✔Secrets of Saltwater Bay

🐶Chapter 6

Nobody should be afraid of loving someone.

Natalie was so frightened for others to learn who she was seeing because she thought they wouldn't approve. While my parents weren't supportive, I was grateful to never be fearful of them. They weren't as caring and considerate as Casper's mom and dad, but at least they didn't try to force me to be someone I wasn't. I didn't have to hide my relationship or be worried about getting kicked out of my house.

As we made our way down the hill, I wondered if Natalie's parents were the type who would inflict fear or send her away to be "fixed." It was a terrible thought, but I knew it could have been a possibility. What if she was even killed for who she loved?

There were no signs of life on the enclosed beach the condominium was built near. Untouched sand stretched out toward the osculating waves where sailboats were out in the distance. The sweet sea breeze brushed across my face as we reached the property.

It was a lovely home. I could imagine living in such a place someday. Every morning I'd wake up and be greeted by the blissful, scenic sea flooding in through the windows. I'd have Casper by my side when the sun rose and when it fell. We'd venture out onto the beach whenever we felt like it because all we'd have to do was walk outside to reach it.

"This place is amazing," Casper said. "I'd love to be able to live near the bay."

"I know right? My thoughts exactly."

Casper didn't even bother using the kickstand on his bike. He dropped it on the ground and made a b-line for the front door. I quickened my pace and followed after him. I let my eager boyfriend have the honor of ringing the doorbell. After three rings, a tall woman answered.

"Can I help you?" She eyed us suspiciously.

"Hi, I'm Casper and this is Silas." My boyfriend introduced us. "We've been investigating the disappearance of someone who was close to you. Does Natalie Sayers ring any familiar bells?"

She folded her arms across her chest. "You're private investigators then? Show me some ID."

"We're not private investigators. We're..." Casper stumbled for the right words. "Concerned citizens?"

"Seriously?" Rachel didn't seem convinced. "Are you reporters or weirdos with a crime fetish?"

"As his boyfriend, I can assure you there are no weird crime fetishes," I told her.

"Not helping, Silas." Casper nudged my side.

"But Casper is really good at figuring things out," I told her. "While he isn't an official investigator or detective yet, he does care about finding out what happened to Natalie."

"You're like a little Sherlock Holmes then?" Amusement crept upon the girl. "Alright. Since you're not a reporter or a rude cop, I'll let you ask your questions. We can talk out here on the porch swing. That okay?"

Casper nodded. "That's fine. Thank you."

Rachel perched herself down on the white wicker swing set and Casper took a seat beside her. I stood off to the side, reclined back against the banister. Three was crowd, after all.

"Tell us a little about your relationship with Natalie," Casper said.

"I loved her." Rachel murmured.

"Loved, as in past tense?"

"Well, she's dead, so it would have to be in the past tense," Rachel replied.

I hadn't anticipated her to have such a harsh response. It was like she was immune to the pain. It no longer bothered her. Or, maybe she didn't really care.