The called storm, p.1
The Called Storm, page 1
Copyright © 2024 by E.M. Cole
All rights reserved
No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means–electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or other–except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior permission of the author.
Hardcover ISBN: 979-8-8229-5885-2
Paperback ISBN: 979-8-8229-5886-9
eBook ISBN: 979-8-8229-5887-6
CONTENTS
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER 1: SETTING THE SCENE
CHAPTER 2: THE BOAT OUTING
CHAPTER 3: THE STORM
CHAPTER 4: WHAT CAME AFTER THE STORM?
CHAPTER 5: SURVIVAL
CHAPTER 6: HALLUCINATIONS & THE RESCUE
CHAPTER 7: THE RETURN
CHAPTER 8: STUCK IN THE PAST
CHAPTER 9: NEW BEGINNINGS
CHAPTER 10: HIDDEN GAMES
CHAPTER 11: WHAT DO TERNS TASTE LIKE?
CHAPTER 12: LOOSE ENDS
CHAPTER 13: THE FINAL DINNER
CHAPTER 14: THE STORM
PROLOGUE
John awoke to the sensation of being dragged across coarse sand, the rhythmic pull on his life jacket sending twinges of pain through his body. The sting in his left leg intensified as he became more aware of his surroundings. The last thing he remembered was the boat crashing, the roaring waves swallowing them whole. Now, he found himself on a beach, drenched and disoriented.
As he opened his eyes, John took in the sight of a shadowy figure pulling him away from the water’s edge. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the deserted island. The man beside him wore tattered clothes, and his face was obscured by unruly, salt-soaked hair.
“Easy there,” the man grunted, glancing back at John. “You took a nasty hit to the leg. We need to get you patched up.”
John’s mind was a foggy haze of confusion, but he managed to piece together the situation. He and Jake were the only survivors. The crash, the storm—they were still fresh in his memory.
“Where are we?” John croaked, his throat dry and scratchy.
“Lost in the middle of nowhere,” the man replied cryptically. “But we’ll talk more once you’re in better shape. Can you walk?”
With the man’s help, John struggled to his feet, wincing at the pain shooting through his leg. As he limped away from the shore, he stole a glance at the wrecked boat, battered and broken against the rocks.
SETTING THE SCENE
The coastal town of Ternery embraced the Salters with open arms, becoming a haven for John, Sara, and their lively son, Matt. The family’s house, perched on the edge of the harbor, resonated with the echoes of laughter and the warmth of shared moments. It was a small home, its walls adorned with photos capturing the essence of a life well-lived.
The aroma of fresh sea air wafted through the open windows as John, a man with salt-and-pepper hair that spoke of countless adventures, stood on the porch overlooking the harbor. Sara, the heart of their home, bustling around in the kitchen with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, prepared a picnic basket. Their son, Matt, a bundle of energy, bounced around with eagerness, excited about the day’s impending adventure.
“John, don’t forget the sunscreen,” Sara called from the kitchen, handing him a thermos of coffee. “We don’t want anyone turning into a lobster today.”
John chuckled, taking the thermos. “I’ll make sure we’re all properly protected, Captain,” he said, a term of endearment he often used for Sara. The coastal breeze tousled Matt’s hair as he darted back and forth, a sea sprite in the making.
Down the street, the Salter family shared a close-knit relationship with Jake, their neighbor. Jake, a wiry man with a perpetual grin and a shared zest for adventure, was an inseparable part of their daily lives. The connection between the families went beyond mere neighborly camaraderie; it was a bond forged in the crucible of shared joys and sorrows.
As John prepared the boat for the impromptu outing, the wooden dock extending from their backyard became a stage for the unfolding adventure. The boat, a vessel weathered by the tides of time, held the promise of sunlit waves and the whisper of endless horizons. Sara donning a sea-blue scarf, moved gracefully between the kitchen and the dock, her eyes sparkling with a secret hidden beneath the surface.
“Jake, my man!” John called out, spotting his friend approaching. “Ready for a day at sea?”
Jake grinned, clapping John on the back. “Always, my friend. You know I’m up for an adventure.”
The boat, christened “Sea Serenade,” cast off, leaving the harbor behind as the Salter family and Jake settled in for a day of relaxation. The sun played hide-and-seek with the clouds, casting a golden glow over the waters. Matt excitedly shared his dreams for his upcoming 10th birthday.
“I want a pirate-themed party, Mom,” he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with imagination. “With a treasure hunt and everything!” Sara laughed, ruffling Matt’s hair. “A pirate-themed party it is, then. We’ll make it the best birthday ever.”
As the boat glided through the gentle waves, the air was filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of a picnic lunch prepared by Sara. Amidst the joyous banter, however, Sara stole a glance at her phone, a device that held the key to the day’s unforeseen twist.
The weather forecast flashed on the screen, predicting an approaching storm. Sara’s gaze lingered on the ominous signs, and a calculated decision was made to keep this information concealed—a secret plan set in motion to turn an ordinary boat outing into an unforgettable adventure for Matt.
John Salter was not the average man you’d meet in a small town though. With salt-and-pepper hair that hinted at the many tales etched into his past, John’s rugged demeanor concealed a history of intrigue and high-stakes missions. Once upon a time, he had been a shadow, a phantom navigating the treacherous world of espionage as a spy for the Secret Service.
In the clandestine world of covert operations, John’s skills were unparalleled. He was the man you called when the mission seemed impossible, the kind of operative who could blend into the shadows without leaving a trace. His past was a mosaic of classified information, each more dangerous than the last.
It was during one such mission that he crossed paths with Sara. She was the beacon of warmth in a world often draped in shadows. Her kindness and genuine nature were like a balm to John’s hardened soul. As he navigated the complexities of the mission, Sara’s unwavering support became his anchor, a reminder that goodness existed even in the darkest corners.
Sara, with her warm smile and the twinkle in her eye, was the perfect woman—a rare blend of strength and kindness. She stood by John during the most perilous moments of his life, offering solace and understanding. She became the light at the end of his covert tunnel, and their connection blossomed into something beyond the confines of a mission.
The decision to leave the secret service life behind wasn’t an easy one for John. The adrenaline-fueled world of espionage had become second nature. But the desire for a different kind of life, a life with Sara, outweighed the life of shadows and secrets.
John transitioned to a quieter existence, leaving behind the cloak-and-dagger world for a more ordinary, yet fulfilling life. He found solace in odd jobs, embracing the simplicity of everyday tasks. The coastal town became their refuge, a place where John could rebuild his life with Sara by his side.
Eventually, John found stability in an unexpected place. A small company in town offered him the chance to utilize his skills in a different way. The world of database engineering became his new frontier, a far cry from the covert operations of his past. It was a quiet life, one that allowed John to focus on building a future with Sara.
The coastal town, once a mere backdrop to John’s missions, transformed into the canvas on which he painted the chapters of a new beginning. The echo of waves against the shore became a lullaby, replacing the distant echoes of gunshots and whispered secrets.
And so, John Salter, the spy turned database engineer, embraced the ordinary. His past, though veiled in shadows, had shaped him into the man who found solace in the simple joys of life—a life that began with a chance meeting on a mission and evolved into a love story worthy of the quiet town by the sea.
THE BOAT OUTING
The sun danced across the waves as the Sea Serenade cut through the sparkling waters, carrying John, Sara, Matt, and Jake on their much-anticipated boat outing. Laughter echoed off the boat’s wooden deck as they boarded, their excitement through the roof in the salty breeze that tousled their hair.
With supplies neatly stowed away and life jackets securely fastened, they pushed off from the dock, the engine purring beneath them as they set out into the open sea. Matt, with his infectious grin and boundless energy, scampered around the deck, his laughter mingling with the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull.
“Isn’t this just perfect?” Sara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy as she leaned against the railing, taking in the panoramic view of the coastline stretching out before them. John nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Absolutely, Sara. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than out here with you and Matt.” Matt, overhearing his parents’ conversation, bounded over with excitement. “Mom, Dad, can we go fishing? Please? I want to catch the biggest fish ever!” John chuckled, tousling Matt’s hair affectionately. “Of course, buddy. We’ll find the perfect spot and see if we can reel in a big one.”
With Matt’s enthusia
“Sounds like it’s going to be the best birthday ever, Matt,” Jake chimed in, his grin widening as he imagined the festivities.
But as the afternoon wore on, a subtle shift in the weather began to unfold. The once-clear sky was now covered by darkening clouds, and a cool breeze swept across the deck, carrying with it a hint of uncertainty.
John furrowed his brow, his gaze flickering up at the gathering storm clouds on the horizon. “Looks like the weather might be turning,” he remarked, his voice tinged with concern.
Sara glanced at the darkening sky, a furrow of worry creasing her brow. “Do you think we should head back?” she asked, her gaze shifting between John and Jake.
But Jake waved off her concerns with a dismissive grin. “Ah, come on, Sara. It’s probably just a passing shower. We’ll be fine out here.”
Emboldened by Jake’s reassurance, they continued on their journey, the boat forging ahead through the increasingly choppy waters. Matt’s laughter echoed off the waves as he regaled them with tales of daring adventures, his imagination soaring as high as the seagulls circling overhead.
But as the storm clouds gathered ominously overhead, a sense of unease settled over the group like a heavy blanket. The once-playful banter grew subdued, replaced by a tense silence punctuated only by the distant rumble of thunder.
John glanced at the horizon, his instincts warning him of the impending danger. “Maybe we should turn back,” he suggested, his voice barely audible above the rising wind.
But Jake shook his head stubbornly, his gaze fixed on the distant shoreline. “We’re already halfway there, John. We can’t turn back now. Besides, what’s a little rain to a group of seasoned sailors like us?”
Reluctantly, John listened, his concern tempered by Jake’s confidence. But as the storm clouds loomed ever closer and the wind whipped around them with increasing ferocity, John couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Little did they know, their carefree boat outing was about to take a dark turn, plunging them into a harrowing ordeal that would test their courage, resilience, and the strength of their bonds.
THE STORM
As the Sea Serenade battled against the growing waves and darkening skies, the once-idyllic boat outing descended into a frantic struggle for survival. The gentle breeze that had carried them out to sea now whipped around them with increasing ferocity, churning the waters into a frothy tempest.
Jake and John, their faces grim with determination, worked in tandem to navigate the treacherous waters. With each gust of wind and towering wave that crashed against the boat’s hull, their efforts became more desperate, their adrenaline-fueled resolve the only thing keeping them afloat.
“We need to get the sails down, John!” Jake shouted over the howling wind, his voice barely audible above the roar of the storm.
John nodded, his jaw set in determination as he wrestled with the flapping sails. With every muscle strained to its limit, he fought against the raging elements, his hands numb with cold and exertion.
But just as they managed to secure the sails, disaster struck. With a sickening lurch, the boat’s engine sputtered and died, leaving them at the mercy of the relentless storm.
Panic gripped the group as they realized the gravity of their situation. Sara’s terrified cry echoed over the tumultuous sea as she clung to Matt, her arms wrapped tightly around him in a desperate attempt to shield him from the raging storm.
“We need to stay calm,” John called out, his voice barely audible above the crashing waves. “We’ll figure this out together.”
But as the storm raged on, their hopes of survival dwindled with each passing moment. The waves grew larger and more ferocious, threatening to engulf the small boat in their frothy embrace.
John’s heart pounded in his chest as he frantically scanned the horizon for any sign of land or rescue. But all he could see was an endless expanse of churning water and darkening skies, the storm showing no mercy to their plight.
The boat rocked violently as towering waves crashed against its sides, the wood groaning and creaking under the immense pressure. With a deafening crack, a rogue wave slammed into the boat’s hull, splintering the wood into deadly shards. Suddenly, a sharp pain seared through John’s leg, causing him to cry out in agony. He looked down to see a broken shard of wood protruding from his calf, blood seeping from the wound in a crimson stream.
Despite the excruciating pain, John’s thoughts turned to Sara and Matt. With a surge of determination, he forced himself to his feet, his vision swimming with dizziness and pain. “Sara, Matt, take my life jacket!” he shouted, his voice hoarse with pain. “You need it more than I do. I’ll be fine.” But Sara shook her head, her eyes wide with fear. “No, John, we can’t leave you like this. We’ll find another way.”
Before John could protest, the boat lurched violently to one side, sending them all tumbling into the icy embrace of the sea. The world spun around him in a dizzying whirlwind of chaos and confusion as the storm consumed them completely.
And then, darkness descended, wrapping John in its cold embrace as he slipped into unconsciousness, the last thing he remembered the anguished cries of his family echoing over the roar of the storm.
WHAT CAME AFTER THE STORM?
As I drifted in and out of consciousness, buffeted by the raging waves, fragments of memories flooded my mind like shards of shattered glass. In those fleeting moments of clarity, I was transported back to a time when life was simpler, when happiness was as abundant as the sea air that now stung my lungs.
I saw Sara’s smile, radiant and warm, as she laughed with Matt in the soft glow of the setting sun. Their joy was infectious, filling my heart with a sense of contentment I had never known before.
I remembered the sound of Matt’s laughter, the way it echoed across the harbor like a melody of pure joy. He was my light, my reason for being. In his laughter, I found solace amidst the chaos of the world.
And then there was Sara, my rock, my anchor in the stormy seas of life. Her unwavering love and support had been my guiding light, leading me through the darkest of days with grace and strength.
As the tumultuous waves tossed me to and fro, a memory emerged from the depths of my consciousness—a memory of the day I first laid eyes on Sara, a memory etched into the very fabric of my being.
I saw her standing there, a vision of grace and beauty, her eyes sparkling with warmth and intelligence as she greeted me with a smile that lit up the room. It was as if time stood still in that moment, the hustle and bustle of the world fading into the background as our gazes locked in a silent exchange of understanding.
There was an instant connection between us, a spark of recognition that ignited something deep within my soul. It was as if we had known each other for a lifetime, our hearts beating in sync as if guided by some unseen force of destiny.
We talked for hours that day, our conversation flowing effortlessly as if we had known each other for years. There was a chemistry between us that was undeniable, a magnetic pull drawing us closer with each passing moment.
Together, we had weathered the storms of life, standing side by side against the turbulent tide of fate. Our love was a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness, a testament to the power of human connection.
But now, as the waves tossed me like a ragdoll upon the merciless sea, those memories felt like distant echoes in the vast expanse of my mind. The pain in my leg throbbed with every heartbeat, a cruel reminder of the fragility of life.
SURVIVAL
I awoke to the sound of crashing waves and the sensation of rough sand against my skin. My head throbbed with a dull ache, and my body felt heavy and sluggish, as if I were trapped in some kind of waking nightmare. Slowly, painfully, I became aware of a presence beside me—a shadowy figure kneeling in the sand, their hands gripping my shoulders with a strength born of desperation. Through the haze of pain and confusion, I could feel them tugging me away from the sea and towards the safety of the land.
