The Blue Divide

Chapter 31

Mr. Wimberley's small motorboat whizzed across the top of the water. Eko sat at the front, while Lainey controlled the rudder.

The midday sun dazzled Eko's eyes, making it difficult to see anything. The brightness of it was still impressive, but it was funny how he once believed it would burn his eyes out.

They followed popular fishing routes for a few hours until they were far enough out that the shore was only a fuzzy gray line. Eko gazed across the water. The top of the ocean didn't have roads like the land, and it was difficult to decide which direction to go.

Lainey shut off the motor and let the boat bob in the water while she brought out some fish sandwiches she had packed for lunch. She had run home that morning to check in with her grandfather and nicked some supplies after he left to go fishing. As they ate, Eko closed his eyes and listened for the music that had taunted him for years. There were only the sounds of water splashing on the sides of the boat and gulls crying out overhead.

He opened his eyes again. "Do you ever talk about my kind here? Are humans aware that we exist?"

"There are lots of stories," Lainey said. "I don't think many people actually believe them though. When Peter first told me what you were I thought he'd gone crazy. But maybe there are old myths or local legends that hold clues."

"Do you think so?"

She shrugged. "It's not a subject that I've ever looked into to be honest. But we can do some research when we get back."

"What sort of stories do you already know?" he asked.

She creased her brow. "I've heard lots of things about mermaids, water nymphs, selkies, sirens that lure sailors to their deaths. Of course there's the famous fairytale about the little mermaid who exchanges her tongue to a sea witch for legs because she had fallen in love with a human prince."

"Does she ever go back home?" he asked.

Lainey shook her head. "No. She gets her heart broken and turns to sea foam. At least in the original fairytale. Not very helpful in your case." She took a final bite of her sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. "When I was little, grandpa told me stories about water people possessing magical caps or cloaks. If a human steals and hides them they can compel them to stay on land. But if the water person ever found the hiding place of the magical object, they would instantly return to the sea. I suppose you don't have anything like that, do you?"

"Afraid not." He toyed with his mother's necklace. He reached out with his mind the way he always did to summon fish, probing for the Heart. He felt nothing.

"We should get going again," he said. "Perhaps we should try further out?"

Lainey started up the motor and directed the boat in the direction Eko pointed.

It was late afternoon before they stopped again. They were far enough out not to see any land. Despite the cool air, Eko could feel the sun burning the back of his neck.

"Oh no," cried Lainey, standing up in the boat and pointing. The little boat rocked dangerously and she dropped down again so she wouldn't fall over the side. "It's grandpa."

Eko shielded his eyes with his hand and looked in the direction she pointed. The Spray was just a speck in the distance, but the blue and white stripes were unmistakable. "Should we turn around before he sees us?"

"Wait a minute." She squinted. "His nets are up but the Spray's just sitting there." She turned the motor back on. "Pull your hood up, and get down."

Eko obeyed as she propelled the little boat closer. No movement could be detected on the Spray.

Lainey pulled the boat up along side the ship, all caution disappearing. "Grandpa!"