Dawn's Death Read online

  DAWN’S DEATH

  by

  Lee Carey

  The 2nd Bobby Harris Novel

  This novel is a sequel to “The Thin Line”.

  ______

  DAWN’S DEATH is a work of fiction. Any references to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity.

  Copyright 2000 by Lee Carey

  KINDLE EDITION

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Other works by Lee Carey: ‘The Thin Line’ – ‘Dawn’s Death’ – ‘Justice in Hollowell County’ – ‘Gabby…All About Me’ – ‘Pets In Paradise’ – ‘If Bullfrogs Had Wings’ – ‘Out of the Rough’. Available in Ebook format from Amazon Kindle.

  “Dawn’s Death”

  PROLOGUE

  The window on the ground floor of the dark, vacant building remained unlocked, as intended. Anticipation, fueled with adrenaline, intensified as the steep staircase was climbed. Suspense increased with each cautious step.

  Once inside the small upstairs room, a long wooden match was used to light two candles and a stick of jasmine incense. A glance at the gold watch showed midnight quickly approaching. Two balls of white light, compliments of the candles, danced on the ceiling to the beat of jazz pulsing from the small cassette player.

  Three months ago, this night was a hopeful dream. The purpose – celebrate the upcoming Labor Day weekend. However, the real celebration would only be successful by sharing an open and honest admission of affection. The desired response to this statement would hopefully be a mutual feeling of declared affection, thereby resulting in a truly romantic, sensual night. Sadly, it became a nightmare of lasting proportion.

  One cooler contained two chilled bottles of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay. One bottle was uncorked and the wheat-colored wine was slowly poured into two long-stemmed goblets. Soft jazz accented by rich tones of a saxophone filled the room as moonlight kissed the golden wine. A nervous heart awaited the arrival of that special someone. ‘Romantic’ perfectly described the set-up as the reflection of the full moon swirled in and out of the breaking waves, lighting the foam as it tumbled onto the moist sand.

  Hordes of sandpipers raced along the tide line hunting for tiny morsels of food. Sandfiddlers jigged and jagged, tiptoeing sideways over the sand, illuminated by moonlight, which turned them into strange fluorescent creatures from outer space.

  Ocean fragrances floated in on a gentle onshore breeze. The night was star-strung and filled with romantic ambiance.

  A beautiful, longhaired blonde strolled casually up the beach toward the sixty-year-old, two-story building known as the Sandbridge Lifesaving Station. In white linen shorts, a baggy blue blouse, and barefooted, Dawn was beauty in motion.

  She too looked forward to celebrating the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Her philosophy of life was simple – work hard and play even harder, and always, appreciate your true friends.

  Dawn approached the tall, cinderblock building from the coastline. Slowly, the back door creaked opened and a smiling face greeted her. “Come right in. The atmosphere is perfect.”

  Dawn’s natural smile flashed. “Great. I’m ready to unwind with a cold beer.”

  “Not tonight. We’re taking it up a notch. Would you settle for white wine?”

  “Ooh, I’d love a glass of fine wine,” she cooed.

  Dawn stepped into the darkness, blinking her eyes to hasten their focus. “We could’a used a light down here. I can’t see a thing.”

  “Take my arm. I’ll be your guide. I’ve rearranged a drab storage room that will be our special party hall for the entire night.”

  Slowly and carefully, they walked up the stairway to the second floor, cloaked in blackness. The door to the small room was slightly ajar, allowing a sliver of candlelight to escape. Dawn’s ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ah’s’ blended perfectly with the music’s pulse.

  “Wow. Look at this table. What’s with all the fancy stuff? Ooh, my favorites – shrimp and lobster,” whispered Dawn. “I wasn’t expecting anything like this.”

  “I want this to be our special night to remember. I knew you’d be figuring it would be a simple affair, so I splurged. Since we’re trespassing on City property, how about a glass of wine?”

  Dawn slowly scanned the table again, spotting two long-stemmed, red roses in a slender white vase. A flickering sky blue candle sat on each side of the roses, adding even more to the décor. Large peeled shrimp were spread across a shell-shaped plate and sprinkled with crushed diamonds of ice. On the opposite corner, fenced by large ice cubes, sat another platter filled with four medium-sized lobster tails.

  Dawn reached over and picked up a shrimp, dipped it into the red cocktail sauce, and slipped it into her mouth. “Oh, this is dee-licious,” she said, reaching for another.

  She felt a tap on the shoulder. When she turned, there was a trembling hand and a shy smile attached to the person offering her a glass of Chardonnay. Dawn’s sweet smile bloomed as she held the glass toward the window, pretending to trap a moonbeam. “Thank you. I’m overwhelmed.”

  “Setting up for tonight was a real pleasure.”

  “This is such a neat old building. All the years I’ve lived down here, this is my first time inside. I’ve heard it was built in the ‘20’s. Tell you what; it has withstood lots of nor’easters and hurricanes. I bet these walls hold some fascinating stories.”

  “That’s the very reason I chose it, Dawn. It contains mystery sprinkled with coastal charm.”

  Sipping her wine, Dawn selected another plump shrimp and smiled. “I’m very impressed with your creative ability.”

  “I’d like to make a toast.”

  “Okay...cool.”

  They walked over to the large window facing the ocean. Powerful waves rose from the deep, dark Atlantic, slowly surging to the beach. The impressive moon, a ball of pure white light, exposed several seagulls bobbing on the water’s surface.

  The two gazed across the ocean, standing shoulder to shoulder, and sipped their wine. Time stopped.

  Dawn savored the refreshing wine as it slipped down her parched throat. The cocktail sauce was a tad on the hot side, yet added a delicious twang to the shrimp.

  Truthfully, Dawn was still stymied by the lavish set-up. She quickly decided to enjoy the night and go with the flow. What the heck, that’s my tried and true philosophy, and it’s never failed.

  Dawn finished her wine and asked for another. In an instant her glass was refilled. “Thank you.” The mood in this antiquated building was very romantic, but strangely eerie.

  The radiant moon, the ocean, and the music caused one heart in particular to beat rapidly. A long glance into Dawn’s sweet face, framed by the natural light, created a passion never before imagined. The silhouette of the wineglass approaching her full, luscious lips pulled heat deep from within the hopeful lover. Dawn was perfect – a woman to be truly admired and loved.

  “Dawn, are you ready to hear my toast? I need to say it before the wine causes me to babble and fail to express my true feelings.”

  Dawn turned slowly and smiled. “Of course.”

  The nervous heart of Dawn’s lover pounded wildly, like jungle drums. True love now swirled, mixing with the music and candlelight. A trembling hand was tenderly placed on Dawn’s shoulder, turning her to look into passionate eyes. Unrehearsed words flowed.

  “Dawn,
this toast is sent from my heart to yours. You entered my life and enlightened it more than you’ll ever know. You gave me a desire, a worthwhile reason to live and enjoy each wonderful day. Without knowing it, you’ve shown me the meaning of love. More importantly, you gave me the real reason to love. I thank you for everything you’ve added to my life.”

  Brushstrokes of bewilderment slowly painted Dawn’s face. Her eyes stared straight ahead as a frail smile attempted to thaw icy lips. She managed a tiny sip of her wine, and then filled her lungs with jasmine-scented air, holding it as long as possible, then slowly exhaled.

  “I honestly don’t know what to say. I’m flattered, but also really confused. I know we’ve been friends for over a year, but I never would’ve believed you ever needed to depend on anything or anyone for your happiness. If, in any way, I’ve helped you capture more from life, I’m pleased. I believe that’s what friends are for.” Dawn smiled. “Anyway, I thank you for your lovely toast.”

  The song ended. Silence invaded the room.

  “Dawn, I’m being open and honest.” Suddenly, Dawn was staring into tear-filled eyes. She was stunned, feeling as if she’d slammed into a brick wall. Quickly, she drained her glass of wine.

  “Dawn, I’ll tell you why you’ve seen me so happy. It’s because that’s how I am when I’m with you. When I’m apart from you, I may as well be at the bottom of that deep sea. It’s you, Dawn, so just accept it. You’re responsible for my happiness and my love.”

  Dawn’s face chilled like the shrimp smothered in ice. Quickly, she broke the stare and gazed across the ocean, searching its vastness for much-needed answers.

  Thankfully, another song emerged from the cassette player. Dawn quickly stepped over to the table. “Hey, come on, let’s not let this delicious food go to waste, I’m starving. Let’s eat, drink and be merry, for Labor Day is around the corner,” she said cheerfully.

  “Yeah, you’re right. Thank you for allowing me to share my heart. Would you like more wine, Dawn?”

  “Yes, please.”

  My Girl, by the Temptations, came to an end. “Dawn, would you flip the tape over, please?”

  “Sure.” Dawn walked over to the tape deck, which was located in a dark corner of the little room. She ejected the cassette and flipped it over. With only candlelight, the ‘play’ button was impossible to see. Feeling around, Dawn pushed a couple of buttons with no response. Finally, she pushed another button and heard the tape squeak and begin to spin. She returned to the table and picked up her glass.

  A sea breeze filled the downstairs and wafted upstairs as they continued enjoying the fresh seafood.

  In her mind’s eye, Dawn saw a dismal image forming. A strange feeling of foreboding overcame her. Speaking would hopefully ease her growing tension. “This lobster is delicious. It’s gotta be the best I’ve had all summer.”

  “Thanks. It’s from Blue Ocean Seafood down on Atlantic Avenue. Remember, we went there one night for a late dinner after going out dancing?”

  “Oh, yeah. I remember. That’s a great place.”

  Dawn pulled another hunk of lobster from its shell, dipped it into melted butter, and slowly walked back to the window overlooking the boundless sea. At this point, she desperately longed to be out there, alone. Her brain whirled out of control. Her stomach flipped, and not from the wine. Could she have misunderstood this declaration of love? Yeah, that’s it. It was my misunderstanding.

  Suddenly, she felt a presence close behind her.

  In a flash, two hands gently slipped around her waist. Soft words sent hot breath into her ear. “I only wanted to say…I love you.”

  Icy chills raced up Dawn’s spine. Instantly, her mind dulled. Instinctively, she spun around. Suddenly she felt herself being pulled closer and held tighter. Her first impulse was to get away, as far as possible. “Something’s wrong with the tape player. I don’t hear any music. I probably hit the wrong button. Let me go and I’ll fix it,” pleaded Dawn.

  “Please, don’t push me away. I’m in love with you.”

  Both hands slowly released her waist and moved up and grasped the sides of Dawn’s head. Without warning, moist, warm lips pressed tightly against hers as a hot tongue slipped into her mouth.

  Dawn panicked. She felt like she was on the first drop of a huge rollercoaster. Out of the corner of her eye, in slow motion, she saw her glass of wine hit the floor – the Chardonnay mushroomed into thousands of sparkling, golden droplets. Mustering every ounce of strength she possessed, Dawn pushed away, freeing herself. Then she heard the shattering of glass; a split second before she realized the large window behind her had given way to her body. Two hands quickly darted out from the candlelight toward her. She heard, “Dawn!”

  For a brief second, Dawn’s thoughts returned to reality. Grab them or you’ll fall out. She frantically reached forward, clasping the open hands with a death grip. They clamped shut around hers, preventing her fall out of the window.

  “Don’t reject me! I only want what I know is best for us.”

  Dawn struggled to snag a breath of cool, nighttime air drifting through the broken window. Trying to regain sanity appeared futile. Her eyes refused to focus. The room was spinning. She tried to calm herself and determine a plan for escaping this crazy situation.

  Suddenly, the two arms that saved her pulled her close. A strong fragrance of wine, mixed with hot breath, entered her nostrils. Warm, moist kisses dampened her neck. Quickly, they moved across her cheek, heading for her mouth. Dawn pushed away, more fiercely this time. Again she was free. She took two steps backward, screaming, “NO!”

  Everything happened so quickly. Dawn spun and slipped. Her backside slammed hard against the solid wood floor. For a fraction of a second, time paused, and then her head snapped back and slammed against the rock hard floor. Brilliant, blinding white light filled her eyes, and then, Dawn slipped down a well of blackness.

  CHAPTER 1

  Hurricane Betsey stormed onto Sandbridge Beach three weeks after Labor Day, loaded with fury, exactly as predicted. Fifty brave, or crazy, depending on your definition, residents stayed to greet her – the other fifty decided to hear about her arrival from a safer inland location.

  Betsey’s sustained winds averaged seventy miles per hour, however, the gusts surpassed eighty-five. The ‘stay-behind’ residents instantly realized they were now hostage to a powerful hurricane. They would be released when Betsey decided.

  An angry ocean swelled, pumped, and churned as if something fierce and massive below its surface was attempting to free itself. Dark-green, white-topped waves crested to heights of fifteen feet and surged across the beach road, making it impassable. Forceful winds and raging waves uplifted tons of sand, depositing it on the road. Betsey’s powerful winds worked in evil concert with the ocean, sucking four oceanfront cottages into its aqua world. What were once strong pilings became brittle toothpicks, snapping against the force of the breakers. There was no doubt; Betsey and the Atlantic had teamed up together to reclaim its rightful territory.

  Phone and electric service departed Sandbridge Beach way before Betsey finished her first act. By midnight, the few die-hards listening to battery-operated radios learned that a huge, hundred year old oak toppled, taking control of Sandbridge Road, preventing everyone, except squirrels, from traveling it. Betsey continued to rip and roar like a wild cat in a small cage.

  Thankfully, twelve hours later, Betsey was spent, and departed Sandbridge. Residents thankfully waved ‘good-bye’ around eight o’clock the following morning. The send-off was dry-eyed. Dark skies moved out, making way for the bright sunshine that traditionally follows hurricanes. Amazingly, the day became beautiful, freeing stranded residents from their safe havens to venture out and survey Betsey’s trashing of their beach.

  The locals realized they were on their own. Eventually, someone at City Hall would remember there were a few people at Sandbridge.

  The truth remained – hurricanes have the power to cause destruction; however
, they also have an uncanny ability to bring people together. Neighbors who normally have no interaction with each other will readily assist with any needs that arise. Another fact – after the beach returns to some form of normal, everyone usually reverts back to their preferred, pre-hurricane ways. Except, before that happens everyone attends the traditional, ‘Able Whips ‘Cane Beach Party.’

  This popular celebration of ‘surviving a hurricane’ tradition was founded back in the early sixties by a handful of (‘crazy’, as most folks referred to them) residents who would never leave the beach, no matter how severe the predicted fierceness. The same tradition is followed to this day.

  The way it works is, the first day after the hurricane, everyone repairs and picks up around their homes. Then, with everyone’s help, driveways and beach roads are cleared enough to make driving around the area possible.

  Then, at noon the following day, residents gather on the beach at Tuna Lane and Sandfiddler Road. Everyone brings various types of foods to be cooked on gas and charcoal grills. In case the power isn’t restored for several days, it’s always a smart move to cook up the foods requiring refrigeration, in lieu of seeing them ‘go to the bad’. Of course, beer and wine and liquor flow as free as the waves while the self-proclaimed brave people discuss hurricane damage, and all stories are accented with personal opinions about every aspect of the hurricane. Numerous comparisons of recent hurricanes usually fuel each discussion. First timers attending the party drool to hear the history of these long-timer’s experiences. In a weird way, the new folks feel they are now being initiated into the local’s club. They believe that since they too braved the hurricane, they have earned the right to share their own experiences. However, there is one facet of the class they are unaware of. That is, the old-timers always embellish their accounts of past hurricanes. The sad truth is, someday the new/old folks will do exactly the same thing.