The Reef Roamer (The Roamer Series Book 1) (7 page)

After making a show of inflating her buoyancy vest, Jayme was the first one off the boat, taking that big step off the back platform, as a reminder for the other two divers of what to do. She floated a few feet off the stern, waiting, knowing they should all descend together. Only once did she reach over to the woman and show how to empty the vest of air to allow her to sink down into the clear blue water. The woman nodded and gave Jayme the okay signal. From that point on, they had a relatively uneventful dive until a curious barracuda showed up. Both new divers were equally as curious, and Daniel had to keep them from following the big fish.

Jayme hung back a few yards, noting how Daniel handled his charges. He was observant without being obvious and let the two explore. Occasionally he would motion them over to look at something interesting or to stop them from touching something they shouldn’t. He was a good guide and an excellent dive master, she concluded.

Daniel tapped on his tank with his knife to get their attention, motioning it was time to ascend. He had them stop at fifteen feet for ten minutes before surfacing, holding onto the lowered bar. Since they were only at thirty feet, Jayme knew that longer stop wasn’t necessary and realized Daniel wanted these newbies to get accustomed to the safety stops.

***

“Did you see that barracuda? It was huge!” the young man exclaimed to the snorkelers, who were already on board.

Daniel smirked at his enthusiasm. “Yes, Carl, it was a good specimen. They are usually pretty docile too, unless you start chasing them!” The admonishment was made and covered well with laughter.

“And the fish and coral were so beautiful and colorful!” Carl’s wife, Megan, said.

The snorkelers were in agreement with Megan. By keeping the dive shallow, Daniel insured all participants had an enjoyable time sightseeing his domain.

Even though it was still early in her stay, Jayme decided that if this continued, Holm Cay stood a good chance of being her Abaco focus because of the gentle way Daniel handled his clients and because that swinger’s resort would never, ever make it to a
Reef Roamer
video.

***

Jayme packed her gear into the large mesh bag and headed for the dive shack, where troughs of clean fresh water waited. She immersed her gear, bag and all. After a couple of dunkings, she let it drain on the nearby table.

She saw Daniel heading her way and waited.

“That was a nice dive, Daniel, easy and relaxing. Exactly what I needed.”

“Thanks, Jayme, and thanks for the help. Even with only two divers, anything can happen,” Daniel said. “I think their next one will be even better. Will you be on tomorrow’s dive?”

“Yes, only the morning one though,” Jayme said. “I signed up for the afternoon island tour.”

“You’ll like that. Adam does a good job.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Jayme took a shower after the morning dive to rid herself, and her hair, of the ever-present salt water. Daniel had taken them to another spectacular reef, and now she was looking forward to a deeper dive, perhaps tomorrow.

Dressed in white shorts and a deep green tank top that matched her eyes, Jayme packed her straw purse with her camera, spare memory cards, sunblock, a bottle of water, and headed to the main office to meet up with the tour guide, Adam. She had no idea what to expect; however she had learned to be ready for about anything.

***

There was a small group of people milling around in the resort lobby, some of whom Jayme recognized from the restaurant or from the dive boat. What she noticed most was the lack of children. Then she reminded herself that it was mid-season, not spring break, and kids were still in school.

A deeply tanned elderly gentleman carrying a clipboard approached the group.

“I’m going to guess this is my group for the island tour today,” he said with a delightful British accent. His blond hair was mostly gray, and his blue eyes still held a great deal of mischief. Jayme immediately liked him. “My name is Adam Beckworth, but if you call me anything other than Adam, I won’t know who you’re talking to! We are casual here in the islands.”

The group laughed. He called off names and checked everyone off his list and then led them outside.

The vehicle, a large four-wheel drive Land Rover, was stripped down and refitted to look like a British surrey. The top, meant to keep the sun and any rain off the passengers, was a yellow and white striped canvas with low-hanging scalloped edges. The bench seats were alternating yellow and white, and red and white in a soft, thick fabric and were spaced well apart for plenty of leg room and easy viewing of either side. A cooler filled with ice, water, and soft drinks was tucked against the tailgate, easily accessible by anyone.

Adam helped his seven passengers into the open-sided truck and then settled into the driver’s seat. Jayme managed to secure the last seat for herself, intent on watching and filming the group. Adam switched on the microphone, sending a squeal to the speakers that were snugly strapped to the overhead bars that supported the canvas top.

“Now that we have that out of the way,” he chuckled, “I’d like to draw your attention to the cooler in the back. Everything is bottled in there, and that’s because parts of the island do not have water filtration. The natives are used to it, but your more delicate constitutions may not be. Please, do
not
drink anything offered unless you yourself remove the cap, that is, unless you have a desire to meet our friendly and competent doctor!” Adam put the truck in gear and headed down a dusty road toward the middle of the island.

The next two hours were filled with Adam’s jokes and much laughter. The chatter among the group was easy and friendly, and Jayme was thoroughly enjoying herself.

“We’re going to make a brief stop soon for anyone who might need to use the restrooms. This settlement is one of the largest on our island, the largest being the resort. The name the locals have given it is Apa. Don’t ask me what that means because I have no idea and no one will tell me, even after living here for the last eight years,” Adam announced. “Apa’s claim to fame is hats. Woven palm tree hats to be more precise. So if you forgot yours, I’m sure someone here will be happy to sell you one. Remember, don’t drink the water.” He coasted to a stop in front of an open bar.

Jayme waited until everyone else got out; she then took a bottle of water from the cooler and joined her companions.

“You should move forward, Ms. Haller, so you don’t miss any of my jokes,” Adam said to her.

“I can hear you fine, Adam,” she said, “and I must admit you are quite entertaining!” She gave him one of her brightest smiles and hooked her arm with his. “Now tell me,” she whispered, “what does Apa really mean?”

“I really don’t know.” He laughed heartily with a twinkle in his eye. “I don’t think anyone does.”

***

Adam had wound his way through the island’s maze of narrow roads, pointing out things of interest, including the new medical clinic by the shore and spectacular views at nearly every turn. Within an hour of their stop in Apa, he pulled up to the resort.

“Be sure to collect all your belongings. Anything left behind I get to keep!” he joked. “And don’t forget, if you need to go anywhere, I’m also your taxi driver.”

While everyone meandered back to their rooms, Jayme hung back.

“Adam, I truly had a delightful time today. I’m glad I took the tour. Is it acceptable to tip you?”

“Yes, it’s acceptable, however, I don’t want a gratuity from you,” he said. “Perhaps one of these evenings you will grant me the pleasure of a dance.” With that, he bowed deeply and left to gas up the surrey.

CHAPTER SIX

Daniel was worried that Jayme had cancelled yet another afternoon of diving, and finding her at the front desk, he pulled her aside.

“Ms. Haller, I’m concerned,” Daniel said. “Have I done something to offend you, or is there some reason you are displeased with the diving?”

“Oh, my goodness, no, Daniel. Everything is wonderful. What makes you think so?” she asked, concerned.

“Well, you’ve done only morning dives and have cancelled a couple of afternoons with me. I had to ask.”

She took his hand. “I did the island tour yesterday if you recall, and I booked a spa-day package for this afternoon. This is a long vacation for me; I need a break from the diving, that’s all. I’m really looking forward to a massage!” Jayme gave his hand a squeeze and then let go. “If there ever gets to be something I’m displeased with, Daniel, I will be sure to come to you about it, okay?”

“I’m embarrassed now that I even brought it up.” He raked his fingers through his still damp hair. “I’ve gotten used to having you on the dives, almost like an assistant,” he laughed. “Please, enjoy your afternoon. Our massage therapist is really good.” He turned to leave when Jayme caught his arm.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, giving him a reassuring smile.

***

Jayme found the spa hut immediately from the concise directions given to her at the front desk. The building looked fairly new, yet was made to appear part of the landscape. She was pleased to hear the sound of soft music and not the sound of an air conditioner. She opened the door and stepped into the scent of almond oil and jasmine. The place radiated peace and tranquility, and Jayme immediately felt calmer. A young island woman stepped out from the back room.

“Good afternoon. You must be Ms. Haller,” she said. “My name is Andrea.”

“Yes I am. This is a lovely room, Andrea,” Jayme said, looking around. The beiges and salmon colors were accented with the green of live plants and wicker chairs. A window facing the ocean was open, and a quiet breeze brought in the salt air. It reminded her of Katherine’s office, and that made her happy. “May I take a few pictures of your room, Andrea? I have a friend back home that would love to see this.”

“Of course, ma’am, help yourself.” Picking up a form from her desk, Andrea said, “I see you’ve have massages before, Ms. Haller.”

“Many times, yes. I try to get a massage once a month at home and whenever possible when I’m on vacation. Finding you here was an unexpected treat,” Jayme replied, scanning the room with her camera.

“You’ve booked an hour and a half massage plus a sea-salt and apricot foot scrub, followed by an herbal body wrap?” Andrea questioned.

“Yes, is there time for all of that?”

“Certainly! I was only double checking the information,” the therapist answered. “If you will follow me, please.” Andrea led Jayme into another, more spacious room.

The massage table stood center stage and was already made up with cream-colored sheets and a pale green blanket. To the side, Jayme recognized the heated water bath that held the sheets for the herbal wrap. A display table sported a variety of delicately scented lotions and oils.

While Andrea stepped back into the office to lock the front door, Jayme undressed and hung her clothes on the hooks she presumed were for that purpose. With a sigh of contentment, she slid under the top sheet, placed her face into the head cradle, draped her arms off the edges, and waited for the therapist to return.

Andrea spread some oil on Jayme’s back and began to knead her muscles. “You must get a great deal of exercise. You have strong, well-defined muscles.”

Jayme grunted a response and fell silent again, hoping the girl would get the message she didn’t want to talk.

An hour into the wonderfully quiet massage, Andrea whispered into Jayme’s ear that it was time to turn over. Jayme shifted onto her back and moved lower so the face cradle could be removed, all without opening her eyes.

The total time Jayme spent in the spa hut was two and a half hours, and she felt both exhilarated and like an overcooked noodle. She felt wonderful! After putting on her clothes again, she stepped into the office room where Andrea sat at her desk.

“And how did you enjoy that?” The therapist handed Jayme a bottle of chilled water.

“That was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. Thank you,” Jayme said. “I think I could use a nap!” she chuckled. Although she had already paid at the front desk for the services, Jayme handed Andrea an extra-large tip.

***

Back in her room, Jayme took a shower to wash off the oils that had been rubbed into her skin and slipped into a long, flowing caftan for a walk on the beach.

“You would like it here, Donald,” she said aloud, standing on the shoreline. “The diving has been great, all the people have been extra nice, and the food is really good.” She stopped a few feet from the shore and lowered her chin to her chest while the tears flowed. “Oh, Donald, I miss you so much!”