Title: Another Day, Brother - Chapter 2 (original chapters 1-3 combined here to make ch. 1)
Author: jbdean ©
Rating: G
Summary: Still later that same day.
Rummaging around in The Nairne's cabin was difficult for Desmond. One, it brought back a lot of memories and two, the boat had been sitting outside for so long almost everything was either covered in dust and sand or ruined from the sea's salt. But he was finding some things salvageable. The bunk mattress, while a bit moldy, was still comfortable enough to sleep on and after a good airing, he thought, it would be fine to sleep on in a day or two. As he was dragging it outside, it caught on the corner of a drawer that was open an inch or two. As he tugged harder, the drawer slid open a bit more and sparked his attention. Letting the mattress flop to one side, Desmond shimmied around it and made his way to the cabinet that housed the drawer. As he wiggled it free from years of swelling due to the sea and elements, he saw something inside that he'd forgotten about.
Setting the small gray metal box on a counter, he thought for a second and then turned the combination on the padlock. One try and and a few tugs and the lock sprang open. He slipped it out from the strongbox's latch and gently laid it on the counter next to the box. As he reached to open the lid the palms of his hands began to sweat and he could feel his heart begin to speed up. Desmond wiped his hands on the legs of his DHARMA coveralls and then, slowly, lifted the lid of the strongbox. Inside, just where he had left them, were two bundles. One of a large yellowish envelope and the other a collection of envelopes with a lovely woman's handwriting on their face, these were tied with a silky red and green ribbon.
First he took out the large envelope and ran a finger under the flap to open it. The envelope immediately expanded from its contents ... a wad of American bills, hundreds, that totaled $45,000. A large smile spread across Desmond's face as he thought back to how he'd come to have this much cash and then a loud laugh filled the tiny cabin as he realized there was no need for money where he was now.
But the laugh faded quickly as his eyes landed once more on the neatly bundled letters still in the strongbox. Laying the money aside, he reached gently in and lifted out the letters as if he were carrying a tiny kitten or little chick; afraid they might crumble in his hands from age if he moved too quickly. He just held them for a long time, looking at the feminine penmanship that spelled out his name and address ... and hers in the upper left corner. He put them to his nose and deeply inhaled. The smell of her perfume had long faded but in his mind it was as strong as if she were right there with him ... her neck gently cradling his face so that he could enjoy her scent to the fullest.
"Fiona ... " he let out with a sigh. "Oh, Fiona. Where are you now?"