Deep Blue Secret (29 page)

“I hadn’t thought about it like that,” I said. “I just…feel so helpless sometimes.”

He smiled. “I think everyone does at one time or another; I know I do. But you don’t need to be scared. I promise. Now that I understand your condition better, you’re going to be fine. You need the Healing Water more often than normal, but I’ve got you covered. You know you can count on me, right?”

His green eyes had a language of their own. Every time I gazed into them, they spoke to me, convincing me of truth. I trusted them.

I nodded. “I know. Thank you…for everything.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said in his familiar, confident tone. “But you know what this means don’t you?”

“What?”

“You’ll have to see a lot more of me now; probably every day.”

My brow lifted. “I think I can handle that.”

I leaned my head on his shoulder and sighed, looking out at the crowd of students on the dance floor. Nick and Heather moved into my line of sight and she waved from over his shoulder, giving me an elated smile. They weren’t making out after all. I needed to remember to give Heather more credit.

The song over the sound system ended and a new one began. I recognized the tune right away. “I love this song,” I said.

Rayne popped up from his chair. “Enough sitting. Tonight’s supposed to be about fun, remember?” He reached out his hand with tender eyes. “Dance with me…”

My heart fluttered. I smiled and slid my hand into the warm comfort of his fingers. There were plenty of things that felt uncertain in my life, but one thing was sure. Right here, right now, with Rayne holding my hand and smiling at me through those gorgeous green eyes, I was happy. There wasn’t anywhere else I would rather be.

I squeezed Rayne’s hand hopefully and followed him as he moved to the center of the dance floor. He twirled me once, spinning me gracefully in a small circle; then he pulled me in close like he’d never let go.

The sun reached the highest point in the sky, casting shadows beneath the surrounding trees. Rayne concealed himself behind the foliage near the seventh hole on the course, waiting for Hamlin to arrive. It was the same designated spot where they’d met since the commencement of Rayne’s assignment.

He watched a golf cart circle around a bend then pull up a few yards from his location. Aside from the deep respect and admiration he felt for the man, seeing the familiar face of his mentor brought on a surge of apprehension, uncertain what conclusion would come of his report.

Rayne walked calmly from his covering beyond the short hillside towards his superior. Hamlin removed a putter from his golf bag, looking youthful and strong for his wise years. They exchanged a knowing glance as Rayne met him on the green.

Hamlin rested his hands on the heel of his club, looking out at the expanse of the lush course. His tone was even. “How is she?”

Rayne mimicked Hamlin’s posture, staring forward beside him. “A little shook up, but safe.”

Hamlin broke his gaze and paced over to his ball on the green. “And her condition?”

Rayne followed behind him. “It’s sporadic at best, sir. She can’t function for more than a day or two without exposure. I’m afraid her dependency is greater than we anticipated.”

“I see,” Hamlin said, disappointment in his tone.

“I’ve made arrangements with a few agents in the area. They’ve agreed to either donate or sell me a portion of their water supply for the time being. But this is only a temporary solution.”

Hamlin bent at the knees to survey the terrain before taking his shot. “That should give me enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Can you keep her stable until then?”

“Of course, sir.”

Hamlin took a few practice swings as he spoke. “Do you anticipate any further complications with the threat?”

“Voss went over a cliff. His chance of survival was minimal in his weakened state.” Rayne paused and cleared his throat. “I…believe he’s dead, sir.”

Hamlin stopped mid-swing. “I find this news oddly…regrettable. So much talent wasted to tragedy.”

“Forgive me for saying, sir, but I find myself unable to agree with your sentiment.”

Hamlin turned his focus back to his swing. “And you have every right to. The crimes Voss committed in his life were shameful, cruel even. He will have to suffer the consequences of his choices. Still, we would be wise to remember; no man is perfect.”

Hamlin’s arms swung forward gently sending his ball to the hole without wavering.

“Nice shot, sir.”

Hamlin smiled. “I’ve been known to sink a putt or two.” He moved to the hole to retrieve his ball. “Even some of the greatest men of our world have succumbed to weaknesses at some point in their lives. The real question is whether or not they learn to overcome them. It’s a pity Voss never figured that out.”

Rayne compared himself to his mentor’s elevated thinking. “When I picture his face, all I feel is anger,” he admitted.

Hamlin rested a firm hand on Rayne’s shoulder. “You’re a good man, Rayne. I have faith that you’ll figure it out in time, just like the rest of us old men. Even I have my fair share of faults.”

Rayne’s heartbeat quickened. He knew he would have regrets if he didn’t speak his mind. “Sir, may I speak openly? I have something weighing heavily on my thoughts.”

“You’re like the son I never had, Rayne. I’m here anytime you need an ear.” He walked to his cart and settled in the driver’s seat. “Come take a seat, son. What’s on your mind?”

Rayne took the passenger seat, then hunched over his lap, forearms resting on his knees. “I’m having doubts about my…my ability to perform my duties.”

Hamlin’s brow creased. “I thought we discussed this at our last meet. I’ve already denied your request for reassignment. I thought you were in agreement with my decision.”

“I was; I mean I am. It’s just…the situation has elevated and I feel it’s my duty to inform you, sir.”

“Go ahead; but let me reiterate my stance that you’re one of our top Keepers and I feel confident in your placement on this unique assignment.”

“Thank you. I don’t mean to question your judgment. I’m just concerned that my own judgment may be thoroughly compromised.”

Small dots of perspiration formed on Rayne’s forehead. “You’re well aware of my mistake with the overdose, but I think the bonding effect has grown out of my control. When Sadie is involved, I find my emotions controlling my actions almost completely. I don’t see how I can perform up to par with this burden affecting my decisions.”

“Can you elaborate on these emotions you’re experiencing?” Hamlin said.

Rayne sat up in his chair. “Well…when I’m with her my thoughts seem to scatter. It’s like I’m consumed by her presence. I have to fight to stay focused on even the smallest task. I find myself,” he tried to swallow the lump in his throat, “desiring her inappropriately,” he paused nervously, then added, “But of course I would never act on those impulses.”

“I see,” Hamlin said thoughtfully. “And when you’re
not
with her?”

Rayne’s hands opened outward in frustration. “I can think of nothing else but speaking to her again. I find myself distracted; unable to focus, longing for the exhilaration of her company, planning a future with her that can never be possible…”

He turned to face his mentor squarely. “I’m willing to endure this hardship, sir. My real concern is for Sadie. I see her struggling with the same burden and I can’t bear to watch any longer. It’s not fair for her to suffer from my mistakes. Perhaps if I were taken out of the equation, her suffering could be lifted to some degree. She could go back to living a normal life again.”

Hamlin nodded perceptively. “Rayne, I’m going to share a secret with you that perhaps no Keeper has ever had the privilege to learn.”

Rayne was confounded by his statement. “Sir?”

“This is strictly confidential, of course, and not to be repeated. But I feel in this case, it’s a necessary breach of protocol.”

Rayne couldn’t hold back the frown. “That won’t be necessary—”

The raise of Hamlin’s palm silenced him. “This isn’t a negotiation.”

Rayne conceded with a humble nod.

“As you know, it’s standard practice of the Council to caution all Keepers regarding the bonding properties of the Healing Water. The purpose of this policy is meant to safeguard agents from losing focus of their duty and the important tasks they’re expected to perform.”

Hamlin brought his face near to Rayne’s, his voice becoming hushed and almost animated. “Although they fail to mention that they’ve embellished this old wives’ tale in order to evoke certain desired actions from their unknowing civil servants.”

Lines twisted through Rayne’s face. “Are you saying we’ve all been lied to? That the bonding effect is just a myth or some made up
story
?”

“Hold on a minute,” Hamlin said. “There’s a little more to it than that.”

“Of course, sir. Forgive me, I spoke out of turn.”

Hamlin suppressed a chuckle. “Relax young Rayne; I’m speaking to you as a trusted friend, not as your superior officer.”

“Right; please continue.”

“All I’m saying is the bonding effect is not completely understood. But from what I’ve witnessed in my many years of life, I can assure you that the water will never force itself where it’s not wanted.”

“I’m not sure I follow,” Rayne said.

“The bonding effect definitely exists in varying degrees. And I’m quite certain it plays a role in your feelings for Sadie as well as hers for you. But I don’t believe it can remove a man’s free will. The Healing Water does not force one to feel. It can only amplify the positive emotions that already exist in a person’s heart.”

“Please be frank with me, sir. What exactly are you suggesting?”

“Rayne,” Hamlin said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “There’s not a single doubt in my mind. You’re
in love
with my daughter.” Hamlin wore a comical smirk as if revealing this news gave him great pleasure.

Rayne blinked, unable to speak. He tried to fathom the idea that his feelings for Sadie might be real; and if this was true, how could Hamlin be so untroubled by the fact?

He stared at his mentor without seeing, engulfed in thought.
I’m in love?

It suddenly felt so right.
How could I not see it before?
I’m in love with Sadie
. Each time it ran through his mind, the truth became clearer.
I love her.

Hamlin slapped Rayne’s back, amused. “I’m even more convinced than I was before, son. You are the best candidate for this assignment.”