The Island Flamingo: Chapter 44

As Andre and I depart on the boat, Jessica Galton waves goodbye to us with her flamingo friend until we’re out of sight. I sigh and stare out at the ocean. By now, the sun hangs in the middle of the sky, making the blue sea sparkle. In the distance, a pod of dolphins jump from the water like skilled acrobats.

“Miss Tamara, how are you doing back there? You look puzzled.”

Andre’s voice snaps me out of my stupor.

“Oh, yes, I’m okay. Thank you.” I reply unconvincingly.

“I hope your visit went well. Miss Galton’s very eccentric.”

For the first time all day, I let out a loud snort. “Haha! That’s an understatement. Although I find it strange you’re going by Andre whenever she’s nearby, or should I say Louis?”

Andre gulps but doesn’t take his eyes off the boat’s bow. “Um…”

“Don’t bother with an excuse. I remember you saying your name was Louis on the way here.”

“Fine, you caught me. Now move on. Let’s not ruin this beautiful view.” He says while beads of sweat dot his forehead.

“Sorry, Louis, I can’t do that. Not when I have the perfect interview in front of me.”

Louis sighs, “Okay, I admit defeat. But only till we get to the docks. I don’t want any eavesdroppers.”

“Why are you a boat chauffeur for Miss Galton?”

“I found out where she lives through a friend of mine. I took up residence in Greece. Since I’m the cheapest and one of my hobbies is sailing, landing this gig was easy. I curled and dyed my hair black, and a facial surgery from a car accident helped with my disguise.”

“Why did you take the job?”

Louis tightens his hands on the wheel. “I still haven’t forgiven her for what she did to us. She hasn’t told me why she did it, let alone contact us. My mother was arrested and put in prison for three years after the incident. All because she tried to do the right thing, and we trusted the wrong person. Even if Billings is gone, that doesn’t make what she did any less bad. Now Jessica’s living on some fancy private island with the nerve to have a pet flamingo while my mom’s struggling with memory loss in my studio apartment. Whenever I see her, I want to shout about all the terrible things she’s caused, but I can’t. I don’t know. I’m not sure if I’m too strong or weak to do it, but it’s impossible.”

I stare at him silently before offering him a tissue for his tear-stained face.

“Louis, you and your mother don’t deserve to suffer. I promise you the truth will be told.”

“Yeah, like that’ll ever happen!” he laughs.

I pull out the recorder from my pocket and show it to him.

“Believe me, I’ve got something you’ve wanted for a long time.”

He gasps, “Wait, why are you helping me out?”

“Jessica was my hero until today. I wanted to become a journalist like her and found out I was in the worst way possible. Back in L.A. I’m a workaholic, and I’ve sacrificed too much for a career. It scares me to think what would’ve happened if I’d kept going. Now, I want to become a better person and help the actual heroes.”

Louis stares, and we both share smirks.

. . .

An hour later, we arrive back at the docks. I wave goodbye to Louis and walk to a restaurant where my escort waits.

“Hi Tamara,” she said. “Did you have a nice time?”

“Oh, I did. Could we go to the spa tomorrow? I love the massages.”

“Sounds like a plan! It’s wonderful to see you more relaxed.”

We browse the menu, and I catch a glimpse of Louis walking away, holding the recorder.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero