Splinterbark: Chaos of the Coyote Crew

Chapter 4: The Premiere Yacht

The singular largest body of water near Cadric City was the Henson Lake that rested on the fringes of the city. It was mostly occupied by campers and fishermen in the summer and fall and a popular skating location in the winter. A small rowboat was cruising along as a man was preparing his rod to enjoy a weekend of lake fishing. Just as he cast his line his boat was nearly toppled by a wave as a large cruiser boat passed by. As his pole began to sink into the water he yelled up at the large white yacht to watch where they were going. Passengers who had gathered by the deck edge just laughed and snorted that he should buy a bigger boat is he was so concerned. He hadn't much time to argue back when his equipment inexplicably bobbed up to the surface and practically jumped back into his boat of their own will.

Desmond was gazing half interested out at the trees that surrounded the lake. The dense sea of foliage made him think of a natural barrier from the world outside of Cadric City. He'd rather be out there with some kind of hint of roughing it even if he had to drag his unwilling kids to do it. Anything than being on this stupid boat feeling queasy and having his ear assaulted with gossip chatter. Irene insisted he needed a day away even has Lynn made a loud complaint that she couldn't go on the party.

"You have a research paper due on Monday. And if you get stuck, you can ask your brother for help," was his response to her whining.

"Humph, I can write some stupid four page paper on some dumb battle from a century ago on my own without Alucard", she had griped. Alucard, as usual, made no fuss. Parties never seemed to interest him; and the only ones he attended were the ones Desmond dragged him to for public reputation. Desmond could not even remember the last birthday party they had for him. Irene touched his shoulder trying to shake him out of his repose.

"You know, you never did mention to me ever that you get sea sick. I wonder what other secrets you hide", she jibbed playfully. Desmond put a meaty hand on his wife's head and shuffled her hair playfully.

"Now now you never asked. Soooo enjoying the party?"

"Honestly, this thing is a real bore. At least at those hotel exhibitions you know how to make things amusing. Too bad we have to suffer for a couple more hours. Unless you can turn us both into fish and we can swim away from this party." Desmond laughed nervously. Maybe he could do something to make things a bit more tolerable. It was crowded enough he could get away with just a few little tweaks. He had made his way over the punch bowl and casually leaned his hulking frame against the table. Desmond folded his arms and pointed his finger underneath his armpit. A few small sparks danced from his fingertips and circled around the bowl before seeping into the liquid. Right on cue a guest had dipped the ladle deep into the punch and sloppily filled their cup. They had barely left the table before downing most of it two gulps. Desmond silently counted to three before the guest erupted into a fit of giggles. Another guest who had been talking to them sniped at them for the inappropriate response and smacked them with their handbag. This caused the drinker to spill what was left of their beverage onto the second person's face. They had only licked a droplet of juice before they too also began to laugh. Desmond managed to hide his smirk under his great beard. Giggle Bubbles were always a classic.

He did not have much time to enjoy his private show when there was a loud blasting noise near the DJ station and the sudden halt of music shifted everyone's attention

Three garishly garbed ladies were standing over the tangled mess of the music stand-each hovering on individual triangular shaped platforms. The rockets that kept them almost drowned out the panicked yells of the guests as the trio maneuvered down to the center of the deck. Captain twirled her firearm between her spindly fingers with a joyous sneer.