64. Vacation
Vacation
Two days had passed since the APOLLO case was closed and things returned to normal.
Belle decided to move in rather than find an apartment as our relationship blossomed and things got serious pretty fast. And today we’re taking our next big step; going on a vacation together.
I told her about my promise to Fred and she agreed.
So, he was coming along as well. The two had hit it off, to my surprise, which made me like her all the more.
It was the first day of our vacation and I had spent the entire morning packing my old duffel bag for the trip.
Belle was ready, of course, the moment she arrived days earlier.
“Got everything you need?” Belle said, walking into my bedroom.
“I think so,” I said, stuffing my swim trunks in the bag. Fred followed Belle around while chewing his favorite toy. It squeaked as he dug his teeth into it. “I see Fred’s ready to go.”
“Yeah! He’s so cute,” Belle said, bending down to him. She rubbed his head gently. “I love dogs.”
I grabbed some other personal items and threw them in the bag. Grabbed my gun and my badge; I’m always on duty even when I’m not.
“I just need to get the leash—,” I said, picking up the duffel bag.
“Already got it!” Belle said, connecting it to Fred’s collar.
“You’re amazing,” I said, and kissed her softly on the lips.
The drive to the hotel was short and pleasant.
The weather was great too. We were off to a fantastic start in our staycation.
I reserved a normal room at the Hilton in Sunny Isles Beach, but when we arrived, a small mix up led to free upgrades.
We ended up in a suite and Fred got his own bed, though we didn’t stay in the room for long.
“Let’s go for a walk?” Belle said, stroking my chest. I nodded and grabbed Fred’s collar.
“Come on boy! Fred,” I said. He rushed to the door in seconds.
It was early in the afternoon when we headed out, and by the time the sun had begun to set, we were sitting cozy in each other’s arms on a beach chair; watching as the sun slowly disappeared across the horizon.
Fred was fast asleep beside us. Then, just as the sun vanished, my phone vibrated; someone had sent me a message.
“Ignore it,” Belle said, stuffing her face in my chest.
“What if it’s important?” I said, slowly taking out the smartphone.
“Let them figure it out.”
“Sure,” I said, kissing her head once more.
But my curiosity got the better of me. I quickly turned on the screen and read the text message.
My hand began to shake and this cold knot formed in my stomach that burned like an ulcer; I didn’t recognize the number, but whoever sent it knew me. The message said:
Two souls unite in mourning, balancing their faults at cost
By losing one’s past, and embracing their future, a new life is born
But caution is needed, for the blind will be lost
And should mistakes be repeated, lives will be torn
Desire Is A Natural Amenity