Treasure Tides Part 4

At Royce's affirmative nod, Kurt continued through the door. Becki dried the last dish before slamming it down on the counter.

Kurt pinned her with his gaze, announcing, "I want to see you at my house for dinner tomorrow night."

This time, he didn't wait for a response before he took his leave.

Looking sh.e.l.l-shocked, Becki responded to a now empty room, "Ok, I'll be there."

What the h.e.l.l? Why was Kurt acting so weird this morning? There was only one way to find out. Flinging the towel down on the counter she headed toward the back door with a purpose.

"What was that all about?" she asked as soon as she saw Royce, who was leaning with both forearms propped on the deck rail, thoughtfully staring into her back yard.

Royce shook his head and stepped away from the railing, "I guess he doesn't like strange men at your house so early in the morning," he said with a wicked smile.

"Don't give me that," Beck scoffed. Pulling her bangs up, she continued, "Do I have 'stupid' written on my forehead?"

He stepped forward cupping the back of her head to stare intently at the exposed strip of flesh directly above her eyebrows. As if he were indeed looking to see if something was written there. Royce suddenly smiled and buzzed a kiss in the middle of her forehead. "No, I don't see anything written there. All I see is--"

Becki shoved him away, "It was a rhetorical question, a.s.s."

Royce walked over to the table and picked up the empty coffee mugs, intending to take them back into the kitchen. He hoped she had put his clothes on speed-dry; she was too cute for her own good.

"I'll get those," she said pointing to the coffee mugs he was currently holding.

"It's no trouble. It's the least I can--"

"I said I would get them," she all but snarled now.

He sat them back down on the table, not wis.h.i.+ng to upset her further. "Ok, I'm--"

"What- exactly- is it that you do?" There was a mystery here, and she was going to get to the bottom of it.

"Home security," he responded automatically.

"I see, home security," she smiled, like a Ches.h.i.+re cat.

Becki slowly shook her head and began moving toward him with slow, deliberate steps. Something told him, he was in trouble.

"You said Ryker works for you?" she asked, moving one step closer to him.

"You confirmed that he is out of the country?" another step.

Oh s.h.i.+t! He was being stalked like some rodent.

"Do you provide a lot of home security outside of the U.S.?" yet another step closer.

"How was it you said you got here?" Becki's head started spinning, but still she pressed on.

Without giving him an opportunity to respond to any of the previous questions, she went straight for the juggler, "And why, pray tell," she paused, suddenly grabbing the hem of his s.h.i.+rt to jerk it upward, exposing his left pectoral muscle, "do you have the same crest hidden in your tattoo that I've seen hidden in Kurt's?"

She jerked the hem of the s.h.i.+rt back down, put both hands on her hips and concluded the inquisition by demanding, "Why don't you cut the bulls.h.i.+t and tell me what is really going on Royce?"

Royce watched as Becki stared at him expectantly. She had drilled him like a prosecuting attorney with an open-and-shut case. So, she wanted to know what was "really" going on. Sure, it was easy to explain. He was in charge of a recovery team, who worked for a mostly immortal secret council, whose current mission was to track down some missing coins spelled by Merlin centuries ago. His team had traced one of the coins to Charleston where he had indeed recovered said coin; unfortunately, his efforts had been sabotaged by a band of Witches before he could turn the magic coin over to the Secret Council of Elders. The past two years of his life had been spent locked inside a crate at the bottom of the ocean. The same crate she had found, picked up, and brought home; the same crate that had literally disappeared after magically unlocking a few short hours ago. Sure, that was believable, and easy to explain.

Clearing his throat, Royce said "Look, Becki, I wish I could, really, but I can't. Some-things, you are better off not knowing. This is one of them."

"Right."

Royce reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and could not resist cupping her jaw in his hand to gently tilt her face toward his. "I appreciate your help in more ways than you know, but I can't give you the answers you are looking for. I wish I could, but it's just not possible," he finished with a sigh letting his hand drop down to his side. "I need to be going. My things should be close to dry by now."

She was the cutest thing with her brow wrinkled in confusion, but seeing disappointment flash in her eyes was almost physically painful. He had to get the h.e.l.l out-- while he still could. The desire to scoop her up in his arms, head for the bedroom, and do all the things he hadn't been able to do for the past two years was almost too much to resist. A man could get lost in her chocolate eyes.

"It was very nice to meet you Becki Stephens, and I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done for me. You have a couple of real heroes watching out for you. Don't give them too much of a hard time." He reached out to trace a finger over the frown lines marring her forehead, "Thanks for the shower, and coffee, and...thanks for everything." Royce bent to kiss her softly on the forehead and then turned and moved away.

As she watched him walk through the doorway into her house, she mumbled, "Are you effing kidding me?" She stood where he had left her; outside on the deck, rooted to the spot by feelings of shock and betrayal. She couldn't believe he would casually stroll away with no explanation, not even a meet-me-sometime-for-a-drink, nothing, nada.

Anger rose quickly and propelled her through the doorway, "Really? That's it?" she yelled slamming the door once again. If the gla.s.s survived the remainder of this day, it would be a miracle.

Becki felt the sting of tears, but she would not let him see her cry. Evidently mind-numbing kisses could be one-sided, because it clearly meant nothing to him. He was going to kiss her on the forehead this time, like some child, and simply walk away without a backward glance. Well, that was fine, just fine! She had plenty of offers. Unfortunately none of them compared to the oh-so-perfect male specimen now pulling his clothes out of her dryer.

Royce closed his eyes as he heard tears in Becki's voice. It almost killed him to know he had hurt her. His heart ached with the knowledge that he had to walk away from her, and walk he would. His life was dangerous. The Council had obviously not given him the full story concerning the coins, and who or what might be launching recovery efforts. He couldn't, wouldn't involve her.

He walked back into the kitchen. G.o.d, if she had thought he looked good in swim trunks, the sight of him in faded blue jeans and a black tight-fitting T-s.h.i.+rt took her breath away.

"Becki," he returned softly, purposely keeping his distance. He knew if he touched her again he might not have the strength to leave. "Becki, it's for the best. I have a job to do. I'm on a tight schedule and running behind." Running two years behind, if you wanted to get technical.

Her tear drenched eyes suddenly dried, and shutters immediately dropped down over any expression remaining there. "I'm getting in the shower. Lock up when you leave," she said evenly, "you never know who might just walk in." With that, she brushed past him moving quickly toward her bedroom.

Doors opened and slammed; drawers slid open and then banged shut. "A tight schedule," she mumbled furiously. "What an a.s.s."

She was mad now which was preferable to the tears he had seen earlier. Royce felt a smile tug at his lips as he listened to her slam things around and mutter curse words directed toward him. Her temper had bubbled over, and he sure wished he had time to take on that temper. The knowledge that she was getting naked in the next room made it difficult to even think about leaving. Had circ.u.mstances been different, had they met in a different time and place--. He heard the shower running and knew he had to go, now.

Royce saw the rental car pull up in front of the house-- a black SUV, how cliche. Sean had a twisted sense of humor; he knew Royce would rather have been riding in a red sports car. He was going to have a serious chat with that kid one of these days. Time to get moving, he had a lot of ground to make up. He locked the front door and pulled it shut behind him.

Becki replayed this morning's events in her head becoming more frustrated and confused by the minute. "That's what I get for waking up before noon," she muttered. Natie should be calling soon. If she hurried there was enough time for a quick trip to the dive-shop. She had her eye on a pink snorkel and fin set, and G.o.d knew she needed a little retail therapy.

By the time Becki finished getting ready, the house was empty. Royce had gone, and she felt a great heaviness in her chest, a sadness she didn't care to dwell on. He had made it very clear; he was busy and had things to do, and she didn't fit into his schedule. "His loss," she announced to herself flippantly. But if she were being honest, she was the one feeling a loss; feeling it all the way to the pit of her stomach.

"Heyyy Girl," Vickie called as Becki strolled into Supreme Scuba. "What have you been up to?"

Vickie owned the local dive shop and had worked hard to "s.e.x-up" the hobby. Her new line of female scuba fas.h.i.+on had taken off like gangbusters. She had all the newest gadgets with bling galore.

"You here for the pink set?" Vickie asked knowingly.

Becki had fallen in love with the new hot-pink snorkel and fin set as soon as she had spotted them.

"You know it," Becki grinned. "I've gotta look good out there."

"You always look good, and you know it," Vicki scoffed. "Did you score some teeth for me yesterday?" she asked, her eyes s.h.i.+ning in antic.i.p.ation.

"No, but we did find a crate of some sort," she said browsing through the sale rack of bikinis. "We couldn't get the darn thing open, so I brought it home and put it on my deck last evening. Unfortunately, the brats decided to prank me last night and took it."

"Awww, b.u.mmer; you might be the new rich girl and don't even know it," Vicki said, playing along. "Those crazy kids will probably call you later demanding a ransom of chocolate chip cookies."

"I know, right? I'm sure it's empty anyway or filled to the top with worthless c.r.a.p. It wasn't even a pretty crate, so I may just refuse their demands," Becki joked as her cell phone rang.

"Hi, Natie, where are you guys? I'm at the dive shop. Go left at the next intersection, and it's on the left. Ok, see you in a sec."

"My sister and her boyfriend are in town," she explained to Vicki. "We wanted to go back out in the boat today, but the water is starting to get a little rough. I think we'll walk around The Battery downtown instead."

A bell over the door chimed as Natie breezed in. Becki immediately noticed her puffy eyes, and the way Jonah slunk around the shop wearing sour expression. They had obviously been fighting again. What a vacation. Poor Natie should have left his sorry a.s.s at home. Come to think of it, she should have left him period.

"Hi, Natie," Becki said giving her sister a hug and totally ignoring Jonah. "I thought we could go to White Point Gardens today. Since the wind is starting to pick up a little, the water is starting to get rough. The tropical storm is moving a little slower than expected, but I don't think we should go out in the boat today."

"That's fine with me," Natie said, looking through the rack of new swim suits. Holding up a blue bikini studded with Swarovski Crystals around the neck and waist she said, "This one is pretty."

Leave it to Natie to pick out the most expensive suit in the store. An addiction to bling was one thing the sisters had in common.

"I love it! Vicki has the gray and black put back for me," Becki said with a flash of her dimple. The suit might not be something she would want to wear diving, but it was killer beach wear.

Natie laughed. "I should have known," she said, hanging the bikini back on the rack.

"OK guys, let's head out," Becki called to Natie and Jonah.

"It was nice to meet you, Vicki," Natie said as she followed Jonah out the door.

"See ya, Vic," Becki said, adding in a whisper, "I'll take the blue one, too."

Vicki gave her a "thumbs-up", whispering back, "You're a good sister."

Retail therapy did help, but Becki still could not stop thinking about Royce. She longed to go home, turn the air-conditioner down to sixtyfive degrees, wrap-up in a blanket, sip hot sweet-tea, watch movies, and indulge in a well-deserved pity party. She could finish the evening by consuming about a gallon of ice cream. What part of the universe decided who attracted whom? And, what part of the universe made it ok for one person to feel the attraction all the way to the depth of their soul, while the other person evidently felt nothing?

Becki's pity party would have to be put on hold. Natie and Jonah were waiting for her, and Uncle Kurt had made it pretty clear that he expected her for dinner tonight. She text him a reminder that Natie and Jonah would be there, too.

A few minutes later, Kurt responded that he was expecting them all for dinner. Frogmore Stew was on the menu, and she was in charge of dessert. Smiling, Becki decided that ice cream sundaes would be perfect.

Since Natie and Jonah were evidently not speaking to each other, Becki couldn't wait to get the heck out of the car. Parking was always tricky, but walking downtown remained one of her favorite things to do. History positively oozed from each building, street, and alley with a life of its own. Beautiful colors, blooming flowers, cobble stone streets, and moss covered trees provided more color and depth than it was possible to absorb. An ocean breeze whispered through the moss, swinging it gently in the trees. Today it whispered more loudly than usual, thanks to the approaching storm.

The buildings downtown had survived centuries of weather, war, fire, even an earthquake or two. Cannons gleamed in the bright sun, a solemn reminder of those who had lost their lives on this very ground.

"If only these walls could talk," Becki had heard her grandfather say many times, "just think of the stories they could tell."

She imagined all kinds of stories; stories of ill-fated lovers, pirates, artists and thieves; stories of grand b.a.l.l.s and elegant gowns; stories of wives and mistresses pacing the "widows' walk" while watching, hoping , and praying this might be the tide that would bring their loved ones home safe and sound.

"Look, there is a wedding going on," Natie said as they strolled on the pathway winding through White Point Gardens.

"Do you want to crash the party?" Becki asked with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.

A few years ago, their parents had decided everyone should meet in Tennessee over the Christmas holiday. After a large, rather fancy, family Christmas celebration, Natie decided they needed some girl-time, and a "refres.h.i.+ng beverage".

Still clad in their festive Christmas attire, they had meandered through the atrium on their way to one of the hotel bars, enjoying the fountains and foliage. A bride, groom, and complete wedding entourage had practically run them over rus.h.i.+ng to get to the reception on time. As the sisters backed quickly away from the main walkway in an attempt at self-preservation, they b.u.mped into one of the many elaborately decorated Christmas trees gracing the common areas of the hotel. After getting an up-close and personal look at the groomsmen, Natie had grabbed two fake gifts out from under the Christmas tree, handed one to Becki with a wink, and joined the stream of wedding guests on their way to the reception.

After depositing their "wedding gift" on the appropriate table, they had enjoyed c.o.c.ktails, danced with the groomsmen, and flirted shamelessly all evening. As the party began to wind down, the bride's father had strolled over to the bar where they were seated, and ordered three shots of whisky. After handing them each a shot gla.s.s, he said, "I don't know who you gals are, but thanks for livening up this party." He tossed back his shot and then added, "I can't wait to see them open up that gift tomorrow." He chuckled, winked, and then kissed them each on the cheek.

Becki and Natie ordered another shot as they watched him collect his wife, kiss his daughter, and glide to the door, pausing to tip his hat to them before he left. Natie and Becki had collapsed with laughter, and when they could breathe again, had decided it was the best wedding reception they had never been invited to.

Glancing toward the happy couple currently pledging to "love, honor, and cherish" one another, Becki shook her head.

"I don't know about this one, Natie; they seem a little stuffy," Becki grinned.

"Well, then, it's a good thing we're here to save the day," Natie announced as she locked arms with Becki preparing to drag her toward the festivities. It was fun to see Natie enjoying herself.

Immediately upon arriving at the gardens, Jonah had decided to walk back to their hotel to "take a nap". Right. Whatever his true plans were, Becki was glad to have Natie all to herself for a few hours.

"Ok, let's liven this place up," Becki said, enjoying the moment.

As she and Natie moved toward the gazebo, the ceremony was winding down. "You may kiss your bride," announced the minister.

As the newlyweds kissed, their guests whistled and cheered. Becki smiled as she absorbed the joy of the couple's special moment. Suddenly, she caught a slight movement out of the corner of her eye. Turning to investigate, she spied a familiar figure. The joy of the moment evaporated immediately.

"What the--" Natie began, as she felt her sister's body tense and stiffen.

"Shhh, that's him," Becki said in a whisper, her eyes watching Royce with avid curiosity. What is he looking for? He seemed to be deep in thought, talking to himself and retracing his steps.

"Him- who?" Natie whispered back, ogling Royce. "Do you know that guy? d.a.m.n. He's gorgeous--, and has a nice a.s.s," she observed as he bent to look under the branches of a small shrub. "Maybe we could help him find whatever he is looking for.

"Shut up, Natie," Becki whispered, through clinched teeth.

"What are you so uptight about?" Natie asked, taking her eyes off Royce for a moment but only for a moment. "Seriously, do you know him?" Natie pressured, turning to watch him intently, again. "What is he looking for anyway?"

"I don't know," Becki hissed and simultaneously jerked Natie quickly behind a big oak tree.

"Oh my G.o.d, you have lost it," Natie observed, swallowing the urge to laugh. "Look, is he dangerous? Should we be running? Do I need to go punch him in the nose?"

Natie sometimes forgot she was every bit of five feet tall. When they had been soph.o.m.ores in high school, Natie had actually punched one of Becki's boyfriends and bloodied his nose because he was saying mean things to Becki.

His mother had actually called their mother to tell on Natie for punching her son in the nose. Of course, the fact that he was six feet six inches tall made the story even funnier. Natie had actually jumped up as she swung her fist to hit him in the nose.

"No," Becki whispered furiously, "just shut the h.e.l.l up for a hot minute." She stretched on her tiptoes, peeking out from behind the tree.

"You're going to think hot minute," Natie growled. She had just about had all the fun she could have, hiding behind a tree.

"He was at my house this morning, but he said he had to leave. I thought he was leaving town, but I guess not."