Eye of the Dolphin (eBook)

Chapter 1

What first caught Captain Joe’s eye was the incredible size difference between the couple. Tall, big, and brawny versus short, slight, and petite. The guy looked like he should be playing linebacker in the NFL, and the woman could easily be an Olympic gymnast. Upon further examination, he realized the size and shape disparity was just the appetizer: Hair color, facial features, skin tone, dress, and even footwear were the main course. The olive-skinned, dark-curly-haired guy wore a faded knit shirt, scraggy denim shorts, and rubber flip flops. He looked like he’d just escaped the dryer after days of lying in a wrinkled heap. The pale, small-boned woman had sharp features, striking blonde hair, and a slim figure. She wore a white blouse, tight red Capris, beaded sandals, and looked like she’d just finished a runway stint in New York.

Could they have been more mismatched? Was there a weird contest going on in Nassau he was unaware of? Like a best-and worst-dressed or maybe a Disney-themed one—Beauty and the Beast perhaps? But this beauty reminded him of a fair-haired Minnie mouse. He scanned the other folks who meandered around the dock to confirm or deny his suspicion.

Nope, no contests, just very bad taste, apparently. The captain shook his head and leaked a dry smile. Still eyeing the couple, he rocked back in his plastic chair located near the stern of his vessel, Nora. He saw the young couple pointing at boats, talking, smiling, laughing. How old were they? Maybe late twenties. A bit younger? He’d gotten married at that age.

The mismatched couple grasped each other and kissed, the woman raising a sandal, bending her leg at the knee. It seemed a passionate encounter, but after the embrace, Minnie pushed the beast away and laughed. “Nasty boy!” he heard her say with a broad smile. The beast stepped forward, but a stiff finger on the tip of his nose stifled his advance. He smiled and moved his head side to side. “The magic finger can’t stop me this time,” he chuckled. Little Mrs. Minnie waved her finger in front of the beast’s face; “You owe everything, your existence, to the magic finger.” Her voice sounded deep and ominous.

Captain Joe shook his head. Newlyweds. Friggin’ newlyweds with not a care in the world. Well, shit happens and everything changes, and when you goddamn least expect it. He reached between his legs and grabbed a bottle. Dull eyes darted left and right before he took a quick nip. “Ah, good morning, Bahama Mama.” His lips puckered and he spit over the side, just barely clearing the railing.

A boat leaving the dock distracted him. Fresh paint covered the helm and deck, and shiny new seats rounded out the vessel’s makeover. “That must’ve cost a pretty penny.” The captain of the refurbished boat waved to him and smiled. Joe raised a thumb and examined the craft’s payload. Eight paying customers were onboard. His upper lip curled. “What a weenie.” Guy doesn’t know shit about diving, but his boat looks damn fine. What is that scrawny punk’s name? Jim, John, Dilbert?

He took another gulp and examined his own vessel. The deck needed a fresh coat of varnish. The ladder leading to the helm showed its age. The seats for his customers looked worn, the tarp above him needed to be replaced and—“Don’t matter anyhow.” These days, it’s all about advertising on the web. Doesn’t matter if I’m the best, only if I get the most likes. Maybe I need to update my site. How long would that take? I hate computers but it might be worth it. “Ain’t gonna happen.” He raised the bottle and took a big swig. “That’ll knock yer dick stiff in the morning.” He leaned back and wiped at his faded green knit shirt with “I went down with Joe” printed on the front. Gonna be another long day.

The odd couple stopped in front of his slip and eyed his sign, his boat, and him. They looked at one another. Minnie bit her lower lip, and they continued strolling down the pier. He overheard Minnie saying, “It’s your choice, Noto. I’m not making any more decisions the rest of the trip,” her arms folded.

It sounded like she really meant it, but, alas, Joe knew such a promise could not be kept. It wasn’t part of Minnie’s makeup. That woman is used to calling the shots, for herself and everyone else. The beast said, “That’s a switch, you feeling alright, Chris?” and he put his hand on Minnie’s forehead. She promptly knocked it off. “I mean it,” she huffed and patted her hair, ensuring every strand remained in place. The beast said something to Mrs. Minnie, but they were too far away.

Captain Joe ran his hand over his long, salt-and-pepper hair. He adjusted his ponytail and thought about calling after the beast and Minnie. His face contorted as if a putrid odor had permeated the air. What am I doing? Those two will be customers from hell, and besides, I don’t think I have a wetsuit big enough for that guy. Even if I do, he’d probably blow the seams out. As for Minnie, she’d want a designer wetsuit created by… by someone famous. He nodded and muttered, “No creeping crap about it.”

The weathered lines on his worn face softened. Even after so many years, he still found himself using that silly phrase. Her silly phrase. He eyed the couple and sighed. “I could use the business,” he grumbled. His top lip quivered and he scoffed, “Newlyweds.” They’d probably want some silly photos of themselves holding hands underwater or jumping over the side. Guess what, gang. I don’t do pictures and never…

“Sir,” a male voice interrupted, snapping the boat captain into the conscious. “Are you the captain?”

Joe focused on the couple he’d been observing. “What.” He sounded irritated.

The beast recoiled, but Minnie stepped forward and smiled, “Hi, I’m Christa, and this is Johnny. We wanted to know if you could take us diving. Your sign said you go where no one else does. Is that true?”

Joe folded his arms. “Yeah,” he said. “I know some secret diving spots that are kinda mysterious.” I better make up my mind. Am I goin’ to lower my standards and babysit for a few hours? Take pretty Mrs. Minnie and her beast for a husband diving? He pulled on an earlobe and a dreary, bloodshot eye twitched. Shit, maybe.

The beast named Johnny said, “Dangerous?”

Captain Joe nodded. “Could be, I guess, but more different than dangerous, that’s all. And private.”

Minnie said, “We won’t be around a bunch of other divers, then?”

His ponytail waved back and forth when he shook his head. “No. You’d be on your own.”

The beast swallowed. “I’m not certified.”

An image flashed in Captain Joe’s mind. The panicked diver hovered ten feet underwater, her eyes bigger than beach balls. Of course, she pointed at her ears and thrashed about like a hooked tuna. She looked rather like a tuna. Weird face. No wonder water leaked into her mask, no way to get a good seal over that mug. What was her name? Irma, Imogi, Karen? The actual dive took less time than putting on her gear. Ten minutes, tops! Great lungs, though. She managed to go through half a tank of air. Never knew a diver could produce so many air bubbles. Then the tuna lady asked for her money back!

Joe sighed, “Look, I’m gonna be straight with ya, Jack… ”

“It’s Johnny, Johnny Noto,” Minnie corrected, nodding.

“Yeah, anyway, you probably just might wanna snorkel or something, and there are no refunds, whether you decide to dive or not. Understand? No refunds.”

The beast took in a mouthful of air. His broad chin bobbed up and down. “I’m in.”

Joe watched the beast and sensed his nervousness. Do I really wanna do this? He looked at his boat. I gotta lot of repairs to catch up on, but still… He pointed a crooked finger, “Ya sure? My time is valuable.”

“We understand, Skipper,” Mrs. Minnie confirmed.

Joe said, “And of course, Ja… Johnny, I’ll be with you the entire dive.”

An attractive smile emerged over Minnie’s face. “I told you, Noto,” and she smacked the beast’s shoulder. It did not move in the slightest. “You get to have a buddy. Captain Joe will take care of ya.”

Joe pulled on his earlobe and his eye twitched. “Yeah, I’ll be right there. But it’s up to Ja—John if he enjoys it or not. Like I said before—”

“No refunds. Right, Skip!” Minnie interrupted. “Well guess what, this guy right here is gonna go for it because that’s what he does!”

The beast said. “I love when you’re like this, Chris.”

“Like what?”

“So positive and relaxed. Having fun. Just enjoying life.”

Captain Joe watched the beast wrap his big arm around his wife. He cringed. I hope he doesn’t accidentally squeeze her to death.

Christa’s voice rose. “Are you saying I’m a little uptight when we’re at home?” And she poked her husband in the chest.

“Ouch.”

Joe had a feeling the guy barely felt it. It’d take a jackhammer to cause the beast any real pain.

Christa laughed. “How’s that for...