Eye of the Dolphin

By M.J. Taormina

Ariel is a unique child. With a severe cognitive disability no one quite understands, she has trouble communicating and expressing any emotion. Her parents, Johnny and Christa, struggle with their child's lack of mental development. Christa becomes depressed and detached from her daughter, and Johnny. In a desperate effort to better understand her and save their relationship, Ariel's parents take her to Dolphin House, a research facility in Mexico. There, Dr. Kenneth Barnhill puts Ariel in direct contact with a pod of dolphins. They find that despite her trouble with other humans, Ariel has a powerful, immediate connection to the dolphins. They convey complex ideas to her and transmit images that she alone knows the meaning of, somehow. Ariel develops the ability to communicate with the dolphins by generating visions that create divided reactions amongst the pod. Johnny and Christa watch Ariel's world grow, until disaster strikes Dolphin House and they learn that the situation is far more dire than they dared to imagine. "Eye of the Dolphin" tells an epic story of a small family, as a troubled mother, father, and daughter try to solve an ancient mystery that brings them dangerously closer together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667862040

Book preview

Chapter 1

What first caught Captain Joe’s eye was the incredible size difference between the couple. Tall, big, and brawny versus short, slight, and petite. The guy looked like he should be playing linebacker in the NFL, and the woman could easily be an Olympic gymnast. Upon further examination, he realized the size and shape disparity was just the appetizer: Hair color, facial features, skin tone, dress, and even footwear were the main course. The olive-skinned, dark-curly - haired guy wore a faded knit shirt, scraggy denim shorts, and rubber flip flops. He looked like he’d just escaped the dryer after days of lying in a wrinkled heap. The pale, small-boned woman had sharp features, striking blonde hair, and a slim figure. She wore a white blouse, tight red Capris, beaded sandals, and looked like she’d just finished a runway stint in New York.

Could they have been more mismatched? Was there a weird contest going on in Nassau he was unaware of? Like a best-and worst-dressed or maybe a Disney-themed one—Beauty and the Beast perhaps? But this beauty reminded him of a fair-haired Minnie mouse. He scanned the other folks who meandered around the dock to confirm or deny his suspicion.

Nope, no contests, just very bad taste, apparently. The captain shook his head and leaked a dry smile. Still eyeing the couple, he rocked back in his plastic chair located near the stern of his vessel, Nora. He saw the young couple pointing at boats, talking, smiling, laughing. How old were they? Maybe late twenties. A bit younger? He’d gotten married at that age.

The mismatched couple grasped each other and kissed, the woman raising a sandal, bending her leg at the knee. It seemed a passionate encounter, but after the embrace, Minnie pushed the beast away and laughed. Nasty boy! he heard her say with a broad smile. The beast stepped forward, but a stiff finger on the tip of his nose stifled his advance. He smiled and moved his head side to side. The magic finger can’t stop me this time, he chuckled. Little Mrs. Minnie waved her finger in front of the beast’s face; You owe everything, your existence, to the magic finger. Her voice sounded deep and ominous.

Captain Joe shook his head. Newlyweds. Friggin’ newlyweds with not a care in the world. Well, shit happens and everything changes, and when you goddamn least expect it. He reached between his legs and grabbed a bottle. Dull eyes darted left and right before he took a quick nip. Ah, good morning, Bahama Mama. His lips puckered and he spit over the side, just barely clearing the railing.

A boat leaving the dock distracted him. Fresh paint covered the helm and deck, and shiny new seats rounded out the vessel’s makeover. That must’ve cost a pretty penny. The captain of the refurbished boat waved to him and smiled. Joe raised a thumb and examined the craft’s payload. Eight paying customers were onboard. His upper lip curled. What a weenie. Guy doesn’t know shit about diving, but his boat looks damn fine. What is that scrawny punk’s name? Jim, John, Dilbert?

He took another gulp and examined his own vessel. The deck needed a fresh coat of varnish. The ladder leading to the helm showed its age. The seats for his customers looked worn, the tarp above him needed to be replaced and—Don’t matter anyhow. These days, it’s all about advertising on the web. Doesn’t matter if I’m the best, only if I get the most likes. Maybe I need to update my site. How long would that take? I hate computers but it might be worth it. Ain’t gonna happen. He raised the bottle and took a big swig. That’ll knock yer dick stiff in the morning. He leaned back and wiped at his faded green knit shirt with "I went down with Joe" printed on the front. Gonna be another long day.

The odd couple stopped in front of his slip and eyed his sign, his boat, and him. They looked at one another. Minnie bit her lower lip, and they continued strolling down the pier. He overheard Minnie saying, "It’s your choice, Noto. I’m not making any more decisions the rest of the trip," her arms folded.

It sounded like she really meant it, but, alas, Joe knew such a promise could not be kept. It wasn’t part of Minnie’s makeup. That woman is used to calling the shots, for herself and everyone else. The beast said, That’s a switch, you feeling alright, Chris? and he put his hand on Minnie’s forehead. She promptly knocked it off. I mean it, she huffed and patted her hair, ensuring every strand remained in place. The beast said something to Mrs. Minnie, but they were too far away.

Captain Joe ran his hand over his long, salt-and-pepper hair. He adjusted his ponytail and thought about calling after the beast and Minnie. His face contorted as if a putrid odor had permeated the air. What am I doing? Those two will be customers from hell, and besides, I don’t think I have a wetsuit big enough for that guy. Even if I do, he’d probably blow the seams out. As for Minnie, she’d want a designer wetsuit created by… by someone famous. He nodded and muttered, No creeping crap about it.

The weathered lines on his worn face softened. Even after so many years, he still found himself using that silly phrase. Her silly phrase. He eyed the couple and sighed. I could use the business, he grumbled. His top lip quivered and he scoffed, Newlyweds. They’d probably want some silly photos of themselves holding hands underwater or jumping over the side. Guess what, gang. I don’t do pictures and never…

Sir, a male voice interrupted, snapping the boat captain into the conscious. Are you the captain?

Joe focused on the couple he’d been observing. What. He sounded irritated.

The beast recoiled, but Minnie stepped forward and smiled, Hi, I’m Christa, and this is Johnny. We wanted to know if you could take us diving. Your sign said you go where no one else does. Is that true?

Joe folded his arms. Yeah, he said. I know some secret diving spots that are kinda mysterious. I better make up my mind. Am I goin’ to lower my standards and babysit for a few hours? Take pretty Mrs. Minnie and her beast for a husband diving? He pulled on an earlobe and a dreary, bloodshot eye twitched. Shit, maybe.

The beast named Johnny said, Dangerous?

Captain Joe nodded. Could be, I guess, but more different than dangerous, that’s all. And private.

Minnie said, We won’t be around a bunch of other divers, then?

His ponytail waved back and forth when he shook his head. No. You’d be on your own.

The beast swallowed. I’m not certified.

An image flashed in Captain Joe’s mind. The panicked diver hovered ten feet underwater, her eyes bigger than beach balls. Of course, she pointed at her ears and thrashed about like a hooked tuna. She looked rather like a tuna. Weird face. No wonder water leaked into her mask, no way to get a good seal over that mug. What was her name? Irma, Imogi, Karen? The actual dive took less time than putting on her gear. Ten minutes, tops! Great lungs, though. She managed to go through half a tank of air. Never knew a diver could produce so many air bubbles. Then the tuna lady asked for her money back!

Joe sighed, Look, I’m gonna be straight with ya, Jack…

It’s Johnny, Johnny Noto, Minnie corrected, nodding.

Yeah, anyway, you probably just might wanna snorkel or something, and there are no refunds, whether you decide to dive or not. Understand? No refunds.

The beast took in a mouthful of air. His broad chin bobbed up and down. I’m in.

Joe watched the beast and sensed his nervousness. Do I really wanna do this? He looked at his boat. I gotta lot of repairs to catch up on, but still… He pointed a crooked finger, Ya sure? My time is valuable.

We understand, Skipper, Mrs. Minnie confirmed.

Joe said, And of course, Ja… Johnny, I’ll be with you the entire dive.

An attractive smile emerged over Minnie’s face. I told you, Noto, and she smacked the beast’s shoulder. It did not move in the slightest. You get to have a buddy. Captain Joe will take care of ya.

Joe pulled on his earlobe and his eye twitched. Yeah, I’ll be right there. But it’s up to Ja—John if he enjoys it or not. Like I said before—

No refunds. Right, Skip! Minnie interrupted. Well guess what, this guy right here is gonna go for it because that’s what he does!

The beast said. I love when you’re like this, Chris.

Like what?

So positive and relaxed. Having fun. Just enjoying life.

Captain Joe watched the beast wrap his big arm around his wife. He cringed. I hope he doesn’t accidentally squeeze her to death.

Christa’s voice rose. Are you saying I’m a little uptight when we’re at home? And she poked her husband in the chest.

Ouch.

Joe had a feeling the guy barely felt it. It’d take a jackhammer to cause the beast any real pain.

Christa laughed. How’s that for having fun? Magic finger got ya big time.

The beast nodded, a devilish look in his eye. He feigned one way, and, showing cat-like nimbleness, deftly went around Minnie, surprising her and Captain Joe, who didn’t expect such a quick move from the big man. Once behind, the beast grabbed his wife underneath her arms. She yelped and tried to break free. He picked her off the ground and swung her around. Legs and expensive sandals flew over the water, You’re going swimming right now, Chris, he teased, a stunning white grin covering his dark face.

Minnie screamed, Nooo-tooo.

A hearty laugh emanated from the beast, and he put his wife down gently. So, Chris, you can dish it out but can’t take it.

Captain Joe saw Minnie’s bright blue eyes narrow, and he knew she was up to something. When she spoke, her voice sounded ominous. She said, Some day or night, the magic finger is gonna get you, Noto, and she poked her husband in the gut and laughed.

The beast flinched and feigned injury. Captain Joe crossed his arms, spit over the side, and tapped his barefoot on the deck. Hey Blondie and King Kong, no grab assin’ on the dock. Someone’s gonna get hurt.

The man and woman straightened, eying him. Joe looked down, knowing he’d probably lost some business, but too friggin’ bad! Damn it, some things needed saying, straight out, no holdin’ back. These kids most likely aren’t used to that. Feelings get bruised or something like that. They probably need to see a shrink now.

He pictured what that might look like. Captain Joe was mean to me. He had a scary voice, and…

Talk about dishin’ it out, Minnie said. That was sweet. You did call Noto King Kong. Did I hear that right? Captain Joe nodded. She eyed the beast up and down. I think that’s pretty damn accurate, except Noto has more fur, and she giggled.

The beast reached for her and said, Ooh, Blondie, yer gonna get it now.

Minnie dodged his big hands and ran down the pier. You’re gonna have to catch me first, Mister Kong, and her perky, staccato-like laugh rushed over the pier.

The beast looked at him. See ya around seven tomorrow, Captain Joe, and he took off after Minnie.

Joe tried to stop it, but a shadow of a smile emerged on his worn face. Those kids know how to have a good time. It might even be fun having them onboard… but probably not.

He watched the young couple scurry down the dock, shouting and laughing. Everyone turned. Minnie and the beast didn’t notice. Good for those guys. Don’t ever give a shit about what other people think.

The old plastic chair, located astern, groaned when Captain Joe leaned into it. He grabbed the bottle and tilted another one back. Ah. He blinked and sniffed. Have as much fun as you can, he said. Enjoy every goddamn second, ’cause ya never know. He shook his head and swallowed. You just never freakin’ know.

Chapter 2

Christa saw that Johnny wasn’t feeling right. He sat on the bench seat located astern, semi-hunched over, staring at the deck. His face looked tense and pale. How ya holdin’ up, Noto? she asked, and put a hand on his back and rubbed tenderly.

He swallowed and said, I’ll be okay. He didn’t sound okay.

Try to take deep breaths and look at the horizon. It will help. Johnny nodded but continued looking down. She could feel the tension in his shoulders. I’m gonna go check with Captain Joe and see how much longer. Okay?

Christa climbed the ladder to the helm and noticed Joe looking over his shoulder at her. He shoved something into a compartment behind the wheel.

Joe said, How’s he doing?

Christa thought his voice hinted at a sense of guilt, which tickled her curiosity about what he’d put inside the drawer. She didn’t let on. You noticed, she said.

I’ve seen it a thousand times. We just gotta get him in the water, and he’ll be alright. We’re almost there.

Christa nodded and thought she smelled liquor on the captain. She peered into his eyes. They looked tired, maybe a bit sad, but not drunk. When his eye twitched and he pulled on his earlobe, she wondered if something terrible had happened that caused him to have these nervous reactions. This Captain Joe character is quite the mystery, but I won’t pry. She said, You’re right, Johnny will be okay. I think he’s more nervous about diving than anything.

Probably. Where you guys from?

Reno.

Joe nodded, Ya gamble?

Christa shook her head. Like my daddy said, you can’t live in Reno and gamble. She looked over her shoulder, checking on Johnny. A look of concern crossed her face. I told him not to look down. She swallowed and ran a hand over her mouth. Her stomach felt funny, kind of queasy. I’ve never gotten seasick. Never. Look at the horizon and breathe.

Joe said, What’s with this magic finger thing, Blondie, if you don’t mind me askin’?

Christa felt her face turning red. You heard that, did ya?

What gives?

She flexed her index finger and wondered if in fact that digit did contain a bit of magic. After all, it had brought Johnny into her life and eased the pain. She hadn’t completely moved on, but she was damn close. Thanks to Johnny and her finger.

How funny that a simple touch could lead her into another long-term relationship—or did chance have more to do with it? The right people, in the right place, at exactly the right moment? Obviously, she had transmitted more than skin-to-skin contact. Whether she had generated a desperate signal for help through an electrical impulse, or the stars had aligned perfectly that day, one way or the other, Johnny had received the message. She didn’t know if she had wanted to meet Johnny at the time, but perhaps she needed to.

Well, Skipper, the magic finger is what got Noto and me together, you might say. I was sitting at the local Starbucks, just watching traffic, when Noto walked by. I got up to leave, and my hand, this finger, she held it up, touched his hand by chance. It startled him, so I went with it. I told him once you’ve been touched by the magic finger, your every thought and action is now under my control. From there, she shrugged her petite shoulders.

Joe nodded. I see. One of those fate things.

Pretty much.

Joe mouthed, Fate, and shook his head. He leaned forward and pointed, There it is, our first dive spot.

***

Johnny watched Christa descend the ladder from the helm to the deck. With each step, her firm butt flexed within her slinky black bikini bottom. Toned legs displayed tight muscle, and her athletic arms showed the same. When he saw her bright, friendly face, he tried to smile and forget how he felt.

Christa said, We’re close. Are you doing better, Noto?

Johnny nodded at his twenty-eight-year-old girlfriend. His gaze quickly shifted to the pitching boat deck. The olive-skinned man in solid white trunks had one hand wrapped around the metal railing, trying to steady himself. With each wave encountered by the thirty-five-foot-long dive boat, his body heaved side to side.

Yeah Chris, I think I’m gettin’ used to it.

Are you worried about diving? You don’t have to ya know, and Christa sat beside him and rubbed his shoulders.

Johnny felt his shoulders relax, and he exhaled. She has that magic touch. We’ll see. No refunds, Blondie, remember? and he smiled, if only for a second.

The steady engine drone softened and momentum shifted forward when the vessel slowed, water lapping against the stern, then bow. Johnny swiped at his sticky hair, eyeing the rocky island that barely protruded through the surface. Wispy clouds of screeching, squawking, whistling birds circled the small landmass. His head tilted back, and he sniffed a strong fishy smell, broad nostrils flaring. The odor originated from the solid rock island and wafted over the boat. Saliva filled his parched mouth, and he wanted to spit, but forced a swallow instead, his thick neck flinching.

We’re right over the plane, Joe announced from the helm. How ya guys doing down there? And the barefooted dive master, in wrinkled shorts and tank, climbed down the ladder. With each step, his graying ponytail swayed back and forth. His left biceps displayed a smallish tattoo of a dolphin in dark blue ink.

It’s only thirty feet down, Captain Joe said. I’ll help you guys get yer gear on, and we’ll get down there. Ja—Johnny, since you’re not certified, we’ll get Christa ready to go first. You and I will go over some basic stuff and meet your wife by the plane.

Christa looked at Johnny, We’re not married.

Yet, Johnny added.

Captain Joe looked down, feet shuffling. I hope I didn’t get anyone’s butt in a sling.

Johnny shook his head and wondered why they were not married. It wasn’t as if they weren’t practically living together. Most of his stuff was over at Chris’s place and had been for a couple years. However, there was that tiny thing about her not having actually said she loved him. Relationships, ones with promise and hope, gone wrong, left some people, particularly one, unable, or unwilling to trust, or put themselves out there like that for a very long time.

I’m not feelin’ a hundred percent, Johnny said, so I might wanna come up sooner than later.

Joe put a firm hand on his shoulder. Look, son, being in the water will ease that nauseous feeling. It’s the best thing for it. I know you can do this. I’ll be right beside you. If you don’t like it or still feel sick, we’ll come right up. Trust me.

Johnny nodded, wondering if this was the same guy from yesterday. That guy would have said, Hey, King Kong, I told ya, no refunds. Now suck it up and put yer gear on or I’m turning the boat around. That’s why Christa said she liked Captain Joe. She thought he was genuine—gruff for sure—but very genuine. He’s not looking to impress you or entertain you, she’d said. It’s all about the dive. Maybe the boat’s a little old and looks worn, like the skipper, but he’ll watch out for us.

Her acceptance of Captain Joe had surprised him. Ever since they’d met, he’d noticed that Christa always strived for the best, in everything, and always wanted things just so. She would work overtime just to get a certain pair of designer jeans that fit her perfectly. Seats for a show downtown? They had to be front row, center. Cost didn’t force her to settle for what she perceived as second best, and it wasn’t just about material things. People fell under her critical microscope. Christa could be quick to judge if she observed others not acting or even dressing to her standards, and her comments could be sharp and biting.

He thought her job might have something to do with her perfectionist mindset. She worked as a paralegal for a high-powered law firm. The firm’s best attorneys sought her out for case research, and her opinions carried weight. Of course, everything she communicated needed to be accurate. There was no room for error. She thrived in this environment, and her work evaluations stated as much.

However, on this vacation, Christa appeared more relaxed than he’d ever seen her. She wasn’t sweating the small stuff. Hell, she didn’t even mind how he dressed, which seemed strange, because she still approached the what-to-wear dilemma with the skill of a football coach designing the perfect play— but unlike at home, she had limited her opinion on dress options to just herself. She didn’t even say a word, or give him a look, when he wore his ragged shorts and faded tank, which would have been a problem back home.

Chris didn’t mind that he supervised a garden department for a home improvement store; she just hated the clothes he wore on the job. That’s why vacations are so good, he thought. They allow people to be a better part of themselves and focus on what really matters, having a good time and enjoying life.

Joe winked, or was it a twitch? He said, Doesn’t matter how long you’re under, John. Ten minutes or an hour. Even the shortest dive is still better than hauling tourists around looking for dolphins.

Christa said, That bad?

"I’ll never do that again. You can’t believe all the asinine questions—and these tourists weren’t stupid, far from it. Most were very successful and competent, but once they stepped foot on our tour boat, they all became balloon-heads. Nora, my wife, she could put up with it. She had this easy-going temperament, and people felt comfortable around her. Joe exhaled and said under his breath, She was a natural."

Johnny wanted to ask Captain Joe about his wife, but the look on Joe’s face, and the tone of his voice, told him to leave it alone. I’m ready to give it a try, Skipper.

Captain Joe grabbed a weight belt. You’re a pretty big guy. What do ya weigh, 230, 240?

About.

Captain Joe shrugged. "Little light or heavy?

Johnny looked down. Light.

Christa smiled. We’re on vacation, Noto. Don’t sweat it.

Captain Joe strapped the weight belt around his student and said, We’re just gonna go in and float awhile.

When Captain Joe went over the instructions, Johnny felt his throat close, and he fought the urge to gag. He knew where this came from. Unbeknownst to Chris, he had signed up for scuba classes at a local dive shop in Reno. He’d wanted to get certified and surprise her on their vacation. Anything equipment-related, terminology, function and the like, he’d had no problems with. However, once in the water, his difficulties had begun. Still, he’d almost finished the course. At least Chris didn’t know.

The breathing regulator felt cold in his hand. He thought about what it would feel like in his mouth. Saliva gathered in the back of his throat. He lifted his chin and swallowed. Don’t think about it! Just breathe. Breathe.

Captain Joe said, You got all that?

He nodded and noticed the look on the captain’s face. It appeared he was trying to smile. His lips moved, but his teeth remained hidden. What would cause a guy to forget how to smile?

Captain Joe slapped him on the arm and said, You can do this, John.

Christa put her hand on his arm. Take it slow. Everything will be fine, Noto.

I know.

Christa pointed at Captain Joe, You keep this big guy safe, and her infamous motorboat giggle escaped.

Johnny touched her hand and said, Love you, Chris.

Christa smiled, her teeth shining in the glorious daylight. Back at ya, big guy, and she put on her mask and prepared to go in. Johnny sighed and looked away.

Captain Joe said, Hey Christa, before you dive, I gotta ask, you’re not pregnant, right? A confused look gathered on her face and Joe said, Ya know, it could be harmful, and he shrugged.

Christa smiled, shaking her head. No way, Skip. She slipped into the water and disappeared below the surface.

***

From the murky depths, a large silhouette appeared. Its sharp nose moved side to side.

Electrical pulses, a slight pressure change, and subtle vibrations narrowed the predator’s hunting field. Its sharp tail swished, propelling the twelve-foot animal toward shallower waters… and the scent of blood.

An adult bottlenose dolphin glided near the sandy bottom. From the dolphin’s underbelly, at the rear of her torso, a tiny tail emerged. Straight ahead lay a grouping of huge boulders covered in multicolored coral. The cow clicked several times, getting her bearings. Her delicate skin absorbed varied sensations, interpreting each, even as her brain interacted with her newborn.

Her hypersensitive skin twitched. Various pulse receptors detected a threat and sent a warning. A dangerous predator approached. The bottlenose ceased her pinging and coasted between the rocks. A strange, unnatural object appeared. It lay on the seabed. Bright colored coral and spiny sea urchins covered the ditched plane. A splash echoed from above, and she darted away and clicked instinctively.

***

They floated on the surface. Johnny felt the gentle sway of the sea and noticed his stomach felt better. I just need to get used to this equipment. He fidgeted with his scuba vest and adjusted his mask. The mouthpiece attached to the breathing regulator felt alien and intrusive. It reminded him of when the dentist would place pieces of film inside his mouth to take X-rays. He always gagged. While the captain went over some