Balefire by Barrett Page B

But I worked out a good deal with Kenrick. He’ll be my official tour guide for the next day or so and I’ll pay him a daily wage plus gas for his boat.” She kicked off her sandals, pulled off her white shirt, and lay back on the lounge. “Man, it’s hot.”
    Silke smelled the chlorine from the pool and the pleasant scent of coco nut sunscreen as the overhead fan brought a nice breeze.
    “He’ll be back to pick me up in an hour.” Kirin crossed her legs. “He suggested I bring a change of clothes because we’ll probably stay overnight. This could be great. I feel like a Nat Geo reporter. Crap. I hope I have extra batteries for the camera.” She jumped up. “I’m going to grab a shower. Do you need anything while I’m inside?”
    “No, I’m good. It sounds like a terrific opportunity. Just be careful.”
    Kirin stopped in the doorway, turned, and wiggled her eyebrows. “Is there some danger I should be aware of?”
    “Not really. I think you’ll be fine with Kenrick because he knows so many people.” She shifted her position. “But there’s a drug problem since Belize is part of the South American drug corridor. It’s mostly in the cities. Don’t take valuables with you, especially cash. It might be safer to pay him when you get back—for both your sakes.”
    “Sounds like a plan. Thanks.”
    Silke reset the audio book to the beginning of the chapter. The thought of Kirin’s brief trip to the mainland left a twinge of sadness. Normally, she relished the solitude and the lack of social demands. But Kirin had turned out to be a comfortable companion.
    She picked up her iPod and pushed play then closed her eyes. The au thor began, “Chapter two.”
     
    Chapter Seven
 
    “THERE’S A LIFE jacket under the bench. You may wanna put it on.” Kenrick steered the long, narrow boat away from the dock.
    His hands and sandaled feet were weathered. As he prepared the boat to launch, she watched with fascination the care with which he looped each line and wiped down the seats and rails.
    He stood with feet planted and both hands gripping the wheel. Kirin guessed he was in his early twenties. He wasn’t much taller than she was, but had broad shoulders and a stocky build. A charming sweet smile and a tanned boyish face lent out his innocence to her.
    As they rocked over a few incoming waves, the twin engines sputtered. The waves crashing against the barrier reef revealed that it wasn’t that far away. The reef provided protection for Ambergris Caye, the mainland, and the other smaller cayes. Kirin tugged her Packers cap down on her head as Kenrick nosed the boat in a southerly direction and pushed the throttle. Within seconds, the hull lifted as the boat planed.
    The wind and salt spray felt good on her hot skin as it stung her cheeks. She held onto the side rail and watched the brightly colored buildings along the shore as they sped past. The iridescent shades of blue water around them glistened and contrasted with the frothy white wake. How had she missed this startling beauty when they had arrived? Had she been comatose?
    Occasionally, he pointed out some landmark and shouted the name. But the wind and the noise made conversation impossible. All she could do was lean back and let the sun, the wind, and the spray envelop her. As difficult as it was to admit—and she would never tell Esther—her assignment relocation was becoming more delightful. Of course, considering it began in a hurricane, it really had nowhere to go but up.
    She smiled. If this piece about the hurricane aftermath was as good as she hoped it would be, she might be able to do more freelancing and fewer travel reviews. She had a break, thanks to a kind stranger. If only she had more time to work on that mystery. Silke was an easy companion, thought ful, gentle, and soft-spoken. She also had a quick, dry wit. Still, she sensed something deeper. What was beneath her calm exterior?
    Kenrick was motioning at the shoreline. As he cut the