Chapter 81

Hunter left the building with a victorious grin on his face. He had proof. Now, all he needed to do was find someone to buy it from him, to find someone who would show the world that mermaids existed. He would prove to his brother that he was not crazy. When he arrived at his home, he opened his laptop and went straight to Google, searching for scientists and researches specialising in mythical creatures, mermaids in particular. Hunter realised that he would need to find a scientist. The public probably would not believe a story from a fanatical researcher. This narrowed his search down. Now, what kind of scientist would have an interest in a mermaid? A Marine biologist perhaps?

The majority of scientists that came up in the search were in America and in the United Kingdom. It would take time to get a hold of them. He wanted someone local, an Australian scientist or institute. Adding 'Australian' in the search engine, Hunter scrolled down the search results. An outsider would probably make a joke at how well his name suited his actions. A certain name kept coming up.

'Dr Linda Denman is looking for any information or evidence regarding mythical sea creatures, in particular mermaids. Anything promising will be greatly rewarded.' This site was listed from 2013, over 12 years earlier. Hunter hoped she was still looking for evidence. It was a long shot, but Hunter clicked on the contact information for this Marine Biologist, Dr Denman. He would call the Denman Oceanographic Institute the next day.

"Hello, yes I would like to book an appointment to see, Dr Linda Denman…I have some important information to share with her,"

OoOoO

Hunter sat in the reception area of the Denman Oceanographic Institute, holding a folder with the printed photos inside.

"Mr Tasman? Dr Denman is ready to see you now," the receptionist said.

Linda Denman was sitting at her desk when the young man entered her office.

"Welcome, Mr Tasman, please sit down," Denman said, shaking his hand.

"It is an honour to meet you, Dr Denman," Hunter said. "Please, call me Hunter,"

"Alright Hunter, I heard that you have something important and 'truly ground-breaking,' to share with me, what is this about? My receptionist said that you practically begged for this appointment."

"Shall I start from the beginning?"

"That's always good," Denman said

"I think you would be interested to know that mermaids exist," Hunter stated.

Denman's heart began to race. Mermaids. She had promised Lewis and the others that she would never pursue them again. She felt conflicting emotions.

"I would like you to open a research investigation to bring mermaids into the light,"

"I think you're mistaken, Mr Tasman," Denman began, "My institution deals in oceanography; fish counts, climate change, stuff like that. We do not research mythical sea creatures that do not exist,"

"Hear me out, doctor, I know I seem crazy," Hunter pleaded. "I have evidence,"

"Evidence?" Denman asked. She truly was intrigued. She felt guilty about feeling that way. She wondered how he could have got evidence if even she had found it difficult. In some ways she sympathised with him; this man was in the same place she was all those years earlier.

"In this folder, I have photos of a mermaid transformation,"

"And you're just willing to give them to me? What's in it for you?"

"Well," Hunter said, "I want nothing more than the world to know that the mythical live among us, for their own safety and knowledge," The glint behind his eyes told Denman otherwise.

"What else?" she asked.

"Revenge," he said darkly, "The fish in these pictures betrayed me,"

Denman was going to ask how, but thought better of it; Hunter looked positively insane or at least obsessed. She was going to do her own digging. Hunter paused.

"And of course, monetary compensation would be greatly obliged, I'll sell them to you," he grinned. The sinister look on his face seemed out of place with his young features, Denman noted. Greed and revenge – those two sins never turned out well for the beholder.

"What makes you think I'd be interested?" she asked him.

"I found a site where you asked for evidence on mermaids. As much as you're trying to hide it, to keep face, you desperately want to prove that mermaids exist,"

"Do I now?"

Hunter just smirked.

"Do you want to see them or not?" Of course, she did and Hunter read it all over her face. Where had her poker skills gone all of a sudden?

Denman gestured for him to go ahead. Hunter opened the folder and pulled out five photos, laying each individual print out on the desk in front of her. The A4 size made what was in the image easy to see. The first picture was of a woman standing with her back to the camera, using a photocopy machine. It was taken just as water was thrown, some of the water still airborne and the woman's shoulders were tense as if the cold substance had just touched her. He had surprised her. Denman knew exactly what the next pictures would be of. The second picture that Hunter had laid out almost made Denman's heart stop. The brunette woman had turned around and had an expression of pure terror and outrage on her face.
Could it be?
Denman's eyes widened. The third picture was actually hard to interpret to the unknowing eye; all that could be seen was droplets of water. It was taken just as she transformed. The fourth picture showed the woman, fully transformed with her golden tail shining, falling backwards. The fifth was of the mermaid half lying down, propped up by her elbows. Betrayal and fear were etched on her face. She was wearing a silver-chained necklace, the pendant was a blue and silver oval locket. Denman recognised the girl. They had only met in person once, but she knew exactly who that girl was. The necklace around the mermaid's neck had belonged to her sister. Her sister's son, Alan, had given that necklace to his girlfriend on their one-year anniversary. Jessie Mills was a mermaid. Denman wondered if her nephew knew. She guessed that he probably did seeing as they were in a serious relationship and he already knew about the existence of mers, but she wasn't sure.

Denman felt disgusted with herself when she realised that she was a bit disappointed that she knew the mermaid. A part of her deep down wanted it to be some stranger so that she could buy the pictures and it would not effect anyone. She knew that was not true. She knew that whoever it was, selling information like this and publishing it into the world would only bring harm to the subject whether it be by their will or not.

Hunter could see that Denman's mind was churning with thoughts. He hoped that maybe he had peaked her interest. If not, he would go to someone else.

Denman picked up the fifth photo of Jessie. She knew that if someone got a hold of these photos Jessie would be subject to exploitation, scientists pursuing her would ruin her livelihood and Alan would be effected as the subject's significant other. Denman knew that if she was responsible for that, it would damage her relationship, her friendship with her nephew beyond repair. He would never forgive her. She was tempted. Would money and knowledge really be worth such destruction? What on earth was she supposed to do?

"So, Doctor, do you have an offer?"

OoOoO

A/N: Hey everyone! I hope you've enjoyed this chapter! Do you like where the storyline is going? Tell me what you think of this Denman. Reviews please! I love hearing what you think of the story. I also think that you should be proud of me, I updated in ten days! I'm really excited about the turns in plot I have in mind, and I hope you like them too.

I can't wait to hear what you think. Thanks so so much to all my loyal and new supporters - readers, favouriters, followers and reviewers. Leaving a review allows me to thank you personally.

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