Wyatt Templeton jumped into the lagoon and instantly relaxed as his body hit the warm water, like a baby returning to the womb. He was home. At least he felt at home in the crystal-clear lagoon, which housed his dolphins.  They swam up to him and greeted him as if he was their father or brother returning after a long outing. This lagoon with its dolphins and the compound around it were the culmination of his life's work. Of course, it felt like home.

Wyatt treaded water while he said hello to Jethro, the leader of the pack. He felt himself being nudged from behind and turned to see Cindy, his secret favorite.  He wasn't supposed to have favorites, of course. He was supposed to be a cool, objective scientist, but there was something about Cindy that just caught his heart and wouldn't let go.

After a few minutes of treading water, Wyatt noticed that his muscles were cramping up. He signaled to the surrounding dolphins and took off swimming as fast as he could. Then, the playing really began.

Despite the fun, Wyatt couldn't help but reflect on the dolphins, the lagoon, and his work. He had worked so many years to get to this place, to this pivotal moment in his life and career. He had traveled around the world, studying first hand dolphin behavior, ecology, and of course, marine biology.

Since his early childhood in the Midwest, he was obsessed with dolphins, but when he finally got to see his first dolphins close-up in person at the local marine park, he knew instantly that having them captured like that wasn't right, no matter how cute and pet-like they seemed. Dolphins were highly intelligent, social animals. They deserved to be free. That's when Wyatt realized his calling. Now at 36, he was in charge of the Hawaii Dolphin Freedom Project.

He still socialized with the dolphins like he did on this morning, but that was soon coming to an end, he thought with a heavy heart. He had to get them acting like normal, wild dolphins. They had to start interacting with each other and pick their own leader, not some six-foot-one marine biologist. Wyatt had to admit to himself that he loved these mornings, though. He felt privileged to swim among them.

They had all been captured from the same area years ago to be trained by the military, and they were going to be set free as soon as Wyatt finished his work rehabilitating them. Then, all that Wyatt could hope for was a brief sighting of them from a boat out in the vast ocean. Wyatt smiled. That's what he wanted most for them: to be free out in the ocean, even if he would miss them desperately.

After an hour of swimming, Wyatt realized he was pretty much exhausted. Keeping up with dolphins was more exercise than any routine he could think up. It was time to get out, and besides, even the strongest sunscreen wasn't good for more than an hour under this Hawaiian sun.

Wyatt climbed up the ladder onto the dock and threw in some toys for the tireless dolphins. They took a ball and started playing a game of tag. He chuckled to himself at the fun they were having and then took a look around him and swelled with pride. He had built something important and even beautiful.

That was no small accomplishment, considering the meager budget allotted by the government, which made it seem as if they didn't want the program to succeed.

In fact, he couldn't shake his suspicions that the government was just passing the time, waiting to renew their military program, even if most of the politicians now said that using dolphins for warfare was unethical.

Everyone had been so gung ho in the military program. They had hung on to the last minute when the orders came to shut down their program. Wyatt believed that they must be plotting to start it up again, trying to convince the higher-ups that the program was indispensable, the dolphins the only way to go for bomb placement and such, even though every report said otherwise. No, Wyatt couldn't shake his suspicions, and he felt he was racing against the clock, consumed by the need to get these dolphins rehabilitated and set free.

"Dad! Dad!" Wyatt shook his head to clear away his thoughts and saw his daughter, Samantha running up the dock, waving a piece of paper.

He ran his hand through his thick jet-black hair, and dread washed over him.

Normally the sight of his ten-year-old daughter would fill him with joy, but that piece of paper didn't bode well. Working for the government meant a lot of bureaucracy. Papers usually meant bad news.

Sam ran up to her father. Her pre-adolescent frame was long and lanky. Her legs seemed to stretch on forever. She was wearing shorts and a T-shirt, probably over a bathing suit. That and her flip-flops was her usual uniform in winter and summer. Girlie clothes were not her style. Wyatt looked up, thanking the heavens that his little girl was still a little girl. Raising her alone after her mother's death had not been easy. He was dreading the teenage years.

"You got a telegram, dad," she said, handing the paper to Wyatt. "Geez, I didn't know that telegrams even existed anymore. Not after faxes and e-mail." Wyatt put up his hand to quiet her and better concentrate on the telegram.

"Damn," he muttered under his breath. He closed his eyes, wrinkling his forehead.

"What's the matter?" Samantha asked, standing on her tiptoes and craning her head to read the telegram. "It didn't look like bad news to me."

"Sam," Wyatt said to his daughter, keeping his eyes closed. "This is the death knell for the Project."

Samantha grabbed the piece of paper from her dad's hands and started reading. "Does it say that?"

Wyatt ripped the telegram back and looked down at his daughter with a pained expression rimmed with amusement at his daughter's reaction. "No, Sam. It doesn't say that in so many words, but it might as well." He read: "Doctor Templeton Stop Doctor Janie Simmons due to arrive at Honolulu airport tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. local time Stop Will evaluate project for two weeks Stop"

"It's like a different language. Isn't it?" Samantha asked, smiling.

"I've been waiting for this Sam. They're going to close down the Project," Wyatt insisted.

"You don't know that, dad."

"Believe me. I know the way these guys work. They only 'evaluate' things when they want to change them. This Janie Simmons is just coming down to dot the I's and cross the T's. It's over."

Father and daughter walked down the pier a moment and then Samantha stopped and looked up at her dad. "Maybe you can call and see what this is really all about?"

"We'll know soon enough, sweetie pie. Janie Simmons lands here tomorrow at three-o’clock p.m.”

Samantha slapped her forehead. “Oh… My… God!”

Wyatt turned towards her brusquely in alarm. “What’s the matter?”

“I have to clean up the guest room! I have to clean up the whole house!” Samantha ran back the rest of the way down the pier, her long blond hair swinging from side to side with each stride.

Wyatt watched his precious daughter and felt that familiar joy he felt when he saw his daughter so full of life. But nothing could wipe the look of concern off Dr. Wyatt Templeton’s now drawn face.

These days, people always thought Janie was taller than her actual five-foot-six. After losing 30 pounds, it looked as if her limbs had grown longer. It was just one more bonus to her new life and new body.

After so many years of hiding behind extra weight, Janie completely changed her way of eating. She had had enough of being a slave to food, eating whenever and without end. She was like the old joke: she ate only one meal a day…all day long. About a year ago she decided that to look like a normal person, she would have to eat like a normal person.

It was such a simple strategy, really. Three, balanced meals a day. Exercise came a little later when moving her body became fun. She would sneak a peek at the scale about once a month, and here she was a year later, 30 pounds lighter and maintaining that weight for months now.

She really didn't know why she had overeaten all her life. She came from a nice family in the Midwest. True, she was an only child, and her parents were standoffish academicians, but she did very well in school. Somehow, somewhere along the way she got a bad self-image. She had thought she was fat when she wasn't and then tried to prove herself right. Once she had the extra weight, she hid herself away.

Janie was a regular at the library in order to stay away from social activities and found solace in books about the oceans. It wasn't until much, much later in life that she actually saw an ocean, but then she was too embarrassed to don a swimsuit and jump in.

She was still shy. She hadn't quite grown accustomed to her new, lithe body, but just the way she moved – so much freer – gave her an air of self-assurance.

Looking taller didn't help her now to see above the heads to look at the monitor showing the plane departures. Where did her plane take off from? She didn't have much time to get to the plane, and she had brought along way too much stuff. She had never been to Hawaii, never been in the field before, and she had no idea what she would need. All this computer stuff! She thought computers were supposed to get lighter, but with all the added hi-tech equipment, even her well-toned arms were threatening to give way.

"Excuse me," she managed above intrinsic shyness and nearing exhaustion. She struggled to get a finger free from under her bags to tap the waist of the exceedingly tall man in front of her. "Excuse me, but I can't see."

The man turned around and gave her a big grin. "Sorry, Miss. We were just looking to see where our flight to Hawaii takes off from."

"Oh, well, me too, actually," she said smiling. Now all four guys were looking down at her. They couldn't be more than 18 years old. "You guys aren't part of a basketball team, are you?" She asked.

"As a matter of fact, we are," said another one even taller than the first. "Here, let us get that for you since we're all going to the same place." In an instant, all of Janie's bags were lifted off of her as if they were little more than feathers. What a relief. She hadn't realized just how strained she had become.

They walked together down the walkway toward the gate. Janie felt like she had instantly acquired four bodyguards. Despite their size, they were very sweet and innocent and adopted her as their charge.

"What takes you to Hawaii?" they asked.

"Oh, business. I'm a marine biologist."

"Well, I hope that you're also a basketball fan," the first one, who had introduced himself as Jim, said. "Because you should consider yourself invited to our match against the number one island team."

"If I wasn't a fan before, I am now," she confided. "You guys are my knights in shining armor. If I have a moment free from my work, I'll be there with bells on."

In the plane, the players had first class tickets (their legs couldn't fit between the seats in economy), but they followed Janie back to coach. Luckily, they kindly put all her bags over her seat. At the last moment, Jim leaned down to her and almost whispered. "Um, if you're not doing anything after your work over there, maybe you would like to go out with me. You know, do whatever you want." Jim turned scarlet waiting for a response.

Janie put her hand out and touched his cheek. "You are the sweetest person I've met in a long time, but I must be 10 years older than you. I wouldn't feel right about us going out together. Besides, I'm sure that you're going to be swamped by female fans in Hawaii."

Jim looked dejected but not surprised. "None of them could compare to you," he said, surprising her. "But I knew a babe like you wouldn't be interested in me."

"You're wrong, Sam. I think you're wonderful. Just too young."

They parted with no hard feelings, and Janie took her seat next to the window. It was still a shock to her that men would give her attention like that. All her life she had wished to attract men easily. She had had boyfriends, but they were never very exciting, and she was never one to turn heads when she walked into a room.

She even had a marriage proposal, but she refused it. Her longtime boyfriend, Stanley, had asked her to marry him, but she thought he didn't really want to; it was just something he felt had to be done. They had been going out for two years, after all. However, her relationship with Stanley was really just for convenience. They always had an escort to functions, and her family liked him, and his family liked her.

It was after the proposal that she decided on her life change. First, she gently put an end to her relationship with Stanley. She even felt that he was relieved to end the whole thing. Soon, she started reading nutrition books during her lunch break. She took a step back; picked out the most normal person she could find and decided to pattern her eating to hers: three balanced meals a day. What could be easier? A little while later she began to march in place while she watched her night time TV shows, breaking for commercials. She finally graduated to the exercise channel.

It all started with great courage. She took the step to break it off with Stanley, and she decided to once and for all change her way of life. Miracle of miracles, that life change brought her to this point. Men turned their heads now. They even made passes at her. Sure, many times the attention was even unwanted – men can be a little too forward for her tastes – but her self-image had definitely changed.

She looked down at herself, sitting there. She had dressed casually and comfortably for the long plane flight, but she still looked neat and professional in her tailored slacks and cotton sweater. She hoped she looked all right for her first meeting with Dr. Templeton. She had heard and read so much about him. He was admirable in his devotion to dolphins and impressive in his scholarship. It really was surprising how young he was. His deeds far outnumbered his years.

He was a field scientist, not like Janie. Janie had been stuck in stuffy libraries, archives, and offices her whole professional career. That's how she had wanted it. She never had the confidence to go out in boats or anywhere where she would be in a bathing suit. That sounds pitiful, but that was the truth.

Even now she grew anxious when she thought of her time in Hawaii. It was her first field experience, and she would have to accomplish it under the watchful eye of Dr. Templeton. She had prepared countless hours for these next two weeks. She knew the Project's history and goals by heart. She was secretly very impressed with the whole operation and she was already set to type out a rave review of it, demanding more funding for the worthy cause. How could have the government handed out such a paltry sum, anyway? Despite her opinions, she reminded herself that she had to remain objective and not let on how she felt.

Her instructions were very explicit: Join in on the daily activities of the Project and analyze the benefits and accomplishments of Dr. Templeton's work. Her evaluation would be crucial in any future changes in funding. Actually, she knew that the government committee was meeting only one week after she was due back on the mainland. She hoped again to do a good job, and secretly she hoped to impress Dr. Templeton.

Janie closed her eyes for a moment and sank back into her seat. It was going to be a long flight; she might as well get comfortable.

She didn't have much time to rest. She was startled by a bag, which was dropped down next to her. She looked up to see a harried man and woman noisily getting themselves seated by her.

"Gosh, we almost didn't make it, Martha," The man said after he plopped down next to Janie. Little beads of perspiration dotted his face, and wet rings outlined his underarms. He was holding an overly large carry-on bag on his lap. He spoke with a thick southern accent, and what Janie assumed was his wife, Martha, sat down next to him, obviously overexerted from running to catch the plane before it took off.

Martha didn't respond to her husband because she was trying to catch her breath while the flight attendant hovered over them, trying to get them buckled in and their bags stowed somewhere where there was space so that the plane could take off. After a flurry of activity, the flight attendant ran back up the aisle, and the captain got on the loudspeaker to let the passengers know that they had clearance to take off.

Janie felt the plane rumble into movement, but her concentration was turned to the couple seated next to her. She didn't want to stare, but she couldn't help herself. They were an older couple, about 60'ish, and they were obviously on their way to Hawaii on vacation. They had just about everything in travel size: toiletries, games, and emergency rations. They were already wearing assorted tropical floral prints and wide-brimmed hats. They were definitely ready to get started on their vacation as soon as they were off the plane.

She glanced up around her in the plane and noticed that most everybody looked like they were on their way to an idyllic vacation. Anticipation was on everybody's face, and there was a fair share of young couples on board. No doubt newlyweds.

It was funny how Janie had forgotten that she was going to a beautiful tropical island. In fact, she had always dreamed of a vacation in Hawaii. Perhaps she could make the most of these two weeks and actually see and enjoy a bit of the island.

"Where are you hailing from, if you don't mind me asking," the man was asking her. She snapped out of her daydream and tried to focus. The man was holding out a map of Oahu, and Martha was clutching an open sightseeing book.

"Oh, I work in Washington."

The man gave a whistle, and Martha gave an appreciative nod. "That sure is some trek you're taking. I thought all you East Coast people went out to those islands in the Caribbean."

"I'm on business," Janie explained.

"Well that must be Washington business, then." He chuckled. "Sorry, Miss. I just tickle myself sometimes. My name's Marvin, and this is my wife, Martha." He put out his hand for Janie to shake, but in the tight space it was very awkward.

Janie kept her hand out for Martha to shake, too, and she gladly took it. "Are you two on vacation?" Janie asked, trying to be polite.

"And how! We are staying at the Royal Hawaiian on the one and only Waikiki Beach, for your information."

Martha turned towards Janie and burst forward as if not talking had been far too restraining for her. "I am just so excited. Marvin and I have been on the cruise to Alaska. Gorgeous!" She said in an aside, waving her hand. "We've gone to a dude ranch in Montana." She made a thumbs down gesture. "And now this! We really are living up our retirement. Marvin made some good investments so we decided just to travel, travel, travel. Before we were planning to just sit at home and watch some videos. You know what I mean? But Marvin pulled through for us. The children want to know what will be left for them when we go, but you know what I say?" She didn't give time for Janie to answer. "I say, we're spending it all now, while we're still alive and able to enjoy it! Don't you think I'm right, honey? I mean, you don't think I'm being too selfish? We have worked like dogs, and I mean DOGS, all our lives, and I just want to have some fun. You know what I mean?"

"Yes," agreed Janie, smiling.

"Well, I just knew we were kindred spirits when we sat down, honey. Have you ever been to Hawaii?" Martha asked.

Janie told her, no, so, both Martha and Marvin opened their respective maps and books and gave Janie a whirlwind tour of Hawaii. Janie felt she should rest, but their excitement was contagious, and they didn't stop until almost the end of the flight, four hours later. By then, she felt she had only whetted her appetite for the sights of Hawaii and was looking forward to the next two weeks not only for work reasons.

"Honey, do you mind me asking if you are married?"

"Oh, hush up woman," Marvin tried to silence his wife, but there was determination in her eyes.

"I need to know, Marvin. You see, honey," she turned her attentions back to Janie. "I've still got one unmarried son, and you are the prettiest thing I have ever seen."

Janie started to protest, but Martha continued on. "Now, you ARE, honey.  And such a figure! What is it? Are you seeing someone?"

"No, Martha, I'm not, but I'm not ready to get fixed up just now."

Martha sighed deeply and moved back in her seat. "Ah, young people are always saying that nowadays. Just promise me one thing," Martha leaned over Marvin to stare into Janie's eyes. Her speech became slow and determined. "You are going to the most romantic place on earth. As beautiful as you are, and you are beautiful honey, romance is sure to come your way during your time on that island, no matter what you say about work. When romance does come a callin', don't spit in its eye and say to yourself you're not ready. Embrace it. Embrace it, honey!" She lowered her voice and gently touched Janie's hand. "Love is a wonderful thing, honey; it has kept us going for 43 years." Martha leaned back, and Marvin gave her a peck on the lips.

Martha didn't wait for an answer from Janie, but she silently promised. It was wonderful to see a love that was still going strong after 43 years. However, romance really was the last thing on Janie's mind.

She didn't have much time to ruminate because the pilot's voice was again on the loudspeaker. They were landing. Janie looked out the window and realized that her breath had been taken away. Surely nothing could be as beautiful as what she saw down below.

Wyatt could not believe what he was seeing. His daughter Sam and the owner of Keiko’s Café were in a huddle, discussing the arrival of Janie Simmons as if she were an invited guest. “So, I should put a clean towel on her bed?” Janie asked.

“Yes, and a pitcher of water next to the bed,” suggested Keiko.

It was too much for Wyatt. He couldn’t handle this overt betrayal. “Hey! We are not the Hilton, you know! And this woman is not exactly an invited guest.”

Keiko and Sam looked over as Wyatt bellowed but quickly returned to their huddle. Wyatt felt a familiar slap on his back.

“How’s it going big brother? I could hear your dulcet tones from outside.” Wyatt’s brother James slipped around Wyatt and sauntered over to the family’s usual table at Keiko’s.

Wyatt flinched as his three other brothers joined in slapping his back before sitting. “Yeah, you really should open up with your feelings, not be so quiet all the time,” teased Morgan, dressed in his usual perfectly pressed suit. “We have a therapist at the resort if you need any help in that area,” he added.

“I agree. It would do you some good to get it all off your chest for a change, bro,” Virgil chimed in, massive and imposing in his police officer’s uniform. “Bottling it up could lead to criminal behavior.”

“Or a heart attack,” muttered Doc.

The four brothers looked at each other and exploded in shared laughter.

Resigned to the teasing, Wyatt sat down next to them. “I guess it wouldn’t do any good if I reminded you all that I’m the oldest and you should treat me with respect.”

“Nope!” They shouted in unison and exploded in laughter, again. This time, Wyatt joined in, too.

Keiko arrived at the table. “Are we having a party?” she asked, her eyes twinkling. “I love parties!”

“You shouldn’t encourage Sam, Keiko,” Wyatt chastised. “This government woman is coming for two weeks, and she’s up to no good.”

“Lunch Specials for everyone,” Keiko announced, ignoring Wyatt completely. She didn’t wait for an answer and shuffled back to the kitchen. Keiko always dictated to them what they would eat. Her customers never had any choice in the matter. Keiko said she knew instinctively what each person should eat at any given meal. Wyatt couldn’t recall ever seeing a menu in the shack where he and Sam ate 90 percent of their meals.

“Government woman, huh,” Morgan mused. “Hear that, Miles? A woman is coming to stay for a few weeks.”

Wyatt’s father-in-law hunched over his backgammon game at his usual table with three other elderly men. “Good,” he mumbled. “Maybe she’ll put Wyatt in a better mood. Never seen a more crotchety man.”

“You should talk,” barked Wyatt from across the restaurant.

“Who knows,” offered Doc. “Perhaps she will be good for you, Wyatt.”

“One thing I know for certain,” Wyatt said. “Dr. Janie Simmons is trouble.”