Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
H arper dug out Archie’s bowl from her bag and filled it from a bottle. Both he and Scout drank. She cleaned up, then spent the next however many minutes daydreaming. Being a creative consultant on a Mitchell Ripley movie felt surreal to even think about. She’d never imagined in her wildest dreams something like that might happen.
Her mind went crazy with the thoughts of what it would be like to be on set. Wouldn’t be her first time. She’d had a few clients request her presence for various reasons. But she’d just been a presence. A physical support system.
Mitch was asking her to be an active player.
That was heady stuff.
The sound of the engines changed, and the boat slowed.
“All right, boys and girls,” Mitch called out from the cockpit. “We’ll be ready to disembark in just a few minutes.”
Harper joined him again. “What do you need me to do?”
“Not much. You and Lucas should probably leash the dogs. I’m going to back the boat toward the island, then anchor. That will put the swim platform in shallow water. It’ll be about knee deep or so from there. We can do a little exploring and then eat, or eat first, explore after. Whatever you guys want to do. There’s a little snorkeling to be done, too, if anyone’s interested. It’s nothing like the ocean, but the river has plenty to look at.”
“Okay, sounds good. I’m not starved, but I’ll do whatever the majority says.”
Willa came up to them. “Did I hear you say snorkeling?”
Mitch nodded. “There’s plenty of gear if you want to give it a try.”
“Yeah, that would be cool.” She looked at Harper. “Are you going to let Archie get in the water?”
“Yes. I’m sure Lucas will let Scout swim. Can’t have him feeling left out.”
Lucas and Frankie came in from the bow. “Can’t have who feeling left out?” Frankie asked.
“Archie. If Scout goes swimming, he’ll have to go, too.”
“You know that’s right,” Frankie said.
There was a small clunk sound, then the engines cut off. Harper realized they were at a standstill.
“Anchor’s down,” Mitch announced. “Do we want to eat or explore first? This is Thieves’ Island, in case you didn’t hear me earlier. During Prohibition, this island housed a very active moonshine distillery. The ruins of that distillery still remain. Just follow the path from the beach there.”
Frankie was all smiles. “Now I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. This is pretty cool. And we can just walk around the ruins?”
“We can,” Mitch replied.
Lucas nodded. “Don’t judge me, but I might have to do a quick live from there.”
“A what?” Mitch asked.
Harper grinned. He was so amazingly untouched by technology. “A live feed or broadcast,” she offered.
“That’s right,” Lucas said. “This is right up my alley. Granted, I’m not exactly a huge moonshine guy, not sure I’ve ever actually tried it, but I do use wine in my cooking. I can’t pass this up.” He looked at Frankie. “How do I look? Camera-ready?”
She giggled like a teenager. “You always look camera-ready.”
Harper caught Mitch rolling his eyes in amusement at the same time she did.
Willa grimaced as if her mother and Lucas were too much to bear. “I’ll be in the water.”
Harper looked at Mitch. “I guess we’re exploring first.”
“Works for me.” Then he raised his voice. “You should all probably put your water shoes on. Lots of rocks in the water here. They aren’t sharp, but they can be slippery.”
She had water shoes in her bag, but she hesitated before going to get them. “You’re a regular tour guide. Good to know you’ve got something to fall back on in case the whole writing thing doesn’t work out.”
He snorted. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Are you coming onto the island with us?”
He pulled the key from the ignition and pocketed it. “What kind of tour guide would I be otherwise?” He tipped his head toward the cabin door. “My water shoes are below. Be right back. Actually, just a second.” He raised his hand. “Willa? Lift that seat cushion and the compartment underneath has all the snorkeling gear.” He pointed to the cushion next to her. “Use whatever you want. It’s all been cleaned and sterilized.”
“Thanks!” Willa called back.
Harper went to sit and put her water shoes on along with Willa, Frankie, and Lucas.
Frankie was already done and getting sunscreen out of her bag. “Do you mind if I take Archie? He’ll want to be with Scout anyway, I’m sure.”
“He will. Thanks.” Harper got his leash out and handed it over. “Here you go.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Frankie said.
“So will I,” Lucas said. “He might even make a guest appearance on my live.”
Shoes on, Harper sat up. “I hope he brings you many new likes.”
“Dogs usually do. They’re great for social media.” He stood and got Scout’s leash on, then he and Frankie went off the swim platform and into the water. Frankie sank in to her waist.
She waved at Harper. “See you over there.”
Harper nodded.
Willa was trying on masks as Mitch emerged from the cabin. She had one that covered her whole face and had a snorkel built into the top of it. “Hey, this is cool. Can I use this one? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Go right ahead,” Mitch said.
Willa already in just her bikini, tugged the mask on and went off from the swim platform, too. She floated face down in the water and slowly worked her way to where the water was a little deeper.
The boat suddenly seemed bigger with just the two of them left behind.
“Ready to go exploring?” Mitch asked.
Harper nodded. “Are you taking anything?”
“Just my phone and the boat keys. But my phone’s in a waterproof case.”
“Hmm. Mine isn’t.”
He pulled his keys out and unlocked a small compartment next to the driver’s seat. “It’s not that big of a deal if you’re careful with it. Lucas and Frankie don’t have waterproof cases, either. You want to lock it up?”
There were no other boats around them but didn’t hurt to be safe. She took her phone from her pocket and tucked it into the compartment. “Thanks.”
“All right. Let’s do some exploring.” He went to the back of the boat and off the platform, then offered her a hand.
She took it and stepped into the water. It was cool but refreshing. She could feel the rocks under her feet and was glad for the protection of the water shoes.
He let go of her hand. “Once we get to that small beach, there’s a path that leads to the center of the island. That’s where the ruins are.”
“Lead on, o great and mighty tour guide.”
He chuckled and they slogged through the water. Little fish darted past, flashing pale silver in the clear water.
When they reached the small beach, he turned back to look at her, but said nothing.
“You okay?” She knew his memories had to be coming in a steady stream.
He nodded, glancing down. “Haven’t been here for a while.”
“If you don’t want to—”
“No, I do. This is…good, I guess.” He shrugged. “I don’t know if good is the right word, but you know what I mean.”
“I do. Therapeutic, maybe. Or cathartic. One of those.”
“Definitely.” He pointed to the barely discernible path that wound through the trees and undergrowth. “Couple-minute trek through there and we’ll be at the ruins.”
She stayed where she was. “Are there snakes?”
“Not that I’m aware of. There might be a few spiders.” He grinned. “You want me to go first?”
She laughed. “Is it awful of me to say yes?”
He took a few steps up the slight embankment then bent and picked up a long stick. “Here you go. In case you have to defend yourself against a rogue banana spider.”
“Banana spiders? Hold on a second.” She took the stick. He started toward the path. She stayed where she was. Spiders were not one of her most favorite creatures. “Do they bite? Why are they called banana spiders? Do they just like bananas or are they as big as one? Mitch, I need details.”
“They’re more scared of you than you are of them, I promise.” Laughing, he kept walking, moving brush aside as he went. “Just stay close.”
Stick in hand, she caught up to him quickly. If he wanted her close, she could do that.