EMIT (THE EMIT SAGA) (31 page)

While I was dreaming about him, he was also thinking of me. “So every time I saw you, it was orchestrated?” I asked.

“Yes and no. I was working those days following you anyway
, so if I could, I’d try to talk to you. Like that day you were in the park with that boy. Outside was difficult. Unless I was in the van or in the apartment, I couldn’t hear what you were saying because it’s so loud out. I talked to you because you seemed upset and I wanted to hear it from you and not the agents.”

“Hear me how?” I was starting to get
a sick feeling.

“I could hear you through your cell.”

Slowly, my mind started working and I reacted, “Wait, are you telling me that I have no privacy outside either? You listen to every one of my conversations?” There was no point in telling Lily things outside.

“I’m sorry.” He realized he said too much. “Right now no one can hear us.”

“That’s just great!” I snarled. But if I don’t have my cell, how can you hear me?”

“We use listening devices but most of the time we access other cell phones around you.”

It dawned on me that in the park, he was so far away from me, but after I chuckled, he looked right at me. “So you did hear me laugh at you that first day in the park?” Daniel nodded. “What a waste of taxpayer money. You really need to find someone in my father’s firm because that’s where the first envelope came from.”

“We’ve thought of that but that would take more years.”

“More years? What are you talking about?”

“I mean we don’t have the people to handle that. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack. When we found out that you would be the catalyst, we started watching you.”

“When you say will or allude to the future, you lose me.”

“I’ve said too much already. Just know I care for you and nothing will happen to you.” Looking at me from the side, he said, “Aside from that broken arm, I hope.”

“First you say, ‘nothing will happen,’ then you say, ‘I hope’.”

“Nothing should’ve happened to you, but since I spoke to you, I’ve changed the dynamics and things are off.”

“I don’t understand.” My head hurt and I gave up. “Forget it, I’m tired of all these riddles and I’m not wasting time talking about your job. Let’s have some fun. Can we go to Sag Harbor?”

“Your wish is my command,” he joked and seemed relieved.

We got to Sag Harbor and Daniel spoke to the dock master to rent a slip. As Daniel reached for his wallet, I put my hand out and while shaking his head, he handed me his license. His license verified his age; he was born two years before me. It was nice to finally see proof.

We wandered around and strolled in and out of stores. When we passed a bookstore, I had to go in. Daniel excused himself and said he’d be right back. I didn’t know where he went
, but he was back in a few minutes.

On the way back to the boat, Daniel bought a blueberry pie and a large sunflower bouquet. Near the Causeway Beach, Daniel called Brad to meet us there. Brad then dropped us off at Grammy’s beach and would
pick Daniel up around midnight.

Daniel washed up in the outside shower and feeling sand
y, I ran to do the same inside.

As we ate dinner outside, Grammy asked Daniel about his uncle. When she heard that he worked for the NSA, she started talking about terrorism.

“I was reading about the various anti-US terrorist groups and couldn’t believe how many there are in the world,” Grammy said.

“My uncle said there are over forty-five worldwide and those numbers keep growing.”

“It makes no sense. If they attack us, then we’ll attack them. Everybody loses. I don’t know what the point is,” I interjected.

“It’s a badge of honor to die fighting the infidels, so their own destruction is not a deterrent,” Daniel explained. “As far as their religion, the afterlife is much more important than this one.”

“I’d always thought that the younger generations would change things,” I said.

“Their beliefs are indoctrinated at an early age,” said Grammy.

Daniel added, “That’s all they know, so hatred and anger are a good recruiting tool.”

They started talking about the Taliban. “The destruction of the poppy fields might help Afghanistan get rid of the Taliban regime,” Grammy said.

“The problem is that two-thirds of the world's heroin supply comes from Afghanistan and opium production accounts for sixty percent of the country's economy. The Taliban’s making well over one hundred million dollars a year. With that much money at stake, they’ll fight like crazy not to lose it. Even though the Afghan people don’t want the Taliban regime, they know nothing else but poppy farming. The opium traffickers guarantee a minimum price for the crop and the people are desperate, so they cultivate poppy. Hopefully, the agriculture projects being implemented will encourage the people so they can flourish as an agricultural economy like they did in the 1970’s. Right now, talks to destroy the poppy crops and therefore their livelihood are making the Afghan people very angry and causing more hatred towards America. Maybe farming pomegranates and vineyards will be a success,” Daniel explained.

“Islam forbids alcohol and drug use, so how is selling heroin to the world and creating junkies reconciled with Islam?” Grammy asked. “Do they really think Allah would approve if they only sold to non-Muslims? It seems so hypocritical and non-religious for supposedly such religious people.”

“When people are starving, they are just trying to survive,” Daniel answered.

“
You just said that they can farm other things, so there are other options,” I said.

“True, but Afghanistan is often drought stricken and the farmers need advice from water experts. When they learn what can thrive in their region and how profitable it could be, they won’t be tempted to grow poppy.”

“There’s so much wealth in that region from oil, but its still mostly a desert. Why hasn’t any money from oil been used to help the poor people and cultivate the land? No wonder there is so much anger in that region,” I added.

“That’s been the cause for a lot of the uprisings against the governments and royals in the region,” said Grammy.

“I can’t believe that the Taliban is still there tormenting women though. It has to stop.”

“The degradation of those poor women is so appalling,” Grammy said.

“If everyone wore those burqas, it’d be one thing, but just women makes it barbaric,” I said.

“That’s a very contentious issue,” said Grammy. “The Koran in some places says women are equal and in other places, it says women are the property of men. Each group makes its own interpretation.”

“Since no one can own another human being, I believe it’s a moot point,” added Daniel.

“I just can’t imagine what poor people are going through,” Grammy added.

At that moment, Amber began whining to go inside. Noticing that the water bowl on the patio was empty, I stood up to open the door, but Grammy stopped me.

“I’ll let Amber in. I’m getting bitten up by the mosquitoes. If you two are staying out here, light the citronella candles and the torches.”

Daniel lit all the anti-bug paraphernalia and we went back in the pool.

It dawned on me that Daniel had a job and I was still in high school. “What happens when this is over? Where do you go?” I asked anxiously.

“Why don’t we worry about that when we have to?” Daniel said and tried to swim away.

Not letting him, I stood in his way and said, “I don’t understand.” His evasive tactics weren’t going to work tonight because I needed to know.

“I plan on staying and living in New York.” I was so happy. He added, “I’ll have to go away on assignments, though.”

“Okay, I can handle that as long as you’re not leaving or going to move to London.”

“No, I’m not moving to London. I’m not going anywhere,” he laughed and hugged me gently. All was well in the world. Daniel was staying.

We went inside and decided to watch a movie. After pestering Grammy, she joined us in the living room. Grammy sat in her chair while Daniel and I sat on the couch at a safe distance. By the end of the movie, we were sitting right next to each other, holding hands
.

Once the movie was over, Grammy asked, “What time is Brad pic
king you up?”

“Around midnight, I hope that’s okay?” Daniel asked.

“Of course. Good night, I hope to see you soon.”

We sat on the couch and I quickly nestled into his arms. Daniel put both arms a
round me and we sat in silence.

“I have something for you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gift envelope. Inside was a silver bracelet with saltwater p
earls and blue sea glass beads.

“It’s absolutel
y beautiful,” I said excitedly.

Daniel was pleased. “I saw it today in Sag Harbor and thought of you.”

“You shouldn’t have, but thank you.” I kissed him on the cheek and had done it instinctually, but was still totally flustered afterwards.

Daniel seemed surprised by my kiss and said, “
Not as beautiful as you.”

I blushed and looked ay the bracelet. “The sea glass is the same color as your eyes. When did
you buy this? I was with you the whole time.”

“I saw it in the window and when you were in
the bookstore, I called and they delivered it. I’m not allowed to let you out of my sight when I’m the only one watching you.”

That’s good because it meant he’d be nearby as long as this case wasn’t solved. Nothing could compare with the way I felt at that moment. It was like I finally understood what love was. I couldn’t believe that Daniel could mean so much to me and that I could only think of him. All these emotions were so all encompassing that my head spun. I shut my eyes and the next thing I knew I was feeling kisses on my head.

“Paige, I have to leave now. Brad’s here.” Daniel’s voice was so far away and I realized that I had fallen asleep!

“I’m so sorry. I can’t believe this,” I moaned.

“Don’t worry. Your body is recovering. It was nice just being here with you.”

I walked him to the door
, but I had such a pathetic face that he must have felt pity for me, because he asked, “Can I see you tomorrow?”

“YES! Yes! Yes! Does that answer your question?
”

“Yes, your dimples tell all.”

I blushed. Of course they do. I adore you, I thought.

“Time for you to go to bed, you look exhausted.”

“I will, right after I take Amber out,” I promised.

“I’m sorry! I forgot all about Amber. Come on, let’s walk her together.” Amber ran outside and we held hands as we followed her. Daniel texted Brad to
tell him he’d be a bit longer.

I looked up to admire the stars. “I just saw a shooting star!” I shrieked like a little kid.

“It’s either the South Delta Aquarids or the Perseid meteor showers,” Daniel said. “Both of them are visible this time of year, but I think it’s the Perseid because it peaks in August.”

“How do you know everything?”

“I’ve been around a long time,” he sighed, and then laughed. “I took an astronomy class.”

We sat on the sand and watched the sky. Being here with Daniel was just unbelievable.

“We’re like two comets that were pulled together and now we’re in the same orbit,” he said. Even though it was scientific, it still sounded romantic. “Is that even possible?” I asked.

“I’m not sure
, but new comets are discovered each year, so anything’s possible. A while back, two asteroids collided head-on so maybe instead of being in the same orbit, we’ve just crashed into each other,” he joked.

Amber began digging next to us and sand was flying ever
ywhere. “Amber, stop,” I yelled.

“Okay that’s our clue to head home. I don’t want to see Gabby’s wrath, because if it’s anything like yours,
I’ll be in big trouble.”

I walked him to the front door and he kissed my cheek. “Good night. Call me when you wake up,” he said as he exited. When was he going to kiss me on my lips?

I set the house alarm and ran up the stairs. I had so much to tell Lily but it was too late to call her.

“Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.”
Einstein

The next thing I knew the sun was shining in my face again. I forgot to lower the shade, maybe because I knew Daniel was out there. It was eight o’clock and Amber was barking so I ran downstairs and let her out. And there, sitting on a chaise, reading the paper was Daniel. Amber ran right over to him and almost jumped into his lap
.

“It’s so nice to wake up to you again!” I exclaimed excitedly.

“I went for a jog and pilfered Gabby’s paper. Hoped you’d wake up soon,” he added with a twinkle in his eyes. He was in an amazing mood and he glistened from his run. At that moment, Grammy came out in her bathrobe, appraised the situation and looked quite concerned.