Chapter 3 - Handwritten Lover’s Club
March 25th, 1989 - Monday Evening
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. Enough rain filled the frame that the path leading through the trees in the distance began to blur and fray with each attempt at focusing.
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.
With no reprise from the storm, I chose to continue through a small patch of trees to my left. An unwanted comfort flashed off in the distance as the restored lighthouse blinked hesitantly in my direction. 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.
All that was around me became intoxicated by the weather. Trees stretched to their breaking point by wind that did not tire. The sprinkled ground littered with comatose pine needles lay beneath a growing layer of rain. Yet there I stood, oblivious to my potential oblivion. Unknowing when the one shoveling coal into the boiler that kept me continuing on would scream of nothing left. Sorrow that leaked above my motivation cracked a craving for reassurance.
I halted my movements, allowing a moment to catch my breath. My hand chased into my pocket, exposing Carmine’s note to my needy eyes along with the elements trying to consume me. The words glared at me with a new intensity, exposing my delay in any tangible search effort. I could not accept the idea that our roles had been reversed and that my name tag read as the one that needed saving. My mind needed a distraction from the thought, focusing on the swooping of each inked letter instead. From youth our handwriting had always proved similar in style. A message written in the stars, telling the tale that we belonged together. Like a hawk at dawn, the roaring wind snatched the artifact from my hand just as my eyes begun to notice the bleeding ink where her name had been signed.
ATMOS: No! Give it back!
I ran in the direction of the wind, already knowing its fate in the matter. Damn this place, damn it all. The rain had claimed parts of the soggy soil below, reducing the swiftness of my maneuvers. Running at a pace misunderstood by my potential, an unkempt log tripped my left foot and hurled me to the saturated terrain. My eyes scanned through the ferocity of the storm for any sign of reprise. A crack of lightning hit overhead illuminating briefly an approaching shadow.
ATMOS: Carmine!
My muddy hands worked relentlessly to lift my torso up from the misstep when I noticed two large leather boots directly in front of me. Shuttering backwards I peered 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 extended outward as a muffled voice uttered 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 scooped me up off of the slurry, displaying a valiant effort of strength. Through the chaotic collection of twists I found myself back on my feet, noticing still the 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 an exit, 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 typically bring back those I rescue but with the current weather passing through, it would be foolish to return to the shoreline. On the rare occasion where I’ve brought back a survivor, they are typically unconscious. You mark the first to travel home with me fully aware. Furthermore, there is a small living quarters at the base of the tower by the dock, you have my permission to stay there for the night. When you awake, please leave using one of the unmarked canoes we’ll shortly pass. 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. We can consider your safe passage tonight as us being even, if you discard any knowledge regarding my hideout. Please keep such information to yourself.
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, are you the famed Lee?
A pause hung in the air, deliberate as thoughts formed decisions inside the boat. The stranger turned around to face me.
UNKNOWN: Of course I’m Lee, pleased to meet you.
His response proved well to steady my thoughts, lacking any aggression that might accompany my exposure to his identity. It had not been my intention to cast a spotlight on his tucked away lifestyle, yet a certain intimacy clung to this interaction. No further words were spoken as we continued to scurry in the direction of safety to a place masked away from the world.
Suspended wood stood cantilevered in the distance, piercing beyond thick layers of fog. Our slow approach brought further clarity to the structure, discerning the uniqueness it exhibited. The aesthetic matched the craftsmanship of Forest City, even though the aged assembly did not resemble any structure inland. Sharp lines of sawn lumber spiraled in an elevated circle to create a dish for which a small wooden antenna pierced through the center. In between each spoke were horizontal boards that grew in length away from the middle. Acting as a spine below the dish, the assembly was attached to an elongated base and fixed at an angle to the complex framework of wood below. The timber communication tower included a short brick house soaked in vines, my presumed resting spot for the night.
Lee’s actions danced around my curiosity. I dwelled on the source of coal propelling him into the unsafe wilderness of the Deep Pines time after time. Such discourse interrupted my blissful perception of the environment and prompted another question.
ATMOS: Is it just you out here all alone?
A shift in his weight proved to be an indication that this question meant more than those wrapped in identity.
LEE: I’m not used to answering questions while operating. I suppose if more citizens wanted to devote themselves to search and rescue, I’d have company out on the waters. Although perhaps the real solution is to have the Deep Pines absent of any careless explorers. I do not know which future is more realistic.
I noted his subtle desire for a connection. It felt best not linger here come morning. At the first strand of sunlight I would be on my way, safely and with a story intact.
Two ropes were taken out from under thick benches that lined the edge of the vessel and anchored to the dock approaching our drifting demeanor. I observed delay in Lee’s movements as we both exited, aware that this interaction might be our last.
LEE: There are linens in the coat closet of the quarters, please help yourself. I did enjoy our quick journey together, but maybe we can both hope that it is our last.
Out of despair I gave a slight salute and headed into the brick dwelling. A single lantern lay lit, wax devoured the base from years of a frozen eagerness awaiting a visitor. I descended through the nightfall, reaching a small twin sized cot preserved for its first use. As my head lay silently on the pillow, I fell into a state of comfort and released my grip to slumber.
Chapter 3 - Handwritten Lover’s Club
March 26th, 1989 - Tuesday Morning
A deep tangerine lay comfortably on the horizon, allowing fragments of light to peer through dusty windows and peck at my drowsy eyes. Their success beginning my preparation for a quick escape back to somewhere familiar. I re-aligned the bed sheets to remove any existence of the change that had been my doing. All at once my curiosity spiked to discover the collection of canoes held as souvenirs at the dock.
The entrance door opened with the remainder of sunlight that accompanied the day. The area looked quite different painted with a morning brush, warmer than the colors of a chaotic storm prior. The end of the dock harbored six canoes, all of which fell victim to commonality. All but one.
Caroline, how I have neglected you. Forgotten somewhere in the Deep Pines, only to be brought to this mysterious place without warning. I placed my hand around the handle of the canoe and felt the urge to thank Lee for its safe return. He was clear not to hang around, his reasons surely just. The impulse was tossed aside, making room for a plan for what to do next. My employment at Owl Architects could still be salvageable if I hurry, tail between my legs with eyes bleeding of an apology. I would need to understand that the morning voyage would be vulnerable to a predictable derailment, Carmine.
Releasing the loose rope holding Caroline to the dock, I set out to meet the thirteen mile challenge head on. Establishing a rhythm in my rowing pattern early would prove as an elixir towards stamina. Satisfied with my cruising velocity, my eyes scanned tree after tree hoping for a noticeable landmark. They rested downward for a moment of reprise, noticing an ant mound of cigarette butts.
The puzzling detail set my paddles to the side, causing Caroline to slowly drift to a crawl in the water. Someone had spent time in this canoe, counting at least twelve burnt ends at my toes. I had to know if they were hers, picking each up looking for signs of maroon lipstick. I could only guess that her hue of preference remained unchanged since she had gone missing. Twelve dead ends marked my decision to change course. Placing one ore in the water I turned myself around to return to Lee for one final question.
Minutes bridged the gap of travel as I reversed my recent actions, finding myself back on land. 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, noticing a small shack in the distance. Two open windows flanked a doorless entry to the wooden structure, showcasing its modest 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 for a tool then reaching for his helmet. Two clicks were barely heard as small bursts of air shot out of clasps fastened to the heavy piece of armor. A two inch gap existed between the helmet and the torso piece when an overflow of thick brunette hair cascaded out. Clean strands that began to shimmer as a female face of beauty emerged. Deep sea blue eyes complimented the thick horizontal eyebrows that looked in my direction. A small mouth with thin lips arched open to greet me, her 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 make my music loud so that you could break in!
ATMOS: I didn’t mean to, honest. Also your music was roaring before I arrived here.
LEE: You mean snuck in here! What am I going to do with you now?
Little by little a lean smile inched over her face. The comment mixing my excitement with a subtle dash of nerves.
LEE: Relax. Here I thought burglars had a sense of humor. I’m not going to do anything harsh, 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, please I can promise you that.
LEE: Do you often propose acts of deep trust to all the strangers you meet? An interesting tactic I must say.
ATMOS: Look Lee, or not Lee. I didn’t know you were harboring such a secret, I came back to ask you a question is all. Your voice was muffled with the suit, I’m sorry for all of this.
LEE: Hehe, 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. Oh I see what you’re doing. You could ask to see my left hand as well, Mr are you married?
ATMOS: I didn’t mean it that way. I’m terribly sorry for barging in on you and learning your secret, I should be leaving.
LEE: Wait right there. I think 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 make us 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 my way of getting back at them for supporting the disgracing of Conifer Cove, the place has much history, now it is a 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.
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 our initial roles, one of a stubborn intruder and one of a rescuer.
ATMOS: Let me guess, you’re the stubborn one.
A small mouth smile followed, 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 such jewerly.
ATMOS: Well I hope we meet again.DONT HAVE DOOR
The moment lasted longer than anticipated, the fault of intrigue and molecular bonds.
LEE: Goodbye for now Atmos. Don’t go telling my identity to anyone.
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 oar 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: Thank you, I’ll take good care of it. 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 communication tower disappeared from view. She was different.
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.