Page 37 of A Real Wild One
“That’s all we need. It’s all there. You will sing and the trap will open. You can grab this piece of the amulet.”
“And then what?”
“Then, we’re going to California, baby.” Kai rubbed his hands together and gave her a nod. “Now, sing.”
She pulled in a breath and released her melody. At first, nothing seemed to change, but then when she went into a lower register, the vibrations seemed to hit the pedestal just right, and the hand slowly dropped into a hole in the top of the stone, leaving the amulet lying on top.
“Well, what are you waiting for. Pick up the amulet and let’s get out of here.”
As she picked up the glowing red piece of stone, she examined the jagged edges closely. It was such a familiar shape, but she couldn’t quite believe it was actually something so simple.
Behind her, a splash sounded, and with the light put off by the amulet, she could make out one of her father’s goons pulling himself over the ledge. He turned and yanked her father up behind him.
“I am not fond of water, but I am glad to see you found your way to safety, daughter.”
Kai mumbled, “Why won’t this guy just die already?”
“Yes, well, let me tell you something about the man you have entrusted your life to, daughter. You see, I met a certain captain, who for the right price and with the right persuasive techniques was kind enough to reveal a little about your boyfriend here.
Surely you know, he’s not running around the Atlantic Ocean with you out of the goodness of his heart. The captain was clear in sharing that your protector has an ulterior motive.”
Hollyn’s heart dropped. It was just as she feared. She glanced at Kai, and he stared at her. By the glow of the amulet, she saw the deep concern in his eyes. She didn’t want her father to be right.
“You see, he has a necklace with a shell on it. It has the exact same symbol that is on that amulet you’ve been chasing. He planned to take it from you and use it as payment to the Sea Witch of Vanuatu to find out who he is exactly. Such a noble boy scout, isn’t he?”
Hollyn saw the truth in Kai’s eyes, and yet, somehow, she wasn’t surprised. Somehow, she’d known all along that things were just a little too good to be true. It just reinforced her trust issues.
Kai said, “Hollyn, listen...” But she cut his words off with a wave of her hand.
She spoke in low, angry whispers as she said, “Look, you might or might not have been planning to take this amulet, but of the two of you, I’d rather leave with you. This is a key.” She held up the amulet. “Do you see a keyhole?”
“Yes. I noticed it when I first stepped into the cave.”
“Play along. And when I say now, run for the door.”
Hollyn straightened up and raised her voice, “And I never want to see you again! You had better get away from me! Right! Now!”
Kai didn’t move, so Hollyn shouted, “I saidNOW!”
Hollyn turned and headed for the door, the amulet in front of her and Kai behind her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father and his goon leap into action.
She reached the door and after a few fumbles, managed to slip the amulet piece into the lock. She turned and heard a click. Kai pushed the rock wall door open with force as Hollyn pulled the amulet free and turned toward her father.
Her gaze lifted to the ceiling as did her father’s when she belted out an ear-piercing note at the top of her lungs. The rocks bobbled just a moment before they came crashing down in a pile of rubble in front of her father, blocking him from getting to her.
She didn’t waste time checking to see if they were alive or dead, running through the door with Kai right behind her. He pulled the door closed, locking her father in the cavern.
He turned to embrace her, but before he could, she stepped back. She had known better than to trust him, but for now, she needed a partner, just as the Baba Yaga had predicted. At least for a little while longer, they’d stay together.
But, Aquaman or not, there would be no more kissing.
She sighed heavily and said, “Come on. We’ve got quite a walk to Jamestown to catch a boat out of here. We have another piece of this amulet to find.”
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