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 in repetition through the falling water. Doubt found its way into the rainy scenery, taking clear advantage over the speed at which I ran out of Sev’s and into the Deep Pines after hearing the news.
Carmine was alive, wandering alone somewhere out here, taking care of me as I stumbled about. I disregarded the disclaimer that this call to action would quite possibly cost me my job, a smirk appeared along my soaked face. Sails would be furious, anxiously staring at the clock wondering which position of the minute hand would finally bring disappointment.
There would be no report from me come morning, the collection of photographs taken would also prove useless as my camera still lay in my satchel left under a bar stool at Sev’s. Laughter tickled my gut, causing an audible chuckle into the mist. 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, my decision to take the footpath into the Deep Pines had let me out to an area unfamiliar to me. The only unwanted comfort in the moment flashed off in the distance as the restored lighthouse, courtesy of NightLight, blinked hesitantly in my direction.
With no reprise from the storm, I chose to continue through the small opening patch of trees to my immediate left. At some point I would need a plan, at least a point of no return when I could shake the adrenaline and shutter home. I knew the effects of my environment were upon me but without the cocktails an undescribed clarity existed.
I began to scream aloud in desperation.
ATMOS: Carmine! Carmine I know you are here somewhere please answer me!
My expectations at least met properly as no response slithered through the trees. I was making noise for my benefit alone. A newly laid bead of sweat distinguished itself among the field of water on my body, without a healthy dose of gin would I be able to see dearheart or any clue to lead me to her whereabouts? I continued between two fully grown pine trees and crackled out another calling.
This ongoing conquest was losing its glow. A search for the key hidden away, past any memory or familiarity. I was able to acknowledge the tiring times that fell victim to repeat. The thought passed, slow moving, as logic fell on stage. I scanned the sky in every direction eluding less weather, my compass should be safely pointing towards sunnier settings.
I noticed a break in the clouds a half or so mile ahead of me and continued inward. The rain had now claimed parts of the soggy soil below, reducing my ability to travel with speed. A thick cluster of trees blocked my path when my ears climbed with the sudden introduction of a rustle. The wind began to howl as I looked for the placement of the sound. My eyes scanned through the ferocity of this storm for another sign of movement.
Moments perspire as I looked upon the area once more. A crack of lightning hits overhead illuminating briefly a shadow ahead.
ATMOS: Carmine!
I run at a pace misunderstood by my potential, a log tripping my left foot and hurling me to the ground.
ATMOS: Carmine, wait for me!
I grasped the ground, lifting my torso up from the mud when I noticed two large leather boots in front of me. Shuttering backwards I peer upon a large figure, donned in a full diver suit, with a circular metal helmet too dark and foggy to see inside. Large gloves extend outward as a muffled and strained voice says,
STRANGER: Are you hurt? We must hurry. We are about to be in the eye of the storm.
Without notice the shadow figure picks me up off of the ground, a valiant display of strength. We are both on our feet and being led by the sloshy boots of this new robotic companion.
ATMOS: Who are you!?
More dampened muffled came to be as more words were spoken.
STRANGER: Right now I’m a stranger. 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 leather glove had on me. I didn't come out here tonight to make friends or to be saved, I need to find Carmine.
STRANGER: It is a lot to ask but I need you to trust me. Either you come with me now or you wait for the storm to consume you. At which time I will be out here once more to rescue you.
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.
STRANGER: I am your way out of all of this, we lack the time for name calling.
I hadn't necessarily made my mind up, to follow who I believed to be Lee, instead I continued to move forward blocking thoughts of decisions. I held the clunky leather glove as the rain picked up and all visible objects in front of me dissolved. I saved my energy, estimating ten or so minutes had passed since our introduction.
STRANGER: My boat is just ahead. Once aboard, we will have to be quick to release any ropes. The current will be strong.
I was only able to make out small fragments of the dimly lit vessel in front of us.
Thunder became constant around us, disarming all ability to communicate. I took notice of the repeated hand signals pointing at the right-most spindle of rope as we jumped upon the rocky ship. Each crashing wave of water shifted my position of where I was heading. With both left and right ropes released, the suit of armor grabbed the wheel and proceeded to lift an assortment of levers.
The ship sailed through the water at a remarkable speed. I kneeled alongside the hull and closed my eyes knowing that my search and rescue had been over for the evening. I am sorry Carmine.
The rain receded back towards the clouds above, providing remedy for our escape. I had been watching this stranger lost in concentration navigating us to safety, justifying the legend. The sea ready diving helmet still intercepted spoken word and tossed out half audible, ventilated responses.
STRANGER: We will be approaching my shelter shortly. I do not bring back those I rescue, but with the current weather passing through the Deep Pines, I do not see any other choice. There is a guest quarters at the base of the lighthouse, please stay there. Upon waking up, please do not explore my slice of heaven. Take instead one of the unmarked canoes on the dock. They are not mine, just lost by others. We are thirteen miles from the shoreline, I’ve taken notice of your physique. Save your energy, you have it in you to make the journey back in one go.
I absorbed the lengthy introductions, debating silence or questioning.
ATMOS: I am grateful that you saved me, I won't pester you and I will do as you say. I must ask again, you are Lee right?
A pause hung in the air, the stranger turned to face me.
STRANGER: Of course I’m Lee, it is nice to meet you.
No further words were spoken.
The pale hue of the fog began to react to a trailing light source, circling itself as it searched for worried travelers. Seconds landed between each moment when the aged amber light would appear over the horizon. A lighthouse crafted from an old wooden radio tower towered over the break newly made in the fog. The gradual slowing of the boat's speed signaled the familiarity to the structure. 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? Can no one truly see this beacon?
A shift in his weight proved to be the greatest indication of emotion.
LEE: Most are unaware that the impacted zone of the Deep Pines is a perfect circle, losing concentration as one ventures further and further out into the forest. A more important question should be where is the center of such a circle. Yet as the years go by, no one has ever stopped here to find out if I hold for them any answer.
I felt sorrow for his apparent desire for a connection, I would make sure to be on my way once the storm passed. An overstay of my welcome might prove troublesome.
My rescue came to a close as two ropes were taken out and anchored to the weather dock in front of us. Nods were exchanged as we charted our path inland. His delay in movement meant my departure.
LEE: I keep the linens for if I am to expect a guest. Please relieve your exhaustion for as long as necessary, the dock adjacent to my boat has a collection of lost canoes captured out in the Deep Pines. I’m sure no one will mind if you use one for the time being.
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.
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: Hi there, I’m Lee without a helmet.
The 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. She was so beautiful, she was Lee.
LEE: I thought you left already! Such oversight has lost me a secret and gained you one.
I stumbled over myself finding a way to block the newly emitted sunshine with my hand.
ATMOS: I am terribly sorry. Your voice was muffled with the suit, I had no idea.
LEE: You and the world. I’m ashamed to say that my sternness was fabricated as well. It’s hard living up to a legend you know!
ATMOS: You don’t make it look hard.
Again the smile creased her face, igniting warmth in my response.
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 sounds 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 I would label as sad, close to the belt for now, maybe those come after we get to know each other. 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 Paper Owls, an architecture firm on the mainland. 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 about three 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.
I was speechless, she truly was a legend.
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 rescuer and one of a stubborn force of nature.
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, we can talk jewelry after you’ve left as your current role and returned as a simple bystander. Maybe next week you venture back out here, maybe you have on person some collection of delicious food, dark chocolate, candles that serve the only purpose but to provide low light. Maybe you ask me out to dinner, and hey. Maybe I say yes.
ATMOS: I would like that Lee. I would like that quite a bit.
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 blinked 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 Bellys 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.