Chapter 13
The next morning…
Gemma woke up to the sounds of Damien giggling. She opened her eyes to see Tressa playing with him in the small sitting area of her bedroom. She sat up. “Good morning.”
“Kalimera, Gemma. I was wondering if I could spirit this young man away for the day.” Tressa beamed at her.“Vasil has a desire to drive up to the vineyards and we thought it would be a good chance for you to get some time alone to think.”
Gemma was pleased that Tressa had asked her permission. Since she wasn’t exactly up for dealing with her rambunctious son at the moment, she nodded. “I’m sure he will have a nice time. His diaper bag should have everything you’ll need in it.”
“Efkharisto. We will see you at supper then. Come, little one. We shall go find your grandfather and tell him the good news.”
Gemma lay in bed for another hour, trying to figure out what she was going to do next.
She was no nearer an answer when a knock sounded on her door. Petrina entered, holding a breakfast tray. “Kalimera, sleepyhead.”
Gemma eyed the woman warily. She sat up, pulling the covers up to her chin. “What are you doing here?”
Petrina smiled at her. “I heard about Leo’s little deception. Honestly, if I’d known what he was doing, I would have told you the first time we met. I still can’t believe he let you think he was Alexi.” Petrina crossed herself. “God rest his soul. So…I’ve come to rescue you. I passed Tressa in the hallway. She told me they were taking Damien with them to the vineyards. I thought maybe you and I could escape the city and take the boat over to one of the islands for the day.”
Gemma looked at her. Was Petrina really this nice, or just playing a game? “I thought you didn’t like me?”
Petrina laughed, the sound grating on Gemma’s nerves. “Well, to be honest, when I thought you were after Leo, I was extremely jealous. I intend to marry Leo and that made you my natural enemy. No hard feelings? You know what they say, ‘All’s fair in love and war.’”
Gemma studied her carefully. She still wasn’t sure this complete change of attitude was for real. “You said some pretty hateful things to me and my son.”
Petrina waved her statement away. “I’m Greek. We always do things in a big way.”
“So, what’s changed?” Gemma asked.
Petrina shrugged. “Silly, you slept with Leo’s brother and are raising his son. He lied about his identity to you. Now that the truth is out there, I figured you would want to stay as far away from Leo as possible.”
“You’ve got that partly right.” But I’m still not sure we’re on the same page here. My reasons for wanting to put some distance between Leo and myself have more to do with the fact that I’m raising Alexi’s son and want to be in Leo’s bed. That is so not right! But she didn’t feel she could tell Petrina that. “Maybe I should call him anyway.”
“Do you really want to talk to him right now?” Petrina asked, one hand on her hip.
Gemma shook her head. “Not really…”
Petrina was watching her. When she didn’t say anything more, Petrina smiled. “Well then, eat your breakfast and let’s go. I already called the marina and the boat is ready and waiting for us. You’ll see, a little Greek sunshine will make everything seem so much better.”
Gemma ate a piece of bread and quickly put on some cutoff shorts and a tank top. She didn’t bother putting on the swimsuit Leo’s cousin had gotten for her, still wondering when she was going to get to meet that mystery woman. She’s missed all of the excitement these last few days!
An hour later, still not completely sold on Petrina’s about face, she slid into the passenger seat of a little yellow Corvette. “Shouldn’t I leave a note for Tressa?”
“Oh, I told her where I was taking you. We’ll be home by dinner time, don’t worry.”
Gemma settled back in the seat and enjoyed the ride. It appeared Petrina had turned over a new leaf and had everything well in hand. There was one huge point in Petrina’s schemes favour. If Gemma was sailing on the ocean, she wouldn’t have to worry about talking to Leo or making any life-altering decisions. That is a definite bonus!
*****
Sailing was a novel experience for Gemma. She was glad Petrina had two shipmates onboard to handle the finer aspects of sailing the yacht. Petrina took great joy in showing her all over the fifty-one-feet luxury yacht. It was white fiberglass with three cabins and two bathrooms. It was larger than Gemma’s entire apartment back in the States, and boasted two deck levels as well as a full kitchen.
There was a slight breeze as they left the port. Petrina invited Gemma to join her on the top deck, explaining that the bikini top would need to wait until they reached their destination. They were going quite a way, needing to travel at top speed to get there and still have time to enjoy the island.
Gemma didn’t mind. She changed into the black bikini Leo’s cousin had chosen for her, wrapping a towel around her torso before climbing the small ladder. She discovered Petrina lying on her stomach soaking up the sun. Gemma followed suit.
She was surprised when Petrina offered to spray some sunscreen onto her back. “The sun here is vicious if you’re not used to it.”
Gemma thanked her. Soon she was lulled into a dreamlike state as the boat moved smoothly across the water to their destination. “Where exactly are we going?”
Petrina had her eyes closed but smiled as she replied. “The Moustakas own a private island. I thought we would head there and spend a few hours swimming before we returned.”
“They own an entire island?” Gemma’s awe was evident in her voice.
“Don’t sound so surprised. Many people own their own islands. The Moustakas family just happen to own several.”
Several islands? I didn’t even know that was possible. Gemma stared out blankly over the ocean. Leo and Alexi inhabit an almost alien world. I bet they never had to work a third job just to pay the electric bill.
“So, how did you meet Alexi?” Petrina asked.
Gemma didn’t want to be rude, but the last thing she wanted to discuss was Alexi—or Leo. “Would you mind if we talked about something else?”
“Oh! How insensitive of me!” What appeared to be regret flashed in Petrina’s eyes. “Tell me about your work at the museum. That is a neutral topic, yes?”
Gemma nodded. She launched into a lengthy explanation about her work and the intricacies of restoring masterpieces. Petrina closed her eyes and appeared to be listening. After about fifteen minutes without any comment, Gemma was certain the young woman wasn’t paying any attention to her. “Enough about me. What do you do?”
“Do?” Petrina asked.
“Yes, for a career.”
Petrina laughed. “I don’t do anything. I serve on several charitable committees, I handle some public relations issues for my uncle and I attend a variety of social events.”
Gemma managed to not roll her eyes. Just as she’d expected. Petrina was a spoilt rich girl whose only job was to look good and put in a public appearance here and there. Gemma personally thought that was a waste of a life, but then again, she worked as many hours of the day as was humanly possible and not by choice. It was what was required of her right now to keep everything running smoothly.
Those thoughts brought her mind back to Damien and Tyler. “I hope Damien is okay. How long will we be gone?”
Petrina shrugged her shoulders. “We’ll be back by dinner.” One of the shipmates stuck his head over the ladder and spoke to her. She frowned, lashing out with a few harsh words. He hastily ducked back down the ladder. Petrina smiled at Gemma, her expression cheerful. “We’ll be there in about half an hour. Would you like to rinse off and get dressed?”
Gemma nodded, not liking the sticky feeling of the sunscreen on her hot skin. “That sounds very nice.”
“Good. Just go down the ladder and down the stairs. You can use the bathroom at the back of the hallway. Take your time. I’ll let you know when we get ready to dock.”
Gemma noticed several islands off in the distance as she descended the ladder in search of the bathroom.
By the time she’d showered and changed, the boat was slowing down. The two-man crew moved frantically around the small craft. Gemma climbed the stairs and was shocked to see that the blue sky was turning an angry gray in the distance. Clouds were rolling in fast. She sensed the crew wasn’t happy to be out on the water in these conditions.
Gemma found Petrina standing inside the navigation cabin. “What’s happening?”
“The crew thinks a storm is coming. They’ve advised we should only spend a short time on the beach.”
If the crew is concerned, shouldn’t we be listening to them? “We don’t have to dock on the island at all,” Gemma said. “We can turn around and go back right now.”
Petrina waved her concerns aside. “These storms pop up all the time and are nothing to worry about. I want to show you this gorgeous little lagoon I discovered a few years back. It’s like a hidden paradise. I think the artist in you will really appreciate it.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?” Gemma eyed the storm clouds once more.
Petrina nodded. “Yes. Come. They won’t be able to take the boat all the way in so we’ll have to wade the last fifty yards or so. Don’t worry, the water will only be up to your knees and it’s very warm this time of year.”
Gemma took off her shoes and tied them around her neck as Petrina demonstrated. She followed her down the dive ladder until her feet touched the white sand on the bottom. The water only reached her knees. As the two women walked towards the pristine beach, Gemma stored up visuals to remember once she returned to the States.
They reached the beach. Gemma glanced at the gathering storm clouds, but since Petrina didn’t seem concerned, she let her worries go as well. “Where is this lagoon you told me about?”
Petrina led her into the foliage, following a clearly marked trail.
“Are there animals on the island?” Gemma asked.
“No. Just humans from time to time. There is a small estate on the other side of the island where the family stays when they come here, but other than that, it’s an unpopulated island.” Petrina led the way into a clearing.
Gemma’s eyes went wide. Before her lay a small pool of water, surrounded by rock walls that rose several feet above the water’s surface and a variety of flowering plants and trees. A large olive tree loomed to her right. Gemma smiled. I wonder if this is what the Garden of Eden looked like?
“Isn’t is marvelous?” Petrina asked.
“Yes. It really is.” A crack of thunder overhead made Gemma jump. “I really think we should head back now.”
Petrina’s facial expression stiffened and her eyes hardened. “I agree. It is time for me to head back. You however will be staying here.”
“What are you talking about?” Gemma froze as she took in the look on Petrina’s face. Fear and anger warred with each other for precedence inside her.
“With you out of the way, it will take very little work to convince Leo that the only way to save his family’s heritage is to marry me. Don’t worry, little American. I’ll see that your son is taken care of.” Petrina pulled a small revolver from the bag slung across her shoulder. She pointed it at Gemma.
Fear clawed Gemma’s throat. She took a step backwards. “Petrina, don’t do this. I have a baby that needs me. Take me back to the mainland and I will leave with Damien tonight. You can have Leo, I don’t want him.” She tried not to think about how wrong those words felt.
Petrina shook her head. “But that wouldn’t get me what I want. I certainly never intend to get pregnant and ruin my figure. This way I get the best of both worlds. I pretend to be a loving mother who stepped in when you abandoned young Damien, winning me points with Leo and his parents. They will be all for our marriage once they see the performance I plan to stage.”
Gemma’s mind went a hundred miles an hour, desperately trying to think of ways to overpower the woman. If only I’d taken those free self-defense classes the Smithsonian offered all employees last year. “Petrina, there has to be some way we can work this out. I have Alexi’s stock—”
“Not for long. When you turn up missing, they’ll declare you presumed dead as well and the stock will be held in trust for Damien to come of age. Meanwhile, Leo will be awarded the voting rights for those shares of stock.” Petrina grinned, her expression sobering as the distress horn sounded from the beach. “That’s my cue to go. If you don’t want me to shoot you, stay here. Trust me when I tell you it will not cause me a moment’s grief to put a bullet in your gut.”
The venom in her eyes convinced Gemma she was serious. She held up her hands. “Don’t shoot me.”
Petrina laughed. She ran back the way they’d come.
Gemma started after her, but as she rounded a copse of palm trees, a shot rang out. She fell to the ground, the leaves above her shattered from the force of the bullet. She’s really shooting at me! Oh, God!
Gemma sank to the soft ground. Tears blurred her vision as she tried to figure out how to extricate herself from this mess. A crack of thunder overhead sent her surging to her feet. She slowly followed the trail back to the beach, checking carefully each time she cleared more trees to make sure Petrina wasn’t waiting just up ahead to put a bullet in her head.
By the time she reached the open beach, Petrina and her yacht were already headed away from the island. Gemma stared after it helplessly. No doubt she’d had a plausible lie ready to explain Gemma’s absense to her shipmates. She looked around for some other ship that might be passing by, but there were none. The gathering storm had sent everyone rushing back to the mainland. She could no longer see the storm, but she knew it must be drawing closer.
“Dear God, what am I going to do?”The sound of her voice warded off the feelings of helplessness and isolation swirling around her mind. Visions of survival television shows filled her mind. Gemma gave into her tears for several long moments.
What if I die out here? Vasil and Tressa will wonder where I am tonight, but will they look for me here? She gazed out at the vast azure ocean, now frothing with large waves and white-capped foam. Another crack of thunder echoed across the sky. She looked at her surroundings. I should seek shelter…or should I? Does the same rule apply here as it does to the mountains? If I hide in the trees will I be more likely to get hit by lightning?
Close to panicking, she forced herself to seek shelter at the edge of the trees. The wind whipped up and a light rain started to fall. When lightning streaked across the sky, she screamed, but there was no one around to hear her.
Suddenly, she remembered Petrina telling her there was a smallhouse on the other side of the island. Scared but knowing she had no other choice, Gemma set off. She used the beach whenever possible to navigate her way around the island.
The clouds grew darker. Gemma was about to give up when suddenly the estate rose above the trees in the distance. She ran the remaining distance, snagging her clothing and her skin on the vegetation as she pushed herself on.
Surely the house will have some way to communicate with the mainland. I can call the authorities to come rescue me—and then I’ll visit the U.S. Embassy and get their assistance.
She reached the house. After breaking a ground level window, she was able to get inside. She couldn’t seem to figure out how to get electricity. She kept trying a few power switches, then Gemma realized the house was probably powered by a generator. Where that was located and how to use it escaped her. She found a radio, but without power, it was useless.
Her cell phone had no reception out this far. Suddenly, she saw an image of her body being found several weeks or months from now after she’d starved to death. Tears fell from her cheeks. I can’t feel sorry for myself! Gemma brushed her tears aside. She had to find a way to get off the island. For Damien. Those two words became her mantra, giving her the strength to keep trying.
She investigated each room, leaving the lower level for last. She found a flashlight with weak batteries, but it was better than the darkness that was quickly setting in. As she pushed open the last door on the bottom level, she stepped into the large cavern. Water sloshed against the sidewalls of a berth. The relief was immediate and almost overwhelming. There, inside an enclosed berth, was a small motorboat.
It was nothing like the yacht that had brought her to this island, but she opened up the rolling overhead door. Plenty of full fuel cans sat in the back of the boat. Even better, the key was in the ignition. She gave a whoop of excitement when it started right up, the dashboard showing the fuel tank was full. Finally, some good luck!
Gemma had never driven a boat before, but the controls were clearly marked. It must be similar to driving a car. With the engine started, she directed the small craft out of the berth and into a small lagoon area. After a little bit of back and forth, she had the boat pointed out to sea.
Gemma took a moment to figure out which direction she needed to head. I really don’t want to get lost at sea!
The waves crashed against the sides of the small boat. The sky was a dark, angry gray, split occasionally by jagged lines of lightning. Water splashed over the sides of the boat. Salt water sprayed into her eyes, drenching her hair and mixing with the pouring rain. The sound of the storm was almost deafening and she strained to see the edges of the shoreline.
She headed back around the island, trying to remember what it had looked like when Petrina’s boat had dropped anchor. A loud crack of thunder above had her ducking her head. She cringed, fear sweeping over her. She turned the boat towards the open water. Her eyes were wide, and her hands clenched so tightly on the steering wheel they ached.
Damien!
Thinking of her son, she pushed back her fear and urged the small boat onward. The waves rocked the boat to and fro, growing taller and more violent the further she went. Gemma stumbled as the ocean slammed against the sides of the boat, tossing it recklessly.
Gemma was more scared than she’d ever been before. Worse, she could feel exhaustion dragging at her body and mind. She looked back over her shoulder but could no longer see the small island. Another wave tipped the boat sideways. “I don’t want to die!” she cried. “Screw you, Petrina!”
She gripped the steering wheel, trying to gauge where the next wave was going to come from. She was a sodden mess and could barely see through the waves as the full force of the storm made itself known. She pressed onward, screaming in fear and outrage occasionally, but never releasing her grip on the steering wheel.
Several inches of water now filled the boat, but Gemma wasn’t giving up. Her arms and legs shook from the cold wind whipping around her. Her muscles quaked. As a monstrous wave came directly towards her, all she could do was cry out in despair. The wave didn’t capsize the boat, but it came darn close. If only Leo was here! She’d been so distraught over finding out he wasn’t Alexi, and yet, she and Alexi had never shared the same chemistry as she and Leo. That wasn’t a bad thing, but given a choice between the two brothers, she would have chosen Leo.
I’ll never see Damien on his first day of school! Never see him ride a bike! Graduate from high school or go on his first date! So many things I’m never going to see or do...
Gemma knew she was going to drown at sea. The likelihood of her reaching the mainland was becoming more and more unlikely. As another wave battered the small craft, she wished she had handled everything differently. Her disagreements with Leo’s family seemed so silly in retrospect. Damien did deserve to grow up around his grandparents. God, if I survive this, I promise I’ll find a workable solution with Leo. I’ll be honest about how I feel. I will!
I’ll even agree to marry him if that is what is required. My son deserves to grow up with his mother by his side. Please…I’m not ready to die!
Lightning flashed across the sky. She had only a second to register the monster cresting above her small boat. She braced herself for the impact, grieving for all of the things she’d never gotten to tell Leo. She screamed her fury at the storm. “Why now? He’s never going to know how I feel!”
The weight of the wave knocked her off her feet. She fell backwards, sliding across the slick surface of the boat. Something slammed into her head. The searing pain in her skull was immediate. Her vision went black and her brain shut down while the storm raged around her.