Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

" I t's like tourists come here and forget how to walk," Mary grumbled, weaving the golf cart through the narrow, crowded streets of Ocracoke. "Then again, it is a Monday, and I've never cared for Mondays."

Which was why she typically closed the shop on Monday mornings, not to mention it gave her time to run errands, and do other things, like take a time-traveling pirate sightseeing.

"Aye, ye sent that lad there diving into the sand," he teased as she took the corner so fast he made a strangled sound in the back of his throat.

Beside her, Aiden sat gripping the edge of the seat, knuckles white, taking in every detail of the island and asking a thousand questions. Today he'd dressed in what she'd come to think of as his uniform, which consisted of a pair of jeans, boots, and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Black, of course. He'd left his hair loose, the gems in his hair and the rings on his fingers, sparkling in the morning sunlight, and she was almost certain he had at least a knife or two hidden away on his person, probably in his boots.

"You know, you've really settled in quickly," she said, glancing over at him.

Whereas her? Set in her ways was the phrase her mom liked to use to describe her.

Then again, if their situations had been reversed, Mary figured not only would she be asking questions, but she wouldn't be adapting nearly as well as he had. Aiden seemed like the kind of man you could drop into any situation, and he'd make himself at home. Fit in. Make friends.

"The first morning you strode into the kitchen fully armed, I nearly jumped out of my skin," she said with a laugh, glancing over at him as she narrowly avoided a cyclist who wasn't paying attention.

"But yesterday, you padded out barefoot in a T-shirt and sweats. Not a weapon in sight."

Aiden chuckled softly, taking in everything around him.

"Aye, I did say that. But I've never slept better here. It's strange—I never could truly rest unless I was aboard my ship."

Mary's fingers tightened around the steering wheel. "Do you miss it? Your own time, I mean. Your ship, the sea, all of it?"

He leaned back, thoughtful, as the wind ruffled his hair. "There are many things I miss. The sound of the waves, the salt in the air, the way the wind carried the scent of home. But here—" he glanced around, smiling, "there are marvels I never imagined. Things that make life easier, safer, especially for the wee ones."

He paused, eyes twinkling. "Though, if I came across a bit of treasure, I'd purchase a fine ship and take you on adventures. Aye, that would be grand."

Mary's heart quickened at the mention of treasure and adventures. She could almost feel the coin in her pocket, its weight pressing against her.

She opened her mouth, ready to tell him about the coin and show him the picture of the map on her phone—but something held her back.

"I still can't believe ye have horseless carriages," he said, shaking his head in amazement. "And this wee one runs on lightning, ye say?"

Mary couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "It's called electricity, but yes, basically lightning in a box."

As they passed the Ocracoke Lighthouse, its white tower stark against the blue sky, Aiden leaned forward, squinting. "That's like no lighthouse I've ever seen. Where's the fire?"

"We use electric lights now," Mary explained, pulling over on the side of the road to give him a better look.

"They're much safer and more reliable than open flames." While he admired the lighthouse, she patted her braid to make sure her unruly hair was staying put.

Jeans and a cream long-sleeved T-shirt made up her own uniform. The shirt said in black lettering, Emotionally Attached to Fictional Characters . She'd had to explain it to Aiden and when she did, he'd laughed and had gone back to reading the latest Orphan X novel by Gregg Hurwitz.

Brow furrowed, Aiden nodded. "Aye, I suppose the electric makes sense. But where's the romance in it?"

Warmth spread through her as she laughed. "The romantic soul of a pirate. I would have guessed ruthless and cunning."

His eyes twinkled as he turned to her. "There's a lot ye don't know about me yet, lass."

The way he said "yet" sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly turned her attention back to the road. She was not going to let herself get carried away by his charm. No matter how tempting it might be, because he had to go back to his own time, and she had to stay here. There was no future for them.

As they continued their tour of the island, Mary pointed out various landmarks and shared tidbits of island history. Aiden listened intently, asking thoughtful questions that told her there was a brilliant mind behind the roguish exterior.

"And over there," she gestured to a fenced-in area in the distance maintained by the park service, "is where we keep the Ocracoke ponies."

"How did they get here? Did they swim from the mainland?" The jeans he was wearing already had a hole in the knee from when he'd helped Pete fix a hole in his boat. While he might not fully understand electricity and modern plumbing, Aiden, it seemed, could fix almost anything. Unlike her ex... not that she was comparing them or anything.

"They're one of the last remaining wild herds. The horses are descended from Spanish mustangs," she told him as she parked the cart near the pony pen. "Supposedly, they swam ashore from shipwrecked Spanish galleons centuries ago."

With the avid gaze of a dragon eyeing its treasure hoard, Aiden looked out at the water. "I reckon there is a great deal of treasure sunk around this island by now."

She shrugged. "With all the shipwrecks over the years, I'm sure you're right."

With no one else around yet, Mary left her bag in the cart.

"Careful," she called out, hurrying to catch up to him. "They're wild animals, not pets."

But Aiden paid her no mind. He was already at the fence, leaning over it with an outstretched hand. To Mary's amazement, one of the ponies, a dappled gray with a flowing mane, approached without hesitation, nickering softly, and then pressing her velvety nose into Aiden's palm.

Transfixed, Mary watched as Aiden spoke quietly to the pony in what sounded like Gaelic. The animal seemed to listen, its ears twitching forward attentively.

"I've never seen them take to a stranger so quickly," she took a step closer. "They're usually quite shy."

Not that she was looking, but when he glanced over his shoulder, a grin spreading across his face, she wondered if they made T-shirts with extra wide sleeves. The guy's biceps were impressive and hard as stone, straining against the fabric.

"Animals sense a kindred spirit, ye ken?"

Before she could ask him another question, a commotion from the far side of the pen caught their attention. One of the ponies, a spirited chestnut, had somehow managed to work the gate latch loose and was making a break for freedom.

"Oh no," she gasped, already envisioning the chaos of a wild pony loose in the village.

But Aiden was already moving. With a grace that belied his size, he vaulted over the fence and took off after the escaping pony. Heart in her throat, Mary could only watch as he sprinted across the field.

The park ranger, alerted by the commotion, came running towards the gate, but he was too late to stop the escaping pony. He arrived just in time to join Mary in watching the unfolding scene.

The chestnut pony, realizing it was being pursued, picked up speed. But Aiden was faster than he looked. In a move that seemed impossible, he managed to cut off the pony's escape route, forcing it to double back towards the pen.

As the pony wheeled around, looking to make a break for it, Aiden took a flying leap, landing squarely on the pony's back. The animal bucked and snorted, clearly not used to being ridden, but he held on, speaking to the horse all the while.

Slowly, almost magically, the pony began to calm. Its wild gallop slowed to a trot, then to a walk. By the time they reached the pen, the chestnut was calm.

The park ranger stood next to Mary, his mouth agape in astonishment. "I've never seen anything like that," he murmured, clearly impressed by Aiden's skill as he smoothly dismounted, leading the pony back through the gate where they waited.

"Are you alright?" Mary asked, her voice slightly breathless, while the ranger nodded in admiration.

Hair windswept, charms and gems glinting in the light, Aiden grinned, eyes bright with exhilaration. "Never better, lass. It's been too long since I've had a good ride."

Just then, the door of the park office swung open, and out stepped Mary's mother, Diana. She was dressed in one of the flowing dresses that she favored. This one was a bohemian print in fall colors that danced in the breeze as her mom stopped in her tracks when she saw Mary, eyes sparkling as she caught sight of Aiden.

"Sweetie? What are you doing here?" Her mom asked, surprise flickering across her face.

With a bemused smile on her face at the look her mom was giving Aiden, Mary laughed. "I could ask you the same thing. I thought you had the day off?"

"I do, but I wanted to drop off some more flyers for the jamboree."

Diana's gaze shifted to Aiden, who was dusting off his jeans, talking to the ponies. "Well, well, I knew you were hiding something when we stopped by the other night."

Before she could respond, Aiden stepped forward with an easy charm that seemed to win over everyone in his path.

"A pleasure to meet ye. Ye must be Mary's sister," he said with a slight bow, his tone rich with sincerity.

Diana's smile widened as she took him in, clearly charmed. "Aren't you the flatterer? Hold on to this one, honey." She winked at Mary before turning her full attention back to Aiden.

"The pleasure is mine. We can't wait to see you at the annual Halloween party," she said, tucking a flyer into his hand. "You'll have to meet my husband. He's going to adore you."

Mary groaned inwardly. "Sorry in advance," she muttered to him. "They're obsessed with pirates."

Aiden's brow quirked with amusement. He turned to her with a mischievous smile. "And you, lass? Are you obsessed with pirates as well?"

The laugh that burst free from her mom made Mary scowl as she opened her mouth to respond. But instead, she found herself momentarily speechless as Aiden's gaze lingered on her. Shoulders back, she gave him a pointed look, hoping to hide the way her heart fluttered.

Diana, still chuckling, stepped forward and waved her flyers. "Well, I've got to go. More of these to drop off around town. Don't forget to come to the jamboree, both of you."

She gave Aiden a playful wink. "You make quite the handsome pirate. It's like you stepped right out of a movie screen."

The wind caught her flowing dress as her mom turned to leave, making a dramatic exit, and leaving Mary feeling both exasperated and flustered as she turned her attention back to Aiden.

"That was... impressive," she admitted, trying to keep her voice steady. "Where did you learn to ride like that?"

"My father taught me back in Scotland. Said a man should be as comfortable on a horse as he is on his own two feet." There was dust on his black T-shirt as he patted the pony.

There was a hint of sadness in his voice that made her heart ache. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she asked softly, "What happened to your family?"

He took a deep breath, his eyes distant. "I had a humble upbringing. My father and brother were killed in a skirmish with another clan. Not long after, my mother and sister perished in a fire."

His voice grew quieter. "I was only nine, but I got into a fight with the laird's son and couldn't stay with the clan. So I left, fending for myself on the streets of Edinburgh for a few months until I stowed away on a ship."

She listened, captivated by his story. "What happened then?"

A wry smile touched his lips. "Pirates captured our ship and took me in. At thirteen, I killed a man in self-defense. A British major who had abused a girl and almost beat her to death. That made me an outlaw, a wanted man."

He paused, his gaze far away. "I fell into piracy, lived in Nassau, happy to see the sun all the time. In 1717, I was to be offered a royal pardon when I returned to Nassau to leave the pirate's life behind. But fate had other plans, and somehow... I ended up here, in your future."

At the mention of a pardon, her heart clenched. "A royal pardon? That means you could've been a legitimate privateer."

Her voice trembled, her thoughts racing. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay calm, but her words came out in a rush, despite the ache in her chest at the idea of him leaving.

"We have to find a way to get you back. If there's even a chance. If you can go back and get that pardon, you could be free, live the life you wanted, do whatever you wished."

She wanted him to stay. More than anything, she realized she was starting to imagine a life with him here. But how could she ask him to stay when a future, a true future, had been stolen from him?

Aiden studied her for a long moment, his eyes softening. "Ye truly believe that, lass?"

"I do," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You deserve a chance to live the life you wanted, the one that was taken from you. Even if it means..." She hesitated, the words lodging painfully in her throat. "Even if it means you have to leave."

She gestured toward the cart, trying to collect herself. "We should probably head back," she said softly. "I've got the book club meeting tonight."

But her heart wasn't in the words, and she couldn't shake the thought that, no matter how much she wished he could stay, this time might not be where he truly belonged.

The drive back was filled with comfortable silence, broken only by Aiden's occasional questions about the island. As they passed the harbor, Aiden pointed at the water. "Look there, lass."

"That's strange," she murmured, slowing the cart and leaning forward to peer at the water.

"The tide," he said, frowning. "It's... wrong. It should be coming in right now, but it looks like it's going out."

Aiden's brow furrowed as he studied the water. "I've never seen the tides behave like that."

After a moment, he added, his voice more thoughtful than alarmed, "There are old tales, stories handed down by sailors of signs that heralded the appearance of the Veil, a mystical gate to other worlds, or so 'twas said. Glowing sea glass, gulls crying at midnight, unnatural winds... and strange behavior of the tides."

A chill ran down Mary's spine. Combined with the glowing sea glass and the ghostly ship she thought she'd seen, this felt... important. Then again, she had a time traveler staying with her, so her imagination was bound to get the best of her.

Still, curiosity demanded she ask, "Maybe this Veil is what brought you here. What else do you know about it? Is there a way for it to take you home?"

Aiden shook his head, an uncertain frown creasing his brow. "I dinna know if that was what brought me here or not. 'Twas only a legend. Mayhap the Fates, in a fit of anger, tossed me through time?"

Pushing down her unsettled thoughts, Mary turned into the parking lot. She ran into the store to pick up wine and placed a delivery order at the deli next door for subs for dinner—both for them and for the book club.

When she returned, Aiden jumped out, taking the wine and beer from her and stowing them in the back of the golf cart.

"Ready to go home?" She turned out onto the road to take them back to Read Between the Tides.

As they entered the shop, she was immediately accosted by Lily, who was practically bouncing with excitement while Morgan watched, a smile on her face.

"She has as much energy as my boys," Morgan shook her head.

"There you are!" Lily exclaimed, grabbing her arm. "I've been waiting forever. You won't believe how excited I am about the Halloween party! Only ten more days!"

The excitement filled the air as Mary smiled, momentarily forgetting her book club preparations. "Oh yeah? What are you and Alex going as?"

"I decided I'm going as a mermaid, and Alex is dressing up as Indiana Jones," Lily gushed. "What about you two? Have you decided on your costumes yet?"

Mary blushed, glancing at Aiden. "Well, I'm planning to go as a book, Treasure Island, to be specific."

"Ah, I finished that one the other day. A classic tale of adventure on the high seas. I'd be honored to be your Captain Flint, poppet."

Lily giggled at their exchange. "Oh, I heard a rumor that Jake had some big meeting with that developer from Myrtle Beach. You'd think he'd do that off island." She waved her hand dismissively. "Anyway, enough about that jerk. Tell me more about your costume ideas."

A twinge of unease dampened her mood at the mention of Jake. Why would he want to live on the island, a place he'd always said was boring? Instead of dwelling on his intentions, she found herself getting caught up in Lily's enthusiasm for the party, grateful for the distraction.

As the afternoon wore on, Lily left to lead a tour group on a haunted evening walking tour around the island. Mary went upstairs to freshen up and change for the book club meeting.

While she was getting ready, she heard the bells on the front door downstairs. Aiden's deep gravelly voice greeted the delivery guy, who had arrived with the sub sandwiches for the evening's gathering. The book club members always enjoyed eating while they discussed literature, and had diligently emailed her their orders the day before.

A little while later, the first members of the Ocracoke Historical Society Book Club arrived. Mary watched with amusement as the older members, mostly retired folks with a passion for local history, fawned over Aiden, who was in his element.

"Oh, you simply must tell us more about life aboard a pirate ship," Agatha gushed, her silver bun bobbing as she leaned forward eagerly. "Was it really as romantic as the books make it out to be?"

The man was a natural born storyteller as most Scots seemed to be. He chuckled, settling into the role with ease.

"Well, now, that depends on your definition of romantic, savvy? If ye consider salt pork and weevily biscuits the height of culinary delight, then aye, 'twas very romantic indeed."

The group laughed, completely charmed. Aiden continued, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "And let me tell ye about the accommodations, well, if ye weren't the captain as I was, that is. Picture, if ye will, a hammock slung between two posts, swayin' with every wave. Yer bunkmate? A dozen unwashed sailors snorin' louder than a storm at sea. And the smell? Well, let's just say it'd make ye wish you couldn't smell at all and leave it at that."

More laughter erupted from the group. "But," Aiden added, his voice taking on a wistful tone, "there were moments of true beauty. Watchin' the sun rise over an endless horizon, the sea as smooth as glass. Or standin' at the helm on a moonlit night, with nothin' but stars to guide ye. Those were the times that made it all worthwhile." Then he winked. "And treasure, of course."

He fit in so naturally that it was almost easy to forget that he didn't belong in this time.

As the discussion turned to the book they'd been reading in honor of the upcoming jamboree, a historical account of Blackbeard's last days, Mary noticed her neighbor, Mr. Johnson, a retired yacht captain, rifling through his bag with increasing agitation.

"Everything okay?" she asked, approaching his chair.

He looked up, weathered face creased with frustration. "I could've sworn I brought it with me," he muttered. "Ah, here it is!"

With a triumphant grin, he pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I found this in an old sea chest I bought at auction a few months ago, and just had time to rifle through the contents," he explained, carefully unfolding the paper.

"It's only a copy of the original and a fragment at that, but I thought it might interest the group."

He nodded at Aiden. "And especially you, since somehow the Universe brought you to our little island."

Mary glanced around the room, bewildered by the earnest expressions on everyone's faces. They all seemed to genuinely believe Aiden's fantastical tale of time travel.

How could they accept such an outlandish story so easily? She couldn't fathom it. Yet here they were, hanging on his every word.

As her next-door neighbor began to read, she shivered, swearing the shadows in the store were darker than they had been moments before. The air felt thick with anticipation, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was the only one not privy to some grand secret. Despite her skepticism, she found herself leaning in, curiosity getting the better of her.

"... and when the Veil of Tides parts, revealing the path between worlds, only those with pure hearts and true purpose may safely navigate its treacherous waters. The legend speaks of a hidden cove where, during certain lunar cycles, the waters begin to swirl and churn, creating a vortex of otherworldly energy. As the vortex grows, it parts like a curtain, revealing a gossamer-thin barrier between the present and the vast ocean of time. Those brave or foolish enough to step through the Veil find themselves thrust into another era, be it past or future. But beware, for the Veil's power is as fickle as the sea itself..."

The room fell silent as Mr. Johnson finished reading. Mary's eyes met Aiden's across the room, and she saw her own shock and recognition mirrored in his gaze.

"I've never heard of this legend before," Agatha said, breaking the silence. "Have you, Aiden? Being a pirate and treasure hunter and all, I mean."

He cleared his throat, his voice carefully controlled. "Aye." A chuckle escaped. "Not the part about pure of heart. After all, I am a pirate, savvy?"

The members of the book club laughed.

"Sailors used to talk about signs heralding the Veil." He told them of the signs, a thoughtful look on his face.

As the group began to discuss the possible origins of the legend, Mary wondered... The Veil of Tides... this had to be what had brought Aiden to the future. And had to be the cause of the strange occurrences she'd been noticing around the island. So did that mean he could go back? But how?

Suddenly, Mr. Johnson turned to Aiden with a curious glint in his eye. "This legend... It's remarkably similar to your own mysterious arrival, isn't it? Could this Veil of Tides be how you traveled through time?"

That was what she'd been thinking when she'd asked him before. The others in the room leaned forward, their eyes wide with excitement and curiosity.

"That's right!" Agatha exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement. "Mary said you appeared during that terrible storm, as if the very sea had hurled you onto our shores. The sky was ablaze with lightning, and the waves roared like hungry beasts!"

She'd been in the theater in her younger years, and when she got excited, Mrs. Waters turned on the drama.

"And why did you end up here on our little island?" another voice chimed in eagerly. "The legend says only those with pure hearts and true purpose can use the Veil. What's your purpose in the future? How do you think you might travel back to your own time?"

The room crackled with energy as theories and questions flew. At the center of the whirlwind, Aiden looked overwhelmed. His eyes darted to Mary before addressing the group.

"Well now, let's not get ahead of ourselves," he drawled, a roguish grin playing on his lips as he raised his voice above the excited chatter.

"I recall the storm's fury, aye, with waves tall as mountains and wind that'd make a siren take cover. But a vortex? Nay, nothing so fanciful."

He paused, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Though, come to think of it, there was this wee bit of sea glass on me desk. Glowed brighter than a tavern wench's cheeks when I whispered sweet nothings in her ear." He winked at Mary so she'd know he was teasing, but she wondered how many women had he left pining over him in various ports?

"Aye, 'twas a sight to behold. One moment, I'm dancin' with Davy Jones himself, the next, there's a flash brighter than the sun on a chest full of treasure. And here I find meself, in the company of such fine folk as yerselves." Aiden leaned back, a half smile playing on his lips while Mary rolled her eyes. He and Agatha should star in the next community theater play.

The rest of the meeting passed in a blur. Mary went through the motions of hosting, refilling drinks and steering the conversation, but her thoughts were elsewhere. As the last member said their goodbyes and shuffled out into the night, she turned to find Aiden already gathering wood for the fire pit on the back patio.

They worked in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts, as he took care of the fire before settling into the Adirondack chair with a glass of wine. The night was cool, the sound of muffled voices and gulls in the distance a soothing backdrop to the crackling flames.

Finally, he spoke. "I've heard of many legends, but never had I heard the Veil was for traveling through time itself."

Even with the fire, the breeze was cold, making her glad she'd thrown on a sweater. Mary nodded, taking a sip of her wine. "It does seem like it might be what brought you here."

Aiden sighed, staring into the fire. "Aye, it does at that. But there's something I haven't told ye yet."

Caught up in the spell of legends and time travel, she leaned forward. "What is it?"

Voice low and gravelly, he rested his elbows on his knees, staring into the fire. "Have ye ever heard of the Mermaid's Tear?"

Mary shook her head, intrigued.

"'Tis a legendary treasure," Aiden explained. "Said to have the power to grant immortality, to heal any wound. There was a secret compartment in the desk in my cabin. I'd only just found the map, knew I could find it, make us all rich when the damned storm hit, and my ship was destroyed. I was swept overboard. Sure that I had drowned," he said, almost to himself. "Perhaps the legend is true, and the treasure is cursed."

Excitement flooded through her, thinking about such a find. Could that be why Alex was on the island? Was he searching for the same treasure? "And you think this... this Mermaid's Tear is connected to how you ended up here? In this time?"

Aiden nodded slowly. "I'm not sure how, but aye, I think it might be. I didn't have time to commit the entire map to memory."

He rubbed a hand across his jaw and the five o'clock shadow there. "The map was lost in the sea, along with everything else."

But it wasn't. It was time to tell him. Mary's breath caught in her throat. "Aiden," she said slowly, "I think I have your missing map. And the coin that goes with it."