The Island

THE ISLAND

By Clarissa Johal

COPYRIGHT © 2015 CLARISSA JOHAL

Faeriemoon Press - May 2016

Previously Published August 2015 by Forsaken

Cover Design by Greg Simanson

Edited by Marisa Chenery

Proofed by Cory Williams

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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 Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

The ferry cut a path through the fog and drizzle, its engines a steady thrum against the current. A red and white flag flapped loudly in the wind. There were few cars parked on the boat’s deck. Windows rolled up to ward off the chill, drivers busied themselves with phones and various devices as they waited for the ferry to reach its destination.

Emma’s stomach lurched as they hit another wave. Unzipping her parka, she checked her reflection in the car mirror to see if she looked as ill as she felt. Her long, blonde hair was in its usual disarray and her freckles stood out a little more than usual, but other than that… She grimaced and rolled down the window. Pulling out her cell phone, she pressed autodial.

Paisley? Hey, it’s me. My ferry’s about ready to dock.

I’m making sure my new employee is squared away and then I’m out of here, Paisley said. I swear, these guys only want to work for me so they can read comic books all day.

Are you sure you can take the time off? Emma shrugged out of her parka and stuffed it into her backpack.

It’s my shop; I can do what I want. Just a sec, Emma. The broom is in the storage room, Paisley argued with someone in the background. "If someone spilled their bag of Cheetos, you sweep them up. It’s part of the job. Geez, she continued. You’d think I asked the guy to give up his super powers."

Speaking of cleaning, the cabin is a mess from what my dad says. There’s a ton to do before it goes up for sale. Are you sure you want to volunteer for that?

Are you kidding? Paisley asked. It’s not every day I get to hang with my best friend on her private island. It’ll be fun.

It’s not my island. It’s my grandmother’s. Well, it was, Emma added.

Ash said she’d keep everyone in line while I’m gone, and I trust her. If I could afford an assistant manager, I’d promote her in a second, Paisley said. How much time off do you have?

All of spring break.

Really? Miss Workaholic?

They practically pushed me out the door, Emma said. I still need to come up with funding for extra summer programs too. There’s a waiting list a mile long, and nobody wants to put out the effort.

You can only do so much, Paisley said. There’s more to life than work. Derek and I haven’t even seen you since my birthday party.

I know. Emma bit her lip. I’ve been busy.

Crap. Sebastian came up five dollars short last night on his shift, Paisley muttered. I swear I’m gonna take that out of his pay. This isn’t the first time.

Maybe you should pay your employees with comic books?

Maybe I should. Paisley snorted. Derek says I should sell the place.

What? Why?

He says it’s not making any money.

How does he know?

I let him take a look at my QuickBooks.

And that’s his business because…?

We’ve been dating for six months, Paisley said. You know how good he is with money stuff. He thinks the name is weird too.

Of your shop? I like the name. Atomic Unicorn. What’s not to love about that? Emma said. You’ve owned the place for five years and it’s doing fine.

He’s just trying to help. So, how long do you think it’ll take us out there?

I don’t know. She ran her fingers through her hair. Dad did some packing before his accident, but I don’t think he started the cleaning. You know how he is. God, I can’t believe he just left her stuff for seven years. I think he was in denial.

At least he filed the paperwork.

Yep, she’s officially deceased. I’m tempted to hire a garbage scow to haul her crap off and be done with it.

Emma!

I’m just joking.

She was your grandmother, after all.

We weren’t close, you know that. She didn’t like me, and I didn’t like her. Emma felt her shoulders tighten. Whatever. Who buys an island in the middle of nowhere? She had enough money to live any place in the world. Her cabin has no Internet, no television, I don’t even think Fae owned a CD player.

Maybe she liked the peace and quiet, Paisley said. "Kind of like Dagobah in Star Wars."

If it was good enough for Yoda…

Paisley joined in on her laughter. Do you think someone will actually buy it? I mean, it’s not just a cabin. It’s a whole private island. And a cursed one at that.

Stupid superstition, Emma scoffed. The only thing cursed about that island is how boring it is.

Aside from boring, why don’t you want move there? The land taxes are probably way cheaper than your rent.

What would I do for a living? It’s too far to commute. Not that I’d want to.

Relax, kick back, Paisley said. You could sell cursed island treasures.

There are no treasures on the island, trust me. Just a bunch of driftwood and trees. Besides, I’d miss working with the kids. They need programs like ours to keep them out of trouble. I’d be letting them down if I quit.

I know you love your job and all, but…

Sownipok is worse than Dagobah, Emma said. It’s…hell in the middle of an ocean abyss.

A slight exaggeration, I’m sure.

No, it isn’t. I’d go crazy living out there. I think Fae went crazy living out there, truth be told. She probably jumped into the ocean and drowned herself. The ferry lurched in the waves, and Emma clutched the phone. I’m so sea sick right now. I’m about ready to barf.

Poor you.

We’re pulling up to the pier. I’ll meet you at Gideon’s.

Sounds good, Paisley said. I’ll finish up here, grab my things and catch the nine ‘o clock ferry.

See you soon. Emma hung up. Bracing herself against another wave, she caught the eye of an older woman checking the tire of her truck.

Been having problems with a slow leak, the woman explained. You look a little green. Are you all right?

I’ll be fine once I start driving. Emma took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Where is everybody? The pier used to be hopping.

Guess you haven’t been out here for a while.

It’s been about ten years.

Lots of changes, the woman said. Nobody visits since the economy took a downturn. Where are you headed?

Timber Point.

Visiting family?

A friend of mine is taking me out to Sownipok.

The woman did a double take. Sownipok Island?

Have you heard of it?

Yes… I have.

Fae—my grandmother used to own it. I’m getting the place ready before it goes up for sale.

Fae Keller. The woman nodded. I remember reading about her. Small town news, you know. They didn’t…? The question trailed, unasked.

No, they never found her.

I’m so sorry. She paused, a trace of worry on her brow. Do you have a buyer?

Not yet.

The island has a reputation.

Emma shrugged. Superstition.

The ferry finally came to a stop and one of the deckhands undid the chain, signaling for the cars to pull off.

Good luck, the woman said as she got back into her truck.

Thanks. She caught the woman’s look of concern. Locals. Whatever.

Pulling away from the terminal with a sigh of relief, Emma slid a CD into the player and turned up the music. The atmospheric sounds of U2 filled the car. She rolled the windows down, ignoring the chill and drizzle that immediately soaked her sweater. After several minutes, the fresh air calmed her stomach. She pushed a wet strand of hair from her face. And that was only the first half of my trip, she thought grimly. There’s still the boat ride out to Sownipok itself.

Chapter Two

Heavy clouds cast a somber air over the empty-looking town of Timber Point. Halfway between quaint and run down, several shops stood empty and abandoned, their windows either broken or coated with salty grime. A stray dog wandered the street and stopped briefly to investigate a fishing net that had been cast aside.

As Emma approached the docks, she noted several moored boats were up for sale. Others looked disused, their paint peeling in the elements. She parked her car. A ramshackle pub with a neon sign reading Oyster Shack stood in the empty parking lot.

The small pub was dark inside. Polished wood and red vinyl made up the somewhat outdated decor. A row of empty stools flanked the bar. A jukebox stood silent in the corner. The lingering smell of beer and fried seafood permeated the area.

She set her backpack down. Gideon?

Little Emma Keller! The booming voice came from the kitchen. Gray hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, the older man bustled out to meet her. In spite of a decided limp, he exuded a robust air. It’s been too long, girl!

A smile tugged at her lips. It has.

He pulled her into a bear hug. Your dad’s been sending pictures, but I would have recognized that angel face anywhere, he declared. Last one I got was of your graduation. Sorry I couldn’t make that.

It was high season, I understand, Emma said. Where is everyone?

This is everyone. Gideon gestured to the empty bar. Don’t get the customers I used to since the tourist industry took a diver. High season last year was underwhelming, to say the least.

I didn’t realize things were so bad out here, she said.

Hopefully, it’s temporary. How’s your dad doing? I meant to call him last night.

He’s doing okay, she replied. I think it’s going to be a while before he’s on his feet again.

You’re a good daughter, for coming out all this way.

This should have been done years ago.

I’m sorry about Fae. He gave her a sympathetic look. Such a tragedy.

Everyone’s sorry about Fae, Emma said before she could stop herself. It’s been seven years since she disappeared. It doesn’t make sense to keep hoping she’ll show up.

I know you two butted heads from time to time. Gideon walked to the other side of the bar. How’s the job going?

It’s going great, she replied, brightening. The kids are super wonderful. I just developed a new program. There’s a wait list for it, so I think I’m onto something. Basically, the kids are going to design and build their own mini-houses using bricks and wood. The local hardware store said they’d donate the materials.

Sounds like an interesting program.

I should be working on it now, along with researching some funding grants, updating our website, making some phone calls… She pulled her long hair back. "Apparently, work thinks I need all of spring break off.’

Your dad says you’re a workaholic.

I like what I do, she said defensively.

Gideon gave her crooked grin. He thinks you need to settle down and get married.

That would require me to have a boyfriend, Emma replied. Which I don’t.

Why’s that?

Because they’re all jerks, Gideon. You can’t depend on any of them.

He let out a loud booming laugh. That’s my little firecracker.

Emma settled onto one of the barstools. Paisley is going to catch the last ferry and meet me here. Can you take us out to the island tonight?

Was planning on it, he said. My boat engine conked out this morning. Won’t be able to afford to fix it until next week.

Her shoulders slumped. Seriously?

Now hold up. There’s a regular who stops by nightly, he said. A fisherman. Brings me a fresh catch when I need it. Keeps to himself, but he’s a good guy. Thought I’d ask him if we could borrow his boat for a bit.

Thanks. She sighed. I just want to get this over with.

How was the ferry ride?

Like an endless roller coaster, as usual.

Up for one? Gideon set a shot glass on the counter. Good for what ails you.

I don’t think that’s going to help my stomach.

He nodded in feigned agreement. Probably best, since you’re such a little thing. Wouldn’t want to be picking you off the floor.

I’m not little, Emma bristled.

Not at all! he boomed. Five foot…one?

And three-quarters, thank you very much. She caught the twinkle in his eye. Fine, pour me a shot.

My baby Emma! He pulled a bottle from under the counter.

I’m twenty-five, Gideon, Emma said. I’m not a baby anymore.

So you say, angel face. He filled the glass halfway. I’ll go easy on you, though.

What am I drinking, by the way?

Whiskey, girl. It’s all about the whiskey. He gave her a wink.

Emma picked up the shot glass and hesitated before she downed it. She coughed as the burning liquid hit her throat.

The front door opened and closed, bringing with it a chilly ocean breeze.

Ah, and there’s my regular, right on time.

Emma turned to greet his friend, expecting someone Gideon’s age. She was surprised to see a man closer to hers. Neatly dressed in a cable knit sweater and tight black jeans, the man took in the scene briefly before setting down a large cooler.

Nate, this is my good friend, Emma Keller. Her father and I go way back. Emma, this is Nathanial Dumont.

Emma held out her hand. Nice to meet you.

Nathanial spared her a hooded glance and nodded.

Emma and her friend need to get out to Sownipok, Gideon continued. I was wondering if I could borrow your boat. My engine conked out this morning.

Sownipok? Nathanial frowned. Why?

Emma studied him in the dim light of the pub. He looks as if he stepped off the cover of GQ, she thought. Damn. Tall and athletically built, Nathanial’s dark tousled hair was coupled with a day’s worth of stubble across his strong jawline.

Emma’s dad had an accident out there a month ago, Gideon said. He’s laid up right now.

I’m getting my grandmother’s house ready for sale, she added.

Fae? Nathanial’s attention snapped toward her.

Emma blinked as his face caught the overhead light. Nathanial’s eye color was unexpected. Pure amber, they burned like molten gold. She quickly composed herself. Yes. Did you know her?

We crossed paths once or twice.

Emma’s phone rang. The ring tone, a raunchy song Paisley had chosen herself, elicited a chuckle from Gideon and a look of surprise from Nathanial. Emma’s face warmed as she pulled the phone from her back pocket.

My car won’t start! Paisley wailed.

What?

I got Brandon situated and thought I could catch an earlier ferry. The guys are checking under the hood right now. They keep saying I’ve got gremlins. She let out a frustrated sound. That’s not helping, you guys!

Don’t worry about it, Paisley.

I’ll probably have it towed, but my mechanic is closed right now. I’m so sorry, Emma.

It’s not your fault. Give me a call and let me know how it goes. She switched off her phone. Paisley’s car won’t start. I guess it’s just me.

I don’t know how I feel about you going out there alone, Emma, Gideon frowned. Your dad didn’t fare very well—

I won’t even go near the cliffs. I promise.

Still.

I’m a big girl.

Not so big, he replied with a grin.

Don’t be funny, she retorted. I can always wait until morning and hire my own boat, you know.

I’ll take you out, Nathanial said, cutting through their banter.

Gideon eyed him. Well, that would be a favor, all right.

It’s on my route. Nathanial nodded toward the cooler. That should be enough to get you through until Tuesday.

I’ll take what you got. Gideon opened it and looked inside. Good catch, Nate. I’ll pay you for taking Emma out too.

I can pay for that— Emma started.

A special to go and we’ll call it even, Nathanial said, ignoring her.

You got it. Gideon picked up the cooler and exited into the kitchen. The door swung shut behind him.

Nathanial returned his attention to Emma. How long are you planning to stay on the island?

I’m not sure, Emma said. I’ll need to pack the rest of Fae’s things and clean.

Do you have food? He eyed her damp sweater. A jacket?

In my backpack. I have my parka and an extra pair of shoes. Some granola bars and soup—

Electricity?

They were supposed to turn it on this weekend—

I need to check my engine before we leave.

Okay… Emma’s sentence trailed as she watched him leave. Whatever. She joined Gideon in the kitchen. Mr. Cheerful’s a man of few words.

Nate? Aw, he’s okay.

Is he a local? she asked. I don’t remember seeing him around.

His folks were from up north.

Were?

Gideon battered a fish fillet before dropping it into the hot oil. "Nate used to pull a fishing route with his dad during the summer. His mom would go out with them from time to time. They got caught in a pretty