Illya and Elliott watched as the taxi drove off; deciding to head down to the beach to walk off the evening's repast. Removing their shoes; the two walked hand in hand along the soft sandy beach under the full moon, finally stopping under a large volcanic rock formation resembling a Bermudan Moon Gate where they embraced each other.
Though this was a natural formation, the water having eroded the volcanic rock over the centuries created what resembled the famous man-made Moon Gates scattered across the islands, They had their origins in China, where they were a circular opening in a garden wall that acted as a pedestrian passageway, and a traditional architectural element in Chinese gardens.
Moon Gates were introduced to Bermuda in the late 19th century but the Bermudan Moon Gate differed slightly from the original Chinese design, as it was often left freestanding or attached to a low wall, instead of being a passageway. It was regarded as good luck for newlyweds to step through one of these gates.
Illya and Elliott took advantage of that luck, walking through the natural opening as they continued towards the waters edge with their arms wrapped around each others waists. They kissed again, cocooning in each others arms to the sound of the gentle waves washing ashore.
Illya's ears perked up to the roar of a small boat engine, and he tilted his head as he glanced out towards the water, looking over Elliott's shoulder and seeing the dinghies again as they passed, by while he continued to kiss his wife.
He said nothing to her as they strolled back to their cottage and decided he would speak to Nate to see if he could find out what was going on with those boats.
.
The taxi pulled away, and on the spur of the moment, Napoleon acted on one of his hunches telling the driver to backtrack and take him to the Crystal Caves located not far from Tom Moore's.
He took a twenty pound note from his billfold, tore it in half, telling the driver he'd get the other piece once he returned from exploring the caves. He added that if he hadn't returned in forty five minutes, to return to the Horizon Estates and fetch the blond fellow back here.
"Eez me up mon. I don't want be getting caught by de police, it's after hours here." He held out his palm, indicating to the American that he needed more money to make it worthwhile. "A few more pahnds mon, just in case I need to duck 'n peeze.
Napoleon got that he wanted more money, but was lost on the last part.
"Duck 'n peeze?"
"Beat a hasty retreat mon."
"Oh, got you." Napoleon smiled. "How's this?" He pulled out another twenty, tearing it in half as well. "Same deal with this."
"Well if the coppers come den, I tell them don't ax me, I was just takin' a quick nod between calls."
"Fine then, remember if I'm not back you do as we agreed.
"If you not back who be payin' me de pahnds den?"
"My friend the blond will see to it."
The taxi driver nodded, rubbing the two halves of the money between his fingers.
Napoleon headed off passing through a sub-tropical garden lined with palm trees and filled with a variety of trees and flowers and a sign that indicated the cave was nearly 36 meters below the ground level. At the entrance was a locked wrought iron gate, and he made quick work of it, opening it with his loc pic.
The walkway, lit by small lights descended slowly, and he listened carefully for any signs of life, but only heard the steady sound of dripping water coming from the stalagmites into the pools of water that surrounded him. There was a pontoon bridge that crossed a larger pool of that was crystal clear as the spotlights illuminated it.
The view was actually quite spectacular, as the many formations were spotlighted, showing the intense red, orange, green and white colors of the stalagmites and stalactites. The formations from the ceiling and from beneath the water created an eerie image as he continued to slowly make his way along.
He reached the entrance to the secondary cave that was cordoned off with several warning posts.. That was the one that he was interested in, the fact that it was no longer open to the public made it an ideal spot for Thrush to set up shop.
Napoleon drew a small flashlight from his pocket, as the climb down was quite steep and climbing down became more precarious. The Fantasy cave was a virtual jewel box filled with even more amazing displays of nature. There was a chandelier like cluster of soda straw formations at the ceilings and the entire walls were covered with mineral deposits that looked like frozen waterfalls. Sadly, there was no sign of any occupancy by Thrush.
Napoleon sighed, checking his watch for the time as he began his ascent from the cave, disappointed he'd come to yet another dead end. The walk back up was a little cumbersome and tiring, and he was glad to reach the outside garden, as well as to see his taxi still waiting for him. He pulled the pieces of the pound note out of his pocket as he opened the car door.
"Find what ya need mon?"
"Not exactly, no." He said, handing the money to him. " Take me back to the Princess please."
"Righto mon."
Napoleon returned to his hotel feeling a bit frustrated, and opted for a nightcap before heading up to his room. He eyed a lovely young brunette at the end of the bar, thinking there was a time he wouldn't have hesitated to send a her drink, strike up a flirtatious conversation and take such a woman to bed. Those days were gone now, and he was surprised at times that he didn't miss them, even though making love to so many beautiful women had definitely been an enjoyable pastime. He knew his libido was driven by loneliness, but he wasn't lonely anymore now that he'd found his Bella. She changed his life forever, and for the better.
He ordered and downed a scotch, ignoring the brunette as she tried getting his attention, gazing at him longingly with her hazel eyes. He had the bartender send her a drink, and smiled, giving her a little bow as he left the bar, heading up to his room for a good nights rest.
Tomorrow was going to be a long day with a lot of leg work to be done around the next spots he'd decided were likely locations for Thrush to have sequestered themselves. If he didn't find anything soon, he would contact Waverly and request assistance from the Caribbean office in his search.
Napoleon dressed in a luxurious pair of silver-grey colored silk pajamas and climbed into his soft and welcoming bed. He thought for a moment about Illya's jibe regarding the upgrade. "Was he being a little greedy doing something like this when his partner wasn't around?" It wasn't meant as a slight to Illya, and he reminded himself to make sure he apologized, just in case he had really been offended.
He mapped out his plans in his head, deciding he'd head up to St. Georges and check it out, as well as the harbor.
Napoleon finally closed his eyes, drifting off to a restless sleep; his lack of success on this assignment so far was weighing heavily on his mind, as well as his need to avoid to avoid Illya and Elliott.
