenthimbackto attemptmoreunattainabletasksandcollectmoreridiculeandhumiliation.
Nowtheawkward,uncoordinated,brokenman’ssilenttearstoldhisstoryinthedarknesswherenooneelsewouldseeor
hear.
Sunnycouldn’tleavehimandcontinuehisrounds.Buthedidn’tknowwhattosay.Notknowingwhatelsetodo,heturned and satonthe footlocker atthe end ofthe bed Hillbilly’s face was rightbeside him, butSunnydidn’tstare He didn’teven lookatthemanonthebedbutsatwithhisbackramrodstraightandhiseyesforwardtowardthelight.Sunnydidn’tsayaword, buthehopedhispresencewoulddomorethanadictionaryfullofwords Hejustdidn’twantHillbillytobealone
Theminutestickedaway,andSunnytriednottothinkaboutwhatwouldhappenifsomeonenoticedhimmissingfromhis officialrounds Hejustsat
Finally,awhispercamefromthetremblinglipsbesidehim.“PleasetellthesergeantthatIdon’tmeantobeasIam.” Sunny’s stomachturned over. Nobodyhad ever considered thatHillbillywas tryinghis hardestand thathe wanted to be differentthanhewas Hewasablacksheepinaflockofwhite,desperatelywishinghebelonged Butasheephasnosay-so aboutthecolorofitscoat.Inabasictrainingculturethatonlyvaluedthosewholookedandperformedacertainway,nobody hadeverconsideredthatablackcoatmightbespecialallonitsown
ButSunnycouldn’tfindthewordstoarticulateanyofhisthoughts.Instead,hesatsilently,waitingandlistening.
Eventually,morewordsflowedfromHillbilly’slips Sunnyheardthefrustration,heartbreak,andhumiliationthatsaturated everytear.Somehow,hisempathydrew outasenseofresponsibility,andwithresponsibility,Sunnysaw hisownguiltinthe tracksoftears.Thismanwaspartoftheirplatoon.Theyweresupposedtobeaunit,butastheircomradeandfellow human, theyhadfailedHillbilly ThoughSunnycouldn’trecalleverbeingdirectlydemeaningtoHillbilly,Sunnyhaddonenothingto help.This man’s brokenness was a reflectiononhis platoonandtherefore a reflectiononSunnyas anindividual member.If somethingworsehappenedtoHillbillybecauseofthetreatmenthehadreceivedattheirhands,thentheirhandswouldholdthe guilt.
Eventually, Hillbillyranout of words and tears. ThoughSunnynever said a word, his presence had somehow brought comfort.TheweightHillbillycarrieddidn’tseemquiteasheavy.Sunnynowthoughtthemanwouldmakeitthroughthenight.
SunnystoodandsteppedtofaceHillbilly’sform.Hethenextendedhishandinsilentoffer.Hillbilly’seyebrowsshotupin surprise Asifinslowmotion,hereachedouthisownandacceptedSunny’shandshake Sunnymethisgazedirectlyinthedim lightandhelditwhilefirmlygrippinghishand,willingstrengthtothebrokenman.
Then he released his grip, turned, and continued down the aisle, keeping his gait steady as he scanned the bunks and returnedtohisroundsasifnothinghadhappened.
He opened the door and noticed a loud growlingnoise. Italmostsounded like thunder. He felta strange moisture onhis face.Heblinked,brightflashesoflightningmeetinghisvisionandblindinghim.Slowly,herealizedhewasnolongerinbasic training.Hehadn’tbeenthereformanyyears.Insteadofthesmellofsweatandoldbuildings,hebreathedinthesmellofocean andheavyrain
Hissensesreturnedtothepresent.Herealizedthathe’dvisitedhisformerlifeinadream,butthereliefofwakingtofind thattime longpastwas short-lived The settingwas the onlyparadise partofhis life He lifted his head offhis pillow and looked downatwhere his legs should have been, findingthe complete opposite ofparadise. He was livinga nightmare he wouldhavegladlytradedfortherealityofthedreamhejustwokefrom.
Bolts oflightningreflected onthe ceilingabove his bed The window nextto himwas open, allowingthe wind to whip through,usheringrainwithit.Andheletit,feelingasiftheraindropslandingonhisfacewerethetearsheneverdaredshed. Thefullweightofhislonelyexistencecrowdedclose
Thenhe remembered yesterdayand the womanwho’d come to the door. He felta twinge ofguiltwhichthe breeze soon fannedintoaflamingmonster ofregret He’dtakenall hisanger andgriefandfocuseditontheonevisitor tohislair She’d beencollateraldamageandhadn’tdeservedanyofhishate-filledactions.
Hedidn’trecognizethepersonhe’dbecome,andnotjustphysically.She’darrived,andhe’dbeenhelplesstostoptherage insidefromerupting
Completelydisgustedwithhimself,hesatupfromthebed,wishinghecouldescapehimselfandeverythinghewas.Buthis blurryeyescaughtsightoftheemptinesswherehislegsshouldhavebeen Insteadofknees,calves,ankles,feet,andtoes,he hadstumps.
Hemoaned,thegutturalsoundcrawlingupfromthedepthsofhissoul
“I don’t mean to be as I am!”
Thedesperatewordsspokeninhisvoiceheldsuspendedabovehim,andhisbreathcaughtinshock.
Thememory,thedream,allhisyesterdays,andthesecondsthatmarkedtodayallcoalescedintoonestrikingrealizationthat heechoedtowardthethunderingheavens.
Dear God!I’m Hillbilly!
wasstillraining.Nobodywouldbeoutinthisweather,andnobodyevercametovisit.Sunnymadesureofthat.
Thesoundcameagain.Andthistime,itdidn’tstop.Heavy,persistentpoundingechoedthroughthehouseinasignaturehe recognized Itwas her.
Hewheeledhimselftothedoorandopenedit Shestoodinthedoorwaywithherfistattheready,butthistime,shedidn’t landinhislap.Herhairandclothesweresoaked,andherblueeyeswerewild.
Withouthesitation, she hurriedlyflungwords his way “Idon’twantto be here ButIdon’twantto getswallowed bya whale.Youneedhelp,andImadeapromise.Youcanshootas manyspitwads atmeas youwant,butitwon’tdoanygood becauseit’sraining.”
Shelookedpitiful Shewasnervousandafraid,butshewasstandingthereinastormdeterminednottoleave Eveninhis sorrystate,Sunnycouldrecognizeandappreciatebravery.
Sunnybacked up He didn’tsaya word, buthe leftthe door openfor her to enter She tookthe cue and scurried inside, shuttingthedoorfirmlybehindher.
“Youcandothedishes,”hesaid,notevenlookingather Henoddedtowardthemountainsofdirtydishesinthesinkashe wheeledhimselftowardhisbedroom.
“No,youcandothedishes,”hervoicefollowedhim.
Hestoppedandturnedbacktolookather
Shewasliterallyshiveringandstandinginapuddleofwater,yetshestaredathimwithdefinite,blazingeyes,her hands perchedonherhips “I’mnotthemaidnoryourslave,SergeantSundquist Icanassistyouinrelearninghowtodothings like thedishes.ButIwillnotdothemforyou.”
Sunnygrimaced.“Don’tcallmeSergeantSundquist.I’mnolongerinthearmy.EveryonecallsmeSunny.”
“IwillnotcallyouSunny,”shesaidflatly,crossinghershiveringarmsoverherfrontinapostureofdefiance.“Youarethe oppositeof‘sunny.’Youaresmelly,gross,unkept,andbad-tempered.IcancallyouStinkyorGrouchyorEeyore,butIwon’t callyouSunny Ifyoudon’tlikeanyofthosesuggestions,I’llcallyoubyyourfirstname Gideon”
“NobodycallsmeGideon.”
“Ido,”hertoneallowednoargumentandnoapology “Let’sgetthedishesdone,Gideon Youwash I’lldry” Sunnystaredather,debatingwhether tothrow her out.He’dknownher for five minutes andalreadyrecognizedthatshe mightbethemoststubborncreaturehe’deverencountered.Shewastheonlyonewho’ddaredtocomeback. Andthedishesneededdone.
Hedidn’twanttobewhohewasrightnow.Hedidn’twanttobeaslobwithakitchenfullofdirtydishes.Andhedidn’t wanttobetheidiotwhothrewabeautifulwomanbackoutinastormbecauseshewastryingtohelphisdisgustingself
Hewheeledhimselftothesinkandwaited.Shebroughtabarstooloverandsetitbesidehim.
“Doyouneedhelp?”sheasked
Sunnywordlesslyusedhisarmstohefthimselfontothebarstoolpositionedwithinarm’sreachofthesink.Whenhe’dfirst arrived, he’d had someone come to cleanand do the dishes for him. Thenhe’d gottenmad whenthe cleaningladystarted makingotherlifesuggestions,sohe’dfiredher
Sincethen,he’dheftedhimselfontothecountertodothedishesafewtimes,buthequicklyrealizedthecurrentmethodwas muchmoreeffective Shehelpedloadthedishwasher,buttherewerewaytoomanydishesforoneload Hehand-washedall thatremainedandpassedthemofftoher.Shedriedthemandputthemaway.Theydidn’tconversetheentiretime,andSunny preferreditthatway
Sheputthelastpanawayandturnedtoreviewthecleankitchenbeforeturningherintensegazetohim.“You’redisgusting. Ican’tworkhereifitrequireslookingatandsmellingyou.”
“Thenleave,”Sunnysaidsimply
“IwishIcould.”
“Butthewhale,”hesaid,rememberingherridiculousstatementaboutnotwantingtobeswallowedbyawhale “Exactly,”shenoddedcurtly.“Thewhale.Whichmeansyouneedtoreturntotheranksofhumanityandcleanyourself.You cangotakeashower,oryoucangooutsideandletmehoseyoudown Whichwouldyouprefer?”
She was being dramatic. He wasn’t that bad. He showered. Sometimes. But with no legs and plenty of depression, showeringseemedamonumentalandunnecessarytaskmostdays.Hemayhavelethimselfgoalittle.
“I’llshower,”hegrumbled,wheelinghimselftothewheelchair-accessiblerestroom Thenherealizedshewasrightbesidehim.Hestoppedanddemandedcurtly,“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Helping,” she said She hurried in front of him and checked the restroom, making sure the soap and shampoo were appropriatelyplacedintheshowerstall.Thenshefoundatowelandwashclothandhungthemwithinarm’sreachontherack. “Doyouneedanythingelse?”sheaskedsweetly.“ShouldIhelpyouturnontheshowerorremoveyourclothes?” Hefelthisfaceflame.
Thesparkleinhereyesaidshewasmessingwithhim.
“Getout,”hegrumbled,notamused.
“Okay,” she said sweetly and innocently. “I just wanted to check to make sure. Since you obviously aren’t cleaning yourself,Ididn’tknowwhatassistanceyoumayrequire”
Shewassomessingwithhim.Andthoroughlyenjoyingit.
Shedancedoutoftheroom,andheslammedthedoor
Catchingsightofhimselfinthemirror,hepaused,notrecognizingthemanlookingbackathim.Hedidn’trememberthelast timehe’dlookedathimself Thelong,mattedhair,thescragglybeard,thedull,lifelesseyes theyweren’thim Heliftedhisarm.Hereeked!Shewasright!Hewasthoroughlyandcompletelydisgusting.
Hisnewnursewasabreathoffreshairintheformofabeautifulwoman.Everythingabouthimwastheoppositeofthat.He wantedtobemorethanhewas,andforthefirsttimeinalongwhile,hewantedtomaketheeffort
Heshowered,scrubbinghimselfuntil hisskinturnedpink.Whenheturnedtheshoweroff,hesuddenlyrealizedthathe’d forgottencleanclothes Heopenedthefrostedshowerdoorandpeekedout,figuringhe’dneedtoputonhisdirtyclothes There onthesinkcountersatashirt,pairofshorts,andunderwear,allneatlyfolded.
His face flamed againatthe realizationthatshe’d gone into his roomand rummaged throughhis underwear Thenshe’d openedthedoorwhilehewasshoweringandlaidthecleanclothesonthecounterforhim.
He reachedupandtouchedhis redface as ifhe couldfeel the heatcomingoffit.He didn’tremember the lasttime he’d blushed Evenbeforehelosthislegs,hehadn’tcaredenoughtoblush You’reonlyembarrassedifyoucare Yetshehadbeen hereaboutanhourandmadehimblushtwice.
Hedidn’tknowifthatwasgoodorbad Butitwasdifferent
Heremindedhimselfthatshewasaprofessional.Shewashelpingaspartofherjob.Therewasnothingpersonalaboutit.
Hegothimselfdressedandbackintohischair,whichwasalwaysagymnasticsworkout.Thenheleanedoverthesinkand trimmed his beard. She hadn’t specifically asked himto, but he did it anyway. Part of himwanted to shave it off, but he couldn’tquitemanagethat.Therewasaweirdsenseofsecuritywithhisbeard.Ithidhimfromtheworld,andhewasn’tready tofacelifewithoutthatbarrierinplace Buthecutoffallthematsandscragglesandtrimmedittohughisfaceclosely
Heexitedthebathroomandfoundher busilystraighteningupthelivingroom.Helookedaroundthehouseinamazement. She’dsaidshewasn’tthemaid,butthedifferenceshe’dmadeinthefewminuteshe’dbeenintheshowerwasamazing She’d finished wipingdowneverysurface inthe kitchenand organized a lotofthe clutter ofthe livingroom. Evenhis TVdinner containershadalldisappearedinthetrash.
“Okay,let’scutyourhair,”sheannounced.“Ifoundapairofscissorsthatshouldwork.Theyaren’thaircuttingscissors, butwecan’twait.Thelion’smaneneedstobetamedrightnow.”
She parked himinthe middle ofthe tile kitchenfloor, wrapped a spare sheetaround his neck, and tied itwitha rubber band.
Sheliftedthescissorstomakethefirstcut,andhesuddenlythoughttoask,“Haveyouevercutsomeone’shairbefore?” “No,butI’llfigureitout.Theotheroptionistotakeyouintotowntofindabarber.Ifyou’dratherdothat…”
“Cutaway,”Sunnysaid.Hedidn’tcarewhathelookedlike,buthedidn’twanttogooutinpublic.He’dbeenarecluse sincehe’darrived Notoncehadhegoneoutside Hecouldn’tstandthethoughtofpeoplestaringathimandfeelingsorryfor themanwithnolegs.They’dwonderwhathadhappened.And,ofcourse,hecouldn’ttellthemeveniftheygotupthenerveto askhim Hepreferredtobealone,wherehewastheonlydisgustinghumanhehadtodealwith Hiseyesdriftedclosedassheworked.Heheardthesnipofthescissors,andeveryonceinawhile,hethoughtheheardher humming
“Whatisyournameanyway?”hefinallythoughttoask.She’dmentionedityesterdaywhenshe’dfirstknockedatthedoor, buthehadn’tcaredenoughtopayattention.
“FaithMarlowe,”sheresponded Hewinced.Faith.Evenhernamegratedonhisnerves.Henolongerbelievedinfaith,andhecouldn’tstandthethoughtof theconstantreminderthathe’dlosthisfaithwhenhelosthislegs Hecouldn’tcallherthat “I’llcallyouMarley,”hesaidwithfinality.
Thescissorsstopped “Marley?Why?”
Hecouldn’texplainwhyhecouldn’tcallherbyhername.Soinstead,hesaid.“It’slikeyourlastname.AndJacobMarley wasthefirstghostwhovisitedEbeneezerScrooge.I’mprettysureyou’llhauntmejustasbad.”
Faithlaughed,thehappysoundtinklingthroughtheairanddoingstrangethingstoahearthedidn’tknowstillexisted Hefeltherhandsrunningthroughhishair,rubbingandliftinginarelaxingmassageasshesnippedawayathismane.Her fingers were soft and gentle Whereas she’d noted his disgustingsmell earlier, he now noticed her fresh, sweet smell She smelledliketheoceanbreezecarryingthescentoftropicflowers.Shesmelledlikehappinessandsunshine. Makingonelastclip,shefinishedandhandedhimamirror.“There!That’salittlebetter!”
He suddenly wished he’d had twice as much hair, so she’d need to stay close and continue cutting a little longer. He acceptedthemirrorandpeeredathimself,recognizingthefaintresemblanceofthemanheoncewas.
Faithwasoffonhernexttask,andhefoundhimselfmissingherclosenessandthefeelofherhandsinhishair.
Heblewoutafrustratedbreath.Hewasbeingridiculous.Afternotbeingaroundanotherhumanforsolong,hewasfeeling thingsheshouldn’t That’sallitwas Noneofitwasreal
“I’llseewhatyouhaveinthefridgeandwhipusupsomedinner,”Faithsaid.
“Youdon’thavetodothat,”Sunnyobjected
Faithproppedherhandsonherhipsandstaredhimdown.“Iamnot lettingyoueatanotherTVdinner.Ijustcleanedupat leasttwomonths’worthofpackaging You’reahazardtotheenvironment”
Sunny had little in terms of groceries. His weekly grocery delivery mostly consisted of a week’s worth of frozen TV dinners.ButFaithrummagedthroughthecupboards andmadesomesoupandbiscuits.Shesetthetableandinsistedtheyeat theretogether Sunnythoughtitwasthebestmealhe’devertasted
Theyworkedtogethercleaningupafterdinner.Beforehewasready,shewaswalkingoutthedoor.
“I’ll see youtomorrow, Gideon!” she said brightly “Now that you’re cleaned up, we’ll start some physical therapyso you’llbereadywhenyourprostheticsarrive.”
“Bye,Marley,”hemanaged,histonestillsoundinggrumpyeventohisownears
Thestrangethingwas,hedidn’treallyfeelgrumpy.Hefeltcleanandnotcompletelymiserableforthefirsttimesincehe’d arrivedintheSuamalieIslands.
Faithshutthedoor,venturingbackoutintothedrizzlingremnantsofthestorm Sunnyimmediatelystudiedtheclock,trying tocalculatethetimeforwhenshemightreturn.Shehadn’tgivenhimatime,andhedidn’thavehernumber.Maybeshe’dgive himhernumbertomorrow Thatway,hecouldcallherand
He didn’tknow whatto do withhimself. He tookdeep breaths, tryingto dispel the ridiculous feelings thatthreatened to overwhelmhim.Hisfeelingswerelies,bornofhisinjury,depression,andloneliness.Faithwastheonlyhumancontacthe’d hadinmonths.Butifshewasgoingtocontinueashisnurse,hehadtogetcontrolofhisfeelings.Shewouldneverbeinterested inhim.Nowomanwould.Nowomanwouldwantahalfofamanwhocouldn’tstandandprotecther.
Hewheeledhischairintohisbedroomandpulledhimselfontothebed Itwasn’tbedtime,buthehadnothingelsetodo He’dreadeverysinglebookinthehousetwice,andTVdidn’tappealtohim.Instead,heendedthedaythewayhestarted.He staredupattheceiling,watchingtheinterplayofshadowsandlight
Buttonightwas a little differentfromthis morning. This time, he was wide awake, tryingnotto countthe hours until an insistentknockingwould sound once againonthe door and a blonde witha heartofgold, the braveryofa soldier, and the stubbornnessofamulecamebacktobosshimaround.
Theringingofherphonewokeherfromadeepsleep.Shegrabbedatit,managingamuffled,“Hello?”assheputittoher ear.
“Youfoundhim.”
Drat! Shesatup,comingawakeinstantlyandchidingherselffornotcheckingtheIDonherphonebeforeanswering Her olderbrother,Eric,wasthelastpersonintheworldshewantedtotalkto.
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,Eric,”Faithsaidwearily,feigninginnocence “YoufoundGideonSundquist.”
“Whoisthat?”sheasked,hertonepuzzled.
“Don’tplaytheidiot,Faith Iknowyoufoundhim FindingoutwhathappenedtoBillyisjustasimportanttoyouasitisto me.Iknowyou’reontheislandofOliOliintheSuamalieIslands.You’retryingtofindoutwhathappenedtoBilly.”
Faithgrittedherteeth Howdidheknowwhereshewas?Washehavinghertracked?Thensherealizedheprobablywas HeworkedfortheSecretaryofState.Thethoughtofhowmuchpowerherolderbrotherwieldedsentshiversdownherspine. “Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,Eric,”shesaidevasively “Ineededabreak Youknowhowtoughit’sbeensinceWill died.IacceptedatemporarynursingpositionintheSuamalieIslands.Itshouldn’tlastmorethanamonthortwo.”
Eric laughed, but the sound held no actual humor. “You’re a terrible liar, Faith. But that’s nothing new. Just keep me updatedonwhatyoufindout I’mproudofyoufordoingthis WeoweittoBilly Gottago”
Thecallended.Faithtossedthephoneontoherbedandflungbackonherpillow.Itwasfouro’clockinthemorning,but shewasdonewithsleepingforthenight
Ericdidn’tcareaboutWill.Heneverhad.Thatwasdemonstratedeveninthenameheusedtorefertotheirbrother.Will hatedbeingcalledBilly,probablybecausethat’swhatEricalwaysinsistedoncallinghim Faithdidn’tknowwhyEricwasso obsessedwithfindingoutthedetailsofWill’sdeath.Itdidn’tmakesense,whichmadeFaithevenmorenervousaboutEric’s motivation.
They’dneverfoundoutthedetailsofhowWilldied EvenwithEric’shigh-rankingconnectionswiththestatedepartment, hecouldfindnorecordofacombatoperationWillcouldhavebeeninvolvedin.Besides,WillhadadeskjobwithHomeland Security Heshouldn’thavebeenoffshoreindangerousterritory TheyreportedthatWillwaskilledinanaccidentassociated withhis job. All his final expenses were paid. Theyreceived a small pension, whichwas divided betweenEric and Faith, whoweredesignatedasWill’snextofkin.
Eventhatwasweird.WillwouldhaveneverdesignatedEricashisnextofkinorarecipientofhisbenefits.WillandEric hadacomplicatedrelationship,andFaithallowedthatsometimesWilldidthingstocatertoEric,neverescapingthelongingto earnthefavorofhisolderbrother
WhenEriccouldn’tdiscoverthedetailsofWill’sdeath,hebecameobsessed.HetoldFaiththeyneededtoknowbecauseif Will haddiedoverseasonaUSmilitaryoperation,itshouldentitlethemtomuchmoreashisbeneficiaries ButFaithdidn’t careaboutthemoney,andEricdidn’tneedthemoney.Sothatexplanationmadenosense.
Of course, Faith was curious about the circumstances that landed Will in that hospital bed in Germany. But those circumstancesdidn’tchangetheendresult.Willwasgone.
Therewasalsosomethingshekindalikedaboutnotknowing.WhateverhadhappenedwassuchabigsecretthatevenEric, whopersonallyknewtheSecretaryofStatecouldn’tfindout TherewasabigpossibilitythatWillhadgottenhimselfinvolved insomethingbad. Notknowingallowed her to imagine her ownbackstorythatinvolved Will beingthe hero ofsome secret operationthatquietlysavedthousandsoflivesbutcosthisown
Theonlyclueshe’dfoundtowhathappenedwastheonethatWillhadprovidedhimself.SheknewsomeonenamedSunny had beeninvolved. Will’s dyingwishhad extracted her promise to help someone named Sunny. After Will had died at the hospital, Faithhad immediatelyasked about someone named Sunnywho had beenwithWill This had triggered whispered conversations. Finally, a man in a military uniform had told her he knew no one by that name. He then floated other explanationsforwhyWillhadmentionedthenameSunny Maybeitwassomeonebackhome Maybeitwasapet
They’dleftherinawaitingroomtoretrievepaperworkandmakefinalarrangements.She’dthenaccompanyWill’sbody home She’dsataloneintheemptyroomandgraduallybecomeawareofasound Itwasn’tthemechanicalhummingorbeeping ofmachines.Itwasalow,agonizingmoaning.
Shebecamesoacutelyawareofthenoisethatshecouldstanditnolonger.Someonewasinmisery.Shestoodandpoked her head outofthe waitingroom Everyone else was atthe end ofthe hall Will had beenacross the hallway, buttheyhad alreadyremovedhisbodyforpreparation.Thedoornexttohisroomwasclosed,andthemoaningsoundedlikeitcamefrom behindthatcloseddoor Whatifsomeoneneededhelp?
Faithlookedbothwaysandcrossedthehall.Herhandgrippedthedoorhandleandturned.Sheenteredthehospitalroom andsoftlyshutthe door behindher Amanlayinthe bed He was bruisedandbandagedlike Will hadbeen,buthis injuries didn’tseemasextensive.Moststartlingaboutthemanwasthefactthatthewhitehospitalsheetslaysmoothandemptywhere hislegsshouldhavebeen.Heavilybandagedstumpsendedinnothingness.
Themantossedhisheadandgroaned,hisfacetwistinginpain
Faithhurriedforward,unsurewhattodo.Shecaughtsightofachartontheendofthebed.Shepulleditout,thankfulthat apparentlytherecordsweren'tcompletelydigital Hernurse’strainingkickedinassheglancedoverit Finally,hergazeroved backuptothetop,andshepaused.
SergeantGideonSundquist.
This is Sunny!This is the person I’m supposed to help! Buteveryonehaddeniedthatheexisted,letalonethathewasinthehospitalbednextdoor.
Themaninthebedgroanedagain Accordingtohischart,heshouldhavehadmorepainmedicationbynow HiseyesflippedopenandfocusedonFaith.Shesteppedforward,caughtbyhispain-filledgrayeyes.
“Helpme!”thewhispercamelowanddesperate Faithreachedoutandlightlytouchedhisforeheadinacomfortinggesture.“Iwill,”shepromised.“Hangon,I’ll beright back.”
Sheturned,threwopenthedoor,andrandownthehall.Shedidn’tcareifshe’dbrokenrulesorenteredwhereshewasn’t supposedto.Thatmanneededhelp.
Multiple medical and military personnel gathered around the nurse’s station She hurried up to him and announced, “SergeantGideonSundquistispastdueforpainmedicine.He’sinalotofpain.I’manurse.Willyougivethemansomething, orwouldyoupreferIdoit?”
“He’sawake?”anursesqueaked,wide-eyed.
“Yes,he’sawakeandinpainlikehe’sjusthadhislegscutoff,”Faithrepliedtersely. Thenurseturnedandrandownthehallway
“Miss Marlowe, I have that paperwork for you to sign,” the uniformed officer fromearlier slid the papers across the counter
Faithsignedwhere he indicatedandglancedbackdownthe hall nervously.She wantedtogobackandcheckonGideon Sundquist
“I’llescortyouout,”theofficeroffered.Butitwasn’treallyanoffer;itwasanorder.Goingbackwasn’tanoption. Faithreluctantlyfollowed,notingtheassessingglancesslidingherway.Somethingwasgoingonhere,andtheydidn’twant the rest of the world to know This manwas tryingto gauge how muchshe knew and if she presented a risk It onlynow occurredtoher he’dnever providedhisname.Clearly,shewasnotsupposedtomentionanythingor anyonefromher tripto Germany
“You’reanurse?”heaskedcasually.“Wheredoyouwork?”
“AtasmallcommunityhospitalinOregon,”shereplied
“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthenameyourbrothermentioned,”theofficersaidcasually.“Doesyourbrotherhaveapet?” Faithcockedherheadandmethisgazethoughtfully.“YouthinkSunnymightbeadog?” Helookedatherintently,passingamessagethatFaithclearlyunderstood
“Quitepossibly,”hereplied.
Faithslowlynodded “Youmayberight”
losttouchwithhersurroundingsasdawnapproached,tintingthewindowswithgray. Shegrabbedthephoneonthenightstand,thistimecheckingtheIDbeforeswipingthescreentoanswer.
“Hi,Jen,”shegreeted,hervoicehoarse
“Faith!”Jennifersaidexcitedly.“It’syou!Igotyourmessage,andI’vebeentryingtocall!”
“Therewasabadstormyesterday Idon’tthinkanycallsweregettingthrough” “So,you’restillthere?”sheaskedanxiously.“Youdidn’tleave?”
“No,Icouldn’tgetaflightout Thenthingskindachanged IwentbackandtriedagainwithGideon Heletmein,andIgot himcleanedup.”Shesatupinbedandsaidthoughtfully,“IthinkI’llstayforawhile.”
“Faith,that’swonderful!”
“Atleastbetterthantheothertwonurseswholeftthefirstday,”shesaidpointedly Jennifer was quiet. “Would knowing that have stopped you from going? Gideon Sundquist needed help. You were determinedtohelphim Iknewyoucoulddoit,despitehim”
Faithsighedandleanedbackagainstthepillows.Jenhadfartoomuchconfidenceinher.“I’mnotintheclearyet,Jen.He’s reallynotwell,andnotjustphysically Idon’tknowifIcanstayifheshowersmewithspitwadsagain”
“Spitwads,seriously?”Faithcouldclearlyhearthedisgustedgrimaceinhervoice.“Iknowhe’snotwell,Faith.That’sthe onlyreasonIcouldtrackhimdown.Itwasn’teasy.Yougavemethename.Buttherearenorecordsofhimthatextendpastthe dayWill died Iwas evenasked to stop makinginquiries He and Will were involved insomethingthatis classified atthe highestlevel.”
“So,how didyoufindhim?”Faithaskedcuriously Whenshe’darrivedhomefromGermany,Jennifer hadcontactedher Jennifer was Faith’s long-time friend and worked in the medical field in the army. She’d risen in the ranks to earn a high clearancelevelandwasinchargeofmilitaryemergencyresponses.SincesheandFaithhadaknownconnection,Jenniferwas assigned to follow up withFaithafter Will’s death. KnowingJennifer was trustworthy, Faithhad confided aboutWill’s last words.She’dhopedJennifercouldtellherwheretofindGideonsoFaithcouldcheckonhimandfulfilltheobligationshe’d madetoherbrother
Jenniferexplained,“LikeIsaid,whenIwasassignedtofollowupwithyou,Iwasn’tgivenanyinformationotherthanthat yourbrotherwaskilledandthereweresomesecurityconcerns YoutoldmewhatWillhadsaid,butIcouldn’tfindSergeant Sundquistatfirst,whichwasreallystrangesinceIhaveaccesstosomuchinformation.ThenIreceivedaphonecallandwas grilled onwhyIwas makinginquiries. Itold the truthaboutyouand the promise youmade to Will. Iexplained youwere a nurse.Youknew thatGideonSundquistwasanamputee,andyouwantedtohelphimfulfill yourpromisetoyourbrother.He calledmebackanhour later.Hesaidhe’dprovideSundquist’slocationtomeandyouonly,butthatitwastobekeptsecret since he was living under an alias While he is not in witness protection, the military would prefer to keep his status as ‘recovering in an undisclosed location.’ He explained that the military had sent two other specially trained nurses, but Sundquisthadrefusedthem Theywereonlywillingtotrainonemore,andtheywerehopingyouwouldhavethebestchanceof success.”
Faith readjusted her pillow, trying to find a comfortable position. There was still so much mystery around the entire situation, and she couldn’tfeel comfortable, literallyor figuratively, withanyofit “Whydidn’tyoutell me all this before, Jen?”
“Itoldyoutherules,butIdidn’tthinkyouneededmoremotivationorpressure Plus,wewereinabighurrytopushyou throughtrainingand getyouthere as soonas possible.” Her tone warmed and turned more personal. “Itsounds like youdid good,Faith Didyoutellhimwhoyouwere?”
“No,Ihaven’thadachance,”Faithclosedhereyesandputahandoverthem,vividlyrememberingyesterday.“Youshould haveseenthewayhelookedatmewhenIfirstknockedonthedoor.ItwaslikeIwasanalienheneededtoeliminate.Besides, Idon’tknowthatIshouldtellhimthat,atleastnotrightaway Heletmecomeinandhelphimgetcleanedup,buthehasalot of resentment toward the militaryright now. What if knowingI’mWill’s sister triggers that resentment? I don’t know what happenedwiththem Whatifitwasn’tgood?”
“Obviously,itwasn’tgood,Faith,”Jensaiddryly.“Willdied,andGideonlostbothlegs.Definitelynotgood.”
“Right!”Strangely,Jen’swordseasedherguiltovernotprovidingafull-lengthbiowhenshefirstsaidhello “SomaybeI shouldmakesomeprogressbeforerevealingexactlywhoIam.”
“Justdon’twaittoolong,Faith,”Jenwarned,notsoundingnearlyasconfidentasFaithwouldhaveliked.“Ifyoudo,you riskearninghisresentmentanotherway He’llthinkyouweren’thonest”
“I’lltellhim,”Faithassuredquickly.“I’lljustwaituntiltherighttime.Maybeafterwegethisprosthetics.Thatway,ifhe getsmadandthrowsmeout,Iwillhavefulfilledmypromiseandcanleavewithaclearconscience”
“Keepme updated,” Jensaid.“Remember,all your reports are supposedtogothroughme,noone else.We still needto prioritizeGideon’sprivacy.”
Faithwinced.“Mybrother,Eric,knowshe’shere,”shesaidhonestly.“Idon’tknowhowheknows.Buthedoes.” “Thatshouldbeokay.Withhisclearance,I’msurehecouldfigurethatoutonhisownanyway.”
JenmightbefinewithEricknowing,butitstillbotheredFaith.ShehadnevertoldEricaboutWill’slastwords.Erichad locatedthenameofGideonSundquistallonhisown.Thenhe’dcalledFaithandaskedifsheknewanythingabouthim,saying thatGideonSundquistwasanamehe’dcomeacrosswhentryingtofindoutthedetailsofWill’sdeath Faithhadadmittednothing.
Eric had said he suspected Sundquisthad beeninjured inthe same eventthatkilled Will, buthe couldn’tfind a current locationforhim.
Nowhehadone,anditmadeFaithnervous “There’s alsoawomanherewhoknows Gideonis notusinghis real name.Hetoldher tocall himSunny.”Faithwasn’t surehowconcernedsheshouldbeaboutGideon’sprivacyandsafety.Shewouldn’tclassifyDundeeasasecurityrisk,butshe alsodidn’tknowwhatsheneededtoreport
“Thatshouldbefine,”Jenassured,hertonenotdisturbedatall.“He’snotactuallyinhiding.He’sjustlyinglow.” Theysoonended the call, and Faithstretched inone long, lazycatstretchbefore makingherselfgetoutofbed and start gettingready.Hertwomorningcallsdidn’tmakeagoodstartfortheday.Theyseemedtopresentmorequestionsthananswers. She tried to push all thoughts of Eric away, and after a lifetime of trying not to think about her older brother, she was moderatelysuccessfulatthetask.ButeventhecallwithJenniferdidn’tleaveherwithagoodtasteinhermouth.
Whyallthesecrecy?WhathadhappenedtoWillandGideon?AndwhywouldGideonstillneedto“lielow”? Unfortunately,shedidn’tintendtofindanswerstoherquestions HerprioritywastohelpGideonheal Startingtoday,she intendedtodragthemanoutofhisbeachhousesohecouldfinallystartlivingagain.
et’sgodosomething,”Faithsaidenthusiastically.
Sunnyopenedoneeyetolookattheperkyblondestandingoverhisrecliner.“Wealreadydid.Cueresting.”
“Thatdoesn’tcount,”shesaid,practicallyhummingwithenergy.“Thatwaswork.Let’sdosomethingfun.” “Funiswork,”hegrumbled
Whatshedidn’trealizewasthatshewasfun.Sunnydidn’tneedtodoanything.He’dwillinglyperformedeveryoneofthe physical testsandexercisesshe’drequired Ithadn’tbeeneasy She’dbeenthoroughanddemanding Butitwasthemostfun
Sunnyhadexperiencedsincehe’dlosthislegs.Itwasfunbecauseshewaswithhim.
Butwhenshe’ddecreedhimdonewithphysicaltherapyfortheday,he’dretreatedtotherecliner,fullyintendingtotakea nap Heheardherwalkingrestlesslyaroundtheroom.Therewasstillplentytoclean,butshewouldn’tdoitwithouthim.She maintainedheneededtoclean his messin his house She’dassistandshow himmoreefficientwaysofdoingtasksgivenhis limitations,butshewouldn’tdoitforhim.Thiswasonlytheseconddayshe’dbeenhere,buthe’dalreadylearnedthatwith Faith,everythingwas anopportunityfor therapyofsomekind Hestronglysuspectedher “fun”wasalsotherapyinasneaky disguise.
Heheardtheblindsslideopen.
“Youhaveagorgeousview!”shegasped “Andapool!Whyoneartharen’ttheseblindsopen?” “BecauseIlikenaps,”hemumbled.
“Let’sgoswimming!”shesaidexcitedly “I’llrunbacktomybungalowandgrabmysuit Yougetready”
She was halfwayto the door before he could blinkopenhis eyes. “Wait! No! I’mnot swimming. What are youtalking about?Ican’tswim Ihavenolegs,I’djustsink”
Faithwhirledaroundwithherhandsonherhips.“You’velivedhereforhowlongandyouhaven’teventriedthepool?” “Ican’tswim,”hemuttered.“It’sjustfordecoration.”
Faithsteppedforward,grabbedhishand,andpulledgently Thefeelofherhandinhissentelectricitythroughhisarm His eyes came open, and he watched the gorgeous, enthusiastic creature in front of him as if she were a species he’d never encountered “Comeon,”sheurged.“Couldn’tyouswimbeforeyouraccident?”
“Itwasn’tanaccident,”heclarified.“Andyes.Iwasonasummerswimteamatourlocalpoolgrowingup.Inhighschool, Istarteddoingtriathlonsandspentonesummerasalifeguard.Iwasanexcellentswimmer.”
“Youstillare.Youdon’tneedlegstoswim.Comeon,Gideon,”shetuggedonhishandagain. Hewasfindingthatheneededtorevisehislong-standingopinionthathedidn’tlikehisfirstname Heonlylikeditwhenit camefromFaith’slips.
Andrealizingthatupsethim Hecouldn’thavefeelingsforher Itwasadeadend Hepulledhishandfromhers,foldedhisarmsacrosshischest,andleanedbackinthereclinerwithhiseyesclosed.“No,” hesaidfirmly.
He heard an exasperated sigh, followed by, “Fine. Enjoy your misery. I’ll grab my swimsuit and be back to give that beautiful,neglectedpoolsomecompany.”
He didn’t move the entire time she was gone, his thoughts vacillating between irritation that she was so pushy and frustrationwithhimself.Wassheright?Couldhereallyswimifhewantedto?Butwhatifhejustsank?
Hedefinitelydidn’twanttoswim,andnothingshesaidwouldconvincehimotherwise
Listeningcarefully,heheardherreturnthroughtheunlockeddoor.Hekepthiseyesclosed,feigningsleep,asshepassedby himandheadedoutthepatiodoorstothepool.
Onlythendid he openhis eyes Throughthe windows, he watched her setdownher towel and cross to the edge ofthe sparkling blue pool. She wore a simple, black swimsuit, and her tanned skin glowed warmly in the sunlight. She was breathtaking Stretchingherarmsout,Faithjumped,executingaperfectdiveintothewater.
“You’resuchanidiot,Sunny,”hemutteredtohimself Abeautiful womaninaswimsuitwasoutsideinhispool whilehe wasinsidemoodilypretendingtonap.Theleasthecoulddowasgooutandenjoytheview.
Hewenttohisroomandchangedintoapairofshorts,notingthepastywhiteofhisskin.Helookedlikedeathcomparedto Faith Hetoldhimselfthathedidn’thavetoswim Hejustwantedtowatchandbenearher
Oncedressedintheappropriateattire,hewheeledhimselfouttothepatioforthefirsttimesincehe’darrived.Faithwas right Itreallywas a gorgeous view The backofthe beachhouse faced the oceanwithlarge windows to capture the view Immediatelyoutsidethebackdoorwerethesparklingbluewatersofapool,andbeyondthatlayanexpanseofsandleadingto thewhite-tippedwavesoftheoceanmeetingtheshore
Itwasn’ta large beachhouse, butitwas onthe exclusive side ofthe new PointSoiree resort. These houses were more isolatedandopenonlyforlong-termrentals.Sunnyhadchosenthislocationbecauseofitsisolation,notthepool.Fortunately, hehadablankchecktogetoutofthestates,andthepriceofsuchanexclusivelong-termrentalwasn’tanissue
He’dkepttheshadesdrawn.Nowwasthefirsttimehe’dactuallylookedattheview.Herealizedthatallthisbeautyhad beenrightouthisbackdoor He’dneverthoughttofindthesourceforthesoothingbackgroundsoundofwavesthatlulledhim tosleepeverynightandwokehimeverymorning.
“Getin!”Faithgreeted,swimmingtothesideofthepoolclosesttoSunny.“Thewaterfeelswonderful.”
He hadn’tintendedtoswim.He’djustwantedtowatchher.Butthe flashofwhite,smilingteethandsparkle ofher eyes reflectingthecolorofthepoolwerehisundoing.Hecouldn’trefuseher.
Hewheeledhimselfdowntotheshallowendandlistenedasshecoachedhimtogetoutofhischairandtotheedgeofthe pool.
“Now,justscootyourselfintothe water anduse your arms toswim,” she said,as ifitwere as easyas pickingflowers “I’mrighthereifyouneedme.”
Sunnytooka deepbreath, expectingtosink. Buthis arms movedaround him. Like ridinga bike, he remembered how to keephisheadabovewater.Suddenly,hewasfloating.Heleanedonhisback,thewatersupportinghimashelookedupatthe blueskyandrelishedtheweightlessfeelingofthewatersupportinghim. Suchfreedom!
Heturnedoverandreachedforwardwithhisarms,extendingtheminpowerfulstrokes,crawlinghiswayacrossthepool. Swimmingwithoutlegsfeltslightlydifferent,butalsothesame Hecouldn’tfeelhisfeetbehindhim,buthisbodyremembered themovementssowellthatthesensationswerealmostthesame.Inthewater,hecouldalmostbelievethathewaswhole. Hetouchedtheoppositeendofthepool,executedaperfectturn,andswamallthewaybacktowhereFaithwaitedonthe steps
“Icanswim,Marley!Icanswim!”hehollered.Hismouthstretchedintheunfamiliarsensationofasmile. Faithlaughed “Yes,youcan!Butyoudidn’ttellmeyouwereanOlympicswimmer!You’reamazing!”
Hepumpedhiseyebrowsupanddown.“Youwannarace?”
“Why,yes!I’dlovetoschoolyouinthepool!”Faithlaughed
Theysetoffinaflurryofsplashing.Thefeelingofpullinghimselfthroughthewaterfeltindescribable.Hecouldmove! HebeatFaithintheir firstrace.However,hehadn’tcountedonhow outofshapehewas.Hetiredquickly.His muscles weresoonweakandshakingwiththeeffort,andFaitheasilybeathiminthesecondracedownandback
Breathingheavily,hescootedhimselfuponthestepsandleanedhisbackagainstthesideofthepool.
“Give yourself time,” Faith said She was breathing normally as if she’d expended no effort at all “You’ll get your enduranceback.Giveyourselfalittletime.Youhaven’tbeenactivelikethatinmonths.Soonyou’llbebeatingmeeverytime.” He didn’t mind losing to her He minded the feeling of weakness His mind flashed back over all the physical accomplishments he’d achieved before, and he feltthe weightofdiscouragement, knowingthathe’d never be thatsame man again.
Her hand came on his arm “Hey,” she said, leaning in “Don’t go away Stay with me You did good Don’t feel discouraged.”
She’dnoticedhimwithdraw She’dreadhismoodandwasaskinghimtofightbacktheshadowsthatdrewhimawayfrom her.
Helookeddownather,noticingthebeadsofwateronherdarkeyelashes.Andonherlips.
Hewantedtostay.Herhandonhisbarearmfeltwarm,sendingdelicioussensationsuphisshouldertotherestofhisbody. Hewantedmore.
Theireyesconnected.Suddenly,hereyessparkledmischievously.Shebackedawayandmovedherhandsswiftly.Agiant splashengulfedSunny.
Hesputtered,hearingherlaughterasshecontinuedsplashinghim Helungedforher,feelingherwaistslideawayfromhis fingertips.Refocusingonhisgoal,hetookafew strokestowardthecontinuedsplashingandlaughter,chasingher aroundthe pool Thesplashingstoppedforasplitsecond,andhecaughtsightofher
Hetookonemightystrokeandcaughther.Oneofhisarmscurledaroundherwaistwhiletheothermovedinaswiftside stroke,bringinghimandhispreytothesideofthepool
Shewaslaughingsohardshecouldn’tspeak.
“Icaughtyou!”hecheeredvictoriously.
“Yes,youdid!”shefinallymanaged
Hesuddenlybecameawareofhisarmholdingherbodyclosetohis.Helookeddownather,hisgazecapturinghers.The laughter drained out of her eyes Sunny felt helpless to stop his emotions fromcrossing fromhimto her He saw the split secondsherealizedsomethingwasdifferent.Thenhesawthefear.
Helethergoabruptly,addingalittlelaughandahalf-heartedsplashasifnothinghadhappened Butithad
Faith now knew that he felt attracted to her. She obviously didn’t feel the same way, nor should she. And he was embarrassed.
“I think you’ve adequately completed your training for the day,” Faith called, her voice tinged with a little too much cheeriness.
“Ithoughtthiswassupposedtobefun,nottraining,”heprotested “It’sboth.Andyoudidgreat.Exceededmyexpectations.”Sheswamtothestepstoexitthepool,andhefollowed.
“Wereyousurprisedthatagross,stinky,half-mancouldswim?”heasked,pullinghimselfupthesteps.
“No.Iknewyoucouldswim,”sheansweredquietly.“Iwassurprisedyouconsentedtotry.”
Sunnyhaddoneitbecauseofher.Itunnervedhimtothinkaboutthepowersheheldoverhim,andshedidn’tevenrealize shehadit Hedesperatelyworkedtobelievethatshedidn’twanthim Hewasherpatient,nothingmore Sunnypulledhimselfoutofthepool,andFaithtossedhimatowel.Hedriedoffandmaneuveredtopull himselfbackup intohiswheelchair
Shestoodwatching,andhehatedit.Hedidn’tlikeforhertoseehowawkwardandincapablehewas. “Doyouneedhelp?”shefinallyaskedcasually.
“No,I’mgood,”herepliedwithmuchmoreconfidencethanhehad. Hereachedfor thechair andbegantolifthimselfup,buthe’dforgottentolockthewheels.Itbecameamovingtarget.It combinedwithhiswethandsandbody,andheslidrightoff,sprawlingungracefullybackontheconcrete “Gideon,areyouokay?”Faithrushedforward,concerned.“Letmehelp!”
“No!”Sunnysnarled,pushingherawayfromhim “Getawayfromme!Icandoitmyself”
“Letmeatleastlockthechair,”Faithoffered.“Icanliftyouintoit.”
“No!”Thistime,heshouted.“Leaveme,Marley.Idon’twantyourhelp.Icandoit.”
Shebackedup,startledathisanger
But she was still watching. And he couldn’t do it while she was watching. He couldn’t riskher further witnessinghis weaknessandhumiliation Hewassupposedtobeaman
“No,Imeanleave.Goaway,”hegrowled,wavingheraway.“Idon’twantyouhere.You’vedoneenoughdamageforthe day Ididn’twanttodothis”
“But ”
“Go!”heyelled.“Leave!Idon’twantyou!”
Throughtheredveilofrage,hesawhereyesregisterhurtandconfusion Theyfilledwithtears Sheturnedandranintothe house.Sunnyheardthecorrespondingslamofthefrontdoorandknewshewasgone.
Asquicklyastheangerhadcome,itleft
What have I done?
Hisembarrassmentandinadequacyhadcombinedwiththeattractionhewasdesperatetodeny Itwasstupid,butsomepart ofhimthoughtthatifhehurther,maybeitallwouldn’thurthimsobad.Heshouldrejecther.Angerwaseasiertomanagethan all theotherconfusingemotionshefeltforher.Hedesperatelywantedhertobelievehewasmorethanheactuallywas.The realityofhisweaknessandlimitationshadbeentoohumiliating,andhe’dpushedheraway,pushedherfromseeinghimashe was,andpushedherashisowncopingmechanism.She’dgottentooclose.Ifsheweregone,hewouldn’tfeelanymore.Ifshe hatedhim,itwouldbeeasiernottoloveher
He locked the chair and used the towel to dryeverylast drop ofwetness offhis body. Then, witharms still weakand shakingfromexertion,hepulledhimselfsecurelyintohiswheelchair.
Thenhisshouldersslumpedindefeat,andhesatthereforlongminutes,completelydisgustedwithhimself.
IfhewereonspeakingtermswiththeAlmighty,hemayhaveprayed.ButGodcouldhavesteppedinlongbeforenowand
hadn’t.IfHehadn’thelpedSunnybefore,whywouldHenow?
Histhoughtsswirled,andhedidn’tknowwhichendwasup.Hedidn’t want towantFaith.Hedidn’twanttoneedher.But hedesperatelybothwantedandneededher
Eventually,hemadehiswaybackinsideandreturnedtohisrecliner.Butthistime,helefttheblindsopenandwatchedthe steadyrhythmofthewavescaressingthebeach Hefoundnoanswer,buthefinallylandedononeinescapableconviction Nomatterwhat,heneededtoapologizetoher.
Buthe still didn’thave her number,and he didn’tknow how to find her He knew she was stayingina bungalow onthe othersideoftheresort,buthedidn’tknowexactlywhere.
Whatifhe’dreallymessedupthistime?Whatifshenevercameback?
Heswallowed,thethoughtthreateningtobehiscompleteundoing
For the first time since he’d awoken to find his legs gone, he breathed a simple desperate plea to the heavens. But it couldn’t actuallybe considered a prayer It wasn’t a personal petitionto a personal God Instead, his rebellious heart was tossingitup,hopingtheAlmightymightbelistening.
Please, let her come back!
“Idon’tthinkIcandothis,Jen.”Itwaslateafternoon.Faithwassittinginthesandonthebeachinfrontofherbungalow.
“You’regoingtohavesomeroughdayswithhim,Faith,”Jenniferconsoled.“He’sdealingwithalotoftrauma.”
Faith buried her toes in the sand. The sun had begun its descent for the day, and the temperature was already dropping Shelovedthatthesandcarriedthesun’sheatlongpastwhenithadleftfortheday “Iknow that AndIcanhandle baddays.Buthismoodsaresounpredictable.Oneminute,Ithinkwe’remakingprogress.Thenextminute,he’saraging,biting bear”
“You’vealreadymadesomuchprogress,Faith,”Jenencouraged.Faithcouldhearherfingerstypingandknew herfriend wasstillworking,eventhoughitwasreallylatebackintheStates.“Heletyouin,whichismorethanhe’sdonewithanyone else Itwasabadday Tomorrowwillbebetter”
“It’snotjustthat,Jen.We’reonlyafewdaysin.Therewasamomenttoday…”Faithbitherlip,tryingtoconvinceherself thatshewaswrong “Jen,Ithinkhe’sattractedtome”
Thetypingsoundstopped,butherfriend’svoicesoundedunperturbed.“Ofcourse,heis.Heisaman,andhe’snotdead. Have youlooked ina mirror, Faith? You’re beautiful, and this particular manhas beenthrougha lot He hasn’t had human contactformonths.Itwouldbeabnormalforhimtonotbeattractedtoyou.”
What she said made sense, but it didn’t make Faithfeel better. “But he’s a patient. I don’t want his feelings for me to interferewithhisrecovery Idon’twanthimgettingtooattached,andIdon’twanttohurthim Maybeadifferentnursewould bebetter.Maybesomeoneveryoldandugly.Icameheretohelp,butifmybeingherewilldomoreharmthanhelp…”
Jennifer sighed “Faith, you’re the right nurse for this job Nobodyold and uglyis available He’s alreadyrefused two nurses,andhe’drefusethenexttenwesent.Butwewon’tsendsomeoneelse.You’rehislastchance.Yes,he’sapatient,but he’satemporaryone”
Faith’sbreathcaught,andthesoothingsoundofthewavesdidn’tsoothetheuneaseJennifer’swordscreated.“Whatdoes thatmean?”
Her voice changed to cute and casual “He’s single And last I checked, you’re very single Would it be terrible if a relationshipdeveloped?”
Shecouldn’tbeserious Unabletostaysitting,Faithstoodandbeganpacingthesandtowardtheshore “Idon’t Ican’t Jen,he’sabeastmostofthetime.Idon’twanttohurthim,butI’mnotinterested.He’sajobtome.EvenifIlefttoday,Icould feellikeIfulfilledmypromiseandhelpedhim.Idon’towehimorWillanythingelse.”
“Faith,Idon’tthinkthebeastiswhoheactuallyis,”Jensaidthoughtfully.“There’snothingaboutGideonSundquistafterhe losthislegs,butIfoundalotaboutbefore.FromeverythingIcantell,themanwasoneofthebravest,smartest,mosthonorable soldierstheUnitedStateswasblessedtohave Hisrecordsareexemplary,andthosearetheonesthatareunclassified Ican’t imagineeverythingheaccomplishedasaGreenBeret.Faith,doyouknowhisdirectsuperiorhasbeencallingmeforupdates onhim,andnottheofficialones?”
“Idon’tthinkthat’swhoheisnow,”Faithprotested.“Officialreportsdon’ttellaman’sheart.”
Jensighedinfrustration.“Doyouknowanythingatallaboutwhohewasbefore?DidWillevermentionanything?”
Faithpaused, lookingout at the ocean. It seemed strange to her that the beachwas usuallyso deserted. It was nice but strange. Now she looked out at the big ocean and felt small. It reminded her that the moment she was in right now was insignificant,likehersizecomparedtotheocean Maybesheneededtolookatmorethanjustthisisolatedmoment Maybeshe neededawide-anglelens.
gothroughhisapartmentandsortthroughhisthings.Ifoundapictureofwhenhewasinbasictraining.Ithinkitwaswhenhe graduated.ItshowedWillstandingnexttoatall,handsomeman.Ontheback,itwaslabeled‘HillbillyandSunny.’Irecognized thetallmanastheoneI’dseenbrieflyinthehospitalinGermany theonewho’dlosthislegs ThenIrememberedWillhad toldmeaboutamanwho’dbefriendedhiminbasictraining.Willwasnotanemotionallystrongindividual.Heneverhadbeen. Willtoldmethatatonepoint,hewasdoingsopoorlythathefelthewasgoingcrazy
Onenight,afellowsoldiercameandsat withhim.The nextday,things changed.The mantookextra time to help and give himpointers. He also gothis comrades to changetheirattitudeandsupportratherthanridiculehim EventhesergeantsnoticedtheimprovementinWill’sperformance Thoughhe was never the perfectspecimenofa soldier,he made itthroughbasic trainingbecause ofhis friend.Thatpicture wastheonlyoneWillhad.IassumehisfriendfrombasictrainingwasSunny.”
“Oh, Faith!” Jenwhispered, her voice tight withemotion “If that’s the manGideonSundquist reallyis, wouldn’t it be worthstickingaroundtohelphimfindhimselfagain?”
Faithhadn’twantedtorememberthestoryofWillinbasictraining Strangely,itwaseasiertoputGideoninthecategoryof a beast and leave himthere. It allowed her to keep himat arm’s lengthand gave her anout. She could leave anytime she wanted
“Whatifthatmanisgone?”sheventured,herownvoicetight.
“Inaway,heisgone,”Jensaidgently.“ButI’mprayingthatGodusesyoutomakeanevenbetterversion.IfGideoncan rememberthemanhewas,hecanenvisiontheoneGodiscreatinghimtobe”
Faithtookadeep,shakybreathofthesaltybreeze.“I’llstayandbehisnurse,butnothingmore.Istillneedtopraythathe doesn’tgettooattached WhenIleave,Idon’twanthimtospiralbackintothebeast”
“I’ll praytoo. Keep me updated.” Jen’s tone turned businesslike againas she switched fromfriend to supervisor. “The preparatoryprosthesesshouldarrivewithinthenextfewweeks.Assoonasyoumakeyourevaluations,we’llgethisdefinitive protheses made. Everythingwould be easier ifhe could come into the clinic, butthat’s notpossible. I’mconfidentyoucan maketherightanalysis,evenifwedothisunconventionally.Ifhistherapygoeswell,you’llbedoneinacoupleofmonthsor so”
Two months. She could do that. “As soon as the fake legs arrive, we’ll take themout for a test drive.” She restlessly draggedherfingersthroughthesandasifitwereaZengardenbox “SinceI’mstaying,IguessI’dbettergovisittheogre I’ve putitofflongenoughalready.”
“Goodluck.I’mprayingforyou.Remembertofocusonthemanthat’sinthereunderallthatbeastlyfur.” “Hetrimmedhisbeard,butit’sstillthere,”Faithgrumbled. Jenniferlaughed,“Andyouhaveanaversiontofacialhair.”
“Aseverywomanshould”
Jenniferlaughed.“You’llsurvive!”
Faithendedthecallandwearilystoodfromthesand Shereachedherarmswaytothesky,stretchinghertightmusclesin thelateafternoonlight.Ifshehadherway,she’dstaywithhertoesinthestandandcontinueavoidingherdutieswithGideon, exactlyasshehaduptothatpointintheday.She’dmopedaround,onlycallingJenniferwhenshecouldn’tshakeherbluesor makeherselfgobacktoGideon’sbeachhouse
Itshouldn’thavebotheredhersomuch.Thiswasn’therfirstrodeo.She’dbeenyelledatbydifficultpatientsbefore.She’d beentoldtoleave Andnotjustinherprofessionallife Gideon’streatmentwasnothingcomparedtowhatshe’denduredasa child.Truthfully,shedidn’tunderstandwhyitupsethersomuch.
Butithad
Now itwas time toputher biggirl pants onandgetGideon’s physical therapydone for the day.She didn’tneedtostay long.Hisexercisesshouldonlytakeaboutanhour.Thenshecouldretreatandnothavetodealwithhimagainuntiltomorrow. Be professional, shecoachedherself It’s just a job
ShesetoffimmediatelytoGideon’sbeachhouse.Itwasadecentwalktotheothersideoftheresort.Shehadtopassbythe constructionarea inthe center But she didn’t mind the exercise and hurried alongthe neatly organized sidewalks Lots of tropical foliage separated the beach houses, making themfeel isolated and private. Faith appreciated that this was not the typicaltourist-orientedresort Extensiveeffortshadbeenmadetokeepeverythingverynaturalandculturallyrespectfulofthe island.Faithlovedherlittlebungalowandappreciatedthatshefeltmorelikealocalthanatouristhere.
SheapproachedGideon’sbeachhousedoorandimmediatelysawapapertapedtothefrontdoor.Shequicklyscannedit. I’M SORRY
CAN I PLEASE HAVE YOUR PHONE NUMBER SO NEXT TIME I’M A JERK,I DON’T HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG TO APOLOGIZE?
HERE’S A KEY KEEP IT
Tapedtothenotewasasmallbronzehousekey.
Faithsmiled,findinghisnoteadorable.He’dwantedthefirstthingshesawtobehisapology.Sheremovedthenoteandthe key,unlockedthedoor,andletherselfin.
Shedidn’tseehimrightaway.Lookingaround,shewalkedovertothekitchencounter,foundapen,andwrotehernumber
