Page 4

4

P aisley

I read the email again as soon as I have collected my luggage at the conveyor belt.

I’m meeting someone called Marcel Baker at the statue of a marble angel just outside the airport. I’m going to an orientation session, and then I’m boarding another flight that will take us to the island. Apparently, there are a couple of us meeting here. I’m not sure why we have to do the orientation before arriving on the island. It seems a bit backward, but whatever makes them happy.

“Whatever,” I mutter to myself as I place my bags onto a cart. What difference does it make? I heft first the one bag and then the other. I was told to pack for a tropical climate with high humidity and lots of rainfall, with temperatures that can scorch. Plenty of bug spray and sunblock were recommended, too. I threw in a couple of sweaters and a jacket, just in case. I would rather be prepared than sorry. I’ve probably overpacked, considering I will receive a uniform. We can also order supplies, but it might take time for them to be delivered.

I’m not sure why they couldn’t check my bags straight onto the next flight. It would have saved me the hassle of having to check them all in again.

I head outside, wincing against the bright sun. Then I rummage in my purse and pull out a pair of sunglasses, putting them on before continuing.

Better.

It doesn’t take long to reach the statue. There are several people assembled there. I push the cart over and look at my watch. I’ve made it with five minutes to spare.

I look around, since I have no idea who I’m meeting and who the others are. I wonder if it is the small group already assembled here. I catch the eye of an attractive middle-aged woman.

“Are you also waiting for Marcel?” she asks.

“Um…yes.” I nod. “You, too?”

She nods back. “Yes, we’re waiting for him as well. I’m Jessica. I’m a doctor. This is Mark.” She points to a guy in his early twenties. “He’s a chef. Cathy is our Communications Liaison Officer.”

“Hi.” Cathy looks like she could be around thirty. She has thick, blonde hair and blue eyes.

“A Communications Liaison Officer, you say?”

Cathy nods. “Yep. I’m an events organizer. I run my own business, but this was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

“I’m Paisley.” I shake her hand and then start shaking hands with the others in the group.

“I’m Russel.” A guy shakes my hand. He looks tired, with bags under his eyes and thinning hair. I suspect that he isn’t as old as he looks. “I’m a head chef. This is Carter, one of my line cooks.”

“Good to meet you.” I shake their hands, too.

It doesn’t take long before a few others join. Another cook and several housekeepers. We introduce ourselves.

“What do you do, Paisley?” Jessica asks.

“I’m an ER nurse.”

“So, we’ll be working together, then,” Jessica says, looking excited.

“Yes.”

“From the emergency room to a small clinic on a remote island.” Jessica lifts her brows.

“I decided I needed a change. Something less…stressful, I guess.” I pull in a deep breath and smile. “So I took the position. As Cathy said, the package was just too good to turn down, and I’ve been meaning to travel.”

“Travel has always been on my bucket list,” Cathy says.

“I think we probably all feel the same. I’m itching to get there. I’m so glad it’s tropical weather. I’m from Boston, and we’ve been knee-deep in the snow.” Jessica raises a perfectly groomed brow.

“Hi.” A woman with rosy cheeks arrives. She has curly, brown hair and a warm smile. I think she might be around my age, probably even a little older. “I worked at the Hilton for several years as head of housekeeping but decided I wanted a break, too, and here I am.” I like her right off the bat. “How rude.” She laughs. “I’m Margaret, but you can call me Maggie,” she adds, still smiling.

“Maggie,” I say. “Do you—?” I start to ask when a man walks up to us, taking long, confident strides.

“Hello, everyone, I’m Marcel Baker. You can call me Marcel,” the man says as he walks up to us. He’s wearing dark blue jeans, a button-down shirt with no tie, and a smart linen jacket. He’s in a pair of funky Adidas sneakers, which are at odds with the rest of his outfit but somehow work. “Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime.” His eyes sparkle, making butterflies flutter in my stomach. “I’m going to take you through your orientation this morning. There will be a few more pesky documents to sign, as well. Then it will be lunch, followed by the flight to the island.”

“More paperwork?” the head chef says. Russel, I think he said his name was.

“Yes, I’m afraid so. It has to do with the orientation,” Marcel says. “Please put your luggage in the SUVs.” He gestures to the three waiting vehicles.

“Let’s ride together,” Maggie says, her eyes glinting in the late morning light.

“Yes, let’s.” I smile.

Marcel leads us to the vehicles, and we all load our luggage into the back. The interior is spacious and comfortable, the cool air conditioning a welcome relief from the heat outside. We take up our seats, clicking our belts into place.

“Hi, I’m Julie,” a young woman says. “I’m in housekeeping. I think you’re my boss,” she tells Maggie.

“I am, indeed, but since we’re such a small crew, it’s mostly just in title. I will have to get my hands dirty, too; don’t you worry.” She laughs. I really like her. She’s my kind of people. “Do you have experience?” she asks Julie.

“Yes…” They talk for a few minutes, and I take the opportunity to look out of the window. I’ve never been to this part of the country before.

Soon enough, we leave the airport behind us and hit the open road.

“Tell us about yourself, Paisley,” Maggie says, drawing my attention back inside the vehicle.

I shrug. “What’s to tell?”

“Well, we know you’re an ER nurse looking for a change.”

I nod. “Yep, that’s right.”

“But are you running away from something or hoping to save money for your future?” She laughs. “Sorry, I can be full-on. I guess I don’t mince my words. You don’t have to answer that, but I couldn’t help but notice the lack of wedding ring.” She looks pointedly at my hand.

“Probably a little of both.” I smile. “I got divorced two years ago. My husband left me.” I decide not to mince my words, either.

“Let me guess: for a younger model…not that there’s anything wrong with you, but I know all too well how it goes.” She rolls her eyes. There’s a story there, but I don’t push.

“Something like that.” I nod. “He’s already remarried with a kid well on the way. I just…I…needed a change, and here I am. The huge package is an added bonus.”

“I’m here for the money,” Julie says.

“Me, too.” Maggie nods her head, smiling. “And I finally had the guts to leave my husband after he cheated on me for the fifth…no, make that the sixth time – that I know of. I’m sure there were plenty of other women.” She snorts in disgust. “The last time was with my so-called best friend. Broke my heart twice over, but somehow, I’m sure you know all about it, Paisley.”

I nod, even though I don’t. Jim never cheated on me, not that I know of. I doubt it very much. He isn’t the type. He left me when things got difficult, when they got really hard. In some ways, that’s almost worse.

“I’m so sorry,” I tell her. “Is it still very new?” I ask.

“Yeah, the divorce was finalized eight months ago, but the marriage was over long ago, so it doesn’t matter.” The hazy look in her eyes tells me differently.

“I’ve never been married. I had a boyfriend, but it didn’t work out,” Julia chimes in. “Sorry, I can’t relate,” she adds in a half-mutter.

“That’s a good thing, hon’. But then again, you’re still young. Do yourself a favor and pick wisely,” Maggie says with a laugh.

We pull into a parking lot outside a large building surrounded by lush greenery and get out of the SUV.

“You can leave your luggage. It will be quite safe,” Marcel says before ushering us inside. The interior is sleek and modern, with a large conference room set up for our orientation session.

We file into the large space and all stick on a name tag, grab something to drink from a nearby table, and then take a seat.

“First things first.” Marcel rubs his hands together. “Let’s get the admin out of the way.”

He places a three-page document in front of each of us. There’s a pen at each station, as well as a bottle of water.

“It’s a simple non-disclosure agreement,” Marcel says. “Before I can go any further, I need each and every one of you to initial each page and to sign in the applicable spot.”

“Why?” Jessica laughs, but I can hear the tension in her tone. “We’re going to a resort island.” She shrugs. “This seems a little cloak-and-dagger. It makes me feel uncomfortable. This should have been passed by my lawyer.” She leans back and folds her arms.

“I agree; this is pretty harsh.” Mark whistles, tapping the document with the back of his fingers as his eyes move over the second page. “If we break this agreement, we’ll face jail time and essentially lose everything. Even our family could be held accountable. Is this even legal?”

“It’s legal.” Marcus nods. “It’s harsh but very fair. You will be privy to highly confidential information while on the island. Adhere to the NDA, and you’ll be fine, deviate, and you’ll be nailed to the wall.”

“What kind of resort is this? What confidential information? What goes on there?” Jessica asks, cocking her head. Her lips are pressed together.

“Nothing illegal,” Marcus says. “It’s all aboveboard, just sensitive, that’s all.”

Cathy swallows thickly. “It seems a bit…um…weird.”

“Everything will be explained to you in detail once you sign; otherwise, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave now. You will understand once you hear everything I have to say.”

“Leave? And then what?” Jessica’s voice is shrill. “I’ve signed a year-long contract with Island Corp. I left my place of employment for this position. You would be in breach of that contract.”

“No, we wouldn’t be in breach, Dr. Carver. We’re well without our rights to request an NDA to be signed. It formed a part of said contract. You may contact your lawyer if you wish. We have a few minutes to spare.” He looks at the wall clock.

Jessica pushes her chair back and, clutching the contract to her chest and with phone in hand, she leaves the room.

No one says anything. We all read the contract, which is, indeed, pretty hectic. In layman’s terms, it reads, “Keep quiet or else!” The “or else” being jail and loss of all worldly possessions. Nothing too drastic.

What sensitive information?

It is weird.

For a moment, I consider leaving, but then I remember what I’m going back to. I don’t have a terrible life, but…I don’t want to go back to Cedar Pines. This is starting to feel like an adventure. Why all the secrets? What’s going on? I have to know. The NDA just made things interesting.

I look over at Maggie, who shrugs. Her eyes are burning with…excitement. I definitely like her a whole lot. From the look on her face, it’s clear she’s still all in. I can’t wait to hear what this is all about. It can’t be that bad, can it?

Mark keeps reading the document. Once done, he starts rereading it all over again. He is chewing one of his nails down to the quick. If he keeps it up, it’ll bleed soon.

Jessica returns; her face is ashen. “It’s true. If we don’t sign, we’re terminated. I can’t believe he didn’t pick this up sooner.” She sounds a little out of breath, and her cheeks are flushed. “I’m not sure what I’m paying him for,” she mutters, mostly to herself.

“If you decide to leave now,” Marcel says. “you would be paid out for three months of the contract, which should be sufficient time for someone of your caliber to find new employment. The same applies to all of you.” He looks around the room. “If any of you wish to leave, now is the time. Or you can sign and find out exactly what we are all about. Once again, I assure you that it is nothing illegal. You can back out at any time, but the NDA would stand.”

My heart beats faster.

Jessica puts the document down on the table. “I’m out!” Just like that, she walks away, the door clicking shut behind her.

“Anyone else?” Marcel asks. “Does anyone need more time to decide?” He looks around the room again.

Russel rubs his eyes and then stares down at the table. Mark is now chewing his bottom lip like it’s a piece of prime rib.

“I’m in!” Cathy yells a little too loudly.

“Me, too,” Julie yells. “I mean…” She shrugs. “I don’t have much to lose. I’m pretty broke.”

“It’s not just about loss of finances. You would be jailed for up to four years should you break this agreement. My bosses are pretty strict about upholding the NDAs,” Marcel warns. “Be very sure before you sign.”

Julie signs with a flourish. Russel follows suit, as do Maggie, Cathy, and I.

Mark is the last to sign. When he does, it’s clear that it’s with reluctance and severe apprehension.

“Why do I feel like I just signed my life away?” he mumbles, scratching the back of his head.

Marcel collects the documents. “Now the fun can begin.” He smiles broadly. “Has anyone heard of Draig Island?”

There are gasps around the room. Cathy grabs her chest, her eyes huge in her head.

“No…please, please don’t say that’s the island you’re taking us to,” Mark says. His face looks pale.

“That’s where the Tributes go,” Maggie says. “It’s supposed to be dangerous and infested with dragons.” She also looks worried.

“The island you’ll be going to isn’t Draig—” Marcel says.

“Oh, thank god!” Russel scrubs a hand over his face.

Mark sighs. “You were making a joke. Why would you scare us like that?”

“It isn’t Draig,” Marcel says again, “but it is the island right next door to Draig. Draig’s sister island is called Mistveil.”

“What?” Russel splutters. “A sister island?”

“You’re teasing us all over again,” Mark adds.

“Next door, as in, close to the dragons?” one of the housekeepers asks. Her name-tag reads Emma.

“Please tell me that we won’t be coming into contact with any dragons.” Cathy has gone back to looking ghostly pale. “I don’t like that idea at all.”

Julie whimpers.

“This is where things get interesting,” Marcel says, grinning. Why does he look so happy? “There are dragons on Mistveil Island. Just as many as on Draig.”

“We can’t go there.” Mark pushes his chair back so hard it falls onto the ground with a loud clatter as he stands. “That would be a death wish. I don’t have a freaking death wish. I don’t like dragons. No!” He shakes his head.

“They’re not feral or dangerous… At least, most of them aren’t,” Marcel goes on.

“What do you mean, most of them?” Cathy asks in a shrill voice.

“You would be perfectly safe,” Marcel adds.

“How can you guarantee something like that?” Russel yells, his face turning red. “This is insane. You can’t expect us to go to this dragon-infested island.”

“I’m leaving.” Mark starts toward the door.

“Please, Mr. Jackson,” Marcel says in a pleading voice. “Take a seat and let me finish. Once I am done, you may decide how you would like to proceed. We won’t force you into anything. But you need all the facts to make an informed decision.”

Mark looks unsure.

“What do you have to lose?” I ask.

“Yes, sit down. Let’s hear what Marcel has to say,” Maggie says.

Mark finally nods. “I don’t like it.” He puts his chair back upright and takes a seat. He folds his arms and glowers at Marcel. “It had better be good, or I’m leaving. I didn’t sign up for dragons. I signed up for a tropical island getaway.”

“I guess that’s why the remuneration is so fantastic,” Russel mutters. “It’s danger pay. I have a feeling this is going to be interesting.”

“The reason there are sixty Tributes this year is that, for the first time ever, Tributes are being sent to Mistveil as well as Draig Island. It will be your job to take care of the thirty humans going to Mistveil Island.”

No one says anything. All eyes are on Marcel.

“You will live in a magnificent five-star accommodation. All meals will be provided. Should you arrive at the island and decide that you are not happy with any aspect of your employment, you would be permitted to leave, provided a replacement has been found for you. This is particularly true of medical staff. Flights leave for the Mainland every Monday.”

“Tell us about the dragons. How can you say with such certainty that they aren’t feral? That they won’t kill us as soon as we arrive?” Mark asks; his arms are tightly folded across his chest.

“The dragons on both Draig and Mistveil are not simply dragons,” Marcel says.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Russel snaps. He and Mark exchange a look.

“They’re dragon shifters.”

“Shifters?” Mark looks confused. “What does that even mean?”

“Yeah, what is a shifter?” one of the junior chefs asks.

“A shifter…as in…?” I start to say, my mind going a mile a minute.

“Surely not?” Maggie and I lock eyes. I see the same excitement as before.

“They are dragon shifters, meaning they can shift between human and dragon forms. They are intelligent and—”

Everyone starts talking at once.

“That’s crazy!” Mark shouts.

My mouth has fallen open. Can it be? How? Really?

Dragon shifters are a myth. They belong in novels. They don’t exist, do they?

I look over at Maggie, who is grinning broadly. I guess I’m going to find out soon enough. I smile back. My heart is racing like mad. I wanted a change. I wanted an adventure. I think I might have found one.