Recluse Island

Chapter 46

March 2014

Carson Duddles was born in Atlanta, Georgia. The youngest of three boys, he was easily the most rambunctious and outspoken of the bunch. After high school he attended Florida State University where he majored in journalism. After graduation he moved to Miami where he got his first job working as a beat writer at a local paper.

Always driven to succeed, Carson looked for every opportunity to move up to his goal of being a leading writer for a large newspaper. Family, friends, and romantic relationships always came second to his career. So, when presented with the opportunity to possibly land a story that would catapult him to be known the world over, of course he wasn't going to pass it up.

That was how he found himself sneaking into the cargo bay of Viola III on the evening of August 13, 1992. Earlier in the evening he had overheard a conversation by a pair of pilots at one of his favorite bars he liked to kick back in after a long day of work.

They were seated at the table next to Carson, since it was early, yet the place wasn't very busy allowing him to make out every word they said. The older of the two had clearly had a few drinks because his words were coming out rather loud and he was making a lot of fanatical gestures. Both wore brown bomber jackets with leather elbow pads, the elder pilot had thinned black hair and a trim goatee while the younger sported brilliant spiky blond hair and rather high cheekbones.

"I'm telling you Rhodes we should just stay here. Forget what's his name and start new lives." At this he raised his glass of beer as if in defiance.

His co-pilot who appeared around half his age rolled his eyes, "Tobias you know we can't do that."

"And why not?" the older man demanded.

In answer the younger man raised his wrist where Carson noticed for the first time a bracelet of some kind was attached. "You know what happens if we disobey."

"Pish posh," Tobias said, "Are we sure it even works?"

"Are you willing to take that chance?" Rhodes retaliated.

"My boy, we've seen what the world has to offer. Are you telling me you're willing to spend the rest of your life knowing what's out there and have no problem being denied it?"

"It's not so bad," Rhodes replied.

"Ah you're still too young to know what lies ahead. Me? I've been doing this for thirty years!"

"At least we don't live in the compound." Rhodes said in an attempt to elevate Tobias's distress.

"And you feel grateful for that? What happens when you get deported?"

"If I get deported." Rhodes corrected.

"Wouldn't you rather it not even be a possibility?"

"But it is impossible! I don't understand why we are even discussing it. Rafanoli will always have control over our lives and everyone else that lives on the island."

"Until the day," said Tobias, pushing aside his empty glass.

"What day?" Rhodes asked, suddenly curious.

"When we finally overthrow him."

"It's been over a hundred years, I doubt that's ever going to happen," Rhodes replied skeptically.

Tobias gave a weak smile, "We shall see, we shall see."

When they left the bar Carson followed them, intrigued and giddy with possibilities. From what they were saying it sounded like they lived on an island where its occupants were held captive by this Rafanoli person, a man who Carson assumed ruled over them. If he leaked this story to the world - assuming he could get proof - he would be the most famous reporter of the twentieth century!