Aqua Haze

By Harry L. Barok

A very pretty and intelligent author has writer’s block! Ginger vacations to the gorgeous island of St. John’s to cure herself. Upon her first morning jaunt, Ginger spies a body washed up on the shore, and she soon finds herself administering mouth to mouth to a handsome dark-haired, but scarred stranger. When he awakes, he can’t recall who he is. His cell phone and other IDs are also missing. Ginger returns to her cottage to get her phone and call the authorities. When she returns with the police, the handsome stranger has vanished.

The stranger returns later that night. Ginger, thirsting for romance and adventure, invites him in. The two quickly form a romantic bond amidst the crisis and excitement. A hazardous cat-and-mouse game ensues as the duo lures out the criminals. The clues concerning the stranger, now nicknamed Rob Wilson, begin to mount, but so do the bodies. Our heroes, while tracking down the villains, must also dodge the authorities. As the mystery uncloaks, a kidnapping, hijacking, attempted murder, and drug smuggling are exposed.

Back in Miami, Rob discovers he is actually Rod Dexter, a former Navy Seal. He regains most of his memory with help of Ginger. Then with his Seal buddies, Rod tracks down his son and catamaran. He also resolves to expose who has been betraying him, along with his export/import firm.

Do Rob and Ginger find future happiness with one another?
The author chose this genre because of his love of mysteries, spy, and adventure movies. Mr. Barok has vacationed extensively in the Miami and Virgin Island areas. The author has explored, sailed, snorkeled, and socialized in the region.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jul 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781982228286

Harry L. Barok

Mr. Barok was raised in Cherry Hill, NJ. As a young child, Harry had some early learning difficulties, including a speech defect. He was bullied in school, somewhat. However, he always felt his angels were with him. In fact, he would talk with them, even though he couldn't always see them. Harry participated in the Woodland United Methodist Church, Little League, and Cub Scouts. His child study team predicted that he could never attend college. However, Mr. Barok would obtain 3 different degrees, the last, an MSW. (social work), from Rutgers. Later, Harry would use his intuition and that of professional psychics to battle a corrupt place of work and defeat cancer. Mr. Barok is also an actor, comedian/impressionist (video), singer (2 CDs), skier, clairvoyant, and kayaker. The author's book of "Untrained Psychic" was his first. There was also a revised version. This was followed by "Aqua Haze." Currently, the author is typing "Downward Facing Dog!" "Faux Star" is his 4th or arguably 5th book. The author can be reached at [e-mail]. His phone number is 856-985-6172. The mailing address is 20504 Eagle Row, Marlton, NJ. 08053.

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Copyright © 2019 Harry L. Barok.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2827-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2829-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2828-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019906570

Balboa Press rev. date: 05/22/2019

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue!

CHAPTER 1

G inger woke early, as usual. The chirping birds, the sea air wafting in, the sun’s first rays all stimulated her. She worshiped the sunrise. She hadn’t been to church in years. Ginger spoke with God on her beach. Ginger loved to absorb those early AM bluish-green hues of the sea, meshed with the eternally agate blue sky. The bright sands dazzled. The rich green and emerald forest beckoned exploration.

The day had started out normally enough. As Ginger walked barefoot in the waves, though, she felt uneasy. Men term it a hunch or gut reaction. Women label it intuition. Ginger, though, had soon covered most of her routine hike. Everything was still quite the usual, even dull. Very few people about. Then… Oh, my God! There it was! A body was lying in the surf! Ginger sprinted, but then slowed, due to fear. Just 10 feet away, she approached with caution. He was white, but tanned, with black hair, eyes bluer than the sky, she thought. Ginger’s heart rate was soon at the top of a treadmill’s reading. Surely, he’s dead! she thought. She felt for his pulse!

You’re alive! she screamed. Ginger soon cleared his mouth and also attempted to expel any of the sea. As Ginger began to breathe life back into the stranger, she noticed that he could grace a magazine. His features were perfectly symmetrical. Ginger really didn’t mind pressing lips to this specimen. However, it seemed as though she was having no effect. Ginger was concerned, and her cell phone was back at her rental cottage. Emergency medical help was a long way off, anyway. This dude wasn’t responding at all! Further, no one else was around! Ginger’s heart rate, which had ebbed, was now nearing a finish line. OMG! I’m about to go crazy!

But then, he began to stir, the face contorted a bit. Ginger kept on blowing in oxygen! Then he sputtered a bit. His head and neck spasmed! Then the sea erupted from deep inside him! The eyes blinked! He took in air. Much coughing! His deep, penetrating blue eyes met hers. I thought you were dead!

So did I! Ginger was able to evoke a smile, with some laughter.

How do you feel?

Like a damn cruise ship ran me over!

You know, you really shouldn’t move. You need to stay here a while! Rest and relax! I’ll run back to my cottage and dial for emergency help!

Okay! You do that! I’m not going anywhere!

Ginger ran the 100 back to her abode. She was all breath and then none, on the phone. You will have to slow down, Mam! Just slow down! Take a deep breath! Now, what’s going on?

Ginger tried that deep yoga breath that she had learned long ago. I-I was walking along the beach when I saw this body, partially in the surf. Then I performed mouth to mouth! He eventually came around. He needs to be checked out, though, of course!

Okay! We need to know exactly where you are!

We’re in the Windward Cottages Resort. …Sunrise Lane!

We’ll send a unit out there, now!

Good! Please hurry! Ginger sprinted to her rescued man! Her impending feeling of doom encroached again. Her body was soon like a robot with no joints! She forced herself forward to the very spot, but he was nowhere to be seen! Frantically, Ginger combed the beach! How could she have been mistaken? No, this was definitely the very area. Then she spied another tourist. …A woman in a yellow sun dress. …A huge yellow hat!

Hello! Hello! Ginger kicked up sand!

Young lady! Young lady! Whatever is the matter? You look so upset! Slow down!

Ginger pictured herself in an asana, breathing deeply. I’m looking for somebody! Have you seen a tall handsome man with dark hair and blue eyes?

Oh, dahling, she sighed, Good luck with that! We’re all looking for someone like that! Tell you what! If you find him, please ask if he has a brother!"

But you don’t understand! I was on the beach this morning, when I saw this body washed up on shore! I used mouth to mouth. I revived him. Then I called the authorities, but now, he’s gone!

Oh, my! Well, Claude and I will help you look. You know, we had grown most tired of all those fancy, schmancy, posh resorts. We had craved some excitement and adventure!

But the police will be here, soon, and…

Claude had a powerful stride, which even the soft sand could not impede. I’m a walker! I’ve hiked the bloody mountains of Wales and Scottish Isles, as a young man! You look as though you’ve seen a ghost, young lady!

Dahling, she needs our help! She revived a near drowning victim!

Yes, but then after I had called for help, then checked on him, he was gone!

Ah! We English relish a good mystery! But the police won’t be too pleased about this! I mean his being gone! Missing! I know we’ve only just met, but perhaps, I could assist with the authorities!

Thank you! I’d appreciate that!

They’re at your cottage, now! Oh, I’m Florence and this is, of course, Claude.

I’m Ginger! It’s so nice to meet both of you!

Lovely meeting you! the duo chimed.

Officers, I-I I’m afraid that he’s gone!

Mam, you say what?

H-H-He’s vanished!

Take us to the where the incident occurred. What time did you see the individual?

It was 6:37!

Oh, I’m Police Officer James Nostaw! This is my partner, Jack Slade. I’m sorry, we should have introduced ourselves, right away!

That’s okay! It’s going to be one crazy day. I can see that!

And you are you two? queried Nostaw.

We’re Claude and Florence Harrington!

I’m a barrister, outside of London. Coventry, that is.

Thank you. Either of you see anything? Anything suspicious at all?" He shook their heads.

It’s right up ahead, officers! Ginger pointed. Then she should stood on the spot.

Right here!

Jack, I’m better dressed for it, quick dry. I’ll search the water a bit. I might be able to scoop up something!

Okay! I’ll scourer the sand! You folks get back a bit, please!

Neither officer could discover any evidence. Mam! Ms. Holt! Please return to your cottage. Officer Slade and I will conduct a thorough search of the area, asking questions along the way. We’ll ask you some final, more detailed questions in a couple of hours.

Officers, perhaps, we should return with Ginger to comfort her?

Yeah, that would be nice! This guy might be a bad sort?

Precisely! You know, earlier, in my youth, I was a pugilist! Strictly a gentleman boxer, though! My father had set up boxing lessons for me. There were these bullies!

Hmmm! Your abode is off the beaten path, love! observed Florence.

I picked it for its isolation. I needed to get away to chill and stoke my brain. I had hit Writer’s Block.

Well, you certainly chose a splendid location. The whole island’s like one bloody nature preserve, but we’re glad it is! said Claude.

Yes, Claude and I are to go on a guided kayak trip, tomorrow. I guess that you were going to lounge about and write?

Ah, I was going to hike a bit in the morning. After lunch, I was going to take in some sun and surf, then write. Yes, why not write on the beach!?

But what of men, Dearie? There’s no one, or rather no place around to meet any man.

I-I have the Internet at home. I-I came here to get inspired.

A young man would do that to you!

Claude, Can’t you see that she’s a bit reserved?

Oh, well, shouldn’t everyone fall in love?

But it has to be the right person! I appreciate your concern for me. Let’s turn on the Telly, as you folks call it.

Yes, let’s check the news. There may be something on about that man on the beach!

An hour soon passes. There’s a rapping at the door.

Hello! It’s officers Nostaw and Slade.

Come in.

Yeah, we need to ask some more questions. The requisite information was soon revealed.

Mam, Ginger, if we may use your first name, did you see anything near this guy that was suspicious? Anything as you were walking toward him? Anything unusual? It didn’t look normal.

No, just him.

In minute detail, what did he look like?

He was caucasion, tanned, deep blue eyes, black hair, high cheekbones, athletic, muscular with that… Very symmetrical facial features.

You’re sayin’ this guy was good looking?

Ah, actually, no!

No!?

He-‘h-h was extremely handsome!

The peace officers locked eyes in acknowledgment and agreement! Were there any distinguishing characteristics? Like a scar or a tattoo? A missing tooth?

No.

Mam, Ginger, could you please focus, again? Could you please close your eyes and go back in time a bit?

Okay, I see myself approaching. I’m ever so cautiously bending down. Then a bit later… I’m brushing his hair back. There’s a terrible gash upon his left temple. I felt around his head and detected a bump near the back and up top, kinda.

Mam, thanks. And how tall would you say he was?

Now, didn’t I earlier estimate Over 6 feet? Well, he was lying down. He really did look tall!

Mam, Ginger, how long will you be here? I got a good deal, and I’m here working. Two weeks.

Okay. We may check in with you, again. Please give us your cell. But Mam, Ginger, you’re a writer. Ah, how can we say this? Writers often have a very, very active imagination. And you say that you’re single. How long has it been since your last boyfriend?

Close to a year.

Mam, is it possible that you sorta invented this guy?

Now, see here! admonished Claude.

In unison, We’re sorry, but we had to ask!

No, it’s okay. I-I’m telling you the truth! Nothing is made up!

Okay, we’ll be leaving, now. You have our direct numbers. Look, if any of you see anything at all, don’t hesitate to call!

Bye, officers.

We’ll be in touch.

Gee! I guess that they don’t fully believe me!

Well, they may have just been doing their job, Dearie.

Apparently, they haven’t found anything! They were around this resort for 2 bloody hours and didn’t find a clue!

That we know of, Claude! They didn’t tell us a damn thing!

Well, we’re here for you! Another knock at the door silenced Florence.

Mam, Ms. Ginger, I’m sorry for my partner. Look, I do believe you. I’ll do all that I can to track this guy down. There may be a Missing Person Report. And of course, I’ll surf the NET for anything!

Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Slade! Slade began to back out the door.

James is a really good cop. Bye, again!

In chorus, Take care!

Well, he’s rather nice bloke! You know, I saw the way he looks at you! I think he rather fancies you! observed Claude.

Men in uniform do not turn me on! But Jack does seem like a sweet guy! replied Ginger.

Ginger, Dearie, so are you! And we’ve both noticed that you truly are quite pretty! You and your man on the beach each have exquisite features!

Blushing, I-I thank you for the compliment. Ginger actually undersold her high cheekbones, emerald eyes, brown wavy hair, and full sensuous lips.

Ah! Claude and I will be leaving, now.

Yes, we’ll be getting ready for dinner. But why don’t you join us? invited Claude.

No. I’m going to have a romantic dinner with that stud that I gave mouth to mouth to! joked Ginger.

I think that I’ll go for another, hopefully, less exciting walk. Then, I’ll take in that seafood shack north of here. Sample the local cuisine. thought Ginger.

How about if we two reconnoiter again with you, soon? suggested Claude.

Hmmm! Maybe I’d do a catamaran with you 2? suggested Ginger.

Sounds ideal! responded the Harringtons.

Bye! Ginger went for her walk, but noticed nothing peculiar. She took her rental car to the Seafood Shack.

I’ll have the mahi-mahi. And the salad goes with that… Give me the green beans. Do you have whole grain bread? ordered Ginger.

Alright! Any wine with that?

Yes! I suppose that I could use a good drink, after what all I’ve been through, today!

Oh, well, did you hear about that body washing up? A young lady found it! Well, I guess the guy wasn’t dead, because he or it vanished. conversed the waitress.

Ah! No! That would cause one to have a drink! Oh, he’s rumored to be tall and handsome. Dark hair, with blue eyes. Have you seen anyone like that? asked Ginger.

Yeah, Elvis! was the reply.

Ginger wondered, Where could a dude like this hang? She couldn’t possibly consume all her food, so she got a doggy bag.

Ginger sat down with her laptop, and attempted to create. She turned on the radio for inspiration. The words soon began to flow. Later, fatigued, Ginger turned on the TV. Then she went beneath the covers. Ginger’s arms and legs had just gone heavy, when she detected this faint knock. Apprehensively, Ginger eased from her mattress. She then slipped on a light robe to mask her perfect hour glass form. I’m shaking, Ginger said to herself.

Who’s there? A deep breathe was the response!

I need to know who it is!

Ah! On the beach! I’m the guy, whom you saved! You saved me!

Oh my God! It’s you!

Can I come in?

Ah. Okay, but how do I know if, if y-y-you’re safe?

What’s your heart say? Your intuition?

It-It’s alright to open the door!

Thanks for letting me in!

But I still don’t know who you actually are!

I-I really don’t know, either! appearing woeful and baleful.

You jest! Oh, you really, really don’t! Here, sit down! motioning toward the sofa.

I actually don’t remember who I am, nor what I’m even doing here! My memory’s blank!

But why’d you run and disappear?

That’s precisely why! What if the cops mistake me for someone else! What if they think I’m a criminal? What if I’ve been set up? What if someone’s trying to kill me? I feel as though I can’t trust anyone!

Except me!

Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right! You!

But what if you are a criminal!?

Do I look like a thief or a murderer?

No, I suppose not, but you’re clothes are terrible looking. They’re tattered and worn!

I need new clothes. I apologize for my appearance!

I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to sound judgmental or critical!

"I know! I know.