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Turns out we were far enough out that there was no risk of being seen, although I could see both Maui and Hawaii off to the northwest and southwest, respectively. We might have came out just northeast of Kona and their new home. Climbing aboard the Little Minnie was easy, and all of the mermaids - Brooke included - came aboard without any concern for their tails.
Ceylara borrowed Michelle's cellphone to call up Jeanette, and the rest of the adult mermaids dried off before walking into the ship's main galley. While it was tight, Naury and Tony were happy to see us.
Tony had a lot to talk to me about, and now that Kiki was five, she was really becoming a cool kid. She and I played a card game that she invented that reminded me of a game I used to play with my cousins. The idea was to get the highest card, and you were drawn four cards. Of the four, you picked one and could swap it out once - only once! - in an effort to get the highest card. If you got the highest card out of the other players, you won that hand. The player who got five hands won overall. Michelle got in on the next draw, and before we knew it, we were anchoring near Koko Head Park on Oahu's southeast shore.
Using their little dinghy, Tony and Naury brought us all ashore - in turns, it was small too - finding a quiet spot on this lovely beachfront. As it was Wednesday, it was quiet - but not quiet enough to allow for any swimming. Using a towel, we kept Brooke wrapped up while Michelle went to find a quiet spot for Summer to show up.
As Naury brought the dinghy back to the fishing boat, which she would then lock up and secure, I left the others for a moment to check in with Jackson. He answered on the second ring.
“Claxion, hey. Are you on the island?”
“Yeah, we just met up with some friends and are anchored near Koko Head Beach.”
“Oh, good. That’s not too far of a drive, I’d say eight miles or so. I’m already at the house and your luggage will arrive tonight, should I come and pick you up?”
I brushed aside my bangs from the wind. “No, I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”
“If you’re sure. Let me give you the directions and the access code to the development. It’s on Puuikena Drive-”

Once Nauridia rejoined us - she had swam to shore, but knew of a private space to dry off - we all piled into Summer. It was tight, but even without a carrier which had been shipped along with our luggage we managed. As Crystal, Ceylara, Shelly and Naury were piled in the back with two kids - both of whom should have had a proper car seat - we hoped that there wouldn’t be any policemen along our drive. Fortunately, the speed limit was 45 most of the way and Summer drove especially carefully for the fifteen minute trip.
Starting up the hill after turning onto the road, we came to a road that was manned by a booth and a gate. The booth was empty, but there was an automated panel. Iron gates with heavily reinforced automated mechanisms were on either side of the booth, and flanking the road were rocky fences, stone planters with purple flowers, and a steep cliff that was unassailable on foot or car alike - although there was a pedestrian gate that had its own electric lock in the middle of the road if you happened to be walking. It had its own panel, so this place was well and secure. In other words, if you didn’t know the code or have some other kind of key, you didn’t get in.
“No door to door salesman at this place,” Tony said.
“Suppose you could always fly over the gate,” Crystal mused.
“Maybe there’s a helipad at the top of the mountain!” Nauridia predicted.
I put in the code, as I was the only one who could reach the panel, and a moment later the gate opened. Summer quickly drove through and continued to climb the sloping lane which meandered up the switchback-style neighborhood. We began to pass a number of large houses, many of which had palm trees obscuring the minimal front yards.
“I’ve never seen houses as large as these!” Ceylara said.
Some of the lots were vacant, but I focused on the number of branch roads - eight - before making the turn. Summer had trusted me to take the corner, and nine houses in, we had arrived. 759 Moainia. Nice house - stone work, white stucco and a sea foam green Spanish-style tile roof. Palm trees flanked the entrance of the short driveway into the two car garage, with enough of a drive so that it almost replicated the drive of a carriage entrance on a Summit Hill mansion. The actual front door was well hidden from the street, but it was bright blue with a single round window in the upper center, filled with rain glass that beveled to a point so someone could see out - to inspect a visitor, no doubt - but that one could not look in.
The garage door was closed, but as soon as Summer rolled in front of it, it began to rise. Amazingly, the whole thing felt like a rising curtain even though the garage door was white.
Summer pulled into the right side - the left was occupied by a lovely blue Lincoln SUV - and we all carefully climbed out. Jackson was standing by the door to the inside.
“Well? Didn’t I tell you this was really high end?”
“Damn, you said it,” I said. “This is almost too much for us.”
Jackson hit the button for the garage door. “Yeah, well, we needed a place that was close to downtown Honolulu, and unless you live in the valleys, everywhere is expensive. It took some doing on upper management, but they decided the cost for security was more important than the dollars that the house ultimately cost.”
“Which was how much?” Summer asked.
“Yeah, I’d guess at least seven figures,” Nauridia said.
“Or maybe a few figures,” Shelly said. “Where is the Aquapram, Heath?”
“Oh, upstairs, let me show you - join us inside, won’t you?”
Everyone else headed inside, but that left me and Summer, who had just fired her reversion foam. “I was just about to-”
“Thank you for waiting for me anyway,” Summer said as she began to shrink. “Nobody else decided to.”
“You know I would have,” I replied.
A moment later, Michelle’s tires reformed and we headed inside the house.

I could describe this house for hours, but no doubt you’re not here to listen to that. Instead, I’ll summarize. Picture the biggest house you can think of, but add three things: a view of the ocean, a high ceiling with a mix of light shaded hardwood floors, comfortable white tiles, and various living levels with compartmentalized but cohesive floor plans. Although the walls were all an eggshell color, the consistency thrived and created a logical, elegant, comfortable experience. Upstairs were three bedrooms with an office area that overlooked the great room and view of the ocean below, as well as a very well sheltered private pool that overlooked the road down the hill.
"Greg! Come check out the pool!"
The voice had come from the outside, and I went out there to find that Brooke had already been placed into the pool while Crystal - who already had wore a swimsuit for underwear, as all of the mermaids from Weeki Wachee had done in the past - was currently stripping and joining the merbaby just as I arrived.
"How come we didn't bring any luggage?" I asked as I soon found Ceylara and Shelly doing the same, seeing as how we had just arrived from the beach.
Jackson came outside and chuckled. "So predictable. Can I give you a quick tour?"
As the mermaids enjoyed the pool, Michelle and I followed Jackson to get a full tour of the three bedrooms that were upstairs and the back bedroom on the first floor. This was where the Aquapram had been installed, and accordingly, would also become Ceylara's bedroom. Above the sunken great room by the pool was a central billiard room and living area, adjacent to a dining room that was far removed from the kitchen on the east side of the house by the garage. A small utility and mud room was next to the garage, which also had a pair of laundry machines. Upstairs was a master suite overlooking the pool with its own bathroom, while the other two rooms shared their own bath that faced the street.
"Jackson," Michelle asked once we've seen the whole place, "Where do we access the basement level?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean, where do we go to the basement? Because I don't see any bedrooms that would really accommodate Summer."
He nodded sadly. "This house wasn't designed with Summer in mind."
"I'd take the one over the kitchen if I were you," I replied.
"But could they tunnel out a basement level into the mountain?" Michelle asked. "Just picture it - they could put a home theater down there, a bedroom, and a bath. It would have to have an egress window, obviously, but if you put a small sitting room in there, just beside the pool, that would be really nice."
"Sure," Jackson muttered. "Before we explore this conversation any further, I'd like to ask both of you a simple question. What do you think this house cost?"
Michelle and I shrugged. I was the first to speak. "Seven, eight hundred grand?"
"Maybe closer to nine," Michelle said.
Jackson shook his head. "When the FBI bought this house last year, it was on the market for 1.7 million. That's in American dollars."
"Oh." Michelle and I glanced at each other. "Guess it's got a fine view," I said.
"So, the FBI could make that happen, couldn't they?" Michelle asked. "An upgrade like that should only cost another million. It might even add two million in value."
Jackson smirked. "We'll get right on that. But first, there's one last thing. Follow me."

I followed Jackson out to the garage. As it was when we had first arrived, the Lincoln SUV was parked in the eastern stall.
"It's a nice garage," Michelle said. "The floor is very solid."
"Did we miss something earlier?" I asked.
Jackson nodded. "That is a Lincoln Nautilus. And it's a leased car that will be here for your use while you're working at our Waikiki office, Greg."
"Whoa." I looked at the car properly. "No, this was the car you came here in."
"Yes," Jackson said. "2020 Rhapsody Blue, Black Label edition. Thoroughbred black interior, 3.7L V8 engine and all the bells and whistles."
"Jackson," Michelle said, awestruck. "That must be an eighty thousand dollar car."
"Which is why it's a lease," he replied. "Cauldwell wanted to get just a boring old Jeep, and knowing him, it would have only came in black. So, I figured since you had your child almost injured or kidnapped by one of our own agents, this is my treat to you."
I shook his hand at once. "That's quite a ride."
"Something a little sportier than a Dodge Caravan."
"Got that right," Michelle said. "Which, might I ask, what will Greg and Shelly be paying per month to rent this place?"
"Cauldwell is out on the lanai just off the kitchen. I suggest you ask him."

After passing through the kitchen, which had its own pantry and separate stairway, I headed outside to find a private lanai that was well sheltered from a canopy of natural palms and a partisan wall, just a few steps from the noise of the pool. There with a table and a pair of chairs sat Agent Cauldwell. A pitcher of iced tea and a small bowl of cut lemons was accompanied by several glasses already prepped for service.
"Welcome. I hope the accommodations are acceptable?"
Michelle poured herself a glass of tea as I joined him. "The accommodations are incredible, sir. How'd your people find this place?"
"On a real estate listing," Caudwell replied. "Hotels in Waikiki are very expensive, and at the time we were looking for an alternative, we had several visiting dignitaries who required more stable accommodations. Most of the furniture was already in place when the purchase was made, but occasionally a few of our luckier agents are allowed to use it for up to three months at a time."
"Up to three months," I said. "Is that the timeline we get?"
"I'm going to work with other team members to give you through April," Cauldwell replied. "That is, of course, if you're up to maintaining and paying your dues in this place."
"This is a million dollar house," I said. "Two million. I can't afford-"
"Your obligation will include the home owners association fees," Cauldwell replied firmly. "They amount to about $260 per month along with maintenance of the pool."
Oh. I gave a nod of approval. "That seems fair."
"Does that take account of visitors?" Michelle asked. "Sounds like Ceylara might stay around for awhile."
"No trouble at all," Cauldwell replied. "Though you are expected to keep the house in a relatively clean manner and are responsible for your own food or relegated expenses."
"We can do that," I said. "No wall wrecking parties."
Cauldwell raised an eyebrow.
"Those don't exist, although Summer is known for breaking a few floor tiles," Michelle replied. "Not that she intends for them to occur, I assure you."
"And likely all will be done in a controlled manner, barring unexpected accidents," Cauldwell answered. "I understand you know how your body works by now."
Michelle nodded. "Fairly well."
"Then I'm not worried. If you'd like, we can put a fan in the room. There's no ceiling fan, but if I bring by an oscillating fan, that would be ideal, yes?"
"Please."
"It'll be here by tonight," Cauldwell replied. "In the meantime, you've got money and your license and everything, yes?"
"Yeah, I've got everything," I said. "Suppose I should go to the store though."
"There's a Safeway over on Keahole Street, east of here. I'll have my staff send you a map of retail centers in the area, as well as any pizza or delivery services you might want."
"If the kitchen is fully equipped, I can cook most anything," I said.
"Might be cheaper," Michelle said. "Especially after we've eaten so well on the train."
"Be sure to give that Tilly a raise," I said. "Making fresh bread on the train everyday is some kind of awesome, let me tell you."
Cauldwell nodded as he sipped from his tea. "I'll be sure to let her know. In the meantime, you're expected to show up for your usual duties at our Waikiki offices the following Monday. That should give you enough time to fly home - on our dime, of course - for any last minute things you might need. Surely Miss Shelly asked you to pick up a few things?"
"She did," I said. "Guess she hedged her bets."
"Oh, we have our sources," Cauldwell said.
"Sources," Michelle scoffed as she crossed her arms. "I overheard her talking to Jackson before we left California."
"Anyway," Cauldwell finished his tea. "I trust if you've got everything you need, or can get it in the next few days, you should be able to live here comfortably until April. At that time you'll be expected to return to Minnesota. Arraignments for your return will be made prior to April 1st. Do you believe Brooke will be able to become human before then?"
I shrugged. "I'm not sure. Nauridia, Shelly and Ceylara know more than I do."
"But we'll be sure to let you know," Michelle said. "Maybe we should go ask."
"I won't disturb them now," Cauldwell said, rising. "You've got a house to run and a daughter to raise. Michelle, your return flight will be Saturday, and you will be expected to provide transpiration."
"Not an unreasonable request," she replied.
"But when I return on Sunday?" I asked.
Cauldwell nodded. "Jackson will pick you up."

He was right about raising a family, but as large a job that would be, in the meantime we had little things to do. Shelly wanted to come with me to the store, but otherwise the rest of our guests stayed around the house for the afternoon.
I kept to the basics for shopping, focusing on a few meals like usual. Cereal, milk, eggs, bread, chips, crackers and a few meal kits. Since we'd have company tonight, I planned on making a casserole consisting of pasta noodles, tater tots, vegetables and some cream of mushroom soup as the base. With a few sides it'd be a good meal. I also bought some ingredients for other meals - sausage and bacon, ingredients for burgers, and tried to focus on meals that could feed a lot of people for cheap.
Still, I ended up paying about $200 for food. At least we knew we'd eat it all.

In short, our journey westward from Florida to Hawaii was pretty much finished. Shelly sent me home with Michelle to make sure she got home okay, but also to pick up some clothing and other things that Shelly had not packed previously. Among them were about a dozen swimsuits - Shelly would be getting her fill of that pool almost nightly, after all. I thought about bringing my favorite pool cue, but not only did Michelle discourage me from doing so it didn't fit into my luggage anyway.
Tony and Nauridia headed home after I returned from Minnesota. I'd be consulting them often for advice as Brooke got older. I only found myself confused once when, at three in the morning, Shelly didn't want to get up and Brooke needed something. Don't ask me how I knew to get up - she hadn't exactly cried despite being underwater and I do not remember what happened - but fortunately Shelly ultimately came and let me get back to sleep. I admit it was an odd occurance, but I'll pretend I just felt that my daughter needed me. In the meantime, I wanted to go back to sleep
Getting back to sleep. That must be a nice thing to do.

I'll bet you're wondering what became of Arylon. Funny thing about that. Sometime around January, Jackson came to the house. Once I let him inside the entryway he shared what he knew about her whereabouts. At least he's well informed.
"We think she may have surfaced on the north shore," Jackson replied.
"What would she be doing there?" I asked. "Doesn't she know we're here?"
"Of course she does," Jackson replied. "She was on my team, she would have known everything about where you'd be going - although we have since asked the security team to change the gate password, which you were informed about last week."
I nodded. "Was wondering why that came about. Figured it was just routine, but-"
"We, along with many of the other residents, use a unique code that is periodically changed. At any rate," Jackson continued. "We believe she is either trying to get back in touch with Brooke or one of her contacts. There was also concern about an upcoming pageant."
"A pageant," I said. "A beauty pageant? Swimsuit contest?"
"Or a surfing one," Jackson replied. "That's all I know right now, but since it'll be in about two weeks-"
"Suppose Michelle will want to be here for that one?"
Jackson chuckled. "You bet she will. Should I send her a ticket?"
"At least we're living in Hawaii."

That was the good news. Waking up overlooking Waikiki was something that I could only ever dream about up until now. But, I suppose, it's the nature of having a best friend for a car and being married to a mermaid - with my own little mermaid daughter swimming around - that means I get to face so many unique challenges that come with being a father.
Suppose I'll tell you all more in the future. For now, I'm going to go have a Mai Tai.

THE END

Description
Turns out we were far enough out that there was no risk of being seen, although I could see both Maui and Hawaii off to the northwest and southwest, respectively. We might have came out just northeast of Kona and their new home. Climbing aboard the Little Minnie was easy, and all of the mermaids - Brooke included - came aboard without any concern for their tails.
Ceylara borrowed Michelle's cellphone to call up Jeanette, and the rest of the adult mermaids dried off before walking into the ship's main galley. While it was tight, Naury and Tony were happy to see us.
Tony had a lot to talk to me about, and now that Kiki was five, she was really becoming a cool kid. She and I played a card game that she invented that reminded me of a game I used to play with my cousins. The idea was to get the highest card, and you were drawn four cards. Of the four, you picked one and could swap it out once - only once! - in an effort to get the highest card. If you got the highest card out of the other players, you won that hand. The player who got five hands won overall. Michelle got in on the next draw, and before we knew it, we were anchoring near Koko Head Park on Oahu's southeast shore.
Using their little dinghy, Tony and Naury brought us all ashore - in turns, it was small too - finding a quiet spot on this lovely beachfront. As it was Wednesday, it was quiet - but not quiet enough to allow for any swimming. Using a towel, we kept Brooke wrapped up while Michelle went to find a quiet spot for Summer to show up.
As Naury brought the dinghy back to the fishing boat, which she would then lock up and secure, I left the others for a moment to check in with Jackson. He answered on the second ring.
“Claxion, hey. Are you on the island?”
“Yeah, we just met up with some friends and are anchored near Koko Head Beach.”
“Oh, good. That’s not too far of a drive, I’d say eight miles or so. I’m already at the house and your luggage will arrive tonight, should I come and pick you up?”
I brushed aside my bangs from the wind. “No, I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”
“If you’re sure. Let me give you the directions and the access code to the development. It’s on Puuikena Drive-”

Once Nauridia rejoined us - she had swam to shore, but knew of a private space to dry off - we all piled into Summer. It was tight, but even without a carrier which had been shipped along with our luggage we managed. As Crystal, Ceylara, Shelly and Naury were piled in the back with two kids - both of whom should have had a proper car seat - we hoped that there wouldn’t be any policemen along our drive. Fortunately, the speed limit was 45 most of the way and Summer drove especially carefully for the fifteen minute trip.
Starting up the hill after turning onto the road, we came to a road that was manned by a booth and a gate. The booth was empty, but there was an automated panel. Iron gates with heavily reinforced automated mechanisms were on either side of the booth, and flanking the road were rocky fences, stone planters with purple flowers, and a steep cliff that was unassailable on foot or car alike - although there was a pedestrian gate that had its own electric lock in the middle of the road if you happened to be walking. It had its own panel, so this place was well and secure. In other words, if you didn’t know the code or have some other kind of key, you didn’t get in.
“No door to door salesman at this place,” Tony said.
“Suppose you could always fly over the gate,” Crystal mused.
“Maybe there’s a helipad at the top of the mountain!” Nauridia predicted.
I put in the code, as I was the only one who could reach the panel, and a moment later the gate opened. Summer quickly drove through and continued to climb the sloping lane which meandered up the switchback-style neighborhood. We began to pass a number of large houses, many of which had palm trees obscuring the minimal front yards.
“I’ve never seen houses as large as these!” Ceylara said.
Some of the lots were vacant, but I focused on the number of branch roads - eight - before making the turn. Summer had trusted me to take the corner, and nine houses in, we had arrived. 759 Moainia. Nice house - stone work, white stucco and a sea foam green Spanish-style tile roof. Palm trees flanked the entrance of the short driveway into the two car garage, with enough of a drive so that it almost replicated the drive of a carriage entrance on a Summit Hill mansion. The actual front door was well hidden from the street, but it was bright blue with a single round window in the upper center, filled with rain glass that beveled to a point so someone could see out - to inspect a visitor, no doubt - but that one could not look in.
The garage door was closed, but as soon as Summer rolled in front of it, it began to rise. Amazingly, the whole thing felt like a rising curtain even though the garage door was white.
Summer pulled into the right side - the left was occupied by a lovely blue Lincoln SUV - and we all carefully climbed out. Jackson was standing by the door to the inside.
“Well? Didn’t I tell you this was really high end?”
“Damn, you said it,” I said. “This is almost too much for us.”
Jackson hit the button for the garage door. “Yeah, well, we needed a place that was close to downtown Honolulu, and unless you live in the valleys, everywhere is expensive. It took some doing on upper management, but they decided the cost for security was more important than the dollars that the house ultimately cost.”
“Which was how much?” Summer asked.
“Yeah, I’d guess at least seven figures,” Nauridia said.
“Or maybe a few figures,” Shelly said. “Where is the Aquapram, Heath?”
“Oh, upstairs, let me show you - join us inside, won’t you?”
Everyone else headed inside, but that left me and Summer, who had just fired her reversion foam. “I was just about to-”
“Thank you for waiting for me anyway,” Summer said as she began to shrink. “Nobody else decided to.”
“You know I would have,” I replied.
A moment later, Michelle’s tires reformed and we headed inside the house.

I could describe this house for hours, but no doubt you’re not here to listen to that. Instead, I’ll summarize. Picture the biggest house you can think of, but add three things: a view of the ocean, a high ceiling with a mix of light shaded hardwood floors, comfortable white tiles, and various living levels with compartmentalized but cohesive floor plans. Although the walls were all an eggshell color, the consistency thrived and created a logical, elegant, comfortable experience. Upstairs were three bedrooms with an office area that overlooked the great room and view of the ocean below, as well as a very well sheltered private pool that overlooked the road down the hill.
"Greg! Come check out the pool!"
The voice had come from the outside, and I went out there to find that Brooke had already been placed into the pool while Crystal - who already had wore a swimsuit for underwear, as all of the mermaids from Weeki Wachee had done in the past - was currently stripping and joining the merbaby just as I arrived.
"How come we didn't bring any luggage?" I asked as I soon found Ceylara and Shelly doing the same, seeing as how we had just arrived from the beach.
Jackson came outside and chuckled. "So predictable. Can I give you a quick tour?"
As the mermaids enjoyed the pool, Michelle and I followed Jackson to get a full tour of the three bedrooms that were upstairs and the back bedroom on the first floor. This was where the Aquapram had been installed, and accordingly, would also become Ceylara's bedroom. Above the sunken great room by the pool was a central billiard room and living area, adjacent to a dining room that was far removed from the kitchen on the east side of the house by the garage. A small utility and mud room was next to the garage, which also had a pair of laundry machines. Upstairs was a master suite overlooking the pool with its own bathroom, while the other two rooms shared their own bath that faced the street.
"Jackson," Michelle asked once we've seen the whole place, "Where do we access the basement level?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean, where do we go to the basement? Because I don't see any bedrooms that would really accommodate Summer."
He nodded sadly. "This house wasn't designed with Summer in mind."
"I'd take the one over the kitchen if I were you," I replied.
"But could they tunnel out a basement level into the mountain?" Michelle asked. "Just picture it - they could put a home theater down there, a bedroom, and a bath. It would have to have an egress window, obviously, but if you put a small sitting room in there, just beside the pool, that would be really nice."
"Sure," Jackson muttered. "Before we explore this conversation any further, I'd like to ask both of you a simple question. What do you think this house cost?"
Michelle and I shrugged. I was the first to speak. "Seven, eight hundred grand?"
"Maybe closer to nine," Michelle said.
Jackson shook his head. "When the FBI bought this house last year, it was on the market for 1.7 million. That's in American dollars."
"Oh." Michelle and I glanced at each other. "Guess it's got a fine view," I said.
"So, the FBI could make that happen, couldn't they?" Michelle asked. "An upgrade like that should only cost another million. It might even add two million in value."
Jackson smirked. "We'll get right on that. But first, there's one last thing. Follow me."

I followed Jackson out to the garage. As it was when we had first arrived, the Lincoln SUV was parked in the eastern stall.
"It's a nice garage," Michelle said. "The floor is very solid."
"Did we miss something earlier?" I asked.
Jackson nodded. "That is a Lincoln Nautilus. And it's a leased car that will be here for your use while you're working at our Waikiki office, Greg."
"Whoa." I looked at the car properly. "No, this was the car you came here in."
"Yes," Jackson said. "2020 Rhapsody Blue, Black Label edition. Thoroughbred black interior, 3.7L V8 engine and all the bells and whistles."
"Jackson," Michelle said, awestruck. "That must be an eighty thousand dollar car."
"Which is why it's a lease," he replied. "Cauldwell wanted to get just a boring old Jeep, and knowing him, it would have only came in black. So, I figured since you had your child almost injured or kidnapped by one of our own agents, this is my treat to you."
I shook his hand at once. "That's quite a ride."
"Something a little sportier than a Dodge Caravan."
"Got that right," Michelle said. "Which, might I ask, what will Greg and Shelly be paying per month to rent this place?"
"Cauldwell is out on the lanai just off the kitchen. I suggest you ask him."

After passing through the kitchen, which had its own pantry and separate stairway, I headed outside to find a private lanai that was well sheltered from a canopy of natural palms and a partisan wall, just a few steps from the noise of the pool. There with a table and a pair of chairs sat Agent Cauldwell. A pitcher of iced tea and a small bowl of cut lemons was accompanied by several glasses already prepped for service.
"Welcome. I hope the accommodations are acceptable?"
Michelle poured herself a glass of tea as I joined him. "The accommodations are incredible, sir. How'd your people find this place?"
"On a real estate listing," Caudwell replied. "Hotels in Waikiki are very expensive, and at the time we were looking for an alternative, we had several visiting dignitaries who required more stable accommodations. Most of the furniture was already in place when the purchase was made, but occasionally a few of our luckier agents are allowed to use it for up to three months at a time."
"Up to three months," I said. "Is that the timeline we get?"
"I'm going to work with other team members to give you through April," Cauldwell replied. "That is, of course, if you're up to maintaining and paying your dues in this place."
"This is a million dollar house," I said. "Two million. I can't afford-"
"Your obligation will include the home owners association fees," Cauldwell replied firmly. "They amount to about $260 per month along with maintenance of the pool."
Oh. I gave a nod of approval. "That seems fair."
"Does that take account of visitors?" Michelle asked. "Sounds like Ceylara might stay around for awhile."
"No trouble at all," Cauldwell replied. "Though you are expected to keep the house in a relatively clean manner and are responsible for your own food or relegated expenses."
"We can do that," I said. "No wall wrecking parties."
Cauldwell raised an eyebrow.
"Those don't exist, although Summer is known for breaking a few floor tiles," Michelle replied. "Not that she intends for them to occur, I assure you."
"And likely all will be done in a controlled manner, barring unexpected accidents," Cauldwell answered. "I understand you know how your body works by now."
Michelle nodded. "Fairly well."
"Then I'm not worried. If you'd like, we can put a fan in the room. There's no ceiling fan, but if I bring by an oscillating fan, that would be ideal, yes?"
"Please."
"It'll be here by tonight," Cauldwell replied. "In the meantime, you've got money and your license and everything, yes?"
"Yeah, I've got everything," I said. "Suppose I should go to the store though."
"There's a Safeway over on Keahole Street, east of here. I'll have my staff send you a map of retail centers in the area, as well as any pizza or delivery services you might want."
"If the kitchen is fully equipped, I can cook most anything," I said.
"Might be cheaper," Michelle said. "Especially after we've eaten so well on the train."
"Be sure to give that Tilly a raise," I said. "Making fresh bread on the train everyday is some kind of awesome, let me tell you."
Cauldwell nodded as he sipped from his tea. "I'll be sure to let her know. In the meantime, you're expected to show up for your usual duties at our Waikiki offices the following Monday. That should give you enough time to fly home - on our dime, of course - for any last minute things you might need. Surely Miss Shelly asked you to pick up a few things?"
"She did," I said. "Guess she hedged her bets."
"Oh, we have our sources," Cauldwell said.
"Sources," Michelle scoffed as she crossed her arms. "I overheard her talking to Jackson before we left California."
"Anyway," Cauldwell finished his tea. "I trust if you've got everything you need, or can get it in the next few days, you should be able to live here comfortably until April. At that time you'll be expected to return to Minnesota. Arraignments for your return will be made prior to April 1st. Do you believe Brooke will be able to become human before then?"
I shrugged. "I'm not sure. Nauridia, Shelly and Ceylara know more than I do."
"But we'll be sure to let you know," Michelle said. "Maybe we should go ask."
"I won't disturb them now," Cauldwell said, rising. "You've got a house to run and a daughter to raise. Michelle, your return flight will be Saturday, and you will be expected to provide transpiration."
"Not an unreasonable request," she replied.
"But when I return on Sunday?" I asked.
Cauldwell nodded. "Jackson will pick you up."

He was right about raising a family, but as large a job that would be, in the meantime we had little things to do. Shelly wanted to come with me to the store, but otherwise the rest of our guests stayed around the house for the afternoon.
I kept to the basics for shopping, focusing on a few meals like usual. Cereal, milk, eggs, bread, chips, crackers and a few meal kits. Since we'd have company tonight, I planned on making a casserole consisting of pasta noodles, tater tots, vegetables and some cream of mushroom soup as the base. With a few sides it'd be a good meal. I also bought some ingredients for other meals - sausage and bacon, ingredients for burgers, and tried to focus on meals that could feed a lot of people for cheap.
Still, I ended up paying about $200 for food. At least we knew we'd eat it all.

In short, our journey westward from Florida to Hawaii was pretty much finished. Shelly sent me home with Michelle to make sure she got home okay, but also to pick up some clothing and other things that Shelly had not packed previously. Among them were about a dozen swimsuits - Shelly would be getting her fill of that pool almost nightly, after all. I thought about bringing my favorite pool cue, but not only did Michelle discourage me from doing so it didn't fit into my luggage anyway.
Tony and Nauridia headed home after I returned from Minnesota. I'd be consulting them often for advice as Brooke got older. I only found myself confused once when, at three in the morning, Shelly didn't want to get up and Brooke needed something. Don't ask me how I knew to get up - she hadn't exactly cried despite being underwater and I do not remember what happened - but fortunately Shelly ultimately came and let me get back to sleep. I admit it was an odd occurance, but I'll pretend I just felt that my daughter needed me. In the meantime, I wanted to go back to sleep
Getting back to sleep. That must be a nice thing to do.

I'll bet you're wondering what became of Arylon. Funny thing about that. Sometime around January, Jackson came to the house. Once I let him inside the entryway he shared what he knew about her whereabouts. At least he's well informed.
"We think she may have surfaced on the north shore," Jackson replied.
"What would she be doing there?" I asked. "Doesn't she know we're here?"
"Of course she does," Jackson replied. "She was on my team, she would have known everything about where you'd be going - although we have since asked the security team to change the gate password, which you were informed about last week."
I nodded. "Was wondering why that came about. Figured it was just routine, but-"
"We, along with many of the other residents, use a unique code that is periodically changed. At any rate," Jackson continued. "We believe she is either trying to get back in touch with Brooke or one of her contacts. There was also concern about an upcoming pageant."
"A pageant," I said. "A beauty pageant? Swimsuit contest?"
"Or a surfing one," Jackson replied. "That's all I know right now, but since it'll be in about two weeks-"
"Suppose Michelle will want to be here for that one?"
Jackson chuckled. "You bet she will. Should I send her a ticket?"
"At least we're living in Hawaii."

That was the good news. Waking up overlooking Waikiki was something that I could only ever dream about up until now. But, I suppose, it's the nature of having a best friend for a car and being married to a mermaid - with my own little mermaid daughter swimming around - that means I get to face so many unique challenges that come with being a father.
Suppose I'll tell you all more in the future. For now, I'm going to go have a Mai Tai.

THE END