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    Scarlet Water Under an Azure Sky (A Layton Shayne Mystery)
    Scarlet Water Under an Azure Sky (A Layton Shayne Mystery)
    Scarlet Water Under an Azure Sky (A Layton Shayne Mystery)
    Ebook289 pages3 hours

    Scarlet Water Under an Azure Sky (A Layton Shayne Mystery)

    By Gerald Lopez

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    About this ebook

    The adventure continues for Detective Layton Shayne, his son Chip, and their group of companions. But, danger still lurks around every corner even as old and new allies and foes make themselves known to the detective. For Layton it’s no longer just about his group’s survival but about the future of everyone on the planet.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherGerald Lopez
    Release dateSep 28, 2020
    ISBN9781005262570
    Scarlet Water Under an Azure Sky (A Layton Shayne Mystery)
    Author

    Gerald Lopez

    Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for Gerald—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

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      Book preview

      Scarlet Water Under an Azure Sky (A Layton Shayne Mystery) - Gerald Lopez

      Copyright © 2020 by Gerald Lopez

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

      This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

      Wherever possible, the syntax and spelling in this book follows guidelines set forth in The Chicago Manual of Style, 14th Edition, and in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary.

      Cover Art Copyright © 2020 by Gerald Lopez

      Acknowledgments

      My special thanks go to the following:

      To John for his helpful comments and suggestions.

      Table of Contents

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 12

      Chapter 13

      Chapter 14

      Chapter 15

      Chapter 16

      Chapter 17

      Chapter 18

      Chapter 19

      Chapter 20

      Chapter 21

      Chapter 22

      Chapter 23

      Chapter 24

      Chapter 25

      Chapter 26

      Chapter 27

      Chapter 28

      Chapter 29

      Chapter 30

      Chapter 31

      Chapter 32

      Chapter 33

      Excerpt from Book Three

      Contact the author

      About the author

      Other books by Gerald Lopez

      Scarlet Water

      Under an Azure Sky

      (A Layton Shayne Mystery)

      Gerald Lopez

      Chapter 1

      Keeping the Faith

      WE PADDLED steadily onward, listening to directions from the captain of the double canoe. I didn’t know what waited ahead but sometimes you just had to keep the faith.

      Uncle Layton, do you think the bats made it to the new island? Hayden Jr. said.

      I don’t know how far they can fly but I’m sure they could get to the new island, I said.

      Hopefully the bunnies are OK, Chip said.

      They are, Sasha said from behind me. I opened my backpack and peeked in on them.

      The waves rushed at our canoe as we neared the new island. The captain of our canoe shouted out directions. We had to make our way around a barrier reef to get to the beach. I was glad we still had life vests on from our trip down the secret river.

      Hang on tight, kids, I said.

      We managed to get close to the beach where a previous group was getting out of their canoes and rafts. Conley and I jumped out of the canoe and helped the other paddlers pull it to shore.

      Quickly, quickly! a man on shore shouted.

      After getting the kids out of the canoe we rushed forward where the rest of our group was waiting.

      Daddy, can I walk on my own now? Chip said.

      The beach sand will slow the children down too much, Miss Dulce said. Once we’re on the path they can try to walk quickly."

      I picked Chip and Hayden Jr. up again and we followed the others. Conley was next to me with Sasha, and Chet was to the other side with Chase.

      What’s going on? Chet said. I thought we were safe now. Why are we still rushing around?

      That’s what I’d like to know, Conley said.

      No time for that now, I said. We need to just keep on moving till we get the word that we’re safe.

      When we got to the edge of the beach we saw a familiar friend—the leopard from before was calmly sitting and waiting for us with his family. As soon as he spotted Stanford he pushed his smallest cub forward. Without hesitating, Stanford picked up the cub and put it in his backpack. The leopard family then walked alongside Stanford and Mason.

      It looks like the wild cats still sense danger in the air, Conley said to me and Chet.

      Yes, I said.

      We were on a well worn path heading into the jungle now. The clear area was wide enough for some of us to walk alongside others and not in a single row. I put Chip down then turned to Hayden Jr.

      Are you OK to walk, Hayden? I said.

      Yes, Sir, Hayden Jr. said.

      The kid was being so strong and brave that it got me a little choked up for the moment and while still walking, before putting him down, I held him close.

      You are being so strong and brave, kiddo, I whispered into Hayden Jr.’s ear. I’m so proud of you.

      When I put Hayden Jr. down Chip grabbed his hand and the two rushed toward Selina, with Sasha and Chase behind them. Alisha followed them to keep an eye on the group.

      Poor little Hayden’s a real trooper, Chet said. But, Layton, at some point he’s going to need to process everything including the loss of his parents.

      I know, I said, and we’ll be there for him.

      We continued onward, and I was surprised to see the kids were all able to keep up with the group, even Hayden Jr. who still walked with a limp.

      Damn those bastards! I said out loud.

      What? Conley said.

      Look at Hayden’s limp because of those bastards breaking his leg, I said.

      He’s doing good, though, Conley said. It’s not slowing him down.

      Conley put his arm around me and I smiled. The group continued without stopping as the land rose steadily. But the trail had been kept clear, so there were no fallen trees or large branches to climb over. We’d quickly gotten used to the chickens walking with us, the monkeys going from tree to tree, and the birds flying overhead.

      We stopped suddenly, and I heard people talking. We decided to see what was going on so Chet, Conley, and I walked ahead. A scruffy brown dog came up to us barking, then turned so we’d follow him. We asked Stanford, Tula, and Mason to stay with the kids as we followed the dog, who’d stopped to bark at us again. The faithful dog had led us to an elderly woman who was sitting on a stump. A man who looked to be the same age and held a walking cane was rubbing her leg. Miss Dulce was with them.

      What’s wrong? I said.

      Auntie fell and twisted her ankle, Miss Dulce said. Uncle tried to carry her and hurt his back. And we must keep moving to get to safety.

      You tell Uncle not to worry, I said. I’ll carry him.

      And I’ll carry the woman, Conley said.

      Miss Dulce passed along what we’d said speaking in her native language that I didn’t recognize. The woman and man turned to Conley and me, smiled and clasped our hands. Uncle gave Miss Dulce his cane to hold, then I picked him up using the fireman’s lift. He was skinny and light to carry so it wasn’t a problem. Conley carried Auntie using the same technique as me.

      Our group, including the kids, had caught up with us.

      Miss Dulce, Chet said. I thought once we got here, the island itself would be safe.

      We must be sure and not take a chance, Miss Dulce said. The cave will be our refuge.

      Thankfully she told us that we wouldn’t have to get to the top of the mountain to reach the cave. After a while, even though they’d tried their hardest to keep walking, the kids got tired and needed help. Chet picked up Hayden Jr, while Tula carried Sasha, Stanford held Selina, and Alisha had Chase in her arms. It wasn’t long before we heard the sounds of snoring children. Auntie and Uncle’s dog didn’t stray far from our side, and would check on his owners whenever we stopped to let them rest a few seconds. It was somewhat slow going but we knew we’d arrived at our destination when a line formed.

      Someone in front is guiding people into the cave, Miss Dulce said. It’s a slow process, but we are alright with time for now.

      Conley and I had put Uncle and Auntie down, and they thanked us profusely in broken English. The stop had caused the kids to wake up.

      Where are we? Sasha said.

      Look at the dog, Selina said.

      That’s a good dog, I said, then pointed to him, looked at Auntie and Uncle, and put my thumbs up. They smiled and put their thumbs up.

      I crouched, then sat down on the ground, and showed the dog the palms of my hands. He slowly headed my way, and allowed me to pet him. Hayden Jr., Chip, and Chase walked over and pet the dog as well. After a short wait some men and a woman came to help Auntie and Uncle. They waved bye to us as they left along with the dog, who we found out was named Giku.

      Auntie and Uncle need a little more help than our group so they went ahead, Miss Dulce said. We had all decided to sit on the ground to rest a while . My legs were stretched out in front of me and I looked at my dirty, muddy feet and saluted them. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I saw Chip’s small dirty feet to my right and Hayden’s equally as unclean feet to my left.

      This is strange, Conley said.

      Specifically what is strange? Chet said. Besides everything, of course.

      I feel lighter somehow, Conley said. Like a weight is off my shoulders.

      Me too, I said.

      We’re free of all the residual energies that lurked on the other island, Mason said. I don’t believe there were ever any research facilities on this island.

      This is unofficially referred to as commerce island, Miss Dulce said.

      But before she could say more, a burly man walked up and waved for us to follow him.

      Here we go, Conley said. Into the unknown yet again.

      May God help us all, I thought then said a silent prayer that we’d survive what was coming.

      Chapter 2

      Downward We Go

      THE ENTRY TO the cave was wide and we were all able to go in at once. Men holding lit torches were stationed inside the dark spaces, but our group opted to use our caps’ lights as well. We still had our night vision goggles but didn’t use them. Besides humans there were also animals waiting their turn to enter into the cold, hidden depths. While one of the guides gathered the animals together, another approached our group. He had a strong accent but spoke good English.

      Do not be scared, the guide said. Some of the spaces are large but the passages can be narrow with low ceilings. You will not be able to carry the children all the way. Please follow me now.

      I held hands with Hayden Jr. and Chip, who reached for Sasha’s hand. Selina grasped Sasha’s hand and Chase opened the backpacks to check on the bunnies.

      The bunnies are good and ready to go, Chase said.

      Me and my boys were directly behind the guide, who led us forward. The first part of the way down was wide enough that several of us could walk side by side but the rock ceiling was getting lower. While the children had no problems several of us taller adults had to walk bent over. Luckily that didn’t last long, and we found ourselves in an immense room. We had to wait there a while until the group ahead of us had made it through the next section. Looking at the animals in the room with us kept the kids busy, and I took the opportunity to stretch my back and legs.

      Geez, I hope we don’t have to crouch down again, Chet said.

      The animal guide gathered the animals again, then sent them in single file down a far passage.

      Oh no, Sasha said, then grasped Conley’s hand. We’re gonna have to go single file like the animals. I’m scared." She started to cry as did Selina then Hayden Jr.

      Uncle Layton, please don’t leave me behind if I don’t fit, Hayden Jr. said and cried again.

      The girls cried even louder. Everything had started to hit them and they were scared. I crouched down and hugged Hayden Jr., who threw his arms around my neck and held onto me tightly. Chip walked over to Hayden Jr. and patted his shoulder.

      It’s OK, Hayden. Daddy Layton is your daddy now, he wouldn’t leave you behind. He loves you. It’s really scary down here but we’ll be fine. We just gotta be tough like Marines.

      The Marines won’t want me because I have a bad leg, Hayden Jr., said then cried.

      Well this Marine wants you and won’t leave you behind, I said. Hayden Jr. didn’t seem convinced. I didn’t want to say this before because your parents just died, but I’m going to say it now.

      Hayden Jr. stood tall and looked at me with tear filled eyes.

      You’re breaking my heart, kid, I said. Listen, I’m going to be absolutely truthful with you.

      OK, Hayden Jr. said and sniffled.

      You’re mine now, buddy. My son just as much as Chip is, do you understand?

      No, Hayden Jr. said.

      Out of the corner of my eye I saw Conley pick up Sasha and hug her—the poor girl was really scared. Selina was crying in Tula’s arms.

      Hayden, I said. Don’t your remember my always being there when you were little. I sure remember changing your poopy diapers.

      A giggle left Hayden Jr.’s lips but he frowned again until I tickled his tummy then lifted him up, turned him upside down, and blew raspberries on his tummy. Now he was really laughing. I put him upright and hugged him tightly then spun him around as I whispered in his ear.

      I love my little brave boy so much. Jesus, Lord above, thank Hayden and Brenda for trusting their sweet boy to me.

      You’re thanking Mommy and Daddy, Hayden Jr. said. For me.

      That is true, I said, then reached for Chip so I had both my boys in my arms. Just think of this as a great adventure, guys. Whatever happens, we’re in this together till the end. No one gets left behind.

      Mommy and Daddy did, Hayden Jr. said, then looked at me and held my face with his hands. But Mommy was really sick and Daddy didn’t want her to be alone. This is different.

      Yes it is, I said. How’d you get to be so smart?

      Well…I don’t know, Hayden Jr. said, I just am.

      I laughed and heard Conley do the same. By then the animals had all left and it was our turn.

      Aw, that’s nothing, I said when I got my first glimpse of the narrow passage we’d have to go through.

      We won’t get stuck, will we? Selina said.

      Nah, I said. It’ll be easy breezy.

      I was first in, then Hayden Jr. who held my hand. Chip was next to him holding his hand while he held Sasha’s and the backpack between them. The guide told us to keep our backs against the rocks behind us and we did so. Hayden Jr. was trembling slightly, but except for sniffling a couple of times, he kept his cool. A few steps forward the passage got slightly more narrow near my head. That was when Hayden Jr. lost it. He began to hyperventilate and cry.

      Squeeze my hand tightly, buddy, I said.

      I can’t move, Uncle Layton, Hayden Jr. said, then cried loudly. My leg!

      Layton! Mason said from farther back in the line. Put your hand on his leg and tell me what you feel.

      Hayden Jr’s leg was trembling beneath my fingers.

      It’s a muscle spasm, I said. A bad one.

      Hayden Jr. cried even more, the poor kid was in a lot of pain. But I had an idea. Lower down the passage was wide enough for me to be able to sit and turn. I did that then tried to pull Hayden Jr. down to me but he resisted.

      Nooo, Hayden Jr. said. It hurts, Uncle Layton, pleeease help me… it hurts.

      I know, buddy, I said.

      I brought medicine that will help him, Mason said, but we need to get out of here first.

      Understood, I said.

      Hayden, Chip said. You can squeeze my hand really tight, but you have to do what Daddy says.

      OK, Hayden Jr. said, then started lowering himself.

      He screamed loudly and it took everything in me not to shed a tear. It hurt like hell being a daddy—more than any physical injury I’d endured on the field. Finally Hayden was down and in my lap. I had to do this quickly so Mason could help my boy. I wrapped one hand tightly around Hayden Jr.’s waist, and with my other hand and my feet I pushed myself as fast as I could down the passage. It made my heart glad to see Chip, Sasha, and the others moving as quickly as they could so Mason could get to Hayden Jr. After what seemed like an eternity we were out of the passage and in a spacious room. I tried to massage Hayden Jr.’s leg, as did Conley but it wasn’t helping. Mason had a needle in his hand when he got to us.

      This has happened to Hayden Jr. before, Mason said. "So I came prepared. Layton, Conley, I need

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