Dark Realms Read online

  “Sorry, couldn’t resist,” replied Nathan as he started the engine. He grabbed his bottle of water and took a swig. “I say we go back to the cabin now, I’m starving.”

  “Sounds good,” she replied. “I’ve got plenty to do.”

  Nathan set his water in the cup-holder, turned on the engine, and we started back across the lake. A few seconds later, he grinned like a little kid and told us to hold on.

  I grabbed the handle next to my seat right as he punched it down and we took off across the lake. I squealed in delight as we sped over the calm waters, the wind practically blowing my hair dry as we flew. Soon, we were near our neck of the woods and I pulled my beach-dress back over my bathing suit. As we slowed down, I noticed a middle-aged woman sitting on her dock, fishing. She smiled and raised her hand in greeting.

  “Must be our neighbor,” said mom, waving back. “Ernie mentioned that she was recently widowed. I think he said her name was Abigail. Very nice woman, I guess. Maybe it would be a good idea if I stopped by later and said hello.”

  I stared at the woman and nodded. “I would. She’s probably sad and lonely.”

  She nodded. “I’m sure.”

  Nathan docked the boat near the end of the dock and we helped him secure it to the posts.

  “That should be good enough for now,” he said, testing the ropes. “I’ll leave it out here in case we want to take it out again, later.”

  I stood up and looked down into the brown water. “So, um, it must be pretty deep, right here.”

  “Yeah,” replied Nathan, grabbing his shirt from the boat. “That’s why they built the dock this distance from the shore. It’s safer for the boat if the lake ever gets low.”

  The water was so murky looking and I wondered if there were any more dead bodies below. I imagined someone’s dead eyes staring up at me from below the surface and started to feel sick to my stomach.

  “I’ll meet you guys on shore,” I said, getting up quickly.

  “Are you okay?” called my mom.

  “Just a little too much sun,” I shouted back as I raced towards the cabin, feeling dizzy and anxious. As I passed the area where the body was found, I averted my eyes and tried not to panic any worse than I already was. When I made it to the cabin’s porch, I closed my eyes and took a couple deep breaths.

  “Hey,” said my brother as he climbed the steps a minute later.

  I smiled weakly.

  He stared at me with concern. “You’re really freaked out about that girl, aren’t you?”

  “Well, yeah. Aren’t you?”

  He sighed. “I’m trying to forget about it. She made a huge mistake when she started drinking that night, and hopefully her friends have learned from it. But I’m not going to dwell on it, and neither should you. Heck, you didn’t even see the girl, I discovered her. I should be the one freaking out about it.”

  I nodded. “I know. It’s just so… creepy.”

  He put an arm around my shoulder. “It is, but you have to let it go. Or mom will send you to a shrink, which, actually, she should have done a long time ago.”

  I pushed him away. “Ha-ha.”

  She met us on the porch and took out her keys. “Whew, it’s getting hot out here. Thank goodness for air conditioning.”

  “Summer’s almost over, mom. Then you’ll be complaining about the cold. In fact, I’ve read that it gets very cold here,” I said.

  “That’s when the fireplace will come in handy,” she replied.

  Nathan put the boat keys on one of the end tables. “Nikki, go get dressed and we’ll drive into town to check it out. I need to start looking for a job, too.”

  “Okay,” I replied. I’d worked at a boutique back home and my savings was starting to dwindle. I wanted my own car soon so I didn’t have to rely on Nathan all the time.

  “Then we’ll go check out your boyfriend’s boat repair shop,” he said with a smirk.

  “You’re just full of jokes today.”

  Just then, mom, who’d been checking her voicemail, started smiling. She hung up the phone and stared at us. “Guess who asked me to dinner?”

  I groaned. “Sheriff Snaggletooth?”

  She frowned. “That’s not fair, Nikki. Like I said before, he seems like a very nice man.”

  “You going for it?” asked Nathan, with a shit-eating grin.

  She tapped her fingers on the banister. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m not looking for anything right now, obviously, but it never hurts to get in good with a town’s sheriff. Maybe I’ll just invite him over to our house tonight for dinner. Can you pick up a couple of steaks in town, Nathan?”

  He nodded. “But if you want wine, you’ll have to get that yourself.”

  She snorted. “That’s the last thing I need, to get tipsy in front of the town’s sheriff.”

  Nathan smiled wickedly. “It might be fun. He can handcuff you if you get too out of hand.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Oh, I never thought of that.”

  “You’re sick,” I said, climbing the staircase. “Both of you.”

  “Oh, Nikki, I can’t wait until the love bug nips you in the butt. I am going to tease the crap out of you,” she said.

  “Don’t hold your breath. That’s not happening anytime soon,” I said.

  “We’ll see,” she said.

  “Be ready in thirty minutes, twerp,” called Nathan. “We’ll go cruising.”

  Chapter Five

  I took a quick shower and changed into a dark blue halter sundress and white sandals. I pulled my hair into a loose up-do and applied a smidgeon of lip gloss.

  “You look pretty,” smiled mom as I entered the kitchen, looking for Nathan.

  I looked down at my dress and shrugged. “Oh, it was one of the few things already unpacked.”

  She gave me a knowing smile and kissed the top of my head. “Don’t break too many hearts in town.”

  “Ha-ha, mom. Very funny,” I said, although I did feel sort of pretty in the new dress. It also wouldn’t hurt to make a good impression on any kids who were hanging out in town.

  Nathan was polishing up his Mustang when I found him outside. The red paint gleamed in the sun when he was finished.

  “Now I’ll definitely be a chic magnet,” he teased, flexing his muscles. “Don’t take offense if I ask you to duck down when the ladies are scoping me out.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Right.”

  “You’ll see.”

  I got into the car and we took our time driving back into town.

  “Hear from Deanna yet today?” I asked.

  He grimaced. “Yeah. She called freaking out, again. I just don’t know what to do about her. I mean, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I’m tired of the drama. Then I look at this town we’ve moved to and I think about all of the possibilities.”

  I smiled. “You mean all of the chicks?”

  “Hell yeah,” he laughed.

  I shook my head at my brother, who was so predictable.

  “Okay, keep your eyes peeled for something interesting,” said Nathan, brushing his bangs away from his eyes. “Both of us need jobs.”

  As we entered the town I pointed right away to a diner called ‘Ruth’s.’ “Let’s stop in there and see if they’re hiring.”

  “Good idea. I’m hungry again, anyway.”

  We were seated by a frazzled-looking waitress who appeared to be one of only two working. It was only three in the afternoon, but the place was packed.

  “You wouldn’t be hiring, would you?” I asked the other waitress, Amy, a blond with light blue eyes and an easy smile.

  “Actually, funny you should ask, we’re hiring for the nightshift,” she said. “We’re always hiring for that shift, so I guess it really isn’t funny.”

  “That’s fine. I’m desperately broke and need a job. Could you please get me an application?” I asked. “Oh, and,” I handed her back the menu. “A Caesar salad?” I pointed to Nathan. “He’s buying.”

  She laughed.
“Okay, so anything to drink?”

  “Just water,” I replied.

  “How are the burgers here, Amy?” asked Nathan.

  “Oh, they’re very good. That’s why this place is always so busy. That and the fact that we’re the only diner open twenty-four hours.”

  He smiled. “I’ll take your word for it, then. I’d like a bacon double cheeseburger, an order of onion rings, and a chocolate milkshake.”

  She smiled back. “Hope you’re hungry because they serve big portions here.”

  That’s when Nathan turned on the charm. He leaned forward and smiled. “You know what… I already like this place, sis. Nice portions and even nicer waitresses. What more could a guy ask for?”

  Amy blushed. She was very pretty and I’m sure that guys were always coming on to her, but even I had to admit, Nathan was a good-looking guy himself. Obviously, he knew it, too.

  “I’ll be back with your malt and water in just a moment,” she said softly before she walked away.

  “I guess Deanna is beginning to fade from your memory as the day progresses,” I mused.

  His face became serious. “Not really. I mean, there will always be a special place in my heart for her, but, I’ve decided to keep my options open. Heck, I’m young and shouldn’t be tying myself down to one girl; especially one who’s a few hundred miles away.”

  I folded my hands and nodded. “That’s why I’m not going to waste time pining for any of the guys in town. After high school there will be college, and I don’t want anything holding me back.”

  Amy returned with his milkshake and handed me an application.

  “Um, if I were you I’d only request hours during the day or early evening.”

  “Why?” I asked, puzzled.

  She looked around nervously and then whispered, “It’s too dangerous around here at night.”

  Nathan raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean by dangerous?”

  “Amy!” hollered someone behind the counter, who looked like the cook. “Order’s up! They’re waiting!”

  “Sorry, I can’t talk about it now,” she mumbled. “Just take my word for it.”

  Then she left us both staring at each other in surprise.

  I bit the side of my lower lip. “Wow, first a dead body in the lake and now this creepy warning?”

  He waved his hand. “Oh, it might be nothing. Maybe she’s talking about drunk drivers or something.”

  “I don’t know, but, I’ll take her word for it. I’d prefer to work during the day, anyway.”

  I finished the application just as our food arrived.

  “I can take this and give it to the owner if you’d like. She’ll be in later this evening,” said Amy.

  “Thanks,” I said. “So, what did you mean earlier about it being dangerous around here at night?”

  Her eyes darted around the restaurant again and I had this feeling like she was genuinely scared. Finally she cleared her throat and mumbled. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Just forget I said anything.”

  At that moment I noticed that the diner was unusually quiet and I had the impression that some of the other customers were listening to our conversation. I decided it would be best just to drop the subject.

  I raised my voice. “Oh. Well, yeah, if you could give the application to whoever does the hiring, I’d really appreciate it.”

  She nodded and then stepped away. I immediately noticed that the volume of the diner rose again and I stared at Nathan curiously.

  “Okay, kind of weird,” he said, under his breath. “Must be a small town thing?”

  “Must be,” I said, picking up my fork.

  We finished our food and Nathan left a big tip for Amy, who was so busy she could barely make it back to the table, to refill our glasses.

  “You dropped something,” called Amy as we were leaving the diner. Before I could respond, she handed me a folded-up note and hurried away.

  “What was that all about?” asked Nathan as we walked to the car.”

  The sun was bright and I put my shades on. “Don’t know. We’ll read it in the car.”

  When we got into the Mustang, I immediately opened the note and read it out loud. “Lock your doors at night and don’t invite any strangers inside.” A shiver ran up my spine and I turned to Nathan. “Okay, that’s really freaky.”

  Nathan’s cell phone began to ring before he could respond. “It’s mom,” he said, answering it.

  I could hear them talking about her date with the sheriff and then he hung up.

  “I guess it’s going to be a late dinner, so we don’t have to be home for a few hours. The sheriff is working a little later and isn’t getting off until sometime after nine.”

  I snorted. “If it’s dangerous here at night, it would make sense that he’s really busy.”

  “Listen,” said Nathan, as we pulled out of the parking lot. “I wouldn’t go blowing everything out of proportion. It’s possible that Amy was friends with that dead girl and doesn’t trust anyone right now. Or maybe, she’s a little crazy.”

  I sighed. “Or maybe, she’s just worried about us. You have to admit that finding a dead body practically at our doorstep isn’t the best housewarming gift.”

  “Since the sheriff is coming to dinner tonight, why don’t we just ask him about it? He’d certainly know if there was something wicked happening around here after dark.”

  “Maybe,” I mumbled.

  “Hey, that must be Duncan’s dad’s shop,” said Nathan, slowing the car down.

  I looked up and noticed a large boat marina with a big sign that read: “Sonny’s Boat Repairs.” Nathan pulled into the parking lot and we both got out.

  “Wow, check out all of those boats,” pointed Nathan, his face lighting up. “Oh man, I think I just had an orgasm.”

  I glared at him. “God, you are so disgusting.”

  There was a fenced-in storage area for some of the smaller boats not docked at the marina. On the other side was the repair shop.

  “I’d like to get myself an old Carver after I find a job,” said Nathan as we walked towards the shop’s entrance. “I hear you can get one relatively inexpensive and fix it up.”

  Nathan and my dad have always loved boats. In fact, we used to own a twenty-four foot Bayliner before my parents split up. Then dad had to sell the boat and Nathan’s been pining for his own ever since.

  “Hey!” called Duncan, coming towards us. “You made it.”

  “Yeah,” said Nathan. “Now that we’re here, I have to admit, I’m jealous. You’re surrounded by some pretty amazing boats.”

  Duncan started telling us about another high-end yacht that needed repairs. I have to admit, though, I was paying more attention to him than what he was saying. Up close, he appeared much taller than I’d remembered and had a contagious smile. His eyes were a silvery gray color, and every time he glanced my way, I felt my cheeks heat up.

  “I just realized something,” he said. “You’re twins, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah,” said Nathan, putting his arm around my shoulders. “She’s the ugly one, poor little thing.”

  My jaw dropped and I smacked him in the shoulder for what had to be the tenth time that day. “You are such a shit.”

  “But I’m the good-looking one,” he laughed.

  Duncan shook his head and stared at us in amusement. “Sorry, dude, but I think you might have that wrong. Nikki here seems to have absorbed all the beauty genes, leaving you with a great sense of humor, though.”

  “Oh, yeah,” I laughed, secretly thrilled that Duncan thought I was cute, “and even his sense of humor leaves a lot to be desired.”

  Nathan pouted. “And I thought you invited me along because I was the cuter twin.”

  “No, but I have to say, you still have a nice butt,” joked Duncan.

  “Pilates,” said Nathan, turning around to show us.

  “Okay, enough!” I interrupted. “Now I’ve realized that you are both a couple of dorks.”


  “From one dork to another,” said Nathan. “I’m ready to see some yachts. Lead the way, you sexy thang.”

  Duncan burst out laughing and turned around to lead us towards the marina. I quickly checked out his rear and decided that he definitely didn’t need any Pilates.

  Chapter Six

  An hour later, after getting a few secret tours on some of the largest yachts I’d ever seen, we followed Duncan into the main shop to meet his dad, Sonny.

  “Hello,” said Sonny, who was an older version of Duncan, minus the hair, “nice to meet the both of you.”

  Nathan held out his hand and shook Sonny’s. “Thanks for letting Duncan give us a glimpse of some of these sweet yachts,” he said. “You must be extremely busy with all of those boats out there.”

  “Tell me about it,” said Sonny. “I can barely keep up. I’m going to have to hire someone to help around the shop, especially now that fall is just around the corner. Many of these boats need to be winterized, and soon.”

  I looked at Nathan, who was already way ahead of me.

  “What kind of experience do you need? I’m looking for a job,” said my brother.

  Sonny rubbed his bald head. “I can’t imagine you’d know how to repair boat engines at your age, although Duncan does, but that’s because he’s been around them most his life. You know, I could still use someone to take care of the customers, order parts, and do some of the lighter maintenance. That would free up a lot of time for me and my son.”

  I could see that Nathan was getting really excited. “Listen,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “I’m your man. I’m a very hard worker and learn quickly.”

  Sonny leaned back in his chair. “Okay. We’ll have you fill out an application and I’ll certainly consider you. I do have a couple mechanics who work the graveyard shift, so what I could really use is someone who doesn’t mind doing a little grunt work.”

  “Grunt is my middle name,” smiled Nathan.

  Sonny smiled. “That’s what I like to hear.”

  While Nathan started filling out the application, Duncan asked me if I wanted anything to drink.

  “Um, sure... water?”

  “Come on, I’ll show you our luxurious break room.”