Chapter 3 - Lost Letters
Time turned twilight as the glittering sky accompanied the weather. Far in the distance I gazed upon the silver eye, blinking with repetition through the fragile falling rain. Doubt found its way into the watery scenery, playing catch up to my actions lost in the numbness newly felt from the news.
Carmine was alive, wandering about alone in the Deep Pines, assuming the role of caretaker as I selfishly stumbled to stand.
I disregarded the disclaimer that this call to action would quite possibly cost me my job, envoking a smirk along my soaked face. Sails would be furious, anxiously staring at the clock wondering which position of the hour hand would usher in disappointment.
There would be no report from me come morning. The collection of photographs I had taken would prove useless as my satchel lay forgotten under a bar stool at Sev’s. Laughter swirled in my stomach, interrupting the pitter patter of rain with a muffled chuckle. If I had skirted trouble up until this point, it knew now that I lay dead center in its web.
My motion yielded a momentary pause, the decision to take the footpath behind Sev’s into the Deep Pines had let me out to an area unfamiliar. An unwanted comfort flashed off in the distance as the restored lighthouse blinked hesitantly in my direction.
With no reprise from the storm, I chose to continue through a small patch of trees to my left. At some point I would need a plan, at least a point of no return where I could shake this adrenaline and shutter on home. I knew that the effects of my environment were upon me but without the cocktails an undescribed clarity existed.
My voice screamed aloud in desperation.
ATMOS: Carmine! Carmine I know you are here somewhere please answer me!
At least my expectations were properly met as no response slithered through the trees. The noise I was making was for my benefit alone. A bead of sweat distinguished itself among the sprinkle of water on my forehead, as thoughts grew about my lack of gin. Would I be able to find any clue to lead me to her whereabouts? I continued between two high rise pine trees and crackled out another calling.
This ongoing conquest of hide and seek was losing its glow. The search for the key hidden away, past any memory or familiarity. Scanning the sky in every direction I craved reprise from the weather, dreaming of sunshine.
The rain had claimed parts of the soggy soil below, reducing the swiftness of my maneuvers. A thick gluttonous cluster of trees barred my path when my ears climbed with the introduction of a rustle. On cue the wind howled with my eager placement of the sound. My eyes scanned through the ferocity of the storm for another sign of movement. A crack of lightning hits overhead illuminating briefly a shadow approaching.
ATMOS: Carmine!
Running at a pace misunderstood by my potential, an unkempt log trips my left foot and hurls me to the saturated terrain.
ATMOS: Carmine, wait for me!
Muddy hands work relentlessly to lift my torso up from the misstep when my eyes meet two large leather boots. Shuttering backwards I peer upon the large figure, donned in a full diver suit with a circular metal helmet too dark and foggy to see within. Aged bulky gloves extend outward as a muffled voice utters strained words.
UNKNOWN: Are you hurt? We must hurry. We are about to be in the thickness of the storm.
Without permission the mechanical stranger scoops me up off of the slurry, displaying a valiant effort of strength. Through the chaotic collection of twists I find myself back on my feet, noticing still a leather mitten around my arm.
ATMOS: Who are you!?
Damp, muffled words came to be as the stranger shed further insight into their intentions.
UNKNOWN: Right now I’m your escape out of all this. You're quite capable out here, most would be delirious by now.
I took the compliment only for a moment, shaking the grip the large claw had on me. I didn't come here tonight to make friends or to be saved, I needed to find Carmine.
UNKNOWN: It might be a lot to ask but I need you to trust me. Either you come with me now or you count down the minutes until the storm consumes you. At which time I will be out here once more to plead my case.
The derailment of my emotions caused a delay in my response.
ATMOS: You’re Lee. The acclaimed hero of the Forest City. This is a rescue.
UNKNOWN: I am simply your way out, there is no need for name calling right now.
My mind remained undecided yet I felt the strong pull of a current leading me to follow who I believed to be Lee. The rain continued to intensify, dissolving all visible objects into the low laying mist. I remained quiet as we tunneled together through wind soaked waves of water until entering a clearing.
UNKNOWN: My boat is up ahead. Once aboard, we will work together to release each rope anchored to the dock. We must be quick as the current will be strong.
Dimly lit in the distance were glass globes containing snake sized wicks half submerged in kerosene. Dangling from rope hung around the hull of the vessel, each swayed chaotically, splashing venom that unmasked a small tugboat. With the vessel in full view, the stranger provided a slew of hand signals meant to emphasize which ropes were my responsibility and headed aboard. As my hands worked feverishly to remove the final leash keeping us landlocked, the suit of armor grabbed the throttle and proceeded to lift an assortment of strategic levers.
The speed at which we sailed through the water brought about a howling wind, barking aloud within the storm we had fled in haste. Kneeling alongside a storage compartment at the bow of the ship I closed my eyes accepting that my search and rescue for the evening was over. I muttered to myself an apology meant to travel through the sprawling landscape, reaching ears I could not find.
ATMOS: I am so very sorry Carmine.
Our direction proved to be pointing towards greener pastures as the rain receded into the clouds above. I found myself monetarily lost in watching this stranger’s concentration in navigating, justifying the legend I had grown up to know. The seasoned diving helmet held consistency as spoken words were tossed out half audible.
UNKNOWN: We will be approaching my shelter shortly. I do not bring back those I rescue, but with the current weather passing through, I do not see any other option. There is a guest quarters at the base of my communications tower, you may stay there for the night. Upon waking up, please do not explore my slice of heaven. Take instead one of the unmarked canoes by the dock. They are not mine, just lost by others. We are approximately thirteen miles from the shoreline, get a good night rest and save your energy, you have it in you to make the journey back to Forest City in one go.
I absorbed the instructions on my accommodations, debating to implement silence or questioning.
ATMOS: I am grateful you saved me, I won't pester you and I will do as you say. But I must ask again, you are the famed Lee?
A pause hung in the air, deliberate as thoughts formed decisions. The stranger turned around to face me.
UNKOWN: Of course I’m Lee, it is nice to meet you.
His response steadied my thoughts, lacking any aggression that might accompany the introduction of a spotlight held in my hands. It had not been my intention to expose his identity, yet a certain intimacy clung to this interaction which demanded the use of name tags. No further words were spoken as we scurried in the direction of safety to some hideout masked away from the world.
Suspended wood stood tall in the distance, slightly seen beyond layers of condensing fog. Our approach brought clarity to the structure, discerning the uniqueness it exhibited. The aesthetic matched the craftsmanship of Forest City, even though the aged assembly would be the first of its kind that I had seen. Sharp lines of sawn lumber spiraled in a circle to create a dish for which a small wooden antenna pierced through the center. Attached to an elongated base, the dish sat fixed at an angle to the framework of wood below. A short brick house stood at the base of the vine soaked beacon, my location to reside for the night I presumed.
Lee’s actions danced around my curiosity. I wondered about the source of coal that propelled him into the unsafe wilderness of the Deep Pines time after time. I discontinued my blissful perception of the environment and found myself prompting another question.
ATMOS: Why are you all alone out here?
A shift in his weight proved to be the greatest indication of any emotion thus far.
LEE: Talkative are we? Most are unaware that the impacted zone of the Deep Pines is a perfect circle, losing concentration further out into the forest. A more important observation should be where is the center of such a circle? Years have proved that few travel out to find such an answer.
I noted his subtle desire for a connection, it would be best to be on my way once the storm passed. To overstay my welcome might prove troublesome.
Two ropes were taken out from under benches that lined the edges of the vessel and anchored to the dock in front of us. I noticed delay in Lee’s movements as we both exited, aware that this interaction might be our last.
LEE: I keep linens in the coat closet of the guest quarters, please help yourself. Come sunrise, if you would kindly proceed to the dock and take one of the lost canoes back to the shoreline, it would be greatly appreciated. I’m sure no one will mind if you use one for the time being.
EDI—-----------------------
Out of despair I gave a salute and headed into my quarters. A single lantern lay lit, wax dripping off on all sides, longing for a visitor. I meander my way through the nightfall and reach a small twin sized cot, not exactly the accommodations I envisioned. As my head lay silently on the foreign pillow, I found enough comfort to lose my grip into sleep.
the next morning.
A deep tangerine lay on the horizon, allowing fragments of newly conceived light to tickle my drowsy eyes. A quick escape would prove best this morning, re-aligning the bed sheets as if nobody wrinkled their image. A quick walk to the dock would follow, my curiosity spiked as to the collection of canoes I would be able to choose from.
As I opened the entrance door to the outside, beams of young sunlight reached my face. The area looked different painted in morning light, a warmer shade than the harrowing storm prior. The end of the dock seemed to harbor at least six canoes, all of which looked as generic as the rest. All but one.
Oh Caroline, how I have neglected you. Forgotten you somewhere out in the Deep Pines, only to be carried to this mysterious place on your own accord. I placed my hand around the handle of my canoe and felt the urge to thank Lee for her safe return. He had said to not dwell here, those words were chosen for a reason. I was able to toss the impulse as I placed effort on what it was that I were to do next. My job at Paper Owls might be salvageable if I hurry back, tail between my legs and eyes bleeding with apology. I somehow didn't mind the derailment, I knew that a morning looking for Carmine would feel more suited in meaning. My hand reached for my pocket and pinched out her note.
The words glared at me with a new intensity, hinting at the delay in my search efforts. How could she worry about me? A statement bred to repulse the eyes it described. It was always a message in the stars that our handwriting was so similar. As if our handwriting alone told the tale that we should be together. I released the worn rope from the dock and set out to meet the thirteen mile voyage head on. Establishing a rhythm in rowing would prove as an elixir towards stamina. After a few preliminary rows in the calm sheet of glass below, I lowered my shoulders into better form. My eyes scanned lush tree after tree hoping for familiarity. They rested downward for a moment of reprise, noticing an ant mound of cigarette butts.
The puzzling detail set my arms by their side, causing Caroline to slowly drift to a crawl in the water. Someone had stayed long in this canoe, counting at least twelve burnt ends at my feet. I had to know if there were hers, picking each up one by one looking for signs of maroon lipstick. I could only guess that her hue held onto the color favored during her youth. Twelve dead ends, curiosity swept over me instantly. I placed one ore in the water and turned myself around, surely Lee wouldn’t mind the request of one more question.
Minutes bridged the gap of travel as I reversed the actions recently orchestrated and reached the dock. A faint melody filled the air. The introduction of music telling the tale of what Lee was like in solitude. I walked off the dock towards the sultry sound, making out the words “all my world in one grain of sand….”
A small shack existed in an area that looked to serve as a workshop, its placement at the rear of the lighthouse. Again the sung words caught the attention of my ears “black cherry, black cherry…”. Two open windows flanked a doorless entry to the wooden structure, showcasing its innards. The stereo, a pile of equipment, and Lee could be seen, dressed again in full diving gear.
Any attempt at spoken word would prove useless as the chorus of the beautiful song masked all other intruding sounds. Lee stood with his back to me, grabbing a tool with his right hand, then reaching for his helmet. Two clicks could barely be heard as small bursts of air shot out of clasps of the heavy piece of armor. An inch gap existed between the helmet and the torso piece when an overflow of thick brunette hair spilled out. Clean strands began to shimmer as the face of absolute beauty emerged. Deep sea blue eyes complimented the thick horizontal eyebrows that began to look in my direction. A small mouth with thin lips arched open to greet me. One hand finding the off button of the stereo in the movement.
LEE: Pardon me but you’re not supposed to be here! Wait, did you purposefully make my music loud so that you could break in!
ATMOS: I didn’t mean to, honest. And hey your music was roaring before I arrived.
LEE: You mean snuck here! I guess I’ll just have to…..dispose of you now.
Little by little a lean smile inched over her face. The comment altered my excitement into a subtle dash of fear.
LEE: Here I thought burglars had a sense of humor. I’m just upset at the loss of my secret. I take it back, you’re not a burglar, you’re a thief! A secret thief!
ATMOS: I won’t tell a soul, I can promise you that.
LEE: The good that will do. Do you often propose acts of deep trust to all the strangers you meet?
ATMOS: Look Lee, or not Lee. I didn’t know. Your voice was so muffled with the suit. This is all an awkward misunderstanding.
LEE: Do you really think my name is Not Lee? At least try out something like Lee Without A Helmet first.
Again the smile creased her face, igniting warmth in my response.
ATMOS: I suppose not, maybe we could try out Mrs. Lee.
LEE: Mrs. Lee was my mother, and hey this isn’t a joking matter!
ATMOS: I am terribly sorry for barging in on you and stealing your secret. I should be leaving.
LEE: Well. It is quite simple what would be fair in this situation.
An edge of sternness accompanied her soon to be solution.
ATMOS: It’s hard to argue with fair.
LEE: My thoughts exactly. Since you stumbled upon a secret of mine. One so specifically secret, it is only fair for you to tell me a secret of yours. But only one so specifically secret, deal?
ATMOS: I could run you know, that suit appears quite heavy.
LEE: You look pretty slow yourself! I will take my chances.
I grinned, she was right and witty.
ATMOS: A secret, so secretively secret huh?
LEE: You don’t happen to go around saving people under some alias do you? That would be pretty even.
ATMOS: No rescue missions for me.
The comment allowed Carmine to slip into my mind. Most likely angered at my newly found optimism.
ATMOS: Well I’ll keep the secrets that require much explanation off the table for now. Perhaps if I had caught you without a helmet and a suit, I might be obliged to tell you them all. That leads me to a more recent secret that I will entrust in you. Knowing that if gossip is your spirit animal, I will most likely lose my job.
LEE: A high stakes secret, that will do just fine. You have my full attention.
ATMOS: If I could suggest, close your eyes, and when you open them, pretend that I’m a spy. Dripping in a tuxedo, with a name that is always repeated twice, telling you exactly what I am not supposed to tell you.
LEE: Alright Mr Spy, spill your insides.
I thought for a second if I should stick to the truth, her eyes craved honesty in the moment. Futile actions divided from what I was about to do.
ATMOS: I work for Owl Architecture, a small sized firm on the mainland. Also maybe I should add the detail of my name into this secret. It’s Atmos. For the sole reason that I embark out to the Deep Pines every Friday night, failing in an unconscious explosion each and every time, I have been entrusted with a project of the utmost secrecy. I am to help rehabilitate the secret community known as Conifer Cove. Accessed by a hidden ferry, the luscious cluster of expensive homes sits miles off the shoreline. An arrogant and rude well dressed man seems to run the show there and dons a necklace with a pine cone pendant. One that he and his men, and one of my colleagues all possess. The cherry on top is that I am one hundred percent certain that Conifer Cove is actually located within the Deep Pines.
As my fate became sealed with the response, I shifted my gaze back to her. She looked pleased and somehow relieved.
LEE: I’m glad you are an honest man Atmos, thank you for your secret. In my book, we’re even. As even as chemistry. Sadly for me, I know all about Conifer Cove, about the well dressed man as you call him, and of their wimpy necklaces. They wear them to subdue the effects of the Deep Pines, in case you were keeping that last secret to yourself. I’ve rescued a handful of Conifer Cove residents out in the depths of the Deep Pines, the ones brave enough to take off their amulets in search of a feeling. Each time I drop them off, note and moniker in hand, I keep their necklaces. When they awake, they’ll simply think they lost it out of some clumsy moment. I have a drawer full of them at this point. It’s way of getting back at them for supporting the disgracing of Conifer Cove, the place has much history, now it is playground for the rich.
I was speechless, she truly was a legend. Her smile continued to explode as I felt the presence of butterflies flickering inside of me, finding awe in the lovely round face in front of me.
ATMOS: May I have one of those necklaces? I can’t say that there is much stability in my current employment.
LEE: You may not! I’ve enjoyed all of this. Honest. But let’s remember the initial roles that we’re playing, one of a stubborn intruder and one of a rescuer.
ATMOS: Let me guess, you’re the stubborn one.
Again that small mouth smile, perfectly pulled upwards by synchronized strings, widening her open eyes at the same moment.
LEE: I tell you what, if we ever meet again under different circumstances. You know like you not breaking down my door while I’m peacefully listening to music, perhaps I’ll reconsider. You’d have to ask really politely and have a good reason for me to give up my goodies.
ATMOS: Well I hope we meet again.
The moment lasted longer than anticipated, the fault of intrigue and molecular bonds.
LEE: Goodbye for now Atmos. Don’t go telling any identity secrets.
She winked slowly as she delivered the suggested departure, her role of local hero undoubtedly whispering back to her afternoon plans.
ATMOS: Goodbye Lee the Lovely.
I turned around smiling as I headed back to the dock. I kept a pep in my step to allow the excitement in the air to hang like a mist. The tattered ore in my right hand breached the water below when footsteps could be heard approaching. I slowly turned around to greet a returning Lee.
LEE: If you do decide to venture back out here, perhaps I can make it easier for you.
Her hand extended out towards me, slowly opening to reveal a glittering gift. A golden pine cone necklace.
LEE: Maybe, just maybe it’ll help.
I gently grabbed the necklace from her grip and felt the transfer of electricity as our palms finally met.
ATMOS: I’ll be seeing you Lee.
I maintained eye contact as I began to paddle away from the dock. The warmth, newly discovered, stayed with me as the lighthouse disappeared from view. She was different.
She struck me as a life ahead, someone who filled in your blanks of what comes next. Envious as you notice tiny patches of wild flowers she brings to the landscape. An aroma taken in that allows you to envision little scenes of your life together as a family. How she always remembered to have jelly beans around for the kids so that when they grew up, they could use the acute taste to relive their childhood.
I focused on the present, it would do me good to remain in the good grace of my job. Somehow a shift in hierarchy was noted alongside Carmine. My next stop would be Sev’s, he had my camera afterall. Selfishly I found myself eager to brag about the woman who’s path crossed with my own.