Page 38 of Amnesty

“I don’t know much about boats,” Amnesia mused, “but I’m pretty sure this is a nice one.”

She was right. It looked good as new, and it started right up like it, too.

As the craft cut through the water, I hoped it didn’t look “too nice,” as in drew attention to our approach. That was the thing about boating to an island. Not much surprise or secrecy.

The way the house perched on the top, if anyone was inside, all they’d have to do was look out a window to see us coming.

I kept my eyes peeled, staying hyperaware of my surroundings for anything out of the ordinary… or anything at all.

I had no idea what to expect, and that meant I couldn’t trust anything.

I wanted Amnesia to get the answers she wanted, but deep down, I hoped nothing was over there, that the island appeared abandoned and we found nothing at all. Waiting for the dental records seemed like a hell of a lot better of a bet than what we were doing. Am couldn’t wait, though, and I couldn’t stand watching her suffer while she did.

Pulling my eyes away from our surroundings, I glanced at Am sitting behind me. She wanted to sit out front, but I wasn’t about to have her in front of me. If something happened and I needed to shield her, this would make it a lot easier.

She was staring straight ahead, eyes fixated on the looming island. It seemed a lot less intimidating from shore. Out here, as we drew closer, the size, shape, and almost wild appearance grew tenfold.

Tall trees jutted up from the rocky earth, towering into the blue sky like dark swords. The house took on a ragged appearance, as if over the years, the elements had not been kind and the owner even less so. There didn’t appear to be much maintenance to the residence; instead, it was almost falling into disrepair, in need of a serious paint job, some patching, and a brand-new roof.

I knew from talk there was a dock on the other side of the island, so I made a wide arch around it, taking care to study as much of it as I could.

So far, nothing seemed wrong.

But Rumor Island always appeared that way.

It was a deceitful place.

Leaving one hand on the steering wheel, I reached out behind me with the other, wiggling my fingers in the air. Seconds later, Amnesia slid hers against it, and I grasped, noting the cold feel of her skin and the way her fingers shook.

She was brave, far braver than she had to be.

Pulling her into my side, I leaned close to her ear so I didn’t have to yell. “You sure you want to do this?”

She nodded.

“I’m gonna pull up to the dock,” I told her, preparing to cut the engine and coast in. There were no boats here. I didn’t know what that meant, though. Maybe Widow West only had one, or maybe there were more and whoever else was here was already gone.

With the motor silenced, I listened intently as I secured the boat to the dock (which had seen better days). The only sounds I heard came from nature, which oddly made this eerier.

“It’s quiet here,” Amnesia whispered, as if she too felt the weird vibes in the air. “And is it just me, or does it feel colder?”

“Stay with me at all times. Don’t ever wander off. No matter what.” I was also whispering. As I laid down the rules, I tugged the ends of the green Loch Gen hoodie closer around her and zipped it all the way up.

God, I fucking loved her.Please, let me keep her safe today.

“What if we find him?” Her eyes rounded, and genuine fear flooded in.

Her terror made me feel fiercer, more prepared to fight. A surge of adrenaline pulsed through me.

“We’ll call the cops,” I said, patting the right front pocket of my Loch Gen hoodie where I put my phone.

They can come and collect his dead body.I didn’t bother saying that out loud. She was already frightened enough.

“I’m going to make him answer my questions.” Determination filled her voice.

“I promise.”

There was no more stalling. No more waiting and listening. I was first off the boat, reaching down to help her up onto the wooden planks that I didn’t trust at all. Instead of holding her hand, I wrapped an arm around her torso as we walked, just in case one of the boards fell out from beneath her and I needed to move fast.

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