Infinite Ocean of Sumsa

Chapter 5 - Beau Brooks

Paul let Phoenix go as soon as he found out that some guy called Beau Brooks had caused all the chaos. She wanted to know how Paul knew him and what was going to happen to him. Surely he would be brought to court and then jail because Phoenix knew that she wouldn't be able to sleep at night if Beau was out, roaming freely on the streets of Ocean City.

However, Paul reassured her that he would deal with the problem. Apparently, Beau Brooks had quite a large criminal record for stealing large sums of money and drug dealing with his gang. The police could never find him as he was constantly hiding. Paul told Phoenix that she was safe now and that he wouldn't let anything else happen to her or her family. However, he did warn her to be careful and suggested keeping this little incident a secret between themselves. Phoenix knew for a fact that she wouldn't let this event slip out of her big mouth or else, she would end up being under curfew and watched over for the whole summer. She really wished this summer would be different though, one to remember and to look back on.

"I might see you around then."

 Phoenix grabbed her pyjamas which Paul had left out to dry on the long radiator along the hallway.  She then commented in a joco -serious tone, "yeah, and maybe next time on good terms."

He pointed to her left, signaling the bathroom so that she could change back from his pair of grey tracksuit bottoms and plain white t-shirt into her pyjamas which consisted of one of Luke's old GAA jerseys and a pair of light, 'Mickey Mouse' pyjama bottoms. He replied emotionlessly saying, "sure, you know I was only messing with you."

Phoenix didn't know if that was his way of being sarcastic or friendly or if he was just bipolar - one minute giving her a warm, genuine smile and the next slapping her across the face, slagging her.

After about 2 minutes, she had changed back into her own bedclothes, and had freshened up. Her hair was put up into a decent looking high ponytail and she had washed her face with a bit of hot, soapy water.

She handed over to Paul, the clothes he lent her showing her gratitude, "thanks."

He retained his fantastic poker face, "You're welcome Phoenix."

So that her family didn't realise that she was out all night, their plan was that Paul would drive her back home in his fancy, red Lamborghini Gallardo to save Phoenix the embarrassment of walking down town with a bed head and in her bare feet. How he got the money to buy the car, she couldn't quite understand! When she arrived outside the house she would slip in through the back door of the kitchen which seemed to stay unlocked throughout the day.

Paul grabbed a green Hollister hoodie hanging from a coat rack beside the door and fumbled in his pocket for both the house and car keys.

He unlocked the car by the quick push of a button and they hopped in, speeding out into the horizon. They passed by the fishing village, the busy boardwalk and finally reached the beginning of Poppy Mountains. Most of the farmhouses were located on the luscious, green hills. Phoenix's home was the first detached house that came into view. She was really able to focus on its beauty, being located on the magnificent mountains but at the same time, at a 20 minute walk from the sea.

Paul released the handbrake abruptly, giving the car a high pitched screech and knocking Phoenix out of her reverie.

They sat, staring into each other's eyes for a brief moment as if they could read into each other's deepest thoughts until Paul decided to break the peace, annoying her yet again with one of his lousy, unnecessary comments."There aren't any child locks on the doors so you can get out now... or were you waiting on me to get out and open the door for you? Cause, I've never been that kind of guy and I'm not going to change now that 'Miss Phoenix Conway' is traveling in my car."

"Love you too" she cried out loudly, slamming the door behind her, giving him the finger.

She sprinted up the cobbled lane which lead up to the stables. Glancing back over her shoulder there was no sign of Paul. As she placed her hand on the brass handle of the back door to the kitchen, she heard footsteps coming her way.

She swore under her breath, desperately hoping that whoever was watching her right now was not a member of her family.

"Where d'you think you're going?" An unfamiliar, male voice spoke out straight, confidently to her. 

Phoenix spun around, spitting out coldly, "into my house." The words left her mouth before she got a chance to analyse this young guy. She deeply regretted answering him so sourly as she could read a hurt expression from his chocolate brown eyes.

He backed away saying, "sorry, its just that strange things are happening around here lately. I don't know who to trust anymore."

Making her way over to the stranger, a wave of sympathy washed over her. Phoenix's first instinct was to console him, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him.  However, she decided to stop herself. She didn't want this boy to get even more freaked out. "No, it's my fault. I didn't mean to answer you like that. Sorry, I've just had a rough night. I'm Phoenix by the way. Who are you?" Phoenix hoped that her turn-away smile would help lighten the situation to some extent.

He returned the smile adding a hint of cheekiness to it. "Phoenix! That's one hell of a name. I'm Christian Mason, I live up in one of those houses," he said this, pointing to a light yellow painted house in the distance which almost seemed to be hidden under several clouds.

"Haha thanks!" She chirped.

"Are you the girl from Ireland, Ale and Syl's cousin?"

Phoenix sighed,"yeah that's me."

Without further delay, she swiped out her phone and read the time. '12:15pm.' She gasped,"Janey Macaroni! I have to go Christian, but please don't tell anyone you saw me out here OK?"

"Alright," he answered in pure confusion.

"I'll see you around then?"

"Yeah, and next time you'll tell me why you were out here on your own in your pjs?"

Phoenix blushed, forgetting that she must have looked like an absolute slob. "Yeah, yeah" she waved back.

Tiptoeing quietly into the kitchen, the sweet smell of pancakes and maple syrup filled her nose. She just wanted to eat one right away.

A quick shiver ran down her spine as she heard her mother shriek,"Phoenix hunny! Is that you?!"

Phoenix wanted to jump into her arms but she couldn't. Her eyes stung and felt watery but she had to keep the tears inside. She had to act as though nothing absurd or terrifying happened to her last night. "Yeah Mam?" As she saw her fluster into the room she put on the most calm tone she could possibly use in front of her, "Good morning! Did you make these?" She pointed at the two platters stacked with warm, buttery pancakes.

"You're only waking up now?" Her mother stared at her in disbelief. 

"Kinda, I just got up about 20 minutes ago and went into the stable to look at the horses and ponies." Phoenix thought that this story sounded pretty realistic.

"In your pyjamas?" she gasped. "What about.."

Mrs Conway always aspired to her family looking their best so, Phoenix had to reassure her that none of the neighbours had seen her in the hideous state she was in.

"OK, OK" she muttered.

She gave a little inside squeal in delight. Her mother had bought the little white lie. Thank God!

Grabbing a couple of pancakes, a silver spoon and the half - empty tub of Nutella, she raced into the office swiftly, closing the door. Plonking herself in front of the MacBook Pro, she began surfing the net.

She thought to herself in frustration, 'Ugh! What was his name? What was his name?' She then asked herself: 'Beau Cook? Beau Hook? Beau Duck? F*ck!'

............. "Beau Brooks!" She exclaimed joyfully. That's his name."

Typing in on Google, <Most wanted - Ocean City> and <Drug dealer - Beau Brooks - Ocean City> he was nowhere to be found. Something was up. She knew it. It was clear that Paul wasn't telling the full story for some reason or another. But, Phoenix was determined to find out, she had to! There was only one way she could do that though, going back to the Zimmer Household!