Dark Island Book 1 (Complete)

Chapter 3

The door of the steering compartment swings open, letting in a rush of cool and fresh air as I entered, dissolving the odor and smoke from Harold's cigar that he was busy smoking.
"Dam Harold, how can you breathe in here it’s like a gas chamber or something"
I asked with a disgusting frown on my face.
"The smoke doesn’t bother me at all in fact I’m too busy enjoying the fact that I’m at the steering wheel of this beautiful vessel."
"Indeed, so Harold but you must take good care of her now, I don’t want to be swimming back home ha-ha."
I said sarcastically.
“Ha, you know Jack; I was once one of the best captains in the navy. I can steer circles around you know"
“I know I know... so Harold have you seen Ronny?"
“Where do think Jack, he’s probable down in the captain’s quarters busy reading or something. You know that he has bought a lot of books regarding weird conspiracies or something like that. Sometimes I wish he could just come back to reality."
"Well Harold, you know that you are hunting the Flying Dutchman with us."
"Ha ha, I’m only here for the gold you know that department of searching and hunting weird things are yours and Ronny's.
Oh, and to be behind the steering wheel. You know I prefer to sail the seas than to be on the ground."
"Well, I’m going to check on Ronny, he is on first night duty."
"Hey Jack, I'll take the first shift."
"Are you sure Harold?"
"Yeah I’m sure Ronny can take over tomorrow."
"Ok, then."
"Oh, and Jack, can you please close the door behind you it’s a bit chilling."

Rummaging around inside a bag pack, Ronny grumbles under his breath. I barely make out the words "I know I’ve put you in here somewhere” and the rest just becomes gibberish. Suddenly he gives a tiny shout of glee.
"Aha! Found 'them." He turns to face me triumphantly, holding up a book called 'Tribal Languages' written by 'John Edward'
"Now I can finally finish you in peace and quiet.," said Ronny as if he spoke to it.
"That looks interesting Ronny. Oh, and Harold said that he is going to take first shift, so you can relax for the night. Tomorrow is your turn."
"Thanks Jack." said Ronny.
"Before you go Jack I just wanted to know where the bathroom is."
I nodded to the left of the small hall.
"Bathroom is there. It is an open shower and if you are looking for clean sheets and towels, it is in there in the white dresser next to the washbasin. There’s soap and shampoo on the shelf, feel free to make use of them whenever you’re taking a shower."
Glancing in the direction I indicated, Ronny nods.
"Thanks man."
"Okay well, Ronny I’ll leave you to your reading. I’m going to take a shower and hit the bed."

I make my way to the bathroom, carefully twisting the knob to turn the water on. Holding a hand under the spray, I waited for it to warm up before I begin taking off my clothes. Jumping under the now hot spray, I quickly wash up, rinsing the stench off, and using the soap to lather up my hair. Rinsing it out, I turn off the water and then stand for a moment, looking around the tiny space. Sighing in relief, I spot a towel hanging from the railing next to the shower and grabbed it, and dried myself. I grabbed my clean clothes and got dressed and headed for my room.
Settling myself down onto the bed once it is made, I glance around the room.
'This is going to be the first time in a long time that I will be sleeping alone by myself' I said softly to myself thinking off Susan and Robert.
I sigh, scrubbing my hands through my damp hair. I almost cannot believe were here right now sailing. It seems so surreal. I shake my head. I would like to see Harold’s face when we discover the Dutchman; damn it is going to be priceless.
I switched off the light and close my eyes, I am in darkness now. The sound of the waves shifting in every direction calms me...finally I fell asleep.
...Jack! can you hear me?... Jack...look at me!
Your one hell of a lucky guy, you know that...

"Sergeant!" Ugh it was just a dream, fuck only a bad dream. My past is killing me. I thought.
"Hey Jack, are you ok man?"
"Yeah, it was just a messed-up dream I had again, but it’s okay now. I didn’t know you’re still awake"
"Well I was trying to sleep then I heard a mumbling coming from your room followed by a loud 'Sergeant'. You started to freak me out a bit man. Are you sure you’re okay, I mean...”?
"Hey Ronny I know, I’m sorry okay. It’s not that easy I can’t seem to get this stuff out of my head."
"Can I get you something perhaps, something to eat or drink?"
Asked Ronny concernedly.
I put my hands on my belly, remembering I haven’t eaten all day.
"Yes, please. I’m starving."
Ronny grins. "I'll run grab you some food, maybe a sandwich. Is that alright?"
"Perfect!" I beam. "I could eat just about anything right now."
"Okay, I’ll be back in a flash"
With that, Ronny is out the door again. Scooting myself up to the head of the bed, I plump the pillows behind me, and curl my feet up. Putting my chin on my knees, I waited for him to return as I think about the nightmare I just had.
I sigh, sitting up scrubbing yet again my hands through my almost dry hair.' You've got to pull yourself together; it’s been so long now.'

I jump a little when Ronny breezes back into the room, carrying a small tray loaded down with a sandwich and a cup of coffee. My mouth waters just looking at it, and I hold my hands eagerly.
"Thanks so much!" Settling the tray in my lap, I picked up the sandwich, biting into it with gusto. Ronnie perches on the side of the bed, watching me eat.
Mumbling around a mouthful of food, I say, "So Ronny tell me more about that book you're reading. What’s it’s called again...oh yeah tribal languages. I tried to stir up any conversation so that I didn’t have to sit and think about the nightmare I just had.
Ronnie's eyes widen. "Oh yes, I love it! I couldn’t imagine it to be any better than it is now. The ancient languages the tribes’ people used are very fascinating, mind blowing to be exact."
Chewing my food and swallowing, I raise a brow, but nod agreeable. I cannot help but feel a little bit distracted. Holding up my half-eaten sandwich, I mumble, "This is really good," and smile sheepishly. I keep my thoughts about the nightmares to myself however, at least for now.