Deceitful

The live orchestra commenced. Each night the band of seven people played their instruments. Their classical sound provided a musical background for the diners. They now amplified their sound to promote Susannah’s debut performance. She entered stage left in time with the flamboyant trombone introduction, delivering a saucy glare to the audience. Gavin watched in awe as the beautiful elegant figure that had captivated his attention graced the stage. A glittering tiara sparkled amidst her auburn hair. Her eyes were like sapphire gems and became instantly adorable. Gavin knew then he had to meet her. Besides looking at the photographs of her secret beloved, Veronique also read the many love letters she had written to him, letters expressing her affection and how she longed for them to lie naked together, making passionate love. Naturally, marriage and children were all part of the package. She had never given any of the letters to Gavin, the time had not been right. Veronique cursed Susannah for taking his love away from her. If that English snooty wench had not appeared on the scene then Gavin would have been hers by now. Being burnt to death on his yacht was a suitable tortuous demise that Susannah deserved. Angelo, of Mexican origin was happy to be gay. From the age of fifteen he had realised his homosexuality. In hindsight this realisation did not come as a surprise to him. Even as a child he had always admired the male physique. The firmly built hirsute guy had always aroused his curiosity. Now as an adult that type of guy was part of his romantic fantasy. Angelo was far from passive but craved to be dominated by such a guy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Doesn’t last night mean anything?” He became frightened, to the extent that his whole body trembled. Jarvis made a grab for Angelo and tried to put the towel around his neck. Angelo struggled to put up a fight, knowing all too well that his life was in danger. Their naked bodies were firmly pressed together once more. Only this time it was not out of love, quite the contrary, hatred had surfaced itself. Angelo managed to push his body into Jarvis, knocking him backwards. The towel fell from his one hand, allowing Angelo to escape his grip. He ran to the door, but in the seconds it took to fumble with the lock Jarvis had caught up with him. Angelo quickly reached for a nearby ornamental statue and used it to guard off his assailant. The Mexican was crying as he pleaded for Jarvis not to hurt him. He would not say anything about the letter. He begged Jarvis to relent. Angelo’s whole body was shaking uncontrollably. Jarvis pulled the statue away and threw it down in a fit of rage. He no longer viewed the Mexican as desirable and loving, but someone who could expose him. It was a fight that Jarvis must win. Last night Angelo was willingly at the mercy of the strong European’s passion, but now he was about to succumb to his violence. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The birds of prey were the first to stir in the surrounding citrus trees, causing a rustle of leaves with their movement. This seemed to echo throughout the tropical canopy as the other wildlife inhabitants responded accordingly. Fear was the reason. It had become necessary to escape the bellowing smoke. This pollution invaded their existence. A nest of Frigate birds took to flight, squawking, raising the alarm of prevalent danger. A Great Egret watched from above as it circled the environment. A family of Iguanas scuttled across the lush terrain, eager to escape the smoky onslaught. Nature’s creatures were all too familiar with an evacuation. The many forest fires that had occurred during the course of their evolution had equipped them for such eventualities. Loretta and Tobias often slept with a window partly open. Tonight was no exception. Through this opened window smoke began to drift into the cabana, hovering over the sleeping couple like fog resting on a river. Coupled with a periodic cough and the unusual outside activity, caused Tobias to wake up. He noticed the presence of smoke in the room. In a slight panic he sat up in bed. His immediate thought was whether the cabana was on fire. He soon dismissed this theory when he saw that the smoke was coming in from outside. Quickly he got out of bed to further investigate. Surely the forest was not on fire? As he looked out of the window he saw the flames raging high. Yet it was not the forest that was burning but Gavin’s office. The timber construction was completely engulfed in flames like an oversized bonfire. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The grand spruce trees peppered the wintry scene. Their rugged branches stretched upwards, catching the falling snow. Frozen waterfalls jutted outwards down the mountainous ridge that encompassed this valley. The hard water was a multicoloured prism of orange, blue, and green, as it bathed in the declining sunlight. There was a break in the cloud causing the low-lying sun to flood the valley. It was a picturesque sight but it only highlighted the baron environment that Gavin and Jensen were lost in. Most of the time they never saw the sun. Either it did not rise above the mountainous horizon, or because the sky was cloudy and depositing more snow. Yet this valley faced westward and welcomed the celestial matriarch as it began to set. The only sound to be heard was the swish of their skis. They continued their cross-country search for civilisation, an endeavour that seemed in vain. For days they had been skiing at hourly intervals, yet not a sight of inhabitation. Yesterday they had consumed the last of their food ration. They were now flying solo and without a parachute. Just how long could they last without anything to eat? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gavin called out to Jensen but he did not reply. Every muscle in his body ached as he got up from his resting place. Gavin’s legs disappeared in the deep snow. He felt so cold as he trekked the few paces to where Jensen was lying. An uneasy feeling came over him as he approached. Gavin called out to him again, willing for a response but there was only silence. Gavin knelt down by his side, Jensen’s body was rigid, his face covered in a dusting of snow and frost. Gavin grabbed his shoulders and shook him, but it was pointless. Jensen was dead and rigor mortis had already taken control. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “I am the bearer of good news,” she proclaimed. Perhaps out of relief that the matter was not grave caused Loretta to jump to the wrong conclusion. Yet this was a typical trait of her character. She put both hands to her face and exclaimed: “You are pregnant!” and with that ran back into the cabana. “Tobias, Rebecca is pregnant,” she announced, running into the breakfast room. Rebecca instantly followed, shouting out: “No, no, you misunderstand me.” Unfortunately, it was too late. When Rebecca entered the breakfast room Tobias congratulated her. “I am very pleased for you both,” he said, taking her hand and then embracing her. “Now we know why they are getting married,” added Veronique. “Look you guys, I am not pregnant,” affirmed Rebecca. “You’re not,” said Loretta disappointedly. “No, the good news I have is much better than that,” replied Rebecca. “Are you ready?” “Of course we are ready,” replied Loretta. “Tell us! Tell us! Tell us!”