Speria Island

Chapter 4: The "New" Arrivals

"So, are you excited about this weekend?" Katana asked an uneasy looking Paul.

He hesitated, with his eyes fixed on the front of the boat. "Now that I am here I feel like something bad is going to happen."

"Really?' Katana asked, perplexed by his response to her question. "Like what?"

He took in a deep breath and turned to look at her. "Anything that might look like an accident,"

"I'm confused. What do you mean by that?" She was even more intrigued now.

"I don't know what...I am trying to say," he stammered. "Just be careful this weekend, I know I will have to be," he stared off into the distance.

"Are you afraid of being here?" Katana asked.

"More than you know," He stated, his eyes still set and fixed on the front of the boat.

"I'm still a little confused," Katana said. "Is there something that you are trying to tell me?"

Paul formed a half smile on his face. "No...no, I was just stating that I have severe allergies to a lot of things. What if any of those things that I am allergic to found their way into my food or drink? We are far away from the main island, it kind of makes me nervous." He tried to downplay his previous comments.

"I'm sure you could remind the cook or the person in charge about your allergies." Katana encouraged. "And also, don't worry too much about it; it will be fine. I have some medical training should any problems arise." She smiled. "Do you have a pen?"

"Um...yes; so, you have medical training?" he suddenly became interested. "What kind of medical training?"

"I am an autopsy tech, I assist the cities Chief Medical examiner in Capeshaw; I also have a bachelor's degree in forensic science and minors in biology and mortuary science,"

"I see; are you currently studying to get your medical license? Paul asked.

"Unfortunately, no." She responded.

"Why?" He asked.

She stared quietly for a moment. "Because I am happy with where I am right now. I don't think I could add anymore to my plate without self-destructing. I'm in remission." She stated quietly.

"Cancer?" He whispered.

"No, depression." She said as she stared out over the ocean.

He nodded understandingly.

The boat rounded the bend of the large rock formation, into the bay area of the island; blaring the horn to announce its arrival. Apart from Kathan and the Detective, who only seemed mildly impressed, the other arriving guests became quickly enthralled by the initial reveal of the island and the enormous house that sat situated upon it.

"Wow," Jahnel mouthed to herself. "Somebody is banking a lot of notes." She added a bit louder.

Katana stepped up beside Jahnel and looked up at the three-story house that sat broadly upon the island. She smiled to herself before realizing that she was being watched by the Detective.

"It looks like we are in store for something very special this weekend," Sari said as a smile spread slowly across her face.

The boat pulled up to the dock and slammed to a halt, tossing the passengers forward.

Jahnel stumbled into Kathan, who caught her with one strong arm. She looked up at him and smiled, but her smile quickly vanished, because at that moment she remembered him and what impact he had on her life.