Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) Read online

  “Oh boy, what happened?” Scott sat up, flipping on his light.

  Dr. Quimby shook his head. “It’s not important. Did Sam tell you she went out?”

  “She asked about an hour ago. I told her to call if she was going to be late.”

  “Would you please transmit to her and see if she can meet me in the inlet? I need some serious down time.”

  “Okay. Do you have gear?”

  “Mike left me his spare. He thought I might want to use it to escape too. Smart kid.”

  “They both are. We got a good pair with them, Joe. You know that, right?”

  “We got the best. I’ll see you later.”

  By the time Dr. Quimby suited up and got down to the dock, Sam was there with Ton. She helped him to Ton’s back and lodged him against the dorsal. “Hold on, Daddy,” she whispered, rubbing the whale’s side and requesting he head out to the kelp beds. Her father was very quiet, his chin resting on her shoulder during the ride, still saying nothing as they slid off the whale’s back and sunk down to the ocean floor.

  “What’s wrong?” Sam asked him.

  “Lots of things. I just need to clear my mind.”

  “Can I help?”

  “I don’t think so. Let’s go over the edge. I want to enter the canyon.”

  “Are you sure? It might be kind of creepy for you.”

  “Yes. Please, let me share that quiet place with you. I need it.”

  Confused, Sam led the way. Without a light, they stayed within arms distance, using their hands to touch the floor and edge their way over the side of the steep shelf. Dr. Quimby inhaled deeply, allowing himself to float, suspended in the darkness. He was so hurt and angry as the memories of his childhood rose inside of him. His turmoil was easily felt by Sam.

  “We’re at 210,” she whispered.

  “Go deeper,” Dr. Quimby said softly.

  Sighing, the girl slowly sunk to the 300 mark. “You can’t go much below this. You’ll start feeling the pressure. Here, bank yourself,” his daughter said, pressing him against some outlaying rocks. He rested against them, surrounded by pitch blackness and strange sounds. Occasional bubbles were heard from his mask and his daughter’s expulsion. In the distance, he could hear the faint, haunting cries of a humpback whale, the moans echoing in the canyon below. It was eerie, but peaceful.

  “How are you doing?” Sam asked, touching his leg. They had been quiet for almost an hour.

  “I see why you do this, daughter. It’s the perfect escape from the world. I feel… untouchable.”

  “What happened?”

  “Randolph brought a lot of pain to surface. It’s like his being here put me back forty years. I can’t tell you how much that man hurt me, honey. He’s one reason why I’m the way I am with you and your brother. I never wanted any of my kids to feel the way he left me feeling.”

  “Daddy? I can help you,” Sam said quietly, holding his hands as she floated in front of him.

  “How?” he asked.

  “You have to trust me. Completely.”

  “I do. But what can you do?”

  “Let’s go to the kelp beds. I’m calling the pod over. Do you remember that day that I ran off because I was so hurt by Mike?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “The pod somehow took the hurt away. I remember everything, but that sting was gone. Let us try. Please?”

  Dr. Quimby paused before he made his decision. He was tired of feeling the pain. “Very well. Thanks, baby.”

  He held her hand as she swam towards the beds and reluctantly released it as the pod surrounded him and took him into their center. When he started floating, they helped her take him to shore where she dragged his heavy body to the top of the beachhead, thankful of the ebbing tide that left him safely banked on the sand. He slept soundly, his face relaxed and peaceful. Sam sat next to him and cradled his head in her lap, gently stroking his cheeks until his eyes fluttered open an hour later.

  He only saw the stars, the heavenly lights twinkling sweetly down on him. The waves, kissing the sand, were hushed and rustled softly. He heard a voice, far away, the most beautiful voice in the world. It whispered to him, calling him to it gently. He loved that voice; it had brought him so much happiness for such a long time.

  “Come to me. You won’t be able to move much for a while. Watch the stars. Everything is good now,” Sam whispered gently, holding him in her arms.

  “My precious daughter… I love you,” he mumbled.

  “You can talk? How are you feeling?”

  “Like nothing can touch me. There is no pain, no worries, nothing.”

  “Endorphins are our friends. Can you sit up?”

  Slowly he complied, sitting on the sand, facing the water. He turned to his daughter. “I really understand you now, more than ever. I’m sorry I’ve been so hard on you.”

  “You need to be hard on me. Don’t change anything about yourself, Daddy. You’re my hero.”

  “You’re my treasure. Thanks for helping me tonight. I was really hurting badly.”

  “What are you going to do about this situation?”

  “The girls will be told that no more attitudes will be accepted and they will face my displeasure if they chose to ignore my warning. As for Randolph, I know that he has nothing I want for my family. If he chooses to disregard us in the future because of my putting my foot down, so be it. I’ve done what I can do.”

  “Now, that’s the father I know.” Sam smiled, leaning against his arm. “Can I punch Cecily in the mouth now?”

  “Not unless you also want to face my disapproval. I still mean it when I say no fighting,” came the firm answer accompanied by a gentle smile.

  She squeezed his arm, kissing his bicep. “I’ll try. I don’t know how long I can go, though.”

  “I’m afraid of that. Please… I think I’m going to have enough on my plate with the others.”

  “Daddy? Could you make me a promise?”

  “It depends.”

  “IF I end up getting into trouble, will you please wait until after they leave? They are already mean enough, I don’t want to add that to their ammunition.”

  “My dear, part of your discipline is the humility that comes with it. I don’t know…” he teased. Sam was silent. He hugged her. “Yes, IF you do end up in trouble, I’ll protect your dignity. It’s the least I can do after putting you through this.”

  “Could you make sure Scott does too?”

  “I’m sure it won’t be difficult to convince him. Of course, you could stay out of trouble… no, I guess that’s too much to ask. Oh well.”

  They sat together on the sand until the sun started breaking the sky. The tide was fully down and the tide pools glittered in the morning light. They turned, hearing footsteps behind them. It was Scott.

  “Hey, family. Brought you some hot tea.”

  “You’re so sweet. Thank you,” Sam said, taking it from him as he sat to her left.

  “Glad to. How did your swim go?”

  “Long night, but a good one. Scott, thanks for everything,” Dr. Quimby said, accepting the thermos. “How did you know where we were?”

  “A little birdie told me,” he said, beckoning behind him.

  Monique came up shyly. “I saw you sitting there when I woke up. Uncle Scott came up to see if you got home and I showed him.”

  “Uncle Scott?” Dr. Quimby asked with a smile.

  Scott nodded, pulling the little girl onto his lap to warm her up. “I’m the world’s best uncle, so why not? Right Sammi?”

  “Absolutely. Did you sleep well?” she asked the little girl, who nodded.

  “Real good. How come—”

  “A family cuddle without me?” They heard Jen’s voice behind them.

  “Come join us, Jenny. Want some hot tea?” Dr. Quimby asked, pulling the girl against him.

  She nodded, sipping from his thermos. “This is so nice. We’ve never done this before,” Jen said, leaning against his chest, watching the waves
as the sun slowly rose.

  “Long time ago, we used to. Every Saturday morning. Of course, we only had one little girl then.” Scott smiled, snuggling Monique in his strong arms.

  She giggled. “Sammi’s still little and says she gets lots of cuddles even though she’s older now.”

  “She’ll never be too big for cuddles from any of us. Neither will you,” Scott said, hugging her.

  Jen looked over, smiling. “I can’t wait until we have kids. A dozen of them for you to love on, Scott.”

  “You’re having a baby?” Monique asked.

  Jen shook her head. “Not yet. I have to finish school and then your cousin Mike and I will get married and have lots of cousins for you.”

  “Will they be nice like you?”

  “We certainly won’t raise them to be mean.” Jen laughed.

  “Are you and Rich going to have babies too, Sammi?”

  “No hon, we can’t have any babies. Don’t look sad, I’ll get to play with all my brother’s kids and teach them how to be just like me.”

  The other three moaned. Monique looked confused. “Why did you do that? I like Sam.”

  From her bedroom window, Cecily looked at the little group, first scowling and then with a tear. She hated Sam. Hated that she was so pretty, so smart, so happy. Hated that she had everything handed to her – the house, a great job, gorgeous clothes, the perfect big brother and a stunning boyfriend. Mostly, she hated that Sam had parents who loved her and made her feel special. It wasn’t fair.

  ***

  The sun was shining brightly by the time Dr. Quimby was able to stand and walk around without wobbling. They headed up the sea stairs and, after changing, they sat on the deck when Sam offered to make breakfast. Monique and Jen went in to help her as Dr. Quimby shared his experience with Scott. They looked up as Cecily and Cherell came outside, dressed in shorts.

  “Good morning, ladies. Did you sleep well?” Dr. Quimby asked as they sat.

  “Like a rock,” Cherell said in a flat voice. “I could have kept sleeping except Cecily woke me up.”

  “I was up and down all night. Kept hearing things. Sam never went to bed last night,” Cecily said.

  “Yes, I know. I was with her. We took a night dive,” Dr. Quimby said.

  Cecily looked at him, something was different. “All night?”

  “No, we beached about 4:30ish. Watched the sunrise and were joined by the family. You might have liked it.”

  “I doubt it. I don’t do mornings.” Cecily sneered.

  Dr. Quimby raised an eyebrow. “You do that a lot, you know.”

  “Do what?”

  “Sneer. Like something tastes bad. It’s not very attractive.”

  “Neither is snitching. Why don’t you cool it with that?” Scott asked kindly.

  Cherell snickered. “She does it all the time. Busting us is her favorite hobby.”

  “We should find you a better hobby. Something to make you smile instead of snarl.”

  “Since when do you care? You hate our family,” Cecily growled at Scott.

  He shook his head. “I’ve never had one issue with you girls or your mother. It’s your stepfather I have problems with and that does not concern you.”

  “Like hell it doesn’t. You’ve always been nothing but a total asshole to him.”

  Scott raised his eyebrow. “Except for the infrequent times that he’s bothered to be around for his nephew, you have witnessed nothing of the sort. I also suggest you mind your language. Ladies don’t swear.”

  “Fuck that, I talk how I please.”

  Sam and Jen stopped dead in their tracks, hearing this. Dr. Quimby held his hand out to Scott, noticing his two girls freeze in place with Monique behind them. “Scott, let me please. Cecily, how old are you?”

  “I’m nineteen. You know that.”

  “Yes, and you should be providing a better example to your younger sisters. Sam, come over here please.”

  “Yes, Daddy.”

  “Sam, what kind of example does your brother set for you?”

  “Seriously? He’s perfect. It’s hard sometimes because he does almost everything right. Why?”

  “What do we think about swearing in this house?”

  “Non-negotiable. It does not happen. Especially from the two of us.” She gestured to Jen.

  “I need you to listen carefully, you three,” Dr. Quimby said to the Rileys. “While you’re here, you will have house rules to follow. They aren’t difficult. Respect, no swearing, help out, and don’t go anywhere without someone knowing. This will be your one and only warning, ladies. I don’t care if you’re an adult by law. It’s our rules.”

  “We have our own rules and don’t have to follow yours,” Cecily said nastily. Sam looked at Jen, who gulped. Neither one would ever even consider talking to Dr. Quimby in that tone. His degree of patience was both surprising and frightening, and both girls knew that it was only a matter of time before he snapped.

  “Quite the contrary, you do. And trust me,” he stood to his full height, his voice lowered, “you won’t like the consequences. Excuse me.” He entered the house with Scott, Sam and Jen on his heels.

  “Would you believe that Neanderthal?” Cecily hissed.

  Cherell shook her head. “I don’t know. Something is different about him. I wouldn’t push it if I were you.”

  “I like Uncle Joe. Why do you want to make him mad?” Monique asked.

  Cecily snapped at her. “You little kiss ass. Get the hell away from me, you redheaded rat.”

  Crying, Monique ran into the house and into Dr. Quimby’s arms. He lifted her, holding her over his shoulder as she sobbed, rocking her gently. “Shhh, what’s wrong?”

  “I can’t tell you. I don’t want to be a tattletale,” she bawled.

  Sam’s eyes flashed. “Daddy, put this on my tally. Cecily!”

  “Samantha! Damn it; Scott, get her.”

  Sam had Cecily on the ground and was sitting on top of her, forearm jammed across her jaw when Scott came out. He lifted his niece off the girl and held her with one arm as he pulled the other off the deck. “Are you okay?”

  “Get your hands off me. Let me at—” Cecily lunged at Sam. Only her respect for Scott kept Sam from breaking free and landing a fist in Cecily’s mouth. Jen pulled Sam away, pointing to Dr. Quimby. Sam bit her lip, mouthing the word ‘sorry’. He simply pointed to her and held up one finger. She nodded, looking down.

  “Stop it, now. What did you say to Monique to make her cry?” Scott asked firmly.

  “None of your damn business, old man,” Cecily hissed. Scott looked down at her and she felt herself starting to shrink under the glare of his ice-cold blue eyes.

  “One more nasty word, remark or anything that either of us feel is rude or disrespectful and I promise you that you will being going over my knee for a paddling that is well overdue. Don’t think for a minute that I can’t or won’t proceed. Am I understood, young woman?”

  Cecily just glared. Cherell snickered and received a warning glare from Scott as well.

  “This goes the same for you. I will not tolerate this type of behavior in my home. Now you can either apologize to your sister or go up to your room and stay there until you decide to do so. Well?”

  Without a word, Cecily turned on her heel and marched upstairs, slamming the door behind her.

  Monique clutched Dr. Quimby’s neck fearfully. “She’s mad at me.”

  “Why?”

  “She saw me on the beach with you having fun. She called me a kiss ass. What’s that?”

  “It’s not very nice. It means that someone is being nice to a person to get something. I’m going to put you down for a minute. You can go see Uncle Scott. Samantha? A word, please.”

  “Yes, sir,” Sam said obediently, following him to the office.

  He walked inside, closing the door behind her. “Sit. I told you no fighting,” her father said, sitting at the desk.

  “I know. That girl just set the spark of
f. She’s so vile.”

  “You disobeyed me.”

  “I know. I told you to add it to my tally.”

  “No, we will handle it now.”

  “In here? But—”

  “This is your sanctuary. I know. But I promised to protect your dignity. This room is soundproof, as you know. We designed it for reading and private discussions. Today, it will be used for your discipline. Never, ever disobey me again, daughter. Come here.”

  Sam held her breath as her father moved his chair back, patting his knee. She tried to be brave as she placed herself over it, holding the chair leg as he pulled her shorts and panties down to her thighs. Without a word, his hand cracked loudly, making her jump. She bit back her cries, praying that the loud smacking could not be heard outside the room. As least, not where her cousins would guess what was happening. She lost count, holding her breath to keep her dignity intact, and crossed her ankles as she attempted not to kick and squirm. Dr. Quimby ceased her punishment after administering at least two hundred spanks, knowing her dark red bottom was smoldering uncomfortably. He pulled her shorts back up before repositioning her on his lap.

  “No tears, huh?” he asked, holding her. “Gonna be a tough guy today?”

  “No, Daddy. I just don’t feel guilty about what I did. That’s usually why I cry. Because I hurt one of you,” Sam said, face in his chest as she fought not to give in to her emotions.

  “I see. When did you think disobeying me did not hurt me?”

  “Please, don't make me cry. Not in front of them,” Sam begged, feeling the wetness threatening to spill.

  “Will we have to revisit this again?”

  “I hope not. But if she hurts that kid again, I can’t make a promise.”

  “Let Scott and me handle it. I will have to use the paddle or hairbrush next time if you don’t, and I don’t want to do that,” he said softly, kissing her cheek.

  “Yes, sir,” she whispered into his warm neck.

  He kissed her again and stood her up. “Let’s go out and rescue Scott. I think he needs some Sammi-love too.”

  “He has Monique,” she sulked.

  “Samantha? Are you really jealous of a six year old? That child has never had a daddy hold her. Now she has four very sturdy men willing to wrap their arms around her little body. How does that make you feel?”