Free Balefire by Barrett

of groceries on the kitchen counter.
    “ Gracias , Ramon.” Silke tipped him and watched as he left. After lunch, she had walked over to the tiny convenience store behind the res taurant. It was next to an even smaller Laundromat. Both came in handy .
    She put away the soup, the lemonade mix, sweetener, and crackers, then stowed the cheese and sliced ham in the refrigerator. She stopped. I probably should have asked if Kirin had any requests before she left. She closed the door. Had Kirin mentioned how long would be gone?
    After filling a canvas bag with sunscreen, water bottle, towel, hat, sunglasses, and her iPod, she slipped on her bathing suit and pareo. Be cause so many of the islands’ visitors were divers, the pool area was empty this early in the afternoon. She picked a lounge chair near one of the palm trees. With any luck, she’d be able to finish the book she had started earlier. Worst-case scenario she’d fall asleep. The lull of sleep and dream ing—paradise . . .
    “It just feels wrong to disturb someone who looks so peaceful and so beautiful,” Diane sat on the foot of the lounge chair. “But I’m going to do it anyway.”
    Silke cracked open one eye. “You are only rarely disturbing.” A few puffy white clouds drifted across the sun, dropping the temperature. A seagull swooped close the pool deck, squawking. Behind her was laughter from the bar.
    “Why, thank you. I won’t stay. I just wanted to let you know that Bren and Katie were here. You remember them from two years ago?”
    Silke sat up. “The funny couple from North Carolina?”
    “Yup, the same. They’re unpacking, but they promised to come up for the Belizean Night. The first thing they asked about was you.”
    “Oh, I’m really glad you told me, we had a blast the last time they were here. And thanks for reminding me about tonight. I almost forgot.”
    Diane stood. “Okay. Get back to your book. I’ll see you later.” She stopped and turned back. “Do you want me to get you anything?”
    Silke shook her head. “I’m good. Oh, Diane, thanks again for last night. You guys are wonderful.”
    The clouds had moved off and sun again warmed her. Silke pressed play and closed her eyes.
 
    ARTHUR’S FRIEND DROPPED Kenrick and Kirin at the dock after three. Arthur stubbornly refused money for driving them around all day. She worked him with her beguiling charms, and he finally relented with a big hug. She knew he needed the money.
    “I’ll grab my stuff while you get the boat ready.” When they had left at seven a.m., he had encouraged her to take nothing but her camera and a notebook. He agreed to lock her backpack in his office.
    She was glad he did. Wherever they went, they tried to be unobtru sive. The people they met were gracious and welcoming. Away from the tour ist centers, living conditions were much harder. The storm and flooding had swept through like the arc of a giant scythe, indiscriminately hacking the earth and the homes. During her writing career, she’d traveled all over the world, but mostly to review tourist destinations. This was altogether different. She seldom looked behind the curtain where the workers lived.
    It was an epiphany.
    All of the people she had encountered on her mini tour were proud, generous, and hospitable. Even with decimated neighborhoods and their meager belongings strewn everywhere, each person had offered a shy but genuine smile.
    She looked over her shoulder one last time. Her heart ached as if a tiny sliver of sadness pinched it when she thought of the people. Time to go.
    She trotted down the path to the dock. “I’m all set.”
    Kenrick turned the key, and the big engines rumbled. He grinned wide ly, like a man proud of his job. The business card in her pocket said he offered private tours or taxi service. He told her he left the fishing and diving jobs to the bigger outfits. On slow days, he delivered goods for the large resorts. One of the biggest expenses for inhabitants of the