Caught in the Net (11 page)

“Sure.  We’re just watching TV.  The folks left to the
party up north and won’t be back until 2ish.  Bring your suit in case you want
to hot tub or something.”

“I might like to ‘or something’ with you,” he
commented. 

Sam smiled, touching her hot backside.  “I don’t know
if I’ll be up to doing much, but we’ll see.  Hurry.  Just come in, don’t bother
knocking.”

Rich arrived in about 40 minutes, carting an armful of
groceries.  “Honey, I’m home,” he called, walking in. 

Michael looked up from the couch.  “What’s up?  What
do you have there?”

“I’m having major munchies right now.  I remember
something about Sam liking ice cream.  I thought it might make her feel better.”

“She’s still in her room pouting.  Ooo, Rocky Road and
Mocha Oreo.  Our favorites.  By the way, this is one of my bribes for her. 
Shopping is the best one, though.”

“Good to know.  Should I go up there?”

“Go on.  It’s time she came down anyway.  I’ll get
this put away.”

“Don’t eat all of it.  I brought fixin’s too,” Rich
grinned, turning to go upstairs.  He tapped on Sam’s door and walked in, not
waiting for an answer.  She was on her bed, chin in her hands, staring out the
window.

“Hey, pretty girl.  How are you doing?” Rich asked
quietly, lying down next to her. 

She shook her head.  “Just thinking.  I wish I knew
why I keep getting myself into trouble, I hate making Michael so upset.”

“I don’t like seeing you upset either.  How’s this
feeling?” he asked, placing his hand gently on her backside.

“Very sore.  But the guilties hurt worse.”

“I’m sure you know that he forgives you, right?”

“Yes, but I’m going to have to tell Daddy.”

“Why?  Did Mike tell you to?”

“No, I just can’t keep secrets from him.  I tell him
everything eventually.  It’s how we are.  He’s going to be really mad at me,” she
sighed, placing her hand over his hand as it rested on her face. 

He leaned over to kiss her temple.  “If you want, I’ll
come with you.”

“Thanks, but I’ve been handling Daddy all my life. 
You don’t need to get yourself on the receiving end of his ire so soon in your
relationship.”

“Will he ground you?”

“He might.  I don’t know.  I’m glad I don’t have to
hide anything from you.  It makes it easier.”

“Just let me know if I can do anything.  I brought you
a surprise.  It’s downstairs.”

“What is it?”

Rich smiled, standing up and reaching for her hand to
help her up.  “Ice cream.”

“I love ice cream!  I can’t believe you left Michael
alone with it, though.  There won’t be anything left,” Sam said, wrapping her
arms around his strong waist.  His lips found hers and he felt a shiver travel
down his spine.  He pulled away suddenly.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her eyes smoldering.

“Nothing.  It’s just, well, you turn me on way too
much.  I’ve never had this reaction before to anyone.  I’m afraid of not
keeping my promise to be a gentleman.”

“Then don’t,” she said simply. 

Rich shook his head.  “No can do.  Not yet.  Let’s go
downstairs.  I need something cold.”

Sam laughed, following him down.  Sure enough, Michael
was happily indulging. 

“Did you leave any for us?” Rich asked humorously. 

Michael nodded, pointing to the kitchen with his
spoon.  “In the freezer.  How are you doing, sweetheart?”

“I’m okay.  I make Rich horny.”

“Yes, I know.  How about you?”

“Hell, yeah.  But I can hide my horniness, he can’t.”

“You’re bad.  You might want to talk to Dad about
this.  He won’t like it, but I know he’d want to know how you’re feeling.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if I talk to Scott?”

“Hell, no.  He’d blow a gasket.  He’s a little
two-faced when it comes to his little girl.  My only word of advice is don’t do
anything you might regret later.”

“So it wouldn’t bother you if we had sex?”

“It’s too early in your relationship, Sammi.  Try to
wait at least six months, okay?  This is new to you.”

“I’ll try, but no promises.  I want him.” 

Rich brought her a bowl and sat next to them with his
own.  “Whatcha talking about?” he asked, taking a mouthful of ice cream.

“Us having sex,” the girl answered simply, pleased to
see him react by choking.  “Water?”

“Don’t you two have any secrets?” he asked, swallowing
half the bottle. 

She shook her head.  “Not from each other.  Why should
we?  I told you about how we are.  I promised Michael I would try to wait for
at least six months.”  She grinned evilly.  “Can you?”

“Mike, how do you manage her?  She’s a tease.  Sam, if
your folks even suspected that you were thinking about this, they would kill
me!”

“Scott would, for sure,” Michael laughed.  He started
stealing his sister’s ice cream.  “I’m not sure how Dad would take it.”

“Okay, enough you two.  Mike, please, it’s hard
enough… stop it!” he ordered as the two started laughing hysterically at his
choice of words.  “I meant to say, it is difficult enough controlling myself
when I just kiss her.  I don’t need you harassing me about doing more.  I’ve
only known you for a couple of weeks!”

“And don’t you feel we are perfect together?” she
asked, slowly gliding onto his lap and nipping gently on his neck and earlobe. 

Rich broke out in a sweat, looking helplessly at her
laughing brother.  “Please… Stop.  I’ll leave if you don’t.”  He gulped, her
lips grazing his.  His head started spinning, lost in her seduction.  He felt
his defenses weakening. 

Michael smacked her thigh.  “Lay off.  Can’t you see
you are making him uncomfortable?”

“It was more than that.  I can swirl him!”

“No, you can’t!”

“Can so.  Kiss me, Rich,” she ordered, her lips
resting on his. 

He obliged, melting in her arms. 
She felt so
good!  No, gotta stop.
  “I can’t,” he whispered, pulling away.  Michael
peered into his eyes.  Pupils dilated, breathing slowed…

“I’ll be damned,” he whispered. 

Sam gently removed herself from Rich’s lap, stroking
his arm.  “I’m sorry, Rich.  I won’t do it again.”

“But… I want you to,” he admitted.

“See?  This is what I was telling you.  It’s addictive. 
How did you do it?” Michael asked.

“I just let myself go.  Were you able to sense
anything?”

“Just peacefulness.  I’ll say this much, if you guys
do get involved, you are going to have one hell of a fun time.  Rich?  Come out
of it.  Come on, buddy.”

“I’m okay.  Just feel a little stoned.  And from a
kiss.  Wow.”

“This might explain the mythology of the sirens.  You
know, how they seduced sailors to their deaths?” Sam suggested, grabbing a
notepad and jotting down some ideas. 

Michael shook his head.  “Only you would take a kiss
and turn it into a science experiment.  I want to do some testing tomorrow with
this.  Rich?”

“I need to jump into a cold shower.”

Michael patted his arm.  “Better idea.  Let’s go for a
night dive.  I brought the equipment home with me.”

“I don’t have a wetsuit.”

“You can wear one of mine; we’re the same size.  Sam,
suit up.”

* * * * *

The three ventured down to the secluded inlet where
Michael taught Rich the fundamentals of the free dive equipment.  Rich lowered
himself into the water and slowly exhaled as he submerged.  He took a deep
breath, shocked to find the mask’s air was cool and clean.

“Can you hear me okay?”  Michael asked, his light
shining on his friend.  “Just talk normally.”

“This is freaky,” Rich admitted, resisting the urge to
surface as he took in another breath.

“You’ll get used to it.  Where’s the peanut?”

“I’m right here, boys.  How’s the temperature for you,
Rich?”

“Surprisingly, very comfortable.  Even a little warm. 
It feels like it’s radiating.”

“It is,” Michael said.  “It’s a chemically treated
fiber that we developed.  The boots take a little getting used to.  They have
switches on the inside heel that work like gearshifts on a motorcycle. 
Unfortunately, they only go up to 25.  If we need to go faster than that, we
grab a ride.  Let’s just swim for a while tonight so you get used to the
breathing apparatus and headgear.  Samantha, you are to stay close to us.”

“Yes, Michael.”

“And no sharks,” he added. 

She sighed, seeing Rich’s eyes widen. “No sharks.  I
promise.”

They swam out into deep water and down the steep
canyon shelf with the help of Michael’s light.  Rich was quiet, taking in the
freedom and the peace the nighttime undersea world afforded.  Sam swam next to
him, without gear. 

“How deep are we?  I can hardly see anything,” Rich
said quietly, afraid of breaking the mood.  Sam was little more than a shadow
as she scooted around them without concern.  Michael checked his wrist
transmitter.

“210.  Are you doing l all right?”

“I feel great.  How can we do this without compression
issues?  And how deep does she go?”

“It’s the equipment.  She’s gone down to 500, although
we don’t dare tell anyone.  I can hit 300 max.  This canyon goes down to 600,
but she hasn’t touched bottom yet.”

“I’m guessing that is her goal.”  Rich’s tone sounded
disapproving.

“You’re catching on.  Where are you, little sister?  I
can’t see you.”

“I’m over here listening to you guys talking about
me.  I know I can touch bottom, I don’t feel any effects of the pressure, but I
promised Michael I wouldn’t.”

“And since when do you keep your promises?” Michael
asked. 

“I do important ones.  Besides, Daddy thinks that I
won’t be completely healed internally for a year, so I’m not pushing it just
yet.”

“Let’s get home, it’s getting late.  Rich, do you want
to crash here for the night?  We have a guest room.”

“I’ll take you up on that.  I’m beat.”

“That’s what happens when you’re old.  Hah!  Can’t
catch me!”  Sam teased, zooming away.

The boys pulled themselves on the dock and waited patiently
for Sam to join them.  She rode up on Ton’s back, grinning.  “Look who I
found!  Wanna laugh?  He told me to not swirl you.  He said it wasn’t proper
for a calf to swirl a bull.” 

“Ton isn’t the only one who thinks you are too young
for that.  Up you go.”  Michael said, as she stood on the whale’s back and
accepted his hand to help get on the dock. 

Rich shook his head.  “This is going to take me a
while to get used to.  Mike, quick question?  How sensitive are these suits to
sensation?”

“Pretty sensitive.  You can feel kelp brushing you.”

“Good.  Excuse me.  Sam?”

“OW!” she yelped as his hand impacted sharply against
her shapely posterior. 

He shook his finger at her.  “For the old comment. 
That was rude.  You know my feelings about rudeness.”

“I was just kidding.  Ow… that hurt.  I was already
sore,” she grumbled, rubbing the spot.

“There are more where that came from.  Be nice.”

“Yes, Rich.  Sorry.”

“Wow, she can submit.  That’s good to know,” Rich
commented, hands on his hips. 

Michael smiled.  “Yeah, but for how long?”

The next afternoon, Sam excused herself from the lab
to go speak with her father.  She knocked at his office door and waited for the
invite.

“Well, hello, darling.  How’s it going?”

“Daddy, I need to talk to you about some things.  It’s
important.”

“Certainly.  What’s going on?” Dr. Quimby asked,
telling his secretary he was not to be disturbed and closing the door behind
him. 

She sat in the chair across from his desk and swung
her legs.  “Lots of things.  First, I need to tell you that Michael punished me
last night for disobeying him in the lab.”

“What did you do?”

“Promise you won’t yell?”

“I promise.  Talk to me.”

“I’ve been studying the swirl effect.”

“Alone?”

“Yes, sir.”

Her father was silent.  She glanced up at him, seeing
the vein pulsing slightly on his neck.  “He was pretty hard on me for it and I
promised that I won’t do it again.  It’s too dangerous, even for me.”

“And what led you to that conclusion, daughter?”

“The second thing I need to talk to you about.  Sex.” 
She told him in detail what had occurred with Rich, including her ability to
‘swirl’ him.  He was quiet, eyes closed, listening carefully.  “He’s being the
perfect gentleman, refusing my advances even.  I was a bit slutty; I’m sorry.”

“You’re discovering your power as a woman.  I hoped
this day would never come.”

“What should I do?  I’m so confused.  I don’t want to
disappoint you, but…”

“Come here, honey.  Sit on your old man’s lap and give
me a moment to just hold you.”  Dr. Quimby held his arms out for her.  She
promptly obeyed, feeling secure and protected.  He kissed her hair.  “I’m going
to tell you a secret.  No one knows, not even Scott.  You have to promise me
that you won’t even tell your brother, okay?”

“I promise.”

“I knew I would fall in love with your mom the day my
mother passed away.  She was only 11, but the sweetest thing on the planet. 
I’d known her all her life and she was like a bratty kid sister.  That day, she
put her little arms around my neck and told me it was okay if I wanted to cry
because she would cry with me.  She also told me that she wouldn’t let anyone
else hurt me.  She was tiny, like you, but I believed her,” the man said,
holding his daughter tightly.

“I ignored my feelings for a long time and avoided
being around her if I could.  I didn’t dare risk my friendship with Scott or
the little family I loved because of stupid teenage hormones.  I came home from
school one day and saw her on the couch crying her heart out.  She was 16 at
the time.  She failed her midterm and was terrified of what Scott was going to
do.  She admitted she had lied to him about studying and that she’d been
skipping the class to party with friends.”

“Uh oh.”

“That was an understatement.  I felt helpless.  I
couldn’t do anything to protect her, but also knew she didn’t deserve
protecting.  I knew how Scott handled her and understood his reasons, but I
still wanted to make things better.  So I kissed her.  I was 20.”

“And Scott didn’t know?”

“Nope.  We told him we started dating when she turned
18.  However, we lied.  I don’t regret what I did, but I felt bad that I had to
hide it from him.  He’d done so much for me and I owed him the truth.  But I
knew it would hurt our friendship.  Especially when she and I got sexually
involved.  She was 17 the first time.  And she left me powerless.  I couldn’t
say no to her.”

“He never suspected?”

“Not that I know of.  He never said anything and Scott
does not exactly have the reputation of keeping his opinion to himself.  It’s
eaten at me all these years.  That’s probably why I let him make so many
decisions.  I don’t want you to ever feel you have to lie to us, baby.  We may
not agree with your choices, but we will never remove you from our lives.  We
want you to trust us to love you.”

“Don’t you trust Scott to love you, despite this?”

“Yes.  I know I need to come clean with him.  I need
to be an example for you.  Just remember, you only met Rich a few weeks ago.  I
like the boy a lot and think he’s a good match, but try to give it time.  Have
you been honest with him about your infertility?”

“Yes, sir.  Michael told me I needed to do that right
away in case he had family goals.  He doesn’t.”

“Shame… You two would have had such beautiful, smart
kids.  But he doesn’t deserve to be terrorized.”

“Mike will have a whole horde for you to play with one
day.  I’d rather get a puppy.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever told you this, but the day
your mom left us, she told Scott to make sure I was taken care of and that it
would take both of us to watch over her baby.  She knew you would be a
challenge.”

“Is that why Scott stayed with us?”

“Her final request.  He moved into the house that day
and sold his.  He’s been a thorn in my side ever since.”  The man smiled, “And
I wouldn’t know what to do without him.  He’s been the best in helping raise
all of us, kiddo.  You need to let him know what’s going on too.”

“I don’t want him to be angry with Rich.”

“He values your happiness above his own, honey.  Don’t
worry.  We’ll tell him together.  Tonight.  After he’s had a couple of beers.”

“Chicken.”

“Self-preservation,” her father said somberly, as he
hugged.  “Okay, so no more sneaking around with lab stuff?“

“No sir, I’ll be good there.”

“Excellent.  Run along now and get back to work. 
We’ll talk with Scott after dinner.  Let’s see if we can get Mike out of the
house, he doesn’t need to be part of this.”

“I think he does.  He has a right to know the truth.”

“Very well.  I’ll see you at closing.”

That evening, the family sat around the dining room
table for a family meeting.  Dr. Quimby prefaced it with an apology to Scott
and then shared his secret.  Scott was quiet.

“Did you think I didn’t guess something was going on? 
All of a sudden, you wanted to be home and weren’t being bothered by the pest. 
And believe me, kids, Ally-Anne was a HUGE pest.  Now, add the fact she never
went on any dates or tried to slip out of the house to see a boy.  She didn’t
have to, he was right there.”

“I’m so sorry I lied, Scott.  Please forgive me.”

“Forgive you?  For making my baby sister the happiest
woman on the planet?  For giving me two gorgeous kids to play with?  For making
my life have some purpose other than self-serving gratification?  No, I’m sorry
that you felt you had to hide this from me all these years to protect my
feelings.  You know me better than that.”

“We good?”  Dr. Quimby hugged his friend warmly.

“Always.”

“Okay, my turn,” Michael sighed.  He told his father
about his affair with the Russian teacher, and that he, too, had not trusted
him to be supportive.  He apologized sincerely, looking down.

“I guess these things come around.  I knew all about
it, son.  Do you think Scott would have kept that from me?  I just didn’t want
you to get hurt.”

“I’m sorry, Dad.  I should have come to you.”

“But you went to Scott.  That perfectly fine.  I don’t
get jealous if one of you needs to approach him.  I’m just grateful that he’s
always there for you,” he said, hugging his son tightly.  Dr. Quimby looked at
his daughter.  “Well, little one?  Now’s a good time.”

“Uncle Scott, I’ve been swirling Rich,” she
whispered. 

He looked confused.  “What the hell are you talking
about?”

“She’s somehow learned the art of the ancient sirens,
Scott.  She’s become quite the seductress,” Dr. Quimby said softly.  Scott’s
jaw started to twitch.  “She hasn't done anything yet, so calm down.  She came
to me with questions about her feelings and needing some advice.  We talked and
I think she’s doing well,” her father said calmly.

“If that boy touches you, so help me…”

“If he touches me, it’s because I allowed it.  He’s
been beyond perfect, despite what I do to him.  He showed a lot of self-control
when I threw myself at him like a common barmaid,” Sam said firmly, taking
control.  “I also spoke with Michael about it, in depth.  I promised him that I
will try to wait at least six months to see where things go.”

“But you’re just a baby,” his voice pleaded.

“I’m 18, Uncle Scott.  You need to let me grow up
eventually.  Please.” 

The poor man looked like he was close to tears.

“Scott, I trust Rich.  I can’t tell you why, but I
do.  You know I would never allow my birthday present where she wasn’t safe,
right?” Michael asked.  “I think this is harder for me then it is for you two. 
I’ve never had to share her.  But it doesn’t bother me with Rich.  In fact, I
feel comfortable letting her out of my sight if she’s with him.  Something
inside of me tells me she’s as safe with him as with us.”

“I know how you feel, my boy,” Scott finally sighed. 
“I don’t think I could have trusted anyone but your dad with Ally.  Let’s blow
this popsicle stand and go get some ice cream.”

Michael and Sam looked at each other and started
laughing.  There had been no evidence left from the ice cream binge the night
before.  The two kept giggling over their sundaes. 

Scott frowned.  “Okay, what are you two up to?  This
is supposed to be a night of clearing the air and you have another secret.”

“Nothing significant, Scott.  Trust me.  It’s a twin
thing,” Michael answered, touching his knuckles to his sister’s.

“I see.  And what about the little research episode? 
Were you planning on sharing about that tonight as well?” he asked casually. 
Michael bit his lip, shaking his head.  His sister nodded.

“Yes, sir.  I already spoke with Daddy about it,” she
said quietly.

“And am I to assume that your brother took care of
your disobedience?”

“Yes, sir.  Last night.”  She flushed.

“Yet, you seem to be sitting comfortably.  I would
think something like that would have warranted a few days discomfort.”

“Yes, sir,” she whispered.

“Scott, I did what I felt I needed to.  It was my
responsibility and that’s final.  There is nothing more to discuss regarding
this, okay?” Michael spoke up, staring straight into his uncle’s eyes. 

Scott leaned forward.  “Was your methodology
influenced by anyone or anything, Mr. Responsible?”

“Rich did approach me, if that is what you are
asking.  However, he pointed out some things that I needed to consider and he
was correct.  Much in the way you and Dad discuss stuff about us.  You either
trust me to be fair or you don’t, but I would sincerely appreciate it if you
didn’t second guess me when it comes to this,” Michael answered firmly. 

Dr. Quimby hid a smile, he was so proud of the man his
son had become.  Truly, his boy had turned out to be like him.  And his
daughter like their mother.  He suddenly started laughing.

“What are you laughing about, Joe?  YOUR son is
mouthing off at me.”

“OUR son is standing up to you.  Just like I did when
I was around his age, maybe a bit younger.  Pissed you off then, too.  I
believe it was about a similar issue, as well.”

“Oh, I remember the issue quite well.  Miss Allyson
thought she was old enough to take my car on a joyride and got a ticket.  Oh
yes, you and I had it out when I got home, if I recall.”

“What happened?” Sam asked.

Dr. Quimby grinned.  “Mom came home in tears, once
again terrified about what Scott was going to do when he found out.  You
tormented that girl, Scott.”

“With good reason.  She was always into something,
like someone else I know.”  He eyed his niece.

“Anyway, I was home studying and she handed me the
ticket, bawling her little head off.  Even worse, the cop confiscated the car
because she was driving without a license and had just turned 15.  You were in
Quantico for two weeks and left me in charge.  I was so pissed at her.  I gave
her the choice of either telling Scott or having me deal with her.”

“You didn’t!” Michael grinned. 

His father nodded.  “I sure as hell did.  Believe me,
I had no qualms either.  Like I said, I was pissed.  Well, Ally-Anne thought
that she’d get off easy with me and started to walk away with a smile.  Nope,
it was the first time she got to experience my displeasure.  Talk about
screaming.  She didn’t speak to me for two days, she was so mad.  I also
grounded her until Scott came home.  He thought I was too lenient because she
was able to sit the next day and was determined to make her remember the lesson
when he returned.”

“I can’t believe you spanked Mama!” his daughter
exclaimed. 

Her father shrugged.  “It was either that or let her
walk all over me.  No thank you.  But when Scott got home, I got in his face
and informed him that everything had been taken care of and that we would not
have a repeat.  We ended up having a very loud shouting match, which ended when
your mom came downstairs crying hysterically because she felt our fight was all
her fault and she didn’t want to lose either of us.  Scott finally got some
sense in his thick skull and just extended her restriction for the rest of the
month.  She didn’t argue.”