Chapter Text
Chapter 1
Folks, our arrival time here in Seattle is 9:58am, local weather is currently sitting at 64 degrees on this early September morning. If Seattle is your final stop the high today is forecasted for 73. For those passengers continuing their journey there will be an agent at the end of the walkway with information on gate numbers for connecting flights. At this time, you may take your mobile devices out of airplane mode. It’s been a pleasure having you all aboard this Alaskan Airlines flight, until next time enjoy your day.
The pilot’s announcement faded into the background as Scylla looked out her window staring at Mt. Rainer as the plane taxied to the gate. She smiled as it brought back memories of her childhood traveling all over Europe with her parents. She switched her phone back to wifi mode, it took a matter of seconds for the texts to come flowing in. A couple from Byron with Hotel information, one from Costia and one from Abigail. She smiled as she opened and read Abigail’s text.
Ramshorn, I’ll be at baggage claim, text me when you land.
Bellweather, I’m at the gate now, in the process of getting off of this metal death trap. See you soon!
Scylla smiled after she hit send, she was looking forward to seeing her friend again. She thought back to May of this year. Scylla met Abigail in Washington D.C. Scylla was the featured cellist at the White House Memorial Day Celebration Concert while Abigail was in attendance with her mother Senator Petra Bellweather from Washington State. While looking for her brother Byron after her performance Scylla ran into Senator Bellweather and her daughter Abigail. The Senator marveled at her performance before being dragged away by the Senator from California leaving Scylla and Abigail on their own.
“My mom absolutely loves your work.” Abigail began the conversation, “she will be gushing all the way back to Seattle now that she’s met you. I can hear her now “I met two-time Grammy nominated Scylla Ramshorn!” You know, I think you should have won with your modern take on those classical pieces. To hell with Yo Yo Ma, he’s won enough as it is.” Abigail laughed and toasted Scylla.
“Why thank you, it’s nice to meet someone who loves classical music.” Scylla responded cheeks turning a slight hue of red. She’s always had a hint of embarrassment when complimented on her work.
“Scylla!” she hears Byron’s voice cut through the crowd. “There you are, I’ve been looking all over for you.” Byron said while approaching the two women. “Well, well, well, who might this angelic vision be?” Byron greeted Abigail planting a kiss to the back of her hand.
Scylla and Abigail both let out a loud chuckle at his grand gesture. “Byron, this is Abigail Bellweather. Abigail, meet my manager and brother Byron.”
“Delighted to meet such a gentleman at these events.” Abigail returned. The three quickly decided they were about to become fast friends after a few drinks and lots of laughs.
“Ladies I feel our good looks and youth are being squandered just standing here. The night is young and there are so many dashing men to pick from.” Byron said with great amusement.
“By, you know I’m taking a break from the dating scene after that last disaster.” Scylla retorted.
“Come on Scylla! You can’t let that looser, dumpster fire of a so-called man live rent free in your head forever. He stayed rent free at your place long enough.” Scylla hit Byron in the arm giving him a look. “All I am saying is you need to get back out there, get back into the game of life. Besides, you have twice as many then most of us to choose from.” Byron continued his rant. “Abigail, you have to help me with this bi mess!”
“Don’t look at me I’m out of the game, I’ve got a steady man back in Seattle who I think is working up the nerve to propose.” Abigail replied with a smirk. “I’m pretty sure he’s afraid of me but he challenges me and I love him for that. As for you Scylla, sit back enjoy the night but don’t close yourself off to possibilities. Remember possibilities don’t have an expiration, anything can happen at any time any place. Just be open to it.”
“Oh my god, Scylla I love this queen! Can we keep her?” Byron cackled.
Abigail laced her arms through Scylla’s and Byron’s, “Just try and get rid of me. Now, let’s see if we can get Byron laid.” The three laughed and carried on throughout the evening.
The three would get together every time Abigail made it to the east coast continuing to grow the new friendship. This was the first time Scylla had visited the west coast. Most of the time her performances were in NY, DC, Boston or Europe where she spent a lot of her earlier career.
“Ramshorn! You, sexy siren! Get your ass over here!” Scylla looked up as she heard Abigail, there she stood arms out dancing in place. “Come on Ramshorn, get it, get it!” Abigail encouraged. Scylla smiled and began dancing and snapping over to Abigail. “Bring it in lady!” Abigail laughed as she wrapped her friend into a monster hug. “This is going to be a fun week. I’m so glad you were able to come a week early. Let’s go find your bags.” The pair laughed and chatted while grabbing Scylla’s luggage before heading out of the airport.
Driving up I-5 North away from the airport the two friends shared laughs while they caught each other up on there time apart. Scylla had been in London performing with an orchestra for a play that ran for three weeks. Abigail on the other hand had been asked or more so summoned to work with her mother’s campaign manager for her reelection. Abigail figured out early that her mom just wanted her connections and that included Scylla.
“Oh, Byron has you booked at the Hyatt on Olive and 8. He thought it might be a bit crowded at my place what with my fiancé having moved in.” Abigail’s face lit up with a devilish smile as she flashed the rock on her ring finger towards Scylla.
“Abigail!” Scylla squealed. “When?”
“He asked me Saturday night. Took me out to Canlis here in Seattle, it was very posh and sweet. He did it right, I just had to say yes.” Abigail smiled.
“Bullshit! “had to say yes” look at you, you’re so in love with him. Abigail Bellweather, you may fool many with that “hard” exterior but I know the real Abigail and your bark is way more vicious than your bite. You’re a true softy and romantic at heart.” Scylla called her out.
“UGH! I am, you see right through me Ramshorn. This is why we’re friends but that’s our secret and they’ll never find the body if you ever spill the beans.” Abigail said while giving Scylla an evil side eye grin.
“My lips are sealed. I know nothing although I’m pretty sure that we seemed to have passed downtown? Abs?” Scylla asked.
“Humm?” Abigail mumbled
“Abs, is there a reason we’re not heading into down town Seattle? We’re still going north, I thought you were taking me to my hotel?” Scylla kept prying
“Oh, we’ll have plenty of time to get you to the hotel. We are heading there.” Abigail pointed to the exit sign.
“Edmonds? Where is Edmonds or should I say what is in Edmonds?” Scylla asked.
“Well, we’re having lunch with my best friends Tally and Rae. You’re going to love them. Tally is like a vitamin boost for the soul and Rae, well Rae is Rae. I don’t really know how to describe Rae, it’s like they check all the boxes you could ever want in a friend, you’ll see.” Abigail smiled while thinking of her friends.
Scylla watched as Abigail described her friends. She found it endearing. “So, what have you told them about me?”
“Oh, they don’t think you exist.” Abigail laughed.
“What?” Scylla asked amused.
“Oh yeah, they’re convinced I’ve made you up. No way Abigail Bellweather can make a friend that fast. I can’t blame them, they’ve met me.” Abigail giggled.
“You are an acquired taste but you’re absolutely fabulous and I dare anyone to deny that.” Scylla responded.
“Thank you! See you get it.” Abigail tapped her friend’s leg in affirmation. “Another thing, we are heading here because I thought you might want to take a look at the space where you’ll be performing during the fundraiser next week. That way we have plenty of time to make any adjustments you might want. Killing two birds with one stone kind of thing. Oh, did I mention Rae has a pool and it’s going to be in the 70’s today. You got a swimsuit in that luggage of yours?”
“No.” Scylla grimaced.
“What? How do you not pack a swimsuit for vacation?” Abigail responded in faux shock.
“I don’t swim.” Scylla shyly whispered.
“What?! Why? How come??” Abigail glanced at her friend who had gotten quiet all of a sudden. She could see a look of sadness on her friend’s face. This would have to be a conversation for another time, today was a day of fun. “Look forget about the swimming, you’d burn like a lobster with your porcelain skin and no one needs to see that. Good food and good friends that’s what it’s all really about, right? They are going to love you. Actually…” Abigail drifted into thought with a sort of up to no good grin.
“Actually what? Abs, what’s going on in that head of yours?” Scylla kept looking at Abigail curiously watching her mind race. “Abs?”
“Nah, nah, nah, later, later…” Abigail brushed her off as she pulled up to a gated entrance. “We’re here!” Abigail rolled down her window and punched a code in on the keypad opening the gate. As they drove up the circle drive Scylla’s eyes widened a bit and mouth opened slightly as she took in the palatial two-story modern home. Some of the rooms had floor to ceiling windows, there was a three-car garage and the landscaping around the front was immaculate. Scylla couldn’t wait to see the rest of the place.
Just to the right of the main entrance there was a side gate where several construction vehicles were parked loaded with lumber and tools. Construction workers were going in and out of the gate carrying supplies around to the backyard.
“Leave your stuff here, we’ll go find Rae and I’ll show you around.” Abigail instructed as they both exited the vehicle. They worked their way through the gate and around the side of the house to the backyard. Scylla rounded the side of the home, once in the backyard her mouth dropped again in awe of the view. The Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain range across the water creating a skyline of snowcapped peaks, the view was breathtaking and comforting at the same time. Scylla’s thoughts were taken back to a more joyful time. Memories as a child riding through the country sides of Scandinavia and Europe with her parents came flooding forward. She was really starting to enjoy her first time on the west coast. Her smile grew as she watched the sail boats and ferryboat glide across the water. She felt a sense of calm move within her as tears pricked the corners of her eyes.
“This way.” She heard Abigail say to her left. Scylla turned and followed her friend deeper into the backyard. Scylla could now see the full expanse of the house. The second story had large windows with two sets of French doors towards each end leading out to the joining balcony that ran along the majority of the home. The downstairs had a patio in the center leading from what looked to be an entryway heading in towards the kitchen area. On the right side coming out of the kitchen there was a nook and table with seating. To the left there was a built-in grill and further out on the left side sat a brick covered wood burning pizza oven. The patio transitioned down a few steps the flooring going from stone to concreate where the pool deck began. The pool was a long rectangular shape lap pool with what looked like a beach entry at the front end and it gradually got deeper towards the other end where a small diving board was perched. It had to be fifteen to eighteen feet in length and at least ten feet wide. Halfway down the right side was a small rounded section which looked to Scylla to be a jacuzzi. Scylla continue to follow Abigail down the right side of the pool further out into the backyard where the construction of a small stage and what looks to be a dance floor where being built.
Construction workers were walking back and forth along the right side of the pool carrying various tools and loads of lumber.
“Oh, this will not do.” Abigail grumbled. “Wait here, I need to handle a few instructions. You don’t need to witness this massacre.” She told Scylla before heading towards the one who looked to be the lead guy.
Scylla stood closer towards the pool to get out of the way of the construction crew. Even though she didn’t swim she could see the refreshing lure and inviting nature of the pool. She was also right it was a jacuzzi with a step-in seat that didn’t seem to bad. While waiting for Abigail Scylla took in the vast space that made up the backyard, it was refreshing almost like a garden oasis. The space had a very restful appeal. Scylla turned her gaze across the pool to the other side, there was a flower bed that ran the length of the pool. Kneeling tending to the flowers towards the end of the run Scylla spots who she assumes is the gardener, she studies them. She can’t seem to look away as they stand wearing light colored torn “boyfriend” jeans, a white tank top and flip flops? Scylla cocks an eyebrow and a small grin as she takes in the scene before her. Well hello, and who might you be? Scylla’s inner thoughts took over freezing her in place staring.
The blonde removed their gloves tucking them into their back pocket as they turned toward Scylla. The blonde was petit and slender but powerfully built. Scylla couldn’t stop staring as she followed the muscles up their arm and across their shoulders until her gaze locked on a set of eyes. Eyes as blue and inviting as the pool that lay in front of her. Eyes that twinkled with kindness and curiosity. Eyes that were looking directly at her followed by a smile. In that moment it was as if everything moved in slow motion. The blonde’s eyes widened as their arms moved up removing the ear buds. Scylla saw their arm raise and point at her. She heard them shout “look out!”. Scylla turned to the left, that’s the last thing she remembered before the darkness and pain took her.