Page 26 of Wild Idol (Tyson Wild Thriller #82)

S haded by tall trees and towering palms, the jungle path led to a small village. The crash of waves grew distant, and birdsong filled the air. Even the wildlife seemed happy and content here.

The narrow path gave way to a cozy village that was both primitive and elegant.

There were plenty of thatched-roof bungalows with sheer silk curtains that fluttered with the breeze.

An open area pavilion with a bar and handwoven tables and chairs provided an area to gather and have meals.

Wicker lounge chairs offered a place to soak up the sun around a natural well of spring water that was so blue it almost glowed.

Pure and unadulterated. Liquid sapphire.

If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought somebody had poured dye into the water.

A slew of lazy hammocks strung between trees offered a place to pass the time without a care in the world.

The landscaping in this area was meticulously groomed, and there were plenty of well-tended pathways.

It felt like a resort while retaining a natural, unmolested vibe. Everything here was crafted from what was available on the island. The community was truly one with the land. The island gave them life and provided sustenance, and in return, they treated her with respect.

The smell of grilled food drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of spices. Adjacent to the pavilion, a team of chefs prepared meals on makeshift barbecue grills, cooking over open flames.

There was no electricity here. No propane stoves.

Everything was fresh. If you wanted to keep meat for any length of time, you had to cure it.

This was not the kind of place where you could just wander up to the bar and order a cold beer, though I did see bottles of liquor behind the counter.

There was no doubt someone made routine trips to the mainland to stock up on supplies that just couldn’t be found on the island.

But by and large, this community appeared to be self-sustaining.

“There’s everything here a man could want,” Sunshine said, still holding my hand, looking at me with those seductive blue eyes.

Indeed. At first glance, it was the kind of place you never wanted to leave.

Solomon approached with a cheery smile. He wore a loose cream linen shirt and pants that flowed with each step.

He had a swarthy tan, curly dark hair, and a trimmed mustache and goatee.

His dark, brooding eyes were penetrating.

With outstretched arms, he gave us both a hug and welcomed us to the island.

Let’s just say his hug didn’t have the same effect as the one Sunshine had given me .

“Welcome, gentlemen. You’re going to love it here.

We’re usually booked solid, but we had a last-minute cancellation.

I’m sure you’re exhausted after a long journey.

Sunshine and Whisper will show you to your accommodations.

Once you get settled in, I’ll send the girls to give you a massage.

It’s imperative that you leave all stress behind.

I want you to clear your minds and eliminate worry.

There will be plenty of time to dig in and analyze past trauma.

But for now, please let all of your concerns and apprehensions fade away.

The experience we provide here at Xaqualta is powerful.

It is best approached with a sense of optimism and wonder, not fear and trepidation.

Have either of you done psychedelics before? ”

“Not in a setting like this,“ I said, leaving out the details of our last spiritual journey.

Solomon flashed a disarming smile. “Not to worry. You’re in great hands.

I can assure you that through the proper guidance, your experience will be unique, enjoyable, and life-changing.

You will leave this island with a renewed sense of purpose and awareness, free of past trauma and baggage.

That is, if you want to leave at all.” He smiled.

“We’ve had plenty of guests who have decided to make this a permanent home.

” He smiled again. “But we can talk about all of that later. In the meantime, relax and enjoy yourselves. Indulge in your every desire. There are plenty of sensory delights on the island—the best food, the finest drink, and, of course, the most beautiful, angelic creatures to walk the Earth.” Solomon smiled at the girls, and they smiled back.

Sunshine grabbed my hand again and led me through the village .

I kept a watchful eye, looking for Ivy, but I didn’t see her. I didn’t see many others at first glance.

The girls led us through the dense jungle down a narrow, winding path. Two bungalows emerged—our homes for the next few days. Made of teak, bamboo, and palm fronds combined with masterful stonework, the structures were impressive.

Sunshine led me up the steps to the porch of my bungalow.

There was a hammock and a woven bench for relaxing.

She swung open the door and escorted me inside.

Candles burned on nightstands made of bamboo by the bed.

The low mattress was shrouded in mosquito netting.

A back porch offered a raw, unadulterated view of the jungle.

I was mistaken about running water. The village had plenty of it. Spring fed and piped into each of the bungalows via gravity. A turn of the bamboo tap spilled plenty of fresh water into the basin. They had even created a septic system for the village. No midnight trips to an outhouse.

The lazy fan hung overhead, powered by vanes on the roof that caught the breeze. It was enough to keep the air moving in the bungalow. Just enough to avoid it feeling stuffy.

“Take a moment to settle in,” Sunshine said with a smile. “I’ll grab some coconut oil and return to give you a massage.”

How could I argue with that?

Light on her feet, Sunshine started for the door.

I probably should have kept my mouth shut. “Do you know a girl named Ivy?”