Free Balefire by Barrett Page B

white tablecloth and a candle-lit centerpiece. The truth was, she could barely see the people let alone recognize faces. Her self-pity surfaced at moments like this. I can feel the staring eyes on my back and almost hear the “poor thing.” She hated depending on anyone. Of course, Mark and Diane thought nothing of it and loved her unconditionally. Suddenly and unexpectedly, a flash of anger bristled as she thought a bout Rachel’s hands on her throat and the blood pulsing behind her dark ening vision.
    Jaunty, drum-laden Caribbean music played in the background and en ticing aromas of garlic and oregano drifted through the air as they navigated around the festive tables. The rhythmic sounds of island music stirred in her belly and made her smile. Last year’s conversations with Bren and Katie were hazy. They were from the East. Bren owned a private security firm of some kind, and Katie was a teacher.
    Katie waved as she grabbed the chair back. “There you are. What a wonderful treat that you’re here at the same time.” She jumped up and embraced Silke as Bren pulled out a chair.
    Bren’s expression faltered when she saw the white cane. Silke folded it quickly. Of course, they didn’t know. Damn .
    “Thanks, Mark, you’re a darling.” She kissed his cheek and squeezed his arm.
    Mark smiled. “You ladies enjoy yourselves and, by the way, my per sonal favorite tonight is the escabeche with the rice and beans.”
    “I’m so glad you’re both here,” Silke said. “I’m never sure I’ll know anyone around here. Did you just arrive or were you delayed by the storm?”
    Bren folded her muscular arms on the table. Her short, cropped hair was still blond and highlighted the small heart tattoo beneath her ear. “Af ter it scraped through here and Cancun, the storm strengthened and moved north. We were stuck in Dallas for a day and a half. Pisses me off, since I don’t get that much time off. But I’m glad to be here now.” She took a swallow of her beer.
    Katie smiled sweetly. “After that we had no trouble. Diane told us that you flew right through it. My God, it must have been terrifying. I’m glad you made it safely.”
    “It was pretty scary. I can usually handle a little turbulence, but we were really bouncing around like a toy plane up there. When we finally reached Belize, the pilot couldn’t see the airfield and, of course, there are no lights. It took three passes before he could land.” How much of the story did she really want to tell? Eventually they were going to meet Kirin, then the questions would really start.
    The waiter came up to their table “What can I get you lovely ladies to drink? Tonight’s specials are rum punch or mojito.”
    The striking young man must’ve been new. His resort shirt still had a tag on.
    As they each ordered, Silke looked passed the waiter and, through the dimly lit space, recognized Kirin near the entrance. She was searching. Heat rose up the sides of her neck when she realized that Kirin was looking for her. She started to raise her hand just as Kirin nodded and started walking toward her. Her pulse quickened slightly.
    “Glad I spotted you. I hope I’m not interrupting.” Kirin squeezed Sil ke’s shoulder, moved a chair next to her, and smiled broadly. “Hi.”
    Silke grinned happily. “Not at all, I was hoping you’d be back in time for dinner. Bren, Katie, this is my friend, Kirin Foster, without whom I would not have survived the tropical storm. Kirin, I met these gals a cou ple of years ago, and we hit it off right away. Please sit down.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Bren mumbled.
    “Silke was just telling us about your storm adventure, it must’ve been awful. They said everything was flooded.” Katie focused her attention on Kirin.
    “It was an adventure all right,” Kirin said. “I’m lucky that I ran into Silke or I might’ve been sleeping on the wet beach. She was kind enough to take in a stray and even helped me with a new assignment