17 comments/  59891 views/  50 favorites

Fearless

By: MoogPlayer



Do you ever wonder how and why things happen the way that they do? Well I used to, but I've learned over the years that regardless of how much we try to plan our lives; fate always has a way of stepping in and throwing a wrench into the works and dictating otherwise. At least, that's how it was for me.

My name is Tom McNeal. I'm 46 years old, stand 6'3" tall, and weigh roughly 220 to 225 pounds. I have dark brown hair with a small spatter of gray at the temples and dark brown eyes, both because of the fact that my mother is full blooded Chiricahua Apache Indian. I was in the U.S. Navy, and was a member of SEAL Team 3, Underwater Demolition Team 26. I never married, not because I didn't want to, but because I could not, in good conscience, put a woman through the rigors and strain of being married to a SEAL. You see, we were subject to be called away at any given time, to go God knows where, and there was no guarantee that we would be coming back alive, if we came back at all. I saw my buddy's marriages falling apart left and right because of it; I'd only had two relationships while I was in the Navy. However; I chose not to take either of them to the next step and because of that, neither one stuck around for very long.

~~~~~~

Chapter One

I was seriously wounded in June of 1994, and due to the situation and circumstances involved, and because I'd been in the service since I was seventeen; the Navy gave me an early retirement package. At that time I was only thirty four, and after I was released from the hospital in Bethesda, Maryland; I made arrangements to return home to Florida, where I was born and raised to try and heal not only my body, but my soul as well.

Regardless of how much the media tries to glamorize being a SEAL, and it thoroughly pisses me off, the fact still remains that the kind of work we do is very dangerous, as I've already said. I was also cross trained as a Hospital Corpsman, but when it came to liquidating an opposition; I was trained to basically hit em and forget em. However, once I stopped doing that kind of work and returned to civilian life, I knew my body would heal, but the ghosts of the past seemed to somehow find their way back to me at night while I slept, hence the reason for returning to Florida to heal my soul.

I had no family other than my parents, Harry and Diane McNeal, and they were both retired and living in West Palm Beach, Florida. After they got over the shock of my being wounded a few weeks prior, they realized I was going to be alright and were absolutely thrilled that I was coming home for good. They told me they were going to open the house in Key West and let me move in because they were giving it to me. I did, however, stay with them for a while so that my Mom, who is the kindest soul alive, could fuss over me. When my Dad asked me what I was going to do with myself now that I was out of the Navy, I realized that I hadn't given it one single thought, because I hadn't planned on retiring so soon.

~~~~~~

Once I'd healed up well enough and was able to get around with virtually no pain, I applied to, and attended, the University of Florida. Although I lived in an off-campus apartment while attending school, I still managed to make it home every other weekend to see my folks.

Because of my military experience and all the training I'd received there, The University of Florida allowed me to take the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams for well over half of the subjects I needed to take in college. Because of that, and a lot of hard work, I managed to get a double Master's Degree, one in Marine Biology and the other in Underwater Archaeology, receiving both degrees in just a little under four years. 

Because of my military experience as well as my grades and test scores in my field of study, I had been approached by the Jamaican National Heritage Trust, which is basically, a branch of their government. They asked me if I would be interested in assisting them, as well as Texas A&M University's Nautical Archaeology Program and The Institute of Nautical Archaeology with the underwater excavations that were going to begin, somewhere around eighteen months after my graduation, at what was once Old Port Royal. I was very excited to accept their invitation, hell; who wouldn't be? However, I still wanted to be able to have my own research facilities, hence the reason for basing my operations out of Key West.

~~~~~~

I graduated in May of 1998, and after ceremony was over; my parents took me out for a celebratory lunch that afternoon. "We're so very proud of you, sweetheart," my mother smiled.

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, taking her hand and holding it, "It means a lot to hear you say that." 

"Are you still planning on moving back to Key West, before you start working in Jamaica next year, Tommy?" my father asked. When I went home one week-end my last semester in school, Dad and I had talked about the offer that the Jamaican government had made, and also about y moving down to Key West, and seeking a Government grant to fund the construction of my research facility. 

"I still have to get my grant papers filled out Dad," I replied, "But after that, I'm still planning on going down there and looking for a place to live anyway, why do you ask?"

"Oh, I was just curious," he smiled, casting a quick, knowing grin at Mom.

~~~~~~

I'd been settled in at my parents' house for about a week, when, as I was sitting in the den with Mom, I heard Dad call me into his study. 

He asked me to take a seat, sitting behind his big oak desk, and then while smiling at me, said, "Son, I can't tell you how proud I am of you. I always knew you'd do well in spite of a few set backs here and there (me being wounded...ha ha)."

He pulled out a drawer to his immediate right, and then reaching down into it, he withdrew a small attaché case, and placed it on his desk. "What's that, Dad?" I asked. 

Grinning, he waved to me, signaling the need for me to come closer to him, and replied, "Your future!" 

"What in the world are you talking about?" I asked, wrinkling my brow. 

"Open it," was his reply. After I scooted my chair up, I opened the brief case, took out the contents and then placed them in front of me on my father's desk.

I saw three envelopes, and counted four bound stacks of one hundred bills, each stack totaling twenty thousand dollars. "What is this Dad, and what's it all about?" I asked, now totally confused. 

Dad smiled at me and replied, "It's your future son." 

"But I....." 

"I sure as hell won't be able to spend it all so, don't argue with me boy because that's how it's gonna be. Besides, it was your Mom's idea first and I agreed with her. And I know you're not goin to argue with her now, are you?" interrupted my father, with a boyish laugh. Then placing the three envelopes directly in front of me on the desk, he said, "The deed to the house you grew up in, in Key West, is in one of these, and the paper work to your bank account at Key West bank, both of which require your signature, is in the other one." 

"What's in the third one?" I asked.

"Open it," Dad said, grinning from ear to ear. I opened the envelope and inside it was a cashier's check for ten million dollars.

"Jesus Christ, Dad! Have you gone insane?" I asked, after picking my jaw up off of the floor. 

He laughed wildly and then leaned back in his chair and said, "I know you remember me talking about my buddy, Phillip Hogue," I nodded, "Well, he is the president and CEO of the Key West Bank. I called him not too long ago and asked him what he thought the house was worth. After he gave me an appraisal; your mother and I decided to give it to you as a homecoming gift. We thought that it might help you ease back into civilian life a little easier." 

I looked at him and crossly said, "Although I truly appreciate it Dad, this is a lot of money and besides; you and Mom don't have to do this ya know...." 

He just laughed and said, "Well, son, aside of the fact that we wanted to be here to see you enjoy your inheritance, now you won't have to deal with the government to build your lab. And, as I've already told you, it was your Mom's idea first so, I dare you to try and argue with her." He had a very good point. 

All of my life, I've never seen my Mom back down from an argument once her mind was made up, and because I knew I'd be fighting a losing battle; I more or less conceded and simply said, "Aw Hell." 

Dad laughed and replied, "Yeah, uh huh, that's what I thought."

After Dad retired from the Navy, he went to work for McDonnell/Douglas's aircraft division. He still owns the patents on the targeting computers in some of the military's fighter aircraft. Needles to say, financially, he did more than extremely well and was able to retire somewhat earlier than most people his age.

~~~~~~

On the last night at my parent's house; I awoke in the middle of the night, covered in sweat from head to toe. I reached over and turned on the bedside lamp only to find my father sitting in a chair across the room with his arms folded across his chest, staring intently at me. I rubbed my eyes and asked, "What are you doing here?" 

He uncrossed his arms, and slightly louder than a whisper, replied, "I heard you crying in your sleep so I thought I'd get up and check on you." 

"How long have you been here?" I asked. 

Dad just smiled sadly, then shook his head and replied, "How long have you been having those dreams, son?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied. 

Dad just looked at me and said, "Why don't you tell that shit to someone who doesn't know you, boy?" 

"I don't want to talk about it anymore," I said, angrily. 

My Dad looked at me sternly and said, "You're going to have to deal with it sooner or later, and that's a fact," and then he stood up, and saying nothing more, walked out of my room, leaving me all alone in just the light of the bedside lamp. 

I reminded myself to apologize for snapping at him before I left, tomorrow.

~~~~~~

At 8:00am the next morning, I had my Jeep packed up and ready to head south. I wasn't going to need any furniture because the house in Key West was, according to Mom, already furnished and I wouldn't need anything else, save my clothes and personal items. "When you get into town and get settled, I want you go to this place called Crabby Dick's. The owner's name is John Stone. Tell him I said, 'Hello' okay?" replied my Dad, as he hugged me right before I got into my Jeep.

I looked at him and said, "Dad, about last night I'm...."

"Don't worry about it Tommy Boy," replied Dad, grinning. 

"I love you, Dad," I said.

"I love you, too," he laughed, "Now, get the hell outta here; you're cluttering up my driveway, ya bum."

I got on I-95 South to Miami where, once I arrived there, I would take U.S. 1 out of Miami, all the way into Key West.

~~~~~~

I hit the outskirts of Key West around 2:30pm that afternoon, and thirty minutes later, I was pulling into the driveway of the house I grew up in. Mom and Dad told me earlier that they'd had some "improvements" made to the house, but it wasn't what I thought it might be. I hardly recognized the place. It had been repainted and was now a brilliant white with baby blue trim. I was pleased that I was now the owner of such a nice house. Because my parents had made the residential utilities arrangements by phone before I'd left West Palm Beach, the lights and telephone were on when I got there. As soon as I opened the front door; the cool air conditioning hit me right in the face, causing my entire body to instantly relax. 

After I brought all my belongings inside, I sat down on the couch in the den to relax for a bit. My Mom had seen to it that I'd eaten something before I left their house, but that was earlier in the morning, and now, which was about 3:00 pm, my stomach was beginning to growl. I knew there was no food in the house as I hadn't gone grocery shopping yet so, I figured I'd go out and get something at any one the many restaurants found all over Key West. 

I decided to take my Dad's advice and look up his friend's place, the one called Crabby Dick's. So, after I showered, shaved and then cleaned everything up, I put on a pair of shorts, sandals, and an old favorite tee shirt and headed out the door. I got in my Jeep, fired her up and then backed out of the driveway and headed to Duval Street.

~~~~~~

I drove up Duval Street, navigating through not only motor traffic, but pedestrian tourist traffic as well, and twenty minutes later; I was there. I was lucky enough to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant so; I turned off the Jeep, then got out and went in.

The minute I walked into the place I felt something oddly familiar about the atmosphere. I was greeted by the hostess, whose name was Karla. I asked to be seated near the window, and after following her briefly; I sat down and relaxed at my table. My server came shortly thereafter, and my heart nearly stopped after having looked at her only once. As she took my drink order she smiled, and while handing me a menu, said, "Take your time deciding what you'd like, sir. My name is Sara so; just call me when you're ready to order." 

"Thank you, I will, but before you leave; can I ask you if John Stone is here?" I replied. 

She looked at me oddly then said, "Yes, he is. Is there something wrong, sir?" 

"No, no, everything is perfect," I smiled, assuring her that all was well, "It's just that he is an old friend of my Dad's, and well, I wanted to tell him 'hello' for my father."

Her smile returned as she replied, "In that case, I'll go and get him for you right now," and then briskly walked away.

She couldn't have been gone for more than two or three minutes, when a man my father's age appeared at my table and said, "My server tells me that you wanted to see me, sir." 

I smiled and asked, "Do you know a man named Harry McNeal?" 

"Yes," he replied, "I was his wing man when he and I were in the Navy together." 

, "Well, he's my father," I smiled, "And he told me to tell you hello." 

John grinned and said, "Then you must be Tommy, huh?" 

"Yes, I am, and how did you know my name?" I asked curiously. 

He looked at me, and still grinning, said, "Do you mind if I sit down with you?" 

"Not at all, please, I'd be honored," I replied. 

As he took the seat across from me, John smiled and began, "The last time I saw you, you were three days old. Your Mom and Dad had just brought you home from the hospital and they were both about to bounce off the walls because they were so excited. Ya know, your Dad has kept me up to date with your Naval career. He says you're fearless."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and replied, "Oh Yeah? Well, first of all, my Dad has a big mouth and sometimes he talks way too much." 

John began to laugh and said, "Yes, he does. I guess some things never change huh?" I just laughed and shook my head as John asked, "What're you doing here in Key West? I thought you were still in the Navy." 

I very briefly touched on what all had happened to me and how I ended up here. When I told him that I was living in the old house, his face lit up and he said, "In that case, tonight you eat and drink all you want, because it's on the house." 

"You don't have to do that, Mr. Stone," I said. 

He winked and replied, "Number one, my name is John and that's what I want you to call me from now on. Number two, don't argue with me Tommy Boy." Then he turned his head toward the back of the restaurant and yelled, "SARA???"

No sooner had he called her name than she was standing at the table smiling, asking, "What can I do for ya, boss?" 

Motioning towards me with his head, he looked at her and said, "When you get ready to total him out, bring the ticket to me. You got that?" 

Sara looked at me and smiled, then replied, "No problem John, what would you guys like to drink?" 

John smiled, and looking at me, said, "If I'm not mistaken, this man likes to drink Jim Beam on the rocks. Am I right Tommy?" 

"Yes, you are," I replied with a grin. 

Then he turned back to Sara and added, "And you know what I like, oh, and one more thing, before you leave." 

"What is it?" she asked. 

With what I now know as a devilish smile, he looked back at me and said, "We're going to be here for a while, and I know your shift ends in half an hour so, when you get finished with this order; I want to extend an invitation to you to join us. Would that be okay with you?" 

"That would be nice, boss. Thank You, I will," she replied, slightly blushing. 

John watched her as she walked away then cryptically said, "That Sara is a really hard worker, not to mention a very nice girl." 

Not realizing what he was up to at the time, I simply smiled and said, "She seems to be, I guess." 

"Well, I'm glad you think so Tommy," he replied. 

Sara returned shortly with our drinks, all the while smiling at me, and then said, "What would you like to eat, sir?" 

And before I could reply, John replied, "Sara, let me introduce you one of my oldest and dearest friends that I've known since he was a baby. This is retired Master Chief, Tom McNeal. Tommy, allow me to introduce to you Miss Sara Hartley." 

"It's nice to meet you, Master Chief McNeal," Sara said, while extending her hand.

Not noticing until now how truly breathtaking she was, I smiled, shook her hand, and then nervously replied, "It's just plain old Tom, and it's nice to meet you, too." 

She took my food order, and then right before she left; she smiled at me and said, "I guess I'll see you guys in a little while then."

When the food arrived, the aroma made my mouth water, reminding me how hungry I was. The pan fried Grouper was absolutely delicious. I had just finished eating when Sara came to the table, sat down beside me and said, "Hi Tom. How was the food?" 

"It was very good," I replied. 

She smiled and said, "Good, I'm glad you liked it." 

"Tom here just graduated from FSU with a double Master's Degree, Sara," said John.

"Oh really, what in?" she replied, looking at me quizzically. 

I cleared my throat and said, "Marine Biology and Underwater Archaeology!" 

Sara's eyes got wide, and she excitedly announced, "I just got my Master's in Underwater Archaeology from The University of Miami. Now, how cool is that?" 

I smiled and replied, "I take it you like to SCUBA dive too, yes?" 

She seemed like a child at Christmas as told us of how she had been doing it since she was a child, and that her father used to take her with him and let her ride on the boat. "He was a treasure hunter," she said sadly, while looking down.

"Was?" I replied. 

"He was killed in a diving accident when I was little, and then Mom died when I was fifteen," she replied quietly. 

"I'll bet they'd be very proud of you," I said, trying to lighten her mood. 

She raised her head up smiling, and with shimmering eyes, said, "I sure hope so!" 

I smiled and told her, "What do you want to bet that they're smiling proudly and looking down on you right now." 

She reached over and patted my hand and replied, "Thank you Tom, that's a very nice thing to say." Then she smiled, and with eyes shining brightly, she asked me, "Now, tell me what you're doing down here."

I told her about how I'd been born here and that I was living in the old house that I grew up in and everything. By the time I was finished talking, she stood up and politely said, "It's been very nice to meet you Tom, and now that you live here; I'm quite sure I'll see you around." 

"Where ya goin, girl?" asked John. 

Sara smiled and said, "Its 5:30 and I've got a date tonight so, I really need to get going. You guys take care," and with that she was off. 

As I watched her walk away, John smiled and said, "So?" 


Fearless



She took one last look in the rear view mirror of her car. She thought she looked okay. It was now or never. She had to meet him. She had to get to know him. She spent time online with him daily, but that wasn't nearly enough for her. Maybe it was enough for him though? She had to find out. 

She took a deep breath and blew it out through her mouth. "This is it," she said as she opened the car door and made her way to the restaurant's entrance. 

It was a pretty day. Sunny and not too warm. She was thankful for this. The last thing she needed was her mascara running. She smoothed her dress with her hands. It was then that she heard the familiar text chime. It was him. He told her he was at the local restaurant chatting with the bartender. He had no idea she was in the parking lot and that she would soon be seated right next to him at his space at the bar. He was a regular. She knew she'd find him here. With clammy hands, she texted him back and told him to enjoy his evening out and dinner. 

The restaurant had a contemporary feel. Booths were lined with red vinyl and beautiful wood tables accented the dining room nicely. It was busy, but not too busy that you couldn't move. The bar was also done in the same beautiful wood. She could see him seated there, beer in his hand and chatting with the bartender. She saw him text on his Blackberry once more. She quickly glanced at her phone just as the chime went off. She read his good-bye and immediately put her phone on silent mode. She took one last breath and made her way to the bar. 

Luckily the seat next to him was empty and she slowly sat herself next to him. He glanced at her and she flashed him a smile and faced forward. She called the bartender over and ordered a fuzzy navel and asked to see the menu. 

She looked at him and he was staring at her quizzically. She smiled again; unable to find her words. 

He took a deep breath and said in his southern twang, "You look awfully familiar. Have we met before?" "Uh, met? No not exactly." 

"Hmm maybe you come here as often as me?"

"No actually this is my first time here. A friend of mine recommended it and said the food was phenomenal."

"Well your friend doesn't lie. The service here is really great too." He winked at the bartender just then and took a swig of his beer. She smiled back at him just as another spark of familiarity lit up his eyes. 

"I swear you look just like a friend of mine. I know that sounds like a line, but it isn't," he said as he smiled nervously.

"Yeah? Would it be..." She leaned in and whispered her name into his ear. His face slowly changed from that of bewilderment to pure happiness. He grabbed her then and wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly against him. She returned the embrace and giggled lightly.

"Excuse me. I should have asked before... well before I attacked you like that."

"It's quite alright. I've been dreaming of that hug for months now."

He smiled brightly at her. That smile that could melt her heart. He was happy to see her and she was so thankful that she hadn't made a mistake by making a trip across two states to see him.

She cleared her throat and took a long sip of her drink. "So what's good here?" 

"Would you mind if I just ordered for you?"

"Not at all. I'm sure you know what I like; we've shared so much on the net and on the phone."

He called the bartender over by name and placed their order. He introduced them and the bartender shook her hand and said, "We've heard so much about you. It's very nice to meet you."

"Very nice to meet you also," was her reply as she sat there wide eyed. 

He'd actually took the time to discuss her with someone. She wasn't some secret he had on the net. She was real to him and she couldn't believe what she was hearing. All the fears she had melted away. She felt comfortable and safe. Her hand slowly drifted over to his lap and she rested her hand on his knee. She squeezed gently and he smiled at her.

"You keep that up young lady and we're going to have to get our orders to go." 

Her hand slowly slid in between his inner thighs, stopping just at his growing member. She winked at him as he stared intently into her eyes. 

"You sure this is what you want?"

She shook her head yes and smiled at him reassuringly. He then motioned for the bartender and told him he'd take both of their orders to go. The bartender assured him it would be taken care of as quickly as possible and grinned. Within a few minutes their orders were bagged and ready to go. He paid the check ,grabbed the bags in one hand, and her hand in his as he lead them out the door. 

They practically ran to his car, where he quickly opened the door for her and slid the bags in the back seat. He sped off to the nearest hotel. 

He left her in the car as he checked into their room. Next, he came back with the keys and led her up to their hotel room. 

He turned to look at her once more and said, "You know if you've changed your mind, we can go back now. I can drive you back to the restaurant and we can just talk."

She leaned forward and brushed her lips gently against his. "There's no way I'm backing down now. There's no fear. I want this."

He grinned and kissed her deeply. He hurriedly opened the door to their room, sat the dinners on the table, and lead her to the bed. Laying her on the bed, he swiftly drew the curtains, and turned the radio to a station playing soft music. 

"May I have this dance?" 

"Absolutely."

He gently took her hand in his, picked her off of the bed, and twirled her around the room until at last landing in his arms. He moved his hands up and down the small of her back and then slowly to her bottom. Giving her bottom a light squeeze, he kissed the tip of her nose. He then pulled her more closely to him letting his member press against her thigh. She slid her hands down in between them running her finger up and down the length of him as he moaned. 

"I want you, " she whispered in his ear. He laid her back upon the bed and began slowly undressing her; running his digits up and down the length of her body. He delighted in making her tremble and shake with each small touch and when his fingers delved into the sweet, wet spot between her thighs, she arched her back and shouted his name. He quickened the pace, rubbing his thumb over her nub as he opened her and slid one and then two fingers deep inside her wetness. Her hips met the rhythm of his hands and with a few flicks of his tongue on her swollen love button, she was soon sent over the edge and into orgasmic euphoria. He thrust into her then, slamming into her sweetness roughly at first and then slowing the pace. He varied the rhythm as she tried to keep up and her fingers dug into his bottom with each stroke. His mouth found her hardened nipples and he sucked and tugged on them with his teeth which again sent her into another orgasm. His mouth found hers and they kissed hungrily. As she panted and moaned breathlessly, her muscles tightened around him and he couldn't hold back any longer. He exploded as he pushed in deep and then held her close to him. He stayed inside her as he kissed each of her eyelids and met her lips for one last sweet kiss. It was then that she realized she could be fearless with him at last.



Fearless



"So, what?" I replied. 

He just laughed, and to his credit, said nothing further. After thanking John for his hospitality, I went home and took a nap.

~~~~~~

Chapter Two

After fighting my way through some very disturbing dreams, I woke up covered in sweat. I looked at my watch and it was 8: 40 in the evening. I got up and walked around the house, and after deciding that I hadn't been out and about in ages, I took a shower, then put on some fresh clothes and headed to town. Key West is only eight square miles in size and it wouldn't take me very long to get anywhere. I had seen the marquee at Sloppy Joe's on my way to eat earlier that said there was live music tonight so; I decided that was where I was going to go.

When I arrived, and once I was parked, I walked in and headed straight to the bar. As soon as I was seated, a cute blonde girl who was tending bar appeared in front of me and said, "What'll it be, handsome?" 

"Do you have any bourbon?" I asked. 

She smiled, and with a sultry look in her eyes, said, "For you, we do." 

I grinned and said, "In that case, let me have some Jim Beam on the rocks." 

"Coming right up, cutie," she replied, and then glided away to fill my order. She returned shortly with a coaster and my drink. I gave her a credit card in order to open a tab and turned around to enjoy the music as the band had just begun to play shortly after my arrival.

The music was good and the band had played several of my favorite songs already when suddenly; they slowed the tempo of the music down and began to play an old love song of the 70's, 'Easy' by the Commodores. The dance floor began to fill up, and much to my surprise; Sara walked onto the floor followed by a guy that was dressed very nicely, but I somehow sensed something about him that made me feel like something wasn't quite right.

Sara looked very beautiful, no more than 22 or 23 years old, I'd say. She stood 5'7" and weighed about 130 pounds with her measurements proportionate to her height. Her legs flowed smoothly from beneath the black leather mini skirt she wore, topped off by a white blouse that enhanced her waist length shining dark brown hair and her beautiful piercing blue eyes. She hadn't seen me yet, and I quickly changed seats to ensure she wouldn't either.

As they began to dance; Sara was laughing and shaking her head wildly. All at once she began to squirm and had a frightened look on her face, and after a few moments; I could see that this guy was attempting to put his hands under her skirt. It was clear that she was trying to fight off his advances, but to no avail. I rose from my seat, and as I began to approach them, I could hear her telling him, "Stop it Eddie, I told you that I was not that kind of girl." 

He just snickered, and in a most sinister tone of voice, hissed, "After all the money I've spent on you tonight baby, I think you will be." 

She pushed him away and said, "Get away from me, you asshole!" 

"Get back here, Bitch," he spat. 

With that, she reached across the short distance between them and slapped him in the face, and then said, "You will not talk to me that way ever again." 

Neither of them saw me approaching, and just as he went to grab her, I stepped in between them and said, "I believe you heard what the lady said."

"Tom, thank God you're here," Sara breathed, relieved. 

I winked at her while her date said, "You need to step off before I beat your ass, dude."

"That would be a very deadly mistake on your part, boy," I seethed, with an evil stare. Even through the volume of the band's music, I heard the click of a switchblade knife and as he raised his hand; it flashed, the blade reflecting the stage lights.

Like an idiot, he lunged towards me. I swiftly pushed Sara behind me and grabbed his hand to disarm him. Twisting his wrist and arm over, I bent him forward to a ninety degree angle making him drop the knife and wince in pain. Then I kicked him in the face as hard as I could while letting go of his wrist at the same time. This caused his body to spring up into the air and fly backwards 5 feet, where he landed on his back, out cold. It all happened very quickly and by the time it was over; the band had stopped playing and everyone was staring silently, when the manager came out onto the dance floor demanding an explanation.

As it turned out, Sara was friends with the manager, and she explained the situation, saying that I had saved her from a vicious attack, and that she wanted to press charges on the still unconscious man lying on the floor. By this time, the bar's security staff came and stood over the man until the police arrived.

~~~~~~

I gave the police a statement, as did Sara, and by this time her date was alert again and as the police were restraining him; he looked at Sara and said, "Remember, I know where you live, bitch," and then they took him away. As I went to pay my bar tab, Sara grabbed me by the hand. I turned around, and before I could say or do anything; she pressed herself into my arms and her face into my chest, and with a shaky voice, said, "Thank you Tom. I owe you my life." 

When I pulled her away to get a look at her, I could see the fear in her face, as well as the tears in her eyes. I patted her on the arm and said, "You don't owe me anything, sweetie." 

I reached into my pocket and retrieved my handkerchief, and as I handed it to her, she smiled and said, "Thanks, Tom." 

"You're welcome," I smiled reassuringly, "Are you ok?" 

"I'm alright, but I could use a ride home," she replied shyly. 

"Well come on then," I said. I paid my bar tab, and as we walked outside; she took my arm and held me closely to her until we got to my Jeep. 

~~~~~~

I drove her home, and as soon as we pulled up in front of her house; she turned in her seat and asked, "Would you like to come in for a while?" I could tell that she was still a little shaken up so, I agreed.

She led me into her home, which was a Victorian style house that, as it turned out, was only a few blocks from mine. As I sat down on the sofa, she looked at me and smiled. "What is it?" I asked. 

She sat down next to me, took my hand, and then said, "I'm just glad you happened to be there tonight," 

"Aw hell, I did what anyone else would've done," I replied nervously. 

"I doubt that" she said, then asked, "Where did you learn to fight like that?" 

"It was just a little something I picked up here and there while I was in the Navy," I said.

She leaned down and took off her shoes, and then while curling her legs beneath herself while still remaining in a lady like posture; said, "Tell me what you did in the Navy." 

"I was a Hospital Corpsman," I replied, not wanting to really open up to someone I barely knew. 

"Hey, I know what that is," she said excitedly, "You guys are kinda like Doctors, huh?" 

"Yeah, something like that," I said, smiling. 

Then Sara looked at me very seriously and said, "I want to thank you again for what you did back there, Tom. I don't know what I would've done, I really don't. Like I said before, I owe you my life." 

"No! You don't owe me anything, I mean it," I replied. I could see tears beginning to form in her eyes so, to help calm her down, I gently patted her on the shoulder and softly added, "It's going to be okay now, Sara, I promise." She smiled and then just as quickly as the tears appeared; they were gone. 

Her smile turned into a frown, and then she said, "I should've known better than to go out with Eddie Parker to start with." 

"Oh, yeah, and how is that?" I asked. 

"I know a couple of girls that went out with him and they said that he treated them the same way." 

"Well then, why did you do it?" I asked. 

She shook her head and said, "He just seemed so nice, and the girls I was talking about, while they're both friends of mine, are kind of sluttish to begin with. But because his parents own almost every major dive shop in the keys, I guess he thinks it gives him the right to treat people any way he wants." Then, almost defiantly, she added, "Well, that prick will never have the opportunity to treat me like that ever again." 

"Thadda girl," I said, "Besides; you're too good for the likes of him anyway." 

Her face softened, and tilting her head slightly; she smiled and said, "Do you really think so?" 

"I sure do," then she leaned over and softly kissed me on the cheek. "What was that for?" I asked.

"What kind of damsel in distress would I be for not giving my knight in shining armor a kiss for rescuing me from the mean ogre?" she replied smiling. 

"Knight in shining armor, huh?" I said, making her nod her head and let out the cutest giggle. "Cutest giggle, jeez, where did that come from?" I asked myself silently. Suddenly, and for reasons not yet known to me, I began to feel a little uncomfortable. I looked at my watch, and to my relief, saw that it was almost 10:00 pm. I smiled sheepishly and stood saying, "Well, it's getting late and I really need to get going." 

"Do you have to go Tom? It's still fairly early," she asked, with pleading eyes. 

"Yeah, I've got a lot to do tomorrow. Besides; I still need to unpack," I said. She smiled and then stood to walk me to the door. 

As she opened the door, she leaned over and hugged me and said, "Thanks again, Tom." 

I winked at her, then grinned and said, "No sweat," and then I was gone.

~~~~~~

I woke up around 8:30 the next morning feeling more refreshed than I had in several years, although, I still was not sleeping the whole night through. When I say the whole night through; it means that I wake up at two or three hour intervals before I lay back down to sleep again. For some reason though, I couldn't remember any of the nightmares that I'm prone to have. Regardless; I felt like I did when I was eighteen or nineteen in that, I felt charged and alive. 

The soreness of my wounds had all but gone, and as I began to unpack and open up the house to let the wind blow through it; I felt like my life had been renewed. 

It was almost 11:00 am when I finished with everything, and then I got cleaned up and headed to the grocery store to get some food in my 'new house'. I also had to stop off at the bank and deposit the check my parents had given me, as well as go to the grocery store.

~~~~~

Once I finished at the grocery store, I passed a K-Mart on the way home. I suddenly had an idea so I pulled into the parking lot there. I went in, and it didn't take me long to find a gas grill for a reasonable price. So, when I got home, I couldn't wait to set it up and use it. After all, I had purchased several different cuts of meat while I was in the grocery store. 

~~~~~~

I had just finished putting the food in the cupboard and all the perishables into the refrigerator when I heard a car pulling into my driveway. As soon as I opened my front door to see who it was, Sara was standing there holding a bottle of wine, and the sight of her almost took my breath away. She was wearing a pair of tight cut off denim shorts and a bright blue bikini top, that made it not only difficult to keep from staring at her breasts, but produced a stirring deep within me that I'd not felt in a very long time. Her sun glasses were perched on top of her head and her hair was in a pony tail, flowing gracefully down her back. 

Handing the bottle to me she said, "Hi handsome, how are you today?" 

"I uh...I'm good," I replied, fumbling, trying to find my voice. 

She giggled at my obvious discomfort and asked, "Well, aren't you gonna invite me in?" 

"Oh....uh....yeah, sure, come on in," I answered, then opened the door wider as to extend an invitation. 

"So, this is the castle of the White Knight, huh?" she said, giggling girlishly. 

"Aw come on now," I laughed, "Don't start that again,". 

For reasons unknown to me, or more than likely due to my lack of experience with women, she leaned over and lightly hugged me, and then after releasing me, smiled and said, "I wanted to see where you live. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind," I replied smiling, "Come on in and make yourself at home."

"This is a nice house," she said smirking, "But I can tell you just moved in."

"What do you mean?" I asked curiously."

She grinned from ear to ear and replied, "Oh nothing, it's just that I can tell a man lives here." And noticing my bewilderment at her last statement; she added, "What I mean is, there are no pictures on the wall or anything like that." 

"Oh, yeah, well I haven't really had time to get settled in yet. I only got here yesterday," I said, "I was just about to fix some lunch. Are you hungry?" 

Her face lit up like a Christmas tree, making her eyes dance and flicker like candles in a light breeze as she excitedly replied, "Gosh! Yes! I would love to have lunch with you." 

"Good, it'll give me a chance to fire up the new gas grill I just bought this morning. How do you like your steak?" I said winking at her. 

"Well, I like mine medium rare if that's okay." she replied shyly. I could tell that, although she was trying to put on an air of confidence, she was a little uneasy, and at the time, I didn't quite know why. 

"I think that's just fine. I'll have to get everything else ready first before I put the steaks on the fire, though" I said, getting a smile from her. 

Then she stood and said "Well, if you're gonna go to all that trouble then the least I can do is pitch in and help!"

As soon as the food was ready and the table had been set; Sara and I sat down to eat. After the blessing had been asked, Sara poured each of us a glass from the bottle of wine that she had brought. When both glasses were filled, I raised my glass in a toast and said "To new friends and good food." 

She smiled, and raising her glass, replied, "Here, here!" While we were eating; Sara looked at me oddly and said, "You told me what brought you here but you still haven't told me why you're here." 

And once again, not wanting to reveal too much to someone I barely knew, I simply grinned and replied "I'm here to enjoy my retirement from the Navy!" 

"But you don't look old enough to be retired," she said grinning.

I simply raised my eyebrows, and in my best John Wayne impersonation, said, "Well little lady, ya can't judge a book by its cover." 

She just giggled and replied, "You're not going to get out of it that easily, mister. Not that it matters, but if you don't mind my asking; how old are you Tom?" 

I shifted uneasily in my seat and said, "I'll be thirty eight this coming April." 

She looked at me in astonishment and asked, "How does someone get to retire from the Navy when they're that young?" 

Again, not wanting to reveal too much to someone I barely knew and thinking quickly; I replied, "Well, my Commanding Officer was friends with my Dad. And because I joined the Navy when I was seventeen, I was able to retire a few years earlier than most, that's all." 

"Oh, okay," she said, seemingly satisfied with the answer I'd given her.

"Now I know it's impolite to ask a woman her age, but you asked me how old I am so, if you don't mind my asking; how old are you?" 

She grinned and asked, "How old do you think I am?" 

I leaned back in my seat, and looking her over as if I was trying to surmise the answer to her question, I replied, "Oh, I'd say you were about twenty three or twenty four, maybe twenty five at the very most." She was in the middle of taking a bite of her lunch, when she set her fork down in her plate and began to laugh so loudly she almost howled. "What's so funny?" I asked, perplexed. 

"That's what everyone else says too." she replied. 

"Well you still haven't answered my question," I said. 

Once she settled down, she simply smiled and said, "I just turned thirty last month, Tom."

Now it was my turn to be astonished and I said, "Well you sure as hell don't look it!"

"I'll take that as a compliment then," she replied smiling, with eyes shining brightly. We finished eating, and at Sara's insistence that I let her help, cleaned the kitchen. We ended up talking well into the afternoon. We were thoroughly enjoying one another's company when she looked at her watch, and standing up to leave, said, "I've really had a great time. Thank you for lunch Tom!" 

"Are you leaving so soon?" I asked, again not knowing what possessed me to ask such a thing.

She sighed and replied, "As much I'd like to stay; I have to be at work in a little while so, I need to go home and get ready."

I understood, and as I walked her to the front door, I smiled and said, "I hope we can do this again sometime soon, Sara." 

She leaned over, and hugging me, replied, "You can count on it!" Then, right before walking out the door, she quickly but gently kissed me on the lips and said, "See ya later, handsome," and then she was gone. I floated on air the rest of the day. There was something special about her, but because of my lack of experience with women, I couldn't see just how special she was, nor did I realize that I was beginning to like her more than I wanted to. I spent the rest of the afternoon and much of the evening trying to get my house in order. I was going to be here for the rest of my life so, it was imperative that I get comfortably settled in as soon as possible. That night, I sat out on my back deck and just watched the stars as they rose over the Atlantic Ocean, and listened to the sea as she spoke of a past long gone, and a future that was yet to unfold. All I needed to do, as the saying goes, was free my heart and my soul would follow. But after the terrible things I'd seen while in the Navy, it was going to take some-thing or some-one very special to lead me through it. 

~~~~~~

Chapter Three

Over the next few days, I took care of all the necessities concerning the house. I made it a point to meet with Phillip Hogue of the Key West Bank. When I walked into his office, he rose from behind his desk with a huge smile and extended his hand saying, "Hello Tom, it's very nice to meet you. Your father has told me all about you and let me be the first one to welcome a fellow conch (The name given to persons born in Key West) back home. I understand you were born and raised here." 

"Yeah, but that was like a hundred years ago Mister Hogue," I joked. 

"Please, call me Phillip or just plain old Phil. We're all like one big family here at Key West Bank," he said as we shook hands. He ushered me to a seat directly across from his desk and I sat down. Once I was settled in, he offered me something to drink, and after I declined, he said "What can I do for you today, Tom?"

"I want to build a dock behind the house, Phil," I said.

"A dock huh, well, how big is the boat you're going to port?" he asked. 

"Well, you see, that's the other thing," I replied sheepishly, "I don't own one yet, and I was kinda hoping that you could help me there as well." 

Phil smiled and asked, "Okay then, how big of a boat are we talking about here?" 

"Well, I want to be able to not only dive from it," I replied, "But I also want to be able sleep on it overnight or however long I choose to stay out on the water." 

"What kind of budget do you have?" he asked. 

I handed him my bankbook and said, "I want something that's going to last a very long time, but I don't want to exhaust all of my funds doing it".

After looking at my bankbook, he turned to his computer and brought my account up on the screen. He studied it for a few moments and then turned to me and said, "The dock is going to be the easy part, and it won't cost you any more than two to three thousand dollars. As far as the boat is concerned, I've got a forty-eight footer that we had to foreclose on for lack of payment. She has two Cummings engines and four generators, two of them being back ups, as well as four three hundred gallon fuel tanks, and her electronics are state-of-the-art, not to mention she can sleep four couples very comfortably. She also has a full bathroom forward and a half-bath aft, with a fairly large hot tub mounted forward on the top deck." 




Fearless



"How much do you want for it?" I asked. 

Phil grinned and said, "That's the good part. It had only been in the water for about a month when the guy who owned its wife caught him with another woman. She let it go back to the bank in order to destroy his credit. The good part about all this is that he only took it out once and that was just for the day so, it is in mint condition. We've inspected and had everything aboard her tested to make sure that everything was in working order." 

"You still haven't answered my question though," I asked, a little impatiently, "How much?" 

He smiled and replied, "I'll let you have it for three hundred, ten thousand dollars."

I had plenty of money to pay cash, but I wanted some kind of normalcy in my life to keep me grounded so, I looked at Phil and said, "How about this? I pay you half of that down and you finance the rest of it. I can use my house as collateral." 

Phil grinned and replied, "According to what you've got in your account already, you don't need any collateral. Besides, even if you didn't, I would still do it because of your Mom and Dad. They're great people and I adore them both." 

"Thanks Phil," I replied smiling, "I'll buy the boat; but I'll also be sure to tell Mom and Dad what you said." 

"So, I guess that's it then," said Phil, "I'll make the necessary arrangements for you Tom, and that includes the dock as well." 

"Thanks Phil," I gratefully replied, "I appreciate it more than you know." 

~~~~~~

Three days later, the dock was set and in place, and around one o'clock that afternoon; I saw a beautiful forty-eight foot boat pulling around the point. Her hull was a metallic Midnight Blue with Gold colored pinstripes and piping. I looked to see who was piloting her and to my surprise; I saw Phil Hogue himself at the helm. As the boat slowly approached the dock; two young men jumped off of her and onto the dock. It took them no time to set the fenders (Rubber Bumper pads designed to keep the vessels hull from rubbing against the dock) and moor her lines to the cleats that were mounted to the dock.

"Ahoy Captain! How do you like her?" yelled Phil, as he stepped off the deck of the boat and onto the dock. 

"She's beautiful," I replied excitedly. 

"Have you decided on a name for her yet?" asked Phil. I had given it a lot of thought after my meeting with Phil in the days before everything that had been done was completed. 

"I'm going to name her Theia," I proudly replied. 

"If my memory serves me correctly; she was the Greek goddess of divine inspiration, wasn't she?" asked Phil.

"That's right!" I said, patting him on the shoulder while shaking hands 

Then Phil and I went into the house to complete the paperwork on the boat. Once that was done; Phil used my phone, and while dialing the number, he said, "For using our bank, and as a kind of house warming gift, I've taken the liberty of hiring a guy to paint the name on her stern for you. I was just waiting to hear what you wanted name her."

"Thanks Phil. That's very nice of you. No wonder my father speaks so highly of you," I said, grinning. 

"No thanks are necessary my friend," grinned Phil, "It's just my way of saying thank you for your business, that's all." 

After he left and was gone; I found myself thinking about Sara and I realized that I missed her. After I got cleaned up and changed clothes, I decided to go to Crabby Dick's and catch a bite to eat with the hope that Sara was working today. Besides; I later came to realize that, I had fallen for her without really trying or wanting to. I hopped into my Jeep and headed up Duval Street and found a place nearby to park.

~~~~~~

Once I got inside; I asked the hostess if Sara was working today, and after discovering she was, I asked to be seated in her section. I had my back to the server's station and Sara couldn't see me until she was standing in front of me. The moment she saw that it was me; her face turned into an angry scowl and she hatefully said, "What do you want?" 

I thought she was kidding around with me so, I just laughed and said, "Well, lunch would be good for starters, and then after you get off work I thought that maybe we could...."

"You've got a lot of balls coming in here after the way you treated me, dammit," she spat, interrupting me.

When I realized she was really upset about something, I asked, "Sara honey, what's wrong?" 

Then she went into a rage and said, "Just who do you think you are coming in here and ...." 

I stood quickly, and interrupting her whlie trying to calm her down, I said "Whoa, wait a minute now. Why are you mad at me? I haven't done anything to you, Sara." If looks could kill; I would've been drawn and quartered on the spot. 

I could feel the heat of her anger as she glared at me, and before I could say or do anything else, she said, "I want you to leave me alone and never come near me again. Do you understand me, asshole?" and then she tried to push past me.

Being called an asshole really pissed me off, especially when I hadn't done anything to deserve it. So, I stood my ground, and not letting her get by me; I said "Now wait a minute young lady I..." 

"NO, YOU WAIT A MINUTE. IF YOU DON'T LEAVE RIGHT NOW, I'M GONG TO CALL THE POLICE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" she shouted. 

"GO AHEAD AND CALL THE DAMN POLICE, LITTLE GIRL, I DARE YOU," I shouted back. By now the entire restaurant, including the owner, John Stone, could hear what we were saying. 

And before either of us could say another word; John was standing between us and quietly said, "I don't know what in the hell is going on here, Tom, but I'm going to ask the both of you to step into my office!" 

"Why? She started it!" I replied, a little heatedly. 

John looked at me, then Sara, and then back to me again and said, "If you don't want be to bar your ass..." and then, to Sara, said "...or fire yours..." and then, to us both continued, "...you'll do as I ask of you."

The three of us went into John's office, and as soon as the door was closed; John looked at both Sara and I and said, "Would one of you like to calmly tell me just what in hell is going on here?" 

Before anyone else had a chance to say anything I spoke up first and replied, "John, I came in here to have some lunch and she started bitching and raising hell at me for nothing. So, I was just taking up for myself." 

"That's such bullshit," seethed Sara, with the beginnings of tears forming in her eyes. 

I looked at her and calmly asked, "Sara what have I done that has you so angry with me?" 

"You lied to me, you fucker," she said, tears beginning to fall down her cheeks. 

"What is it that you think I lied to you about?" I asked. 

She looked over at John and then aback at me and replied, "You told me you were just a Navy Corpsman, when in fact, I talked to John about you and he told me the truth. Why didn't you tell me that you were a SEAL?" 

I heard John clear his throat, and before I could respond; he said, "I think this might be my fault!" 

"You think?" I said, angrily. Now I was really upset, not only at John for betraying my trust, but also at Sara for the way she treated me. I looked at the both of them, and shaking my head in disgust, I turned and said, "I'm going home!" 

As I turned to walk away; John said, "Tommy, wait a minute please." 

I looked at John and said, "I'm sorry John, but I can't spare 'a minute' for someone that's going to betray my trust." Then I looked at Sara and added, "I'm sorry that you think I lied to you Sara," and then I quickly left before either of them could reply.

~~~~~~

Once I got home, I realized that I shouldn't be so upset. After all; I barely knew these people, regardless of the relationship that one of them had with my parents. I sure as hell wasn't going to be around them ever again. What bothered me the most, though, was the fact that Sara thought I had lied to her. It wasn't that at all. I just wasn't comfortable with letting anyone in that close to me just yet. John Stone's actions reiterated the fact that people couldn't be trusted, even the ones that were supposedly close friends of the family. Oh well; I guess life is just like that. Besides; I've done just fine by myself so far, and I would continue to do so now. It's not like I had to face life or death situations anymore.

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

Two days later; Phil Hogue came by to check on the job that his man had done on painting Theia's name on her stern, and also to show me how to operate the sonar, radar, and GPS navigator. I was already familiar with the operation of these devices but on a much larger scale. Phil was very informative of everything aboard and by the time he'd finished showing me all her innermost workings; I felt like I was secure enough in my knowledge to let Theia take me anywhere in the world.

I began loading Theia with food and supplies once he was gone, as the next day, I was planning on taking her south near the Dry Tortugas and anchoring for a few days to do some diving and fishing. The day before, I had gone up to Islamorada to The Florida Keys Dive Center and purchased some state of the art dive gear and several air tanks, as well as a brand new air fill station that would be mounted aboard ship so that I would never run out of full tanks.

Because I'd spent close to thirty thousand dollars, and because they were such nice people, two of the Dive Masters from the Florida Keys Dive Center agreed to bring the fill station down to Key West and help me mount it aboard Theia. They said they would do it for nothing, but I knew they were going above and beyond the call of duty just for me, and I was prepared to let them split five hundred dollars between themselves for their time and assistance. After all, it was the right thing to do. However; they were due to arrive just any moment and I was anxiously awaiting their arrival, when I heard the sound of a car horn in the driveway of my house.

As expected; the men arrived right on time with my new fill station disassembled and packed in five separate crates in the back of their truck. I had them pull around to the back close to the dock entrance. It was only 10:00 in the morning and there was going to be plenty of time to assemble it, while at the same time mounting it, on the stern of the boat.

The two Dive Masters names were Mike and Dave and they greeted me with warm handshakes once they got out of the truck. I took them aboard Theia and showed them where I planned on mounting the fill station. "She's a beautiful vessel Tom," said Mike, grinning. 

Dave grinned and added, "Maybe sometime you'll take us diving huh?" 

"Any time you guys want, you're always welcome, man," I said, patting them on their backs.

~~~~~~

An hour and a half later; the fill station was up and running. I was able to fill six tanks at once and believe me; I was practically jumping for joy. As Mike and Dave prepared to leave, I handed them each two hundred and fifty dollars and said "Thanks for all your help guys. And Like I said before; you both have a standing invitation to come dive any time you want." They tried to make me take it back but I was having no part of it and the end; they drove away, happy guys. It made me feel good to be able to do that for them. Besides; I knew they could use the money, because, from talking to them while were building and mounting the fill station, they both had families so, everything turned out the way God intended. 

Around 5:30 that evening; I had all my SCUBA tanks full and locked into the storage racks that I'd mounted on the stern of the boat. I'd just finished showering and changed into fresh clothes when the door bell rang. "Who could that be?" I said to no one. When I opened the door, I was shocked to find John Stone standing on my porch. "What do you want, John?" I asked, flatly and with no emotion whatsoever in my voice. 

"I came to apologize to you, Tommy," he solemnly replied. 

I stood silent for about two seconds before I opened the door wider and said, "Come on in." You could see the relief drain from his face as he passed by me and came in the house.

No sooner had I closed the door, when John said, "Before you say anything, please hear me out." 

I motioned for him to have a seat on the couch and replied "I'm listening." 

He took a deep breath and began, "I wasn't trying to betray you, Tommy, and I don't care what you think of me; but there is a beautiful young woman who is absolutely devastated because she thinks you're disgusted with her." 

I knew he was talking about Sara and I said, "Why should she give a damn about what I think of her? If I remember correctly she thinks I lied to her thanks to you." 

"Look Tom, I told her that it wasn't your fault and that you were really a nice person," John replied, and then, looking down, he added, "There's something you need to know about her too." 

"What're you talking about?" I asked, while taking the chair across from him.

John raised his eyes from the floor, and with sadness written all over his face; he looked at me and said, "Her father was involved with the Medellin Cartel during the reign of Pablo Escobar. He designed and built a submersible that Escobar funded, and was using it to smuggle dope from Colombian freighters in international waters into U.S. Coastal waters. He was a brilliant guy who, unfortunately, fell prey to the lure of fast and easy money. He double crossed Pablo and was murdered for it. Thank God the Colombians didn't know about Sara or her mother, or they would've been killed too. After Sara's father died; her mother climbed into the bottle." 

With tears falling down his face; John stopped and took a handkerchief out of his pocket, and after wiping his eyes, said, "While Sara was still in high school, her mother took an over dose of sleeping pills and died one night in a drunken stupor. My wife and I took Sara in and made sure that the monies earned from her father's work paid for, not only her education, but the house she lives in. She doesn't know anything about what I've just told you about her father, but when the time is right, I'm going to tell her."

"Jesus John," I gasped, stupefied by what I'd just heard, "I didn't know."

"How could you have known?" John sadly replied. 

I suddenly felt badly for the way I had treated the man and I said, "Look John, I'm really sorry for acting the way I did. I don't know what else to say." 

John looked up, and smiling, replied, "Look Tommy; you don't know what an impression you've made on her. Except for me, every person...every man that she's ever known has tried to take advantage of her. She told me what you did for her at Sloppy Joe's the other night, and I'm very grateful." 

"I just put some asshole in his place is all," I said.

"Yeah, and you have no idea of the impact you've made on Sara, do you?" said John. I could've been knocked over with a feather and although I was still apprehensive at the thought of baring my soul to anyone; I had entertained ideas of Sara and I being together and smiled at thought of such. 

So, I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "I guess not." 

John simply grinned and said, "Uh huh, and from the look on your face; it appears that she's made somewhat of an impact on you too, huh?" 

"Oh, shut up," I laughed. 

John stood up and put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Please don't be angry with me, but I've been talking to your Dad over the past couple of days, and he and I both agree that you two would be good for one another."

I smiled, then shook my head and replied, "You and Dad thought this up all by yourselves, did you?" 

He nodded his head, and with that devilish grin of his, said, "We think you two should get together and see what happens. Are you up for it?" and then as if he had an afterthought he added, "Your Dad said that, if needs be, he could always let your Mom in on this?" 

I stood up and looked at John sternly, then grinned and told him, "That's playing dirty pool ya know." 

"Yeah, it is, but I use all means that are at my disposal," smiled John, "Look Tommy, she's a great girl. Try and be her friend, because God knows, after what she's been through, she could sure as hell use one."

"Okay, what do you want me to do?" I sighed. 

"God's gonna reward you for this, Tommy boy," replied John, grinning from ear to ear.

Later on that evening, around 7:30 or so, I was out on my back deck grilling two nice pieces of Grouper when I heard my doorbell ring again. I went to the front door and opened it. Sara was standing there with a scared look on her face, but was still stunningly beautiful though. "Hi, Sara," I said.

"Hi Tom, how are you?" she nervously replied. 

"I'm doing good, come on in," I said happily. She walked past me into the house and then turned around and looked at me with an expression of sadness on her pretty face compelling me to ask her, "Are you alright?" 

Suddenly she burst into tears, threw herself against me while wrapping her arms tightly around me, and sobbing, said, "I'm so sorry for the way I treated you the other day, and I feel awful." She continued to cry so; I simply held her and let her get it out.

Once she'd settled down; I released her from the hug and directed her to sit on the couch. As we sat down together, I looked at her, and while wiping the tears from her face, said, "Look, sweetie, first of all, you have nothing to be sorry about. And secondly, don't you dare feel awful about taking up for yourself. Had it been me, I'm not so sure I wouldn't have reacted the same way, okay?" 

She sniffed and nodded her head, then said, "Can I ask you something?" 

"You can ask me anything you want." 

She sat up and poised herself, then looked me in the eye and said, "Why did you tell me you were one thing, when you were something so much more than that?"

I hung my head, and with all the emotional strength I could muster, looked back up at her and told her, "When I was in the Navy, I was part of an anti-terrorist team and we were sent all over the world to put a stop to terrible things that were happening at the time. During the process, I saw men who were closer to me than my own family, die horrible deaths and there was nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, I could do about it. While I was in the Navy and doing this kind of work, I refused to let it bother me because if I had; more men would've died due to my lack of focus. Then in June of 1994; my very best friend in the whole world and I were sent into this particular place to rescue the daughter, of this high ranking dignitary, who had been taken hostage. The operation was a success because the girl came home safe and alive. However, I got shot up pretty badly and my best friend was mortally wounded and died in my arms." I raised my shirt to show her the scars that remained of what was once a couple of very nasty wounds. 

She touched the scars and gasped in horror, saying, "My God, Tom! You could've died."

"I damn near did," I replied, "Since then, I've been afraid to let anyone else get close to me for fear that I might lose them as well." Not realizing it and while telling her of this part of my past; a single tear fell down my cheek.

All at once two things happened. She leaned over and very tenderly kissed me on the cheek near my lips and softly said, "I'm sorry you had to deal with that Tommy," then she looked at me strangely, and sniffing the air, asked, "Do you smell something burning?"

"OH NO, THE GROUPER!" I shouted, and then jumped up and ran out through the kitchen and onto the back deck with Sara right behind me. There was a thick line of grey smoke coming from the grill. I ran back into the kitchen and filled a big pot with water, and then I took it back out onto the deck and lifted the top off the grill. Black smoke and flames shot out as soon as the top was raised. I threw the water into the grill and managed to put the fire out, but the food was ruined. I dropped the pot onto the deck and said, "I'll be damned!" Becoming angry for letting the food burn, I kicked that same pot that I had dropped a few moments before, and to myself, said, "Way to go Tom, you dumb ass!"




Fearless



I heard some commotion behind me, and when I turned around; I saw Sara holding one hand over her mouth and the other on her stomach, and she was doubled over with laughter. I smiled and said, "Are you laughing me?" 

She shook her head and squeaked, "No," then continued laughing. Laughter must be contagious because pretty soon I began laughing right along with her. 

Once we both started to regain our composure; Sara's eye's and mine locked and I suddenly felt, for lack of a better description, warm and content, or something a little more as I watched her beautiful lips curl gently around the ends of her mouth. I'd always enjoyed looking at a woman's lips and hers were most certainly no exception. However, when I looked into Sara's eyes, I found myself a captive prisoner in a warm sea of deep blue. It was obvious that Sara had felt it too, because both our eyes went wide at the same time. But just as quickly as the intensity of that sudden feeling appeared, it drifted away while still leaving a permanent imprint in both of our hearts, an imprint that would forever remain. "Well I guess Grouper's not on the menu tonight" I said, trying to break the emotional, as well as the physical tension I was feeling. 

Sara began to giggle and teasing me, said, "Are you always this silly, Tom, or did you do it on purpose just for me?" 

"Hell, I guess I'm a natural ignorant silly ass," I laughed. Sara just kept giggling and nodded her head.

"I'll tell you what, Tom." 

"What?" 

Sara got this familiarly devilish look in her eyes and said, "Let me take you to dinner tonight."

"Aw that's nice," I replied, intending to take us both out myself, "But, you don't have to do that." 

A delightful smirk spread across her face, and then she nodded to the sodden grill and matter-of-factly, said, "Well, if we have to wait on you to cook it we'll either be burned to death or starved to death," and then broke into an uncontrollable fit of laughter again. Looking back, although I wouldn't have admitted it to myself then; it was at that moment I fell in love with Sara.

~~~~~~

We wound up at Crabby Dick's, where eventually it became what we now refer to as just plain old 'Dick's'. We hadn't been there for more than ten minutes when Molly Stone, John's wife, came out to see us once we were seated. Up until now, I hadn't yet had the opportunity to meet her, and I was excited to meet the wife of a man who is now one of the dearest and wisest friends I have. When she came to the table, Sara smiled and chirped, "Hi, Aunt Molly."

"Hi Baby," Molly replied smiling, and then looking at me, she grinned and said, "And I'll bet that you're Tom." 

Sara suddenly seemed a bit uncomfortable when Molly said, "Hi, I'm Molly Stone, Tom; it's nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you lately." 

By this time Sara's face had blatantly turned a bright crimson so, to make her feel a little more at ease, I acted like I didn't notice and simply replied, "It's nice to meet you, too, Molly." 

As we shook hands; I witnessed a pleasant familiarity when a devilish gleam suddenly appeared in Molly's eyes when she looked at Sara and said, "Ooo, Honey, you were right. He really is a gorgeous hunk," Molly and I both broke out into laughter. 

Obviously and thoroughly embarrassed, Sara finally just grinned and then rolled her eyes and said, "Thanks Aunt Molly, I really appreciate it." I could tell that Sara and I were becoming more comfortable around one another. Because now, there was no question about how we each felt about one another, well, no question to me anyway. I still hadn't yet given a solid indication to Sara about what I felt for her, nor had I received any indication from her. 

~~~~~~

That night when I took Sara home, I wasn't invited in and I didn't ask. We simply sat in my Jeep and talked for a few minutes. "I had a really good time this evening Tom, thank you," she softly told me. 

"I really enjoyed it, too, in spite of the fact that I burned what I was going to feed you," I replied, starting to laugh. Sara leaned over and quickly put her right index finger to my lips, and once I'd stopped laughing; she tenderly but firmly replaced her finger with her lips while gently holding the back of my head with her left hand. I suddenly felt overwhelmed by the onslaught of emotions that began surging through my body at an astounding rate. But yet, I was still able to maintain control of them....for now.

When she ended the kiss, I felt like I had been suddenly snatched from a beautifully warm place, only to be swiftly and abruptly put out in the cold. She smiled and then got out of the Jeep, waving at me as my eyes followed her to her front door, and then until she was safely inside. I drove home that night with a smile on my face and with the beginning of a fire in my heart.

~~~~~~

The following morning; I awoke feeling better than I'd felt in a very long time, and it was then that I decided to start my old running regimen that I used to follow when I was in the Navy. 

I chose to run the entire length of the Key West, which is four miles, take a short break, and then turn around and run back. It was 6:15 when I opened my eyes that morning, and once I was up and wide awake, only fifteen minutes had passed. So, by 6:30, I was out the door with my feet on the road.

~~~~~~

Two and a half hours later; I was taking a shower to refresh myself from what I would call a very good run. I wanted to finish stocking Theia because I was still planning on spending two, maybe three days at the Dry Tortugas. I saw to it that she would not be lacking of anything, and equipped with all the comforts of home made readily available. As I loaded her hold and stocked the cold foods in the refrigerator as well as dishes in the galley cupboards; I had a brilliant idea. 

I was going to invite Sara to go with me. Theia was certainly big enough to provide her with her own private space and her own bathroom. But most importantly; she would not have to worry about feeling pressured to do anything she didn't want to. Besides; I was going to need a dive buddy if I was planning on going SCUBA diving. The same feeling that I'd experienced the night before was beginning to show itself again bringing a smile to my face. However; I was going to have to go through John to okay the time off from work that Sara was going to need in order to be able to make the trip with me. Once I was finished getting Theia fully stocked; I was going to need to meet with John near Mallory Square, get him help me convince Sara to go with me, and then have her meet me at the Oceanside Marina where I was taking Theia to the to top off her fuel tanks.

After packing five days worth of clothes into my old sea bag; I threw it over my shoulder and left the house, locking it on my way out. My house sits up about fifty yards from the ocean but you still had to walk down a path before you could see the dock or the boat. Once I saw the dock, there lay Theia beautifully reflecting the sun that was, by now, high in the sky. I climbed aboard her, took the short flight to the bridge and just stood there for a moment to thank the good Lord for all of the blessings that I'd received lately. Then I started her engines and after the nanosecond it took for the engines to synchronize; Theia began to sing a steady song, her vibrations fulfilling me. 

The engines needed to warm up for a few minutes so, while waited; I went below deck to the forward staterooms. I opened both doors and what I saw looked as if pages of an interior design magazine were coming to life. The Starboard stateroom had a powder blue interior with furnishings accentuated to suit its color. The Port stateroom room was just as fine wrought as the other only in dusky tan color. The bathroom or head, as it is called aboard ship, had the standard toilet and sink package but was also equipped with a shower. After making sure that all was right with the forward part of the boat, I went through the galley aft.

Both of the aft staterooms were nice as those forward and both had the very same motif only the Port was an olive color and the Starboard was eggshell and crème color . The aft head had only the standard sink and toilet packages. I must have timed it just right because just I came up on deck; the pitch in Theia's engines slowed down to a gentle hum signaling that she was warm, willing and able. I climbed down onto the dock and cast off both my forward and aft lines. When I got back aboard and on the bridge; I turned on my GPS navigator, turned on both the radar and sonar setting them in passive mode. Once I had backed her away from the dock; I put Theia in forward gear and slowly pushed forward on her throttle. Her engines came to life and gently pushed us forward. 

Theia had come equipped with her own cellular telephone and Phil Hogue had been kind enough to set my account up and have the service turned on for me. I reached down and took the receiver off its cradle and then dialed John's office number. As soon as he answered; I told John that I needed him and that it was very important and then I asked him if he would meet me at Mallory Square. He readily agreed without hesitation so, now it was all up to me.

~~~~~~

I had only been tied up at the pier for barely a few minutes when John appeared with a smile on his face and said, "Hey Tom, wow, what a beautiful boat!" 

"Thanks John, I really appreciate it," I replied. And not wanting to waste any more time than necessary, I looked directly at him and said, "John, I'll get right to the point as to why I called you here. I'm beginning to have some strong feelings for Sara, and I feel like she's having the same feelings I am. I want to talk her into coming with me to the Dry Tortugas for a few days, in the hope that we can sort these feelings out, but I'm gonna need your help."

With a huge smile and a throaty laugh; John replied, "Well, it's about damn time boy!"

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

I was docked at Oceanside Marina and Theia was in the process of receiving fuel, when I heard a familiar voice behind me say, "Good afternoon, Silly Boy!" 

Laughing at what she said, I turned around and replied, "Why are you calling me silly?" There was Sara, wearing a pair of boy's Union Bay cargo shorts and a "Crabby Dick's" tee shirt tied up between her breasts just below her bust line 

Sara stood there with her hands on her slender hips and said, "You didn't have to get Uncle John to order me to take time off and go with you. You could've just asked me yourself ya know." Her tanned brown taut smooth stomach that was exposed to my eyes had the same effect on me as it did the day she showed up at my house wearing just a modest bikini top and a pair off cut off denim shorts. 

Thank God the marina attendant finished fueling the boat right then. Because as he soon as he said, "Will there be anything else sir?" My attention was distracted from Sara right as my hands began to sweat. I paid him for the fuel and when I turned back around; Sara was looking at Theia. 

She turned to me with a look on her face, which I can only describe as tender, and said, "Is this your new boat?" 

"Yes, do you like it?" 

"Oh Tom, I think it's beautiful," she breathed.

"Her name is Theia," I said, "She was the Greek goddess of divine inspiration!" 

"That makes sense," Sara replied grinning. 

"Oh Yeah, and how is that?" 

With a smirk on her face, Sara stepped in closer to me and replied, "It's not like you couldn't use all the divine inspiration you can get, ya know?" 

I laughed and said, "Get on board before I throw you to the sharks, girlie!" She emitted that girlish giggle that drives me crazy, and then grabbing the canvas bag at her feet, climbed aboard.

~~~~~~

After we were past the break waters of the harbor; I set the GPS navigator to 24.38 degrees south by 82.55 degrees east, then set the RPM's on Theia's engines and turned on the autopilot. After switching the sonar and radar from passive to active, I took Sara to the forward Starboard stateroom. When I opened the door; she gasped and said, "I've seen hotel rooms that weren't this nice. This is beautiful, Tom." 

"Well, a beautiful lady deserves a beautiful place to lay her head, don't you think?" I smiled. 

She turned in the passageway then leaned in and kissed me tenderly on the cheek and said, "You're a very special man, Tom," and then with that devilish grin that I'd seen in her's, Molly's, and John's faces, she added, "And one of these days you're going to make someone a wonderful wife!" With that, she giggled again then swatted me on the butt with her hand as she disappeared into the stateroom, closing the door behind her.

I just shook my head smiling then went to the galley and retrieved a couple of beers from the refrigerator. After climbing up on deck then up to bridge, I sat in the pilot chair behind the helm and enjoyed the open ocean breeze in my face. It wasn't long before Sara appeared on deck wearing that same blue bikini top as before only this time she had a wrap the same color tied around her waist. Coming to stand beside me at the helm, she put her arm around me and said, "Are one of those beers for me?" 

I opened it and right before I handed it to her; I grinned and replied, "Now, I don't want you getting sea sick and throwing up all over the place so, take it easy on the beer." 

While taking the beer from me; she lightly thumped my ear, and laughing, said, "Are you always such a smart ass?" 

"Only when I'm burning grouper on the grill," I laughed, and of course this elicited a cacophony of laughter between the two of us.

I had set the engines speed for roughly 8 to 10 knots so that we could enjoy a smooth, leisurely trip to the Dry Tortugas and not be in any hurry. Because of the size of the chair, I was able, and therefore scooted over, to give Sara room to sit next to me at the helm. As she sat down beside me, she snuggled in close and then looked up at me and said, "Tom, can I ask you a really personal question?" 

With my arm around her shoulders; I gave her a gentle squeeze and replied, "I already told you that you can ask me anything you want!" 

She looked me in the eye, and then with a serious but kind and caring tone of voice, Sara said, "When Uncle John told me what you did for the Navy, he also said that you were fearless. Is that true?" 

I laughed nervously and replied, "John talks too much." 

Sara looked a little frustrated at my answer, but I believe somehow, and to this day I still don't know how, she knew that I was still dealing with demons that I'd not yet faced and/or made peace with. Changing the subject, she smiled warmly, and while placing her arm around my waist, said, "Uncle John told me that he was your father's wing man in Vietnam. He said that they flew together for five years. He also told me that he knew you when you were just a baby boy." 

"It's true that he flew with my Dad," I replied, "But I was so young that I don't remember him" 

"I'll bet you were a cutie then," she giggled. 

I tried, in a futile attempt, to give her a serious look and said, "I'm going to have to have a talk with John and tell him that he shouldn't tell you everything he knows." 

Sara laughed openly this time and replied, "What's the matter Tom? Am I making you nervous?"

"Yeah, right," I laughed.

After the laughter died down, I felt Sara snuggle into me, while hearing a content little sigh escape her lips at the same time. Then both her arms wrapped firmly around my waist and leaning her head up to mine she breathed "I'm glad that you wanted me to come with you, thank you sweetie," into my ear, followed by a kiss on the side of my neck that was so slight and tender; I felt wave after wave of chills run down my back making me shiver slightly. Sara felt it and, with a knowing smile and in a childish voice, said, "Are you cold Tommy Boy?" 

Before I could move she smothered my mouth with hers, hungrily but gently sliding her tongue past my lips in search of mine. I accepted her willingly, anxiously and passionately all at once. The kiss grew deeply more intense as the moments passed while Theia gently continued on course, holding us in her arms as we made or way across the open sea locked in the arms of one another. It was at that single moment in time we both knew that we were bound together and would forever remain so as we savored the closeness, the feel, and the taste of one another's souls.

After the factored time had passed, the alarm in Theia's navigational system sounded, indicating that we were nearing our destination. Sara and I broke our embrace but still remained closely together as we sat up and looked ahead. I looked at GPS display and turned off the autopilot. After throttling Theia's engines down to a slower speed I brought the ship to a slow halt and dropped anchor. "What're we doing here?" Sara asked, with a pensive look on her face, "Fort Jefferson is barely on the horizon and I thought that we were going to the Dry Tortugas," 

I smiled at her and asked "Do you trust me?" 

"I suppose so," replied Sara, with uncertainty in her voice. I began to snicker making Sara smile and ask, "What?" 

With Sara following closely, I went to the stern of the boat and said, "I thought you were an underwater archeologist." 

"I am," she stated flatly, putting her hands on her hips. 

As I reached into one of the deck compartments with a smile on my face, I retrieved a fishing pole and said, "Well if you want me to get us our lunch then we're gonna have to stay well beyond the boundaries of the national fish sanctuary, don't you think?" 

When I stood up; Sara came to me, wrapping her arms snugly around my waist and kissed me briefly, then leaned back smiling and said, "Have I ever told you what a smart ass I think you are?" 

I just grinned and gently touched her face with the palm of my hand and replied, "Have I ever told you how beautiful I think you are?" 

"You sweet, sweet man" she breathed, and then slapped me on the butt, "Now, go catch our lunch," then giggled and pranced away, taking off her wrap.

My eyes bulged out of their sockets when I saw Sara in full view. Her bikini was not cut to be overtly sexy but it showed just enough skin in all the right places. Her grapefruit sized breasts sloped gently down while jutting out proudly on her chest defining her smooth, flat, tan stomach. As she turned around I felt my heart stop at the sight at the most perfect ass I've ever seen on a woman. She didn't have a bubble butt per se, but she did have a figure that curved where it was supposed to, stuck out where it was supposed to and sleek and firm where it was supposed to be. She saw me practically salivating over her body but said nothing about it. Instead; she chose to make things harder, or should I say tougher, on me by throwing the towel she'd brought along with her out onto the deck. Then she sat down on it and began applying lotion all over the front of her body. 

This time she said something to me about what I was doing. "Not that I mind sweetie if you want to watch me, but I recall you saying something about catching our lunch." I snapped to then turned and reached into a bait compartment that I'd filled when I was fueling at Oceanside Marina. I managed to get my line baited and out into the water. Be fore long I had a bite. I enjoyed the fight of the red snapper that had decided to bite my hook and after a few minutes; I had it on deck, weighed, measured and in the live well. Then I re-baited my hook and threw it out. It sat for a while giving me a chance to talk to Sara. 

Before I could say anything Sara spoke up first and said, "Tom I want to tell you something but I don't want to scare you off."

"You won't ever have to worry about that," came out of my mouth before I had the chance to think about what I was saying. 




Fearless



Then she sat up, and looking directly into my eyes, said, "That's good because, in the short time we've known each other, I've begun to realize that I'm beginning to care for you more than just a little."

Instinct took over and I laid my fishing pole against the side of the boat and then leaned down and gently took Sara in my arms and said, "I've been all over the world and seen all kinds of pretty as well as ugly things, and until now; I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life than what I'm looking at right at this moment," and then I tenderly kissed her lips. As I stood back up I saw a single tear run down her cheek. "Are you alright?" I asked. She stood and faced me smiling and put her arms around me. She leaned in closely, our lips were now mere centimeters apart but as she went to kiss me, my fishing pole shot violently across the deck. Had I not grabbed it when I did, it would've been pulled into the ocean by whatever was on the other end of the line. I latched on tightly to it and pulled back as hard as I could. This time however; the fight lasted considerably longer and by the time I got the fish to the boat; we were delightfully surprised at what I'd caught. It was a grouper, and after weighing it, found that we now had enough fresh fish to last the three days I was planning on spending on the ocean.

I managed to get the fish scaled, gutted and filleted. I cut the fillets so that they were sizable enough that one of each would make a good meal. Then I put them below deck into refrigerated storage. After everything was cleaned up; I started Theia's generators and made preparations to cook lunch. I'd bought the necessary herbs, spices and condiments etc.., and stocked them aboard in the days before we left. As I was getting the Jen-Aire™ grill fired up; Sara came into the galley, and pushing the side of her right hip against my left, she shoved me away from the grill, then laughing, said, "I remember what happened the last time you tried grilling grouper for me," and then she fell into a hysterical fit of snickering and giggling.

"I was going to cook the snapper first, girlie," I replied laughing.

After she regained her composure she stepped into me, and wrapping her arms around my waist, she kissed me gently. Her lips were like liquid fire against my own, and a flame that had been smoldering within me all day long that, had I not stopped after a few moments, would've erupted. "If we keep this up we're never going to get anything done," I said, now breathing heavily. Sara's eyes were glazed over and she nodded wordlessly while still pressing herself fully against me.

Finally we parted with neither of us wanting to, but both of us knowing we had to. Sara put her hand on my arm and said, "I really do want to cook for you Tom. If you'll show me where everything is; I promise you feast fit for a King!"

I grinned as goofy as I possibly could and replied, "A King huh? Well, let be the first one to show you the way around the galley, M'lady."

"Please," replied Sara smirking, "On second thought; I can find my way around the galley just fine. Why don't you go above deck and play while I make lunch, little boy?" I decided to play along and act just like a kid would. So, without a word I turned, and not very hard, but firmly enough to get her attention without hurting her, pinched her on her beautiful little butt then dashed out of her reach above deck. "OOO! HEY!" she yelled, followed by her beautiful girlish giggle. 

I climbed onto the deck above her and poked my head into the hatch upside down, and smiling, said "Did you call me?" She turned around smiling and after saying nothing; she kissed me then pushed my head back through the hatch and closed it.

I decided to put on a mask and some fins so I could look at Theia's underside and check out the hull, screws and rudder. After I was ready, I jumped into the cool clear, water and dove beneath Theia's hull. She was in pristine condition and reaching out; I touched her hull with my bare hand so I could gently caress the tummy of the only mistress I would ever know. From the training I'd received in the military; I was able to hold my breath for a considerable amount of time. I'd only been down for about thirty seconds so, I decided to explore the screws and have a closer look at the rudder. I was beginning to experience the familiar rush I felt every time I was in the water, and I began to realize how much I had missed the caress of, what truly was, my mother.

I approached the screws and was amazed. They looked as if they were brand new and the rudder was as smooth as glass and was built to cut through the water with exact precision. It was nearing time for me to ascend to the surface so, with a quick thrusting kick of legs; my head broke the water a few seconds later. I took off my mask and swam toward the small entry ladder that was permanently anchored against the stern. I took off my fins and mask and threw them over the side and onto the deck, then began to climb aboard. Halfway up the ladder I heard what sounded like someone crying. With that, two steps put me aboard ship, and, due to some old habits that had not yet died, on definite alert. 

What I found both shocked me and broke my heart at the same time. Sara was curled up in the aft Starboard corner of the boat hugging her towel and crying her eyes out. I flew to her side, and wrapping my arms around her, said, "Sarah, honey what's wrong? Are you okay?" She looked up at me and stared at my face. Then suddenly she threw her arms tightly around my neck and began to openly sob. The only thing I knew to do was to simply hold her and let her cry. Whatever it was that seemed to be hurting her was not something light from the way she was crying.

~~~~~~

Chapter Six

"Are you alright?" I asked Sara after she began to calm down, returning to normal.

She sniffed and nodded her then looked at me tears still in her eyes and said, "After my Daddy was killed when I was little, my Mom started drinking a lot and she would leave me alone in the house for days at a time. She never said anything. She would just leave and I would always be left alone and..." then her voice began to falter as she continued, "...when I came out to ask you how wanted your potato and you were gone, I...." and she began to cry again. 

"Now now, I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. Shhh, its okay baby," I said, soothingly. She eventually stopped crying and I was able to get her to stand up. "Would you like to lie down and rest for a while? I can finish lunch ya know?" I asked her . This woman is a real trooper because she sat straight up as if nothing happened, then flashed a brave smile then devilishly said, "And let you burn us down? I don't think so," and then giggled and trotted happily back to the galley with me watching her cute little butt wiggling all the way. Once she disappeared below deck, I knew right then that one of my missions in life would be to never let her have any reason to hurt or feel bad about anything, ever again.

Lunch was very good and I was extremely impressed by Sara's culinary skills. We ate in silence and simply enjoyed the sound of the ocean and the company of one another. Once Sara and I pitched in together and cleaned the galley, I went to the helm and started Theia's engines, turned off her generators and raised anchor. Sara appeared right beside me shortly thereafter, and with a gentle push, we moved forward and to the east, staying well beyond the prohibitive boundaries of the sanctuary. The law said nothing however about anchoring just outside the sanctuary though so; that's exactly what we did. I found us a good spot in eighty feet of water and dropped the anchor. As I was turning off Theia's engines; I turned to Sara and said, "Feel like doing a little diving?" 

"God yes," she replied, and then wrinkling her brow, added "But I didn't bring any gear."

As I raised the dive flag, I just grinned and replied "Trust me Darlin." 

In no time; I had Sara rigged and ready to hit the water. Just before we stepped off the stern; she simply lead over and kissed me, then adjusted her mask and regulator and stepped out and dropped into the water. I went in right behind her, and once we were both submerged; we looked at each other gave the "Okay!" signal, and then together descended into the depths of the sea. We softly touched down on the ocean floor with no problems whatsoever. Once we adjusted our buoyancy; we glided effortlessly just above the reef. 

It was as if we were witnessing a Mardi Gras taking place underwater. There were so many different sizes, shapes and colors of fish, all moving in different directions and choreographed by Mother Nature to music only they were privy to. Suddenly I felt Sara's hand in mine and her body closer to me. I looked over at her to see her eyes through her mask and although we were 80 feet beneath the surface of the ocean; I was still captivated by their radiant brilliance. I swam, observed and enjoyed not only the beauty before me, but the beauty alongside me....and thus began the healing within my soul.

~~~~~~

That evening as we sat on Theia's stern having cocktails; Sara smiled and said, "I wanted to thank you Tom."

"For what?" 

She smiled, and after sitting in my lap and putting her arms around me, she kissed me briefly said, "I'm talking about earlier this afternoon when I kinda freaked out."

"Aw hell, it was nothing," I absently replied.

Suddenly she became angry, and standing up with her hands on her hips, glared at me and replied, "Maybe not to you it wasn't, but to me, it meant a lot..." then her facial expression changed to that of sadness, "....and another thing, why do I always have to be the one the one that makes the first move when we kiss?" Tears began to trickle down her face, and with a hint of sadness in her voice, she said, "What's the matter, Tom? Don't you think I'm pretty?" Before she could say another word, I jumped up from my seat, and taking her swiftly into my arms, kissed her as passionately as I could. I made sure that she could feel it all the way down to her pretty painted little toe nails. Of course it had just as much of the same effect on me as it did on her. 

Once our lips had separated from the kiss and we were both breathing very heavily, I looked at her sternly, and then as softly as I could, replied, "Is it alright that I want to take things slowly with you?" She looked at me as if she'd seen a ghost and then sat back down in her seat and began to cry uncontrollably. I was beginning to get a frustrated with all the drama I was being subjected to, but just the same, I leaned down and put my arms around her and said, "Please don't cry, I wasn't trying to upset you. I'm just not the kind of guy that can be physically intimate with a woman unless I know her well enough."

Suddenly her eyes sparkled, and after wiping her tears with the back of her hand, she smiled and said, "You're right! This isn't your fault, Tom."

"What're you talking about when you say 'not my fault'?" I asked, now thoroughly confused.

She smiled, and taking me by the hand and making me sit down beside her, she put her soft palm against the side of my face and replied, "You really are such a dear, dear sweet man Tom. I guess that I owe you an explanation, huh?"

She was beginning to open up to me now and I was not about to stop her so I said, "Only if you feel like talking."

Then she sadly hung her head and continued, "When my Mom left me, it was a miracle that John and Molly were there to take me in. Molly used to sit up nights with me when the nightmares came. But she and John took care of me and loved me just like I was their own and I love them both very much. I guess what I'm trying to say is, that I'm still kinda messed up in the head a little bit, and I care about you so much, but something inside of me from my past keeps telling me that you'll leave too."

Then she stood up and shot below deck and ran forward. I heard a door slam, and because I was now so in tune with her; I could hear as well as feel her weeping bitterly in her cabin. I took a moment to examine my own feelings, and before I even had time to think about it; I knew in my heart that I wasn't going to be able to breathe without Sara in my life. I loved her and it was as plain as a slap in the face that I had to go after her. So I ran forward and after knocking on her door and calling her name, I opened her cabin door and slowly peeked in.

For the first time since I'd known her, I could clearly see fear written all over her face, taking my heart to the breaking point. I layed down next to her on her bed and put my arms around her and literally cried with her. All of the emotions that I'd kept bottled up over the years came boiling to the surface. I cried for her and with her, while at the same time all the pain that was within me began to violently expel itself from me. I cried for Sara and with our arms wrapped tightly round one another; I cried for me and for all the friends that I lost. We said nothing and let our emotions loose to flow freely like the sea that surrounded us while being cradled in Theia's arms.

We began to calm as we clung to one another tightly while our breathing was beginning to return to normal. Sara raised her face to mine and said, "I love you Tom!" 

"I love you too Sara. I have since the first time I saw you, but I was too afraid," I said, knowing it was true beyond any shadow of a doubt. 

"Afraid, afraid of what?" asked Sara. 

I placed my palm against that beautiful face of hers and replied, "I was afraid of admitting it to myself and afraid of losing you." 

She smiled and with her hand pressed tightly against mine on her face, she cooed, "I guess we're stuck with each other now, because I'm not ever letting go of you, Tommy McNeal!" 

I leaned back to look at her, and with one last tear falling slowly down my cheek, I exhaled and said, "I'll die without you Sara." 

She kissed me and then, with that giggle that I will forever adore, she said, "No you won't because I'm not going to let you."

So what do we do now?" I asked. 

Sara sat up with a concerned looked on her face and said, "Tommy before we go any further; there's something else you need to know about me!" 

Because of the fact that she'd already shared her past as well as her fears with me; I had a feeling that I knew what she was going to tell me. But because I wanted her to be able to feel in control; I smiled and softly said, "Whatever it is, we'll work through it together, my love." 

She still looked a little pensive, but she still put on a brave front and said, "I'm still a virgin, Tom, and I'm a little afraid." 

I knew right then that, in his infinite wisdom, God had placed a very precious and special angel in my life and I had to treat her carefully, as she was still fragile. So, I smiled and took Sara by the hand and said, "You know that when people love each other they express those feelings in a physical way, don't you?" 

Sara began to laugh wildly and said, "Good Lord, Tom, I'm not a kid ya know. Yes! I know what people do." Then she calmed down and looked at me seriously and said, "I love you with all my heart, I swear it! I'm still just a little scared is all so, please be gentle with me, okay?" I began to laugh just then making Sara look at me sternly, and with a cross tone of voice, she said "What is so damn funny?"

I grabbed her, making her squeal and then pulled her to me with my arms around her and replied, "I love you Sara Hartley so, you take all the time you need. I'll love you until the day I die and then for an eternity afterwards, and I don't plan on going or being anywhere that you're not." 

Sara's face lit up like Easter Sunday morning and she kissed me firmly on the lips and said, "I knew you were the one the minute I laid eyes on you ya know." "Well you knew more than I did, that's for sure!" I replied laughing. All at once Sara gave me that now all too familiar devilish look of hers and said, "Have you tried out the hot tub yet?" and then she giggled and took off down the passageway that led above deck.

I had turned on the heater in the hot tub before we began making our way to the Dry Tortugas so, by this time, I knew that the water would be at just about the perfect temperature. The sun was barely touching the horizon as Sara and I made our way to the forward deck or Foc'sle, as it's called in the Navy. I lifted the cover off the top of the hot tub and the steam billowed into the air. I checked to make sure that the temperature was an even one hundred degrees before I looked at Sara, and smiling, said, "Well if you're waiting on me then you're backing up." Sara gave me a seductive look then, right before my eyes and tantalizingly slowly, she began to peel off her bathing suit one clasp at a time. 

Once she was totally nude, she lingered mere moments before she was in the water. Then she looked at me and said, "It's your turn, baby!" 

Without ceremony or spectacle; I took off my shirt followed quickly by my shorts (I never wear underwear) and gave her just enough time to quickly glance at my body before I was in the water sitting directly across from her. I'd not turned on the bubble jets yet and the water was crystal clear revealing one to the other in all our glory. Sara was built perfectly just as I knew she would be. I felt some familiar stirrings in my groin so, as not to embarrass either one of us; I reached over and turned on the jets making the water come to a seeming boil.

Sara noticed my blush and said, "What's the matter, Tommy? I never took you for the shy type." I just laughed and shook my head and before I knew what was happening; Sara was upon me pressing her now naked body against mine. 

"Sara, honey, you're about to start something that, once it gets going; I'm not real sure that I'll be able to stop!" She smiled seductively again and said, "What if I told that you're the man I've been waiting for and that I don't want to stop." Trying to evoke some semblance of reason; I replied "You've come this far with your virginity in tact. Don't you want to save it for the man that you're going to marry?" She giggled and, placing her palm against my cheek again, she said "As far as I'm concerned; I've found the man that I'm going to marry and he's right here in front of me with a look in his eyes that tells me he's scared shitless," and then she layed down on me and began to laugh hysterically.

The thing about it is; I really was scared shitless, but I knew that she was right about the man she was going to marry. I never could say no to her and I still can't. But at the time the only thing I did say was, "You seem pretty sure of yourself don't you?" 

"Yes and I'll show you how sure I am," and with that she sat up, then reached down between us and grabbed my very erect and very hard manhood. Before I knew what had happened; she sat down hard on me making me pierce her virginal membrane in one thrust. She groaned very loudly, and after sitting very still for a moment, said, "Now do you believe me?" 

"I love you Sara," was all I could reply. In a few moments she began to move very slowly up and down softly sheathing me within her velvet essence. I felt as if my whole world had come crashing down in an instant and then suddenly rebuilt, with Sara at the very center of it. All I could see or feel was her and all she felt or saw was me. Looking back, it was a time of rebirth for me and with every gentle thrust into this beautiful creature that was now just as much a part of me as any other part of my body; I saw that my life was now my own again and that my darling Sara would be there from now on to chase away the painful dreams and nightmares that might haunt me. Sara reached her climax only moments before I did, and for a few shorts minutes; it was as if God himself had come to earth to rapture both our souls deeper than either had ever experienced. Afterwards; Sara just continued to lie on top of me while she caught her breath. "That was the most beautiful thing I've ever known, Tommy," she said, still breathing a little heavily. "I love you," I replied. Sara looked up at me, and with tears streaming down her face; she smiled and said, "You don't know how much I'll always cherish this moment. It was just the way I dreamed it would be," then she kissed me tenderly and added, "I love you so much!"