Any Port in a Storm: Chapter 10

Tony's Story

Ash and I stood stunned even as those around us get on as if that was completely normal.  They were far more interested in us than the fact that their father had just held a gun to my head.

My breath was rapid and shallow, my heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking from the adrenaline dump of having my life flash before my eyes.  Fate was playing one hell of a cruel joke on us.  To survive what we had only to end up at the mercy of a madman?  Cruel was the only word for it.

I take a long deep breath and try to calm my nerves.

Ash looks to the mother Leinani who had taken a seat on a log bench and was now quietly watching us.  “Miru, could you tell your mother that we thank her for letting us be your guests.”

Miru nods and does as she was asked.  The older woman nods but expresses no emotion.

I rub my bearded face and mutter.  “That was crazy.”

“Oh Tony...”  Ash goes to hug me until we are suddenly separated by a wall of muscled flesh.  Two big breasts slap my chin as the towering Huali interposes herself between my wife and I.

“Guhh!”  I grunt in pain as I am forced to stumble back a couple of steps.  I grip my walking stick and glare up at her.  “You son of a...”

A toothy grin grows across her face and I see the muscles of her club wielding arm flex tight.  She wasn't just ready for a fight, she was hoping for one!

Kea says something in her language then Miru steps out around her sister.  “Tony Butler, I would suggest you lower your staff.”  The dark eyed woman's voice was equal measure amused and coldly serious.  “Father says you stay apart.”

I stand tall.  “This is crazy!  She's my wife.”

Miru's voice takes on a foreboding tone.  “I would not test my sister.”

For a moment I consider taking on Huali, bum leg and all, but even if I somehow managed to get the better of her I knew her father was nearby with that damned revolver of his.  Besides, in my current condition I didn't like my chances against this Amazon and her nasty looking warclub.  “Why are you people like this?  Can't you see we need help?”

“We help.” Kea insists.

Ash holds out her hand toward me.  “It's okay Tony.  It's okay.  W-we'll...we'll figure this out.  They'll see we aren't so bad.”  The fearful tremor in her voice killed me to hear.  I was her husband, protector and provider, being cowed by a crazy zealot and his giant daughter.  She looks me in the eyes.  “I'll be okay.  We'll be okay.  We made it this far together, didn't we?”

“When I'm better we'll find a way out of here.”  I swear to her.  “Ash...”

“Tony...”

Our sight line is blocked by Huali once more stepping between us.

Ash's Story

I prayed that Tony didn't do anything crazy.  He was a hot head and could be unpredictable at times.  I knew my husband could fight, but as injured and haggard as he was he didn't stand a chance against the towering Huali.  I am thankful that this family was full of women outside of the father who was in a committed relationship.  Tony's jealousy would have for certain gotten him in trouble had there been any other single men around.

Speaking of the green-eyed monster, I was surprised to find myself starting to have jealous thoughts.  This was not something I was used to.  For one, Kea was quite obviously taken with Tony.  Her constant looks his way were a dead giveaway.  He hadn't noticed it yet but I had.  Given there were no available men on the island I could sympathize with her.  But that wasn't what had me truly concerned.  Cormac had Tony bunking with the ravishing young Mara.  I wished he'd been paired with anyone else.  I knew the girl had caught his eye, as she would any red blooded male.  I trusted my husband...but he was only human.  

I slough the silly thoughts from my mind and return to the tense moment before me.

There is a solid minute as Tony glares daggers at Huali.  For her part she stood still, waiting and ready for him to make the first move.

I breathe a sigh of relief as my husband backs down.  Peering around the sculpted back of Huali I give him a supportive smile.  We just needed time.  Time for this family to come to know us and see we were no threat to them.  Time for everyone to get to know each other and get comfortable together.  We had just dropped a bomb into the social life of this isolated family and it was going to take some time for things to settle and find a new equilibrium.

Huali lets out a snort and her shoulders sag.  She was obviously disappointed with the peaceful conclusion.

Miru says.  “Marama, Kea, take Tony Butler to Mara's hut.  Ashley, you'll come with me.”

I nod.  “Very well Miru.  Thank you for your hospitality.”  At this point I figured politeness and kindness was the best way forward.  Tony just swore under his breath.

Before we are taken our separate ways Leinani raises a hand then stands.  Gathering her daughters around her she speaks to them in her tongue for quite some time.  There are looks of puzzlement and quick glances my way or Tony's from time to time.  Questions are asked and answered and a discussion ensues before the mother brings it to and end.  She says one more thing then kisses them each on the forehead.

The group breaks up, Huali and Miru heading my way and Kea and Mara going to Tony.

“What was that about?”  I ask Miru, despite knowing how prying the question was.

Miru shrugs.  “Family stuff.”  She takes my hand.  “Come.”

With a final look back at Tony I follow my new roommate toward her hut.

Tony's Story

I barely contain my rage as I watch Ash being taken away from me.  I turn and follow Mara toward her hut.  Kea approaches to help me but I wave her away.  Leaning heavily on my walking stick I limp my way along.

Being hobbled by my careless fall, being carried like a child, and now being bullied by this Cormac and his family.  This island was one humiliation after another.

This situation wouldn't last long.  I needed to get Ash out of here.  We would find our way home one way or another.  If we must stay here a time I would take us away from this nutty family and find our own place to live.  The gun was the balance of power on this island and I knew I had to get it somehow.  

But first...I needed to heal.  Heal and rest and recover from the ordeal I had been through.  I felt so tired and weak right now.  My leg was nothing but constant agony and now the cut on my arm was burning as well.  I was useless until I regained my strength again.  Until then I would have to rely on this Cormac Kane and his family.