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It was still early in the morning when Ellie came to the underwater entrance of a small cave. Even at low tide the entrance was well below the surface. She reached into a pouch and pulled out a light stick. A quick crack and a shake and it started to glow with its green light. Holding the light source out in front of her she swam into the cave. The path was fairly straight forward and soon she was swimming up to a small cavern with a pocket of air. Cracks in the rocks above let in fresh air but it was otherwise cut off from the outside world. Resting on a rock shelf were a pair of dry bags. She opened one and pulled out a small electric lantern and turned it on, casting the chamber and pool in a more natural light.

Ellie coiled her long body on an underwater ledge and sat still. Sitting in a cave hidden away from the world, it all started to hit her. She lowered her face into her hands and started to sob. She couldn’t actually cry tears anymore, but that only made everything feel even worse.

Things can always get worse, can’t they? This is all my fault…I drug the whole town into this. I should have just run…swam away when the first sign of real trouble appeared. Who knows how many people are hurt, or worse because of me! Mermaids really are cursed, or at least I am.

Ellie had packed food in her emergency supplies, but she wasn’t hungry. She pulled out a bottle of water and curled herself even tighter as she waited for high tide to roll in.

***

Things were a mess back at the marina. Law enforcement was still trying to sort everything out on the scene. Nearby civilians were snapping pictures and taking video of what they could. Bob and Josh were currently sitting in a Coastguard patrol ship in handcuffs. An irate lieutenant was tearing into them as the damaged landing ship was being tugged out of the marina.

“You not only intentionally rammed another vessel, but proceeded to board said vessel armed with firearms like a couple of pirates!”

“Only I had a firearm.” Bob spoke up.

“He was still armed with a baseball bat,” the lieutenant pointed to Josh, “which he used.”

“I was protecting Ellie! They were trying to kidnap her!”

“It would be one thing if your ship was attacked, but you both chose to be the aggressors in this situation. Local police, SWAT, and even the FBI were all present to deal with the situation, and we were also on our way to respond.”

“Excuse me,” Chief Blair called from the dock the Coastguard ship was currently moored to, “not to interrupt you chewing out these two privateers, lieutenant, but I have to inform you they were both deputized by the county sheriff before the incident. As such, they were operating as LEO’s under Florida state statutes.

The lieutenant looked over his shoulder at the pair sitting handcuffed then back to the chief. “Neither of them mentioned it when they were detained.”

Blair shrugged. “It must have slipped their minds in the middle of all the excitement.”

“Yeah, especially when we have machine guns pointed at us and yelled at to get down on the deck.” Josh added.

“You can call Sheriff Diaz if you don’t bEllieve me.” the police chief offered.

The coastguard officer took a long slow breath before turning to his subordinate. “Cut them loose.” he said in a low tone. “Both of you, get off my ship.”

“Yes, sir.” Bob said in a curt reply as he grabbed Josh by the arm. They followed behind Chief Blair until they were out of earshot.

“That cost me a favor with Sheriff Diaz for the after the fact deputization.” Blair shook his head slowly, “But, you two did manage to stop that boat, detain the crew, and help Ellie get away.”

“It was worth it even if you didn’t step in.” Bob replied.

“I did it for the kid, not you. Now, I want to be clear. This is the end of both your involvement in this clusterfuck. I want you both out of the marina as soon as physically possible. And I want you to stay away until we are done here. Am I clear?”

“Crystal.” Bob said without a trace of his normal defiance.

“Yeah, got it.” Josh said softly.

“Take the kid home and get some rest. I’ll be in touch."

Blair waited until he saw Bob and Josh drive off in Bob’s truck.

That’s one mess cleared up. He thought as he made his way back towards Ellie’s place.

The county SWAT had set up their mobile command center in the lot right in front of the boat shed. Agents Harper, Becker, and Rowland were waiting there for him, along with what looked like a US Marshall.

“Chief, there you are. Did you get things cleared up with our pair of trouble makers?” Harper asked as he waved him over.

“Yeah, saved them a trip to jail and sent them packing, for good this time. Feel free to arrest them if they pop back up before we’re done here.”

“To be fair, they did stop that boat and freed Ellie from the net.” Rowland shrugged. “I’m looking forward to asking that crew a few questions.”

“What?” Becker yelled.

“Excuse Agent Becker, that flash bang did a real number on him. He should be at the local hospital getting checked out, but we ran out of ambulances.”

“After that firefight my ears are ringing too.” Blair turned to the Marshall, “No offense, but why is a US Marshall here?”

“Deputy Mike Collins,” he offered his hand and Blair shook it, “Agent Becker requested our assistance with prisoner security and transport.”

“Anyone who isn’t already dead has a target on their heads, and I need them to at least talk first if not testify down the road.”

“What about the ringleader Garcia managed to catch? She’s at the station, not the hospital.” Blair mentioned.

We have a detail assisting the officers in keeping her and her driver secure, but I do want to move them as soon as possible.” Collins replied.

Harper nodded. “Good, after what happened with that tanker truck I don’t completely trust any LEOs in the state, other than you and your officers, Chief.”

“I’ll feel safer with all of these bastards out of my town.” His phone rang, it was the mayor but he just ignored it for now. “Has there been any word from Ellie yet?”

“No, not yet.” Harper sighed. “Even if she’s safe, I know she can’t be alright.”

“I imagine not.” Blair shook his head. “She almost drowned that one diver.”

“Oh yeah, that guy.” Rowland shook her head. “He was screaming to be taken as far away from the water as possible when we grabbed him. I don’t think he’ll ever go back in the water.”

“He’ll be fine, he’s not sitting in the ICU like most of the surviving mercs are. Anyway I need to get to the station to interrogate the ringleader.”

Blair looked the agent up and down. “You might want to clean up a bit first. Oh, by the way I have her fancy van locked up in the station garage, I didn’t trust the impound yard.”

“Good call.” Harper said as he brushed dust off his body armor. “The Orlando field office already has tech on their way out to look over it and see what we can find out. Deputy, mind if I catch a ride with you back to the station?”

“Hey, we still have Becker’s car.” Rowland reminded him.

“Yes, and I want you to take it and transport Becker to the hospital and get him checked out, and while you’re there, help keep an eye on our prisoners as well.”

“Chief!” one of the officers called out, “the media is showing up.”

“I’m surprised it took so long,” He sighed, “keep them behind the line for now.” He turned to Becker. “How do you want to handle this?”

“For now, no comment other than the situation is under control. Let me know as soon as Ellie reaches out.”

“You do the same if she calls you first.”

***

It was late in the morning when Ellie broke the surface outside her hiding place. She swam over to a rock cropping. With the tide rolling in, there was a spot she could set her dry bag and keep her gills submerged. She dropped the dry bag off her shoulder slowly as she scanned both the shore and the water thoroughly. She didn’t see anyone, but still felt far from safe. She opened the bag and pulled out the burner phone. She switched it on and waited. Once it had connected she scrolled to the contacts she had put on there when she first got the phone and pressed the button to call.

Josh was laying on his bed. He had taken a shower but couldn’t fall asleep no matter how tired he actually felt. His phone ringing on his night stand startled him. Looking at his screen he at first just saw ‘unknown caller’ displayed and was about to just decline the call, then he remembered The burner phone. Josh accepted the call and almost shouted into the phone.

“Ellie? Is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me, calm down Josh, I’m ok. More or less. Where are you right now?”

“I’m back home. Bob and I were officially kicked out. Chief Blair managed to get us out of trouble with the Coastguard, but made it clear if we came back before he said otherwise he’d arrest us.”

“You two already did more for me than I’m comfortable with. Please, for god’s sake, listen to him.”

“I will, I promise.”

“Is Bob there with you?”

“He just dropped me off. He’s either at home or at the bar lamenting the Sea Cucumber.”

“Let him know I’m ok, I need to contact Harper and the Chief.”

“I will. Just try to stay safe.”

“I’ll do my best, but I’ve got a feeling it won’t be easy.”

***

It was a short trip from the marina to the police station, but after everything, Harper couldn’t help napping while Deputy Collins drove. Just as they were reaching the station, his phone started to ring. He didn’t recognize the number calling, but he wasn’t one to get much in the way of spam calls.

“Agent Harper here.”

“It’s me.”

“Ellie! You’re safe. Where are you?”

“Right now on a rocky outcropping just outside city limits. There’s no one around as far as I can tell. How is everyone else?”

“We’re mostly ok. The flash bang did a real number on Becker, I finally got him sent to the hospital. Your two friends are ok, But they did get yelled at by the local Coastguard patrol for the whole ramming and boarding another vessel thing.”

“I already spoke to Josh, I knew this was going to be a longer call and I wanted him to know I was alright.”

“Fair enough.” Harper opened the door and got out. “I’m at the station right now, we have the boss, or at least whoever was in charge of this fiasco, and I need to ask her a few questions.”

“What about the mercenaries?”

“They are all either in custody at the hospital, or dead. Either way, you are safe from them.”

“I won’t be feeling safe for a while, I’m sure of that. What the hell am I going to do?”

“I don’t know, things are still up in the air after this morning. Not to mention the firefight caught the attention of the news and social media.”

“Oh, great, I get to be a star again.” She sighed heavily. “What should I do right now, just hide out in my cave or swim back to the marina?”

“I don’t know if the scene is clear yet for you to return, but you can’t exactly just head to a safe location in town. How safe are you out there?”

“In my hidey-hole? Pretty much completely. You couldn’t pay a diver enough to swim the underwater entrance, not that they could even make it with a tank strapped to their back. The thing is, I can’t get any signal in there, That’s why I’m resting on a rock on the coast to talk to you.”

“Have you contacted Blair yet?”

“No, not yet.”

“Give him a call, I’m sure he’ll be rEllieved to know you’re ok. Blair also knows the area far better than I do. He can make the call on whether you should head back home or stay hidden for the time being.”

“Alright. Good luck with your interrogation.”

“Thanks, I’ll probably need it. I’ll be in touch"

***

Sasha Kirkland was sitting in the interrogation room at the Blalva Beach police station. She stared at the wall. She was doing her best to not think about the consequences coming her way for not only falling to acquire the asset, but for being captured as well. Law enforcement was of no concern to her at the moment and she didn’t even turn her head when the door to the room opened.

Harper entered with a file folder under his arm. He pulled out a chair and sat down in front of Kirkland. Other than refocusing her eyes on the agent, she made no other move or acknowledgment.

“I take it you have been advised of your rights.” Harper said as he opened the folder. “I’ve already confirmed that the ID you had with you was a fake, a good one, but still. However, that’s the least of the legal issues you have to worry about.”

“The legal system is the least of my worries currently.” Her voice was calm, almost too calm given her situation.

“Is that so, Ms…”

“Kirkland, not that it will really help your investigation any.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t lawyered up yet, corporate enforcer types usually do.”

“Frankly, I’m not sure I’ll live to see tomorrow, let alone an arraignment.” She leaned forward slightly. “I’m nothing more than a loose end now. I assume you realize that as well.” Kirkland let out a sigh and slumped down in her chair. “The worst part of it all is that I hate the beach, and this is where I’m going to die.”

“I’m well aware the people you work for will do everything in their power to stop you from talking or testifying. The question is, if they are willing to kill you to keep their secrets, why are you being loyal enough to keep them from me?”

Kirkland shrugged her shoulders. “Professionalism, I guess.” She smiled slightly. “Besides, why should I help you? You’re the reason I’m going to be terminated.”

“Because I have a feeling you know things that would be very helpful in hunting down the remnants of Atargatis, not to mention have information on why you are pursuing Ellie and the other mermaids instead of just making new ones. This information would be valuable to my task force.”

Kirkland rolled her eyes. “I’m sure it would be.”

Harper sighed as he flipped through the pages in the file. “We would be willing to offer immunity for your cooperation.”

“What does immunity from prosecution matter if I’m dead?”

“For starters, we would be transporting you immediately up north to a safe house, rather than a holding cell or prison.”

“Given my own job responsibilities I’d hardly call that safe.”

“So far the VP we apprehended is still very much alive, so I’d say we’re doing a decent job of protecting those in our custody.”

“Really? He’s still breathing? That’s going to look bad on someone’s end of year review. Go on then.”

“Along with immunity for your assistance in the investigation and future testimony at trial, the AG is willing to offer relocation and witness protection.”

Kirkland leaned back in her chair and thought about the offer.

_Why should I make anything easier for him? Does he really think they can provide for safety? I didn’t know that VP was still alive, that shows some competence at least. _

“I’ve heard stories of people still getting found while in the program.”

“Most of them blew their own cover for one reason or another. Especially the mob guys, They can’t just walk away from their old lives it seems. But you seem like a practical woman who could handle it.”

_He’s probably right about that. Some people don’t know how to retire, especially men. My goal was to do just that after this mission was wrapped up. What’s the alternative? I either wait for a hit or do it myself. _

Kirkland tapped her finger slowly on the metal table as she contemplated the offer. She stared across the table at Harper as she mulled it over in her mind. She let the moment stretch on uncomfortably before she finally spoke.

“I have three conditions.”

“Oh?” He pulled a pen out of his jacket pocket and clicked it open. “And they are?”

“First of all, I want the whole offer in writing from the AG. No offense, but I’m not about to just take the word of an FBI agent.”

“Fair enough,” he didn’t look up from the notepad he was writing on, “go on.”

“I want to retain my assets. Don’t give me that look, I paid taxes on all my earnings just like a good little girl and I will need a way to fund my, ah, retirement.”

“Right, like that makes it better.” Harper still wrote her request down. “And the third condition?”

“I want to live somewhere in the mountains. I don’t care which state or even mountain range, but I want a mountain cabin. I have no qualms paying for it myself, as long as the relocation is to some small mountain town.”

“What, don't you want a beach house instead?” He looked up from his notes.

“I wasn’t a fan of beaches before all of this. You can keep the sand and sea breeze, I want a fireplace and a mountain view.”

“I will have to discuss this with my superiors and the Attorney General’s office.”

“I’m not going anywhere, but you best hurry before my former employers arrange my retirement for you.”

***

After a large amount of back and forth with Chief Blair, it was decided that the safest place for Ellie was back in her shack. She ended up getting escorted back to the marina by the Coastguard patrol boat. As they reached the Marina Ellie pulled up alongside the boat.

“Thanks for the escort. Right now I’m paranoid about every ship in the water.”

“Given the scene when we first arrived, that's understandable. I’ll radio ahead that you are safely back.”

“Thanks. If you ever need some help with underwater recovery, I owe you a favor.”

The lieutenant shook his head. “Ma’am, it’s my job.”

“If you say so. I’ll let you get back to busting drug smugglers.”

Ellie slipped down into the water and made her way back to her boat shed. Even from under water the marina just felt off and wrong. Arriving back at her place she saw that her previous fortifications were still intact.

I guess I still have that at least. She thought as she slipped back in through the open door.

She bolted it shut behind her before swimming up to the shed. After breaking the water and looking around, her mood worsened. Her front door was gone and the wall around it was heavily damaged. The obvious signs of the gunfight were everywhere. She was thankful they had moved her more valuable possessions to Josh’s mom’s garage. She swam to her mini fridge and saw it was unharmed at least. She opened it up and pulled out a beer. As she cracked it open the Chief walked though the hole that used to be her front door.

“Ellie.” He said in an obviously worried tone.

“I’d offer you one, but I know you’re on duty.” She replied before taking a long drink. “What a fucking mess.”

“Yeah.” He sighed as he crouched down next to her. “We’ll hang a tarp up for tonight over the door and wall.”

“I don’t mean just my place.” She took another long drink. “I thought I had something stable here. A job, friends, something like a life.” She slowly shook her head and let out a bitter laugh. “I really thought Stanton was the worst I’d have to deal with going forward. Now look at what happened. And let’s be honest, things are only going to get worse from here on out. Fucking Atargatis! After everything they did to me, why can’t they just leave me alone?”

“I wish I had an answer for you.” He was quiet for a moment before continuing. “I don’t know what is going on, but it has to be bigger than them just wanting you for kicks.”

“I was the only one given an eel tail, but I don’t think that makes me that special compared to the other mermaids.”

“Could just be some sick fuck of a collector who really wants you.”

“Maybe.” She drained what was left in the can. “Back at the park I was known for my underwater dancing, It was pretty popular.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I think you can still find videos online of it.”

“Knowing what went down, I think I’d feel weird watching any videos from back then.”

“Yeah, good call.” She tossed the empty can into a trash can and then reached for another.

“I chased off the press, but you know they’ll be back.”

“And me without my door.”

“I’ll get it covered up for tonight, and we’ll have officers taking shifts outside for your safety. Once the sun is up it will be alright for Bob and Josh to come and help you get more properly repaired.”

“I wish I had somewhere else to stay, but it’s either here or hiding in an underwater cave. At least there’s beer here.”

“If you need anything, call me, call any of us.”

“Thanks, Chief, but right now I just want to be alone.”

***

Kirkland was still in the interrogation room. At this point she would have preferred a holding cell, that way she could lay down on the bunk. She had brought food, a cheeseburger and fries. The food snob inside her would have turned it down, but she was bored and hungry so she slowly ate the meal.

At least it’s not from a fast food joint.

As Kirkland chewed, she heard the door opening and Agent Harper walked back in. She noticed the folder he was carrying was significantly thicker.

“Enjoying your lunch?” He asked as he sat across from her.

She took her time to finish chewing and swallowing. “I’ve had worse.”

Harper placed the folder on the table and pulled out a stack of papers. “The AG has agreed to your conditions, contingent on your cooperation and future testimony.” He tapped the stack of papers. “I took the liberty of highlighting the key parts of the agreement.”

“How thoughtful.” Kirkland pulled the papers closer and started to scan the pages while eating a few fries. “Hmmm, looks like everything is in order here. May I borrow a pen? I promise not to stab you with it.”

“Very funny.” He pulled his pen out from his jacket and placed it on the table.

Kirkland quickly signed and dated the page before sliding the agreement and the pen back to Harper.

“So,” she picked up her half eaten cheeseburger, “where do you want to start?”

“We’re waiting on the deputy to get his convoy assembled, it shouldn’t be that long of a wait. But before we head back up north, there is a question I want answered.”

“And that is?” She asked before taking a bite.

“Why Ellie? Why go through so much effort to abduct her. You have had to have known the tanker truck getting spotted tipped us off, and yet you still went forward with your plans.”

“Not the original plans, but yes. I personally think it made more sense to just scrub the mission and reassess for a later date, but I wasn’t given any say in that matter. And look at that, I was right.”

“But why? Why even go after her in the first place?”

“You know,” she placed her burger back down on the paper plate. “I asked the same question. There were far easier targets we could have put our resources into. I pressured my own superior over this matter, why should we risk so much just for a mermaid with an eel tail?” She soldered her hands together. “Did you know that Ms. Dearstine was part of the first batch of augmented human mermaids?”

“Yes, I’ve known that since we first started our investigation at the park.”

“Well, apart from the obvious modifications to turn a woman into a mermaid, there were other secret modifications made, hidden tests to see if they would work for future augments.”

“As if what was done to them wasn’t bad enough.”

“Spare me the moralizing, please. The records of these experiments were destroyed to hide them from people like you. Because of the nature of this research, there are no backups. The only records that exist are in the mermaids themselves. That is why acquiring Ms Dearstine is necessary no matter the cost in resources or lives.

“I knew there was something more to this, but even then.” Harper shook his head, “Do you know the nature of the hidden augment or augments?”

“Not a clue. What I can tell you, Agent Harper, is that whatever is inside of her is what Atargatis wants back the most. More than any others floating around out there. “I would expect more trouble in the future if I were you.”

“I already had a feeling about that.” Harper sighed.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to finish my lunch before the upcoming road trip.”

Harper quietly rose and tapped on the door to be let out.

I was really expecting him to press for more questions. Oh well.

She returned to silently eating her food.

___________________________________________________

Original story and setting by Syntaxerror37

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