Chapter 4

Once Caitlin was finally ready, the group went to try out the restaurant that Dom was anxious to go to. The place specialized in seafood and had a beautiful high view of the ocean.

"Wow, this place is wonderful," said Caitlin. "This was a great choice Dom."

Dom smiled. "I like that the prices on the menu aren't too unreasonable," he said.

"You would," teased String.

The group ordered and discussed the plans they had for the rest of the trip. Caitlin wanted to go sailing and Saint John thought it would be fun to do some diving.

"I'm glad we decided to come for two weeks," said Dom. "This is a vacation we all needed and deserved."

"Yeah," said Caitlin. "Except for today's accident on the boat, I've had a great time."

String took her hand in his and squeezed it lightly. "Me too," he said. "It's second only to our trip down to Sanibel."

"That's true," she replied. "That trip was great. Everything about Florida is great."

String gave her a concerned look. "Do you regret moving back from here to California?" he asked.

"Of course not," she replied. "Florida's great but it wouldn't be so wonderful if you weren't here with me."

"Oh boy," said Saint John. "Here we go again. You love birds never quit."

String laughed. "Ah, you're just jealous."

Saint John sighed. "Actually, I am," he replied. "You're a lucky man String. I don't think I've ever seen you this happy."

"Aww, Saint John," replied Caitlin. "I'm sure you'll find someone. A great catch like you won't stay single for too long."

Caitlin felt String squeeze her hand tighter at her comment. She let go of his hand and smacked him on the arm and then whispered in his ear. "You have absolutely nothing to worry about," she said. "I belong to you remember?"

String turned towards her and kissed her. "I know," he said.

"Finally," said Dom. "Our food is here."

As they ate, Caitlin noticed that Dom was eating a little too fast. "Slow down Dom," she urged. "I'm sorry I was late getting ready but you should chew your food, not inhale it."

"Hey, I can't help it that I'm starving," he replied. "I didn't come on vacation to go on a diet you know."

The others laughed. Dom was about to laugh too but stopped suddenly. The expression on his face scared Caitlin. She instantly she realized what was happening.

"Dom's choking," she yelled.

String jumped up out of his seat and helped Dom to a standing position. He quickly began the Heimlich maneuver by administering several abdominal thrusts. In a matter of moments the object was free from Dom's throat and he could breathe again.

Caitlin stood up and hugged him tightly. "Are you okay Dom?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, feeling a bit foolish. "Don't let this ruin our dinner. I'll take it slow from here on out."

"Slow is good," replied Saint John. "And don't you dare say this was caused by that box out there."

"Saint John!" yelled String. "Don't be putting ideas in his head."

Caitlin laughed as she watched Dom's expression change. "You don't have to put any ideas in my head," he said. "I know that thing brings bad luck and I don't doubt it for a second that this was caused by it."

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA A

After dinner the group found a local locksmith and was able to bring the box in just in time before they closed for the evening. The old man in the shop seemed to have the same reservations about the box as Dom did.

"I'll unlock it for you," he replied. "But, I won't open it. Those symbols mean that the person who opens or possesses it will have bad luck."

"See, I told you," said Dom. "I'm not the only one who believes that thing is no good."

"Fine Dom," said String. "How about we get it unlocked and wait until we get back to the beach house to open it?"

The group agreed. The man quickly unlocked the box and they headed back to the house. Saint John seemed to be the most anxious to see what was inside. They set the box on the kitchen counter.

"Okay, you do the honors Saint John," said String. "You're the one who caught it."

Saint John smiled and slowly opened the box.

"Whoa," said Dom.

"God in Heaven," said Caitlin. "That's the most beautiful jewelry I've ever seen."

The box was filled with exquisite jewelry made with Tahitian pearls.

"This is worth a lot of money," said String. "Something tells me that we need to call Michael."

"I agree," replied Saint John. "Whoever lost this is probably going to want it back."