Elizabeth and the Vampire's Cabin(12)

"Elizabeth," he said. "There's something I want to give you."

Arthur reached into his pocket and procured an unexpected gift for Elizabeth. It was a large silver cross. She looked at it perplexed.

"It's just something to keep you safe. Call me superstitious."

"Thank you Arthur. I will treasure it. . She stuck it in her pocket for safekeeping. Arthur clasped her hand and she was immediately taken aback. Arthur had done the same thing last night, but it hadn't felt like that. This time, it felt like his hands were made of steel. Glad to see he's grown a spine since last night, she thought. Never thought he'd have the balls to grasp me like that. He's going to be fine.

Elizabeth watched as Arthur walked away, Mark's men all piled into the moving van, and Mark himself drove away. She went back into the house and tried to take a nap for the next few hours. But she was too excited, so she watched tacky daytime TV until Austin told her it was time to go. Austin drove them to a harbor in San Diego where his boat, The Argosy, was docked. Elizabeth thought this was an unusual name for the boat. From what she understood, Mark's boat was not very large. Maybe one person could comfortably live on it, but that was it. When she thought of the word argosy, she thought of a large merchant ship, filled with the most expensive, exotic goods. Its cargo sold to the highest bidder. Do they plan on selling me to someone? she thought wryly. Am I an expensive, exotic good? She dismissed this offbeat tangent as she watched Mark and his men from a distance. They were entering his boat to prepare to leave. Austin gestured for Elizabeth to move along and they walked to a nearby restaurant called The Harbor. Again, Elizabeth's mind automatically examined the name before her. This one, to her, came off as terribly unoriginal. Yes, she thought, you're restaurant is located at a harbor. Thank you for pointing that out, she sarcastically thought. But she also had a feeling of some kind of warning being sent down to her from the universe. Argosies are boats meant to carry off merchandise to be sold. Harbors are safe havens one may dock at. Images of sailors of the past, fleeing tyrannical leaders, genocides, etc, and desperate for a safe harbor danced through her mind. She wondered why she kept seeing danger when there was none to behold. It must be something from a past life, she thought. Outside The Harbor, waiting for them, was Austin's personal assistant, Tim. He carried with him a small sack lunch for Elizabeth. It had all of her favorite snacks in it.

"You didn't have to do that," Elizabeth greeted him with a sudden tone. "That's why we're having lunch."

"It's just some snacks in case you get hungry on the way over to the island."

Elizabeth would miss Tim. Though he was Austin's personal assistant, he had always looked after Elizabeth as well. She was glad to have a farewell lunch with him. Though he was there for the purpose of helping Austin conduct some business in San Diego after he had seen her off, Elizabeth felt like he was an old friend joining her for lunch.

"What is the wait time," Austin asked Tim.

"Fifteen minutes," Tim responded.

The trio talked and joked about old times as they waited. And, as was predicted, they were seated in fifteen minutes. They ordered their food not long after. Elizabeth was happy about how things were progressing so far. Austin had mellowed since their fight at the house, and she couldn't possibly feel more relaxed. As if to confirm her feelings that things were progressing as they should, their meals were suddenly served. However, their lunch was soon interrupted by a tap on her shoulder. It was her guide.

"Ma'am," Mark began. "It's time for us to go."

Elizabeth stared blankly at him for a moment. This was highly untoward. She wasn't used to her employees telling her what to do, especially in front of other people. It was time to lay down the law. Mark may not have been used to taking orders from an eighteen year old, but he would have to learn quickly. She was in charge of this trip. Not him. So, she put on an air of disinterested annoyance.

"I'm still at lunch with my brother and his assistant. We've just been served, and there is plenty of time to get to the island."

"The island is a long way off," he pushed. "It's better to get you settled before night falls."

Elizabeth was perturbed by his insistence. She let out a long displeased breath and crossed her arms.

"We can always speed it up. I don't need a leisurely trip. I only said we could take our time, because I thought it would be relaxing. It's not essential that we spend any more time than necessary out at sea."

"I really think it's best to leave now. The captain and I were hoping to get back from the island before nightfall. The movers would also like to be allowed to leave quickly as well. They can't go home until you've approved the setup of the cabin."