Windswept Shores Two

Windswept Shores

A survivor’s love story part two

Janice Seagraves

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2016 Janice Seagraves

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: * NOISY DRAGONFLY *

Chapter 2: *RESCUE*

Chapter 3: * TOO MUCH CIVILIZATION *

Chapter 4: * JAILBIRD *

Chapter 5: * TRIP HOME *

Chapter 6: * HOME COMING *

Chapter 7: * TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS *

Chapter 8: * DINKI DI *

Chapter 9: * SHOPPING TRIP *

Chapter 10: * DIVORCEE *

Chapter 11: * A SLOT FOR THE DINKI-DI *

Chapter 12: * REUNION *

Chapter 13: * RETURN TO OZ *

Chapter 14: * DAWSON INC.*

Chapter 15: * SHIRTS *

Chapter 16: * THE FUNERAL *

Chapter 17: * THE WAKE *

Chapter 18: * FAIRWEATHERED FRIEND *

Chapter 19: * LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT *

Chapter 20: * LIFE’S A ZOO *

Chapter 21: * SULFUR CRESTED COCKATIELS *

Chapter 22: * GHOST ISLAND *

Chapter 23: * SPECTRA *

Chapter 24: * SECRETED *

Chapter 25: * HAPPY DAYS Six Months Later*

About the Author

Chapter 1

* NOISY DRAGONFLY *

Megan Lorry stood on the deck of their beached boat, the Dinki-Di. The sunrise turned the edges of the dark clouds a rosy pink, and iridescent teal-colored waves washed ashore. It’d been nearly a year since they’d been marooned here on their little island, but the beauty of the Bahamas never failed to amaze her.

Wind blew her hair around as she yawned and stretched, nose wrinkling at her own smell. God, I miss soap.

She stepped into her morning Tai Chi practice, her arms shoulder high. Too bad we’re out of tea and everything else. At least Seth promised the fish would be easy to catch after the storm had passed.

Her tummy rumbled. She missed fried chicken and could imagine sinking her teeth into the crispy flesh, but a fish cooked over the open campfire would have to do.

A new noise caught Megan’s ear, a different kind of rumble that made the breath hitch in her throat. In the distance, she caught a glimpse of a black dot growing larger.

She charged back inside the boat’s cabin. Her heart hammered against her ribs and pounced on her lover. Seth, Seth. Wake up!

Hmm? Seth murmured, still curled around the pillow. His sleepy head normally wouldn’t move for at least another hour.

She yanked the sheet from his naked body and admired his finely sculpted ass. Although much thinner now, it was still a pure pleasure to look at. She gripped one muscular butt cheek and gave it a good hard pinch.

Ow! Seth jumped.

We’ve got company.

He rubbed his eyes then blinked over his shoulder at her. It’s the natives again, is it?

Nope, it’s not them. Megan slapped his rump. Come on. Get your butt in gear!

Orright, love. I’m getting up. He sat and ran a hand over his short beard. I don’t reckon you’d be this excited about pirates?

It’s someone else. Come on. Get your clothes on. Jerking open the built in Chester drawers, she tossed a T-shirt and shorts at him.

Seth eased into the shorts.

Megan grit her teeth. He’s taking too long. As he pulled on the T-shirt, she grabbed his arm and hustled him out of the cabin, Seth stumbling behind her.

Once on deck, he popped his face out of the shirt and stared open mouthed. Bugger me dead. He shaded his eyes. Is that a ‘copter?

It certainly is. She bounced on the balls of her feet. Finally, we’re going to be rescued.

The small helicopter floated along the beach and landed. A cloud of sand and grit filled the air.

Seth grinned at Megan. They climbed the ladder out of the boat and hurried down the slope and across the beach to greet the new arrivals.

When the motor wound down, a slim redheaded man exited.

The pilot leaned out the door and yelled, We can’t stay here too long.

The slim man nodded. Okay. Let me talk to these people before we head back.

There was something familiar about the new arrival’s hair and build. As the young man drew closer, she was able to see his face better, and her eyes widened. Is it really him? Her heart sped up. The sight of him reminded her of how much she'd given up to be on the island with Seth.

Eli? Before she knew it, she was sprinting toward him. Eli!

Mom? Her nineteen-year-old son threw his arms around her, catching her in mid leap. He chuckled and spun her around. I found you! I found you!

Megan cried and laughed all at the same time. God, it’s so good to see you. How did you find me?

He set her down. We got your letter, the one you somehow sent home to California, and I found the people who mailed it for you. They sent us this way. Your note gave Grand a lot of comfort near the end.

What? Megan’s insides went cold and hollow. W-what happened to my mother?

Oh, shit. Of course you wouldn't know. He took both her hands and sucked in a shaky breath. "I’m sorry, Mom. Grand passed away six months ago.

No. Oh no. My mom. She’s gone? Her eyes stung, and her lower lip trembled. It was her heart, wasn’t it? At his nod, her stomach dropped to her feet. I-I didn’t even get to tell her I loved her one last time.

Guilt twisted her stomach. If I had asked the natives for a ride to their island, maybe I could have gotten home in time to be there with her at the end. It was my choice to stay here with Seth and look what happened.

Yes, you did. You wrote it in the letter. Eli ran his hand down her arm and gave her another hug. She had me read it over and over. Grand kept saying, ‘Thank God she’s alive.’

Oh, that’s good. Megan rubbed her face with a shaking hand. I’m… I’m so glad. I’m sorry, Mom. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most. How is Josh and everyone?

They’re all fine.

Seth stood to the side, smiling slightly.

Megan reached out to draw her lover near. Eli, I want you to meet someone very important to me. This is Seth. He and I have been—

Keepin’ each other alive, Seth butted in. I couldn’t survive without your mum’s good cookin’.

Yeah, Mom’s the best. Eli grinned and shook Seth’s hand. I’m glad she found someone to take care of. I think she would be lost without another person to cook and clean for.

Megan scowled. I’m not that co-dependent.

Ace. Megz is special. She is. Seth winked. Oy, your mum’s one tough lady. You should be very proud of her. She’s faced down charging boars and pirates.

Wow. Mom, you did? Eli exclaimed, wide-eyed.

Megan chuckled. Yes, I guess I did.

The pilot left the helicopter and joined them, staring at Megan. Is this her?

Yes. Eli grinned.

Good. They just announced on the radio a tropical storm front’s moving in. We need to go, people. He clapped his hands together then made a circle with his finger. Wrap up the hellos, so we can get out of here and get your mom home.

What about, Seth? Can he come too? Megan glanced at her lover.

The pilot shook his head. It’s a three-seater.

She peered at the copter. It had one bench seat in the front. Then I’m not going.

Eli’s mouth dropped open. Mom, no. You can’t.

What? The pilot frowned.

Seth grabbed her arm. Now, Megz, don’t go all stubborn. He nodded toward Eli. Go home with your boy and get the hell out of this awful place.

No! She pulled away. I’ve lost my mom, but I’ll be damned if I’m losing Seth too. Megan faced the pilot. If Seth isn’t coming, then I’m not either.

We can send the rescue ships out for him once we get back. The pilot gestured toward the now choppy waves. With the storm front moving in, it’ll probably take a couple of days, but they’ll be here.

Then I’ll wait for the rescue ships with Seth. She gave a firm nod.

If that’s your decision?

It is.

Let’s go, Eli. The pilot patted her son on the back and trotted to the helicopter.

But, Mom… Eli’s large eyes filled with water.

Megan cupped her son’s cheek. You found me, honey. Come back on one of the ships, and you’ll find me again. I don’t want to leave Seth alone on this island. It’s awful being alone.

Okay, Mom. I understand. I know you wouldn’t leave me. He hugged her again. Just wait till I tell everyone I found you. Won’t they be surprised? Dad said I never would, but I did.

For just a second, her chest tightened, and she couldn’t breathe. Your… your father? she asked in a strangled voice.

Yeah. Dad made it back okay. He looked back at the helicopter revving up. Got to go, Mom. I’ll see you in a couple of days, all right?

Jonathan is alive? Her smile stiffened, but she tried to act normal. Yeah. Sure. I’ll be here.

Eli wrapped his arms around her one last time before he dashed to the helicopter. After he got settle, the ‘copter flew over the ocean, looking like a giant dragonfly.

She ducked, covering her eyes from the flying grit.

Megz, love?

Megan walked blindly back to the boat. My husband’s alive? How did he survive? Didn’t the plane sink? I saw it go under. She staggered to a stop with hands over her mouth. Good God, I’m an adulteress.

Seth pulled her into his arms. Oy, love, I’m sorry about your mum.

She looked up at him with tears dimming her vision. My mom’s dead, and my… my husband’s alive!

If only it was the other way around.

Chapter 2

* RESCUE *

Megz, they’re ‘ere. Seth unzipped his surfing wetsuit as he walked into the master cabin. I saw ‘em from top of a wave.

Oh, good. I just finished packing. Megan shut the suitcase with a snap then rubbed at a scratch on the battered leather. She’d found it washed up on the beach like she had everything else… including Seth.

A loud ripping noise, made her jump and turn. Her eyes widened at the damage. Oh, honey, your suit tore.

Seth stared at the torn arm. Blimey. I reckon I was in need of a new one anyway. Seth struggled to get out of the wreckage. Stepping into the shower, he rinsed off then returned to the room naked.

Sitting on the bed, she watched her lover dress. Seth’s physique had gone from well-packed to wiry. His corded muscles rippled with every movement. Their life here had been active and hard.

Did you have a good surf?

Seth buttoned up his Hawaiian shirt. The waves were a mite small, not like when the hurricane came through.

Megan flattened out the wrinkles in her sundress, but once she released the material, they sprung back. I’m glad they’re not. Seeing you ride those huge waves on your little board almost gave me a heart attack.

Aw, love, no need to get your knickers in a twist. I made it back in one piece. Seth pulled on his tan shorts, snapped, and zipped the fly. He glanced at their suitcases. ‘Ere let me get that fer ya." Not bothering with shoes, he took both bags and hauled them out of the Dinki-Di.

Megan followed him out and watched the horizon. Oh, I can see them. Are you sure that’s the rescue ships? One looks kind of stubby.

It’s a tugboat. This here is a good place as any to wait fer ‘em. Seth indicated the chairs under the pergola he’d built.

All right. Running her hand over the second chair, she felt the weave under her fingertips. These have held up well. I hate to leave them.

Me too. I enjoyed making them, and you did a fine job with the seats and backs. When she moved her hand away, Seth sat next to her. But I don’t reckon they’d have the room on one of their ships to take the chairs with us.

No, I guess not. She glanced up at the seashell wind chimes tinkling in the soft breeze. The nicer ones were packed away, but the ones on the pergola and surrounding trees would stay. God, this feels awful, like we’re leaving home.

It does at that. Seth sat forward with his elbows on his knees. I had thought about staying here by meself.

Oh, honey, you can’t. Megan rubbed his muscular arm. People aren’t meant to be alone. I went a little crazy here, before I met you.

Now that they found us, I’d have to prove my solvency to stay. I ain’t got no green backs to do it. He shrugged and gazed at her for a long moment. What now, Megz? Are you really going home to your husband?

My son expects me to go home to my husband. She stared at the seamen on the tugboat unloading a dinghy and wished they’d just go away. If only Jonathan wasn’t still alive, so I wouldn’t have to deal with him or his mind games anymore.

"Megz, are you really going back to him? He took her hand. Yer old rat of a husband couldn’t love ya as well as I do."

Come home with me. She pleaded with her eyes. I love you. I want us to be together forever.

I don’t reckon a husband would put up with his wife’s lover. He looked away.

We’ll stay with my sister or my brother. Surely there’s room on one of their couches. Then we’ll find work and get a place of our own.

His thumb caressed the back of her hand. Megz, I’d love to, but there’s the little matter of my expired Student Visa.

You can reapply. Or… or you can marry me and become a US citizen. Megan held her breath. Her heartbeat pounded. She hadn’t meant to propose, but she couldn’t see living the rest of her life without this man by her side.

His eyes widened for a moment. Right, love. We’ll get hitched directly after your divorce and move to Australia. He kissed her knuckles then stood and strolled to the beach to greet the landing party. Oy, need a hand?

Sure. If you’ll help get the boat higher on the beach, someone yelled back.

Her chest ached. Her lover thought she’d go back to her husband, and they’ll never see each other again. He didn’t realize she meant every word and would move anywhere he did. Blinking back tears, she walked slowly down the incline. The smaller of the two boats had beached itself. It had bright yellow letters on the side, BASRA.

Mom. Eli leaped out of the dinghy and splashed through the surf.

Hi, honey. I told you you’d find me again. She threw her arms around him, her heart full at the sight of her son.

I did. Eli nodded. Herb, the helicopter pilot, marked it down on a map for the boat captains.

That’s good.

Ma’am. A heavyset man stepped out of the dinghy and tipped his cap. I’m Captain McMasters, harbormaster of Nassau Harbor. Welcome back to civilization.

Hello. A slim man jumped off the BASRA boat and landed with a splash. I’m Ted London from Bahamas Air Sea Rescue. At your service.

She smiled at the two gentlemen racing each other to get to her. Thank you, both for coming to our rescue. She shook both their hands. I’m Megan Lorry. The man over there is Seth Dawson.

Your son told me you survived a plane crash, Captain McMasters said.

I did. She nodded.

Then may I ask where you got the boat? Captain McMasters pointed to the Dinki-Di.

The boat belonged to William Campbell, she said. Bill was Seth’s boss.

The captain frowned. Where is Mr. Campbell?

Deceased, I’m afraid. Megan looked down a moment, thinking of the remains they’d found and how hard Seth mourned his boss.

McMasters leaned toward her. You know this for sure?

She pointed around the curve of the isle. Seth and I found his body on the other side of the island near the boat.

How did he die?

He drowned. She gestured to her lover. Seth, this is Captain McMasters.

Son, I need to ask you a few questions about your boss and the boat, McMasters said.

Orright, Seth agreed, his brow wrinkled, walking off toward the Dinki-Di with the Captain.

Eli moved closer to his mom. Seth looked worried. Did I miss something?

Captain McMaster wants to ask Seth some questions. I’m sure they won’t be long.

Megan and her son moved out of the way, so the crew could secure the two boats, tying them to two trees growing further up the beach.

McMaster and Seth’s voices rose higher than the roar of the surf.

Megan jumped, glancing in their direction. What’s going on? She marched over to McMasters. Captain, maybe I can help.

Seth’s hands were curled into fists. A frown marked his brow, and his lips pressed together in one thin line. Seth was usually easy going.

I just asked Seth a question… I don’t rightly know if you can answer it. The captain rubbed the back of his neck.

Hey, I found a stash of prescription drugs. A man on the deck of the Dinki-Di held up two huge bags.

The captain raised his eyebrows at Seth and then Megan.

Megan stifled a groan. Who let that man on board the boat? Seth’s boss bought them in Mexico for some friends of his. They’re just basic prescriptions for high blood pressure and such. This looks so bad. All Seth did was guard his back while they were there.

I found a gun too, the man called.

Megan closed her eyes for a moment, praying for strength. We were attacked by pirates. Seth took the handgun from one of the men.

A muscle bunched in Seth’s jaw. He kicked a broken seashell.

Mrs. Lorry, I’m not the police, but I still need to know how Captain Campbell died. As harbormaster of Nassau Harbor, I’m duty bound to report what I find out here to the Nassau police department.

He drowned, and doesn’t your crewman need a search warrant? Megan pointed to the boat.

Excuse me, ma’am, but you’re not a coroner, are you? And my crewman isn’t a law officer, so he doesn’t need a warrant.

Megan raised an eyebrow. "Captain, the Dinki-Di is our home, and your man is trespassing. There are still laws about breaking and entering in the Bahamas, isn’t there?"

Kelly, the captain bellowed. Get off the boat.

Aye, Captain. The man climbed off the Dinki-Di.

Captain, Megan said. I did get a good look at Bill’s body.

He grinned at Megan in a patronizing way. Do you know what a drowned person looks like? I can tell you, madam, it’s not pretty.

It just so happens that I do. Her whole body tensed. The nerve of the man. God! No wonder Seth is angry. I had to bury my fellow passengers when they washed up on shore from the plane crash. All were drowned. She pointed down the beach to the row of rock-covered mounds. And, no, they weren’t a pleasant sight.

The captain’s smirk disappeared. All right, you have my attention. What else can you tell me?

His remains had no bruising or cut marks, except for where the crabs had been at him.

The captain shivered. Crabs, eh?

Yes. I can write a statement if you’d like.

The Nassau police may want you too, Mrs. Lorry. McMasters turned back to Seth. Son, I need to talk to you about getting the boat off the beach. The Bahamian government is concerned with derelict ships making an eyesore of our pristine beaches. It’s bad for the tourist trade.

Seth nodded toward the boat. "The Dinki-Di has a wee hole in her side, and her motors are cactus."

Cactus?

He means dead. And not just dead but really dead, Megan explained.

What happened to your bilge pumps? McMasters asked.

They’re cactus too. Seth crossed his arms over his deep chest. The only pump that still works is the fresh water pump for the reservoir. I reckon it survived the storm hav’n been unplugged and stored.

"The Dinki-Di might have gotten struck by lightning, Megan added. It was an awful big storm that night, and a lot of stuff got washed up on shore the next day."

Including yours truly. Seth pointed to himself and thrust out his jaw.

The captain chewed the side of his cheek. You couldn’t use the ship’s radio to call for help?

Slight lines around Seth eyes crinkled when he frowned. It’s cactus too.

When we finally found the boat, the only things working were the lights and the refrigerator, Megan explained. Seth said the surge protector saved them.

The captain tipped his hat back and scratched the top of his head. You say you found the boat on the other side of the island?

Yes. Seth’s full lips tugged downward.

Then how come it’s on this side?

Megan glanced at the stubborn set of Seth’s jaw and realized he was done answering questions.

Seth patched the hole. She pointed to where the edges of the fiberglass patch had started to curl. "With the help of a storm surge, he managed to get the Dinki-Di off the beach. Unfortunately, the trip around the island burned out the motors and the patch didn’t hold. Then he rode a huge wave up on the beach. We’ve lived here ever since."

Well, I’ll be. Amusement danced in the captain’s gaze. He surfed the boat?

Seth can surf anything. Megan smiled.

McMaster kicked off his deck shoes, waded into the creek that bypassed the boat, and poked at the patch. "There’s some stuff I have to temporarily plug the hole. I can also loan the Dinki-Di a couple of bilge pumps to keep her insides dry."

Seth leaned against the boat. "The motors are still