Page 88 of Playing With Matches
His clothes are one thing, but the laptop is another. He might leave here without his clothes, but not his laptop! Both of our passports are still in the safe. Rory and Rob seem so unconcerned. Do they know something that I don’t know?
I try Jackson’s phone one more time. Straight to voicemail.
What if Jackson decided to go for a swim and something happened? Unlikely, given that his swimsuit is still here. Or what if he was kidnapped? That happens to rich tech CEOs. Angry investors, jealous ex-lovers, government spies. My mind races through one ridiculous scenario after another.
Then, my mum calls.
“Isla, Darling! Did you see the pics of the ponies I posted on Instagram? We dressed them up like the Kardashians.”
“No, Mummy. I thought I told you we’ve had to stay off social media.”
“Really? Even Facebook and Instagram?”
“Especially Facebook and Instagram,” I sigh.
“Well, that’s no fun,” my mum says. “Anyways, I wanted to let you know that Daddy fixed the pipes, so you don’t have to call a plumber.”
“Daddyfixed the plumbing?” I ask, shocked.
“I know. Can you believe it? Thirty-five years I have known this man and he’s barely picked up a screwdriver. But lately, he’s been on this whole YouTube tutorial kick, and he’s turning into a regular Mr. Fixit.”
“Daddy is watching YouTube tutorials on home repair?” I ask, finding it hard to fathom.
“Yes, Darling, and the best part about it is that I was so turned on after he serviced the pipes, that I asked him to service my pipes, and oh my! I’m going to ask him to pound some nails into the wall next. I know just what I’m going to wear!”
“Mum!” I object. “I cannot unhear that. I told you I didn’t want to talk about that stuff.”
“No, Isla, you told me you didn’t want to talk aboutyoursexual health. You didn’t say I couldn’t talk about mine.”
“Let’s not talk about anyone’s sexual health, Mum?” I beg.
“Fine. But I still think you should have a fling before you leave. What about that American tech entrepreneur? He came up in my feed this morning. He seems like he might be amenable to a hook-up.”
“I gotta go, Mum,” I say. “Don’t forget I’ll be there next week.”
I find Rob down on the beach with the crew. They’re prepping the gazebo and tweaking the seating arrangements for the final ceremony. Cameramen are capturing B-roll of the tiki torches, firepits, floral garlands, and conch shells.
“Isla, you look luminous. Have you done your confessional already?” He points me back toward the pool area where the confessional tent is still set up. I see Owen and Alexis coming out. “Better hurry up. We’re wrapping that up in an hour or so.”
“I’m good,” I say. “Do you have a minute?” I see a flicker of something across his usually cheerful and impassive face. Impatience? He glances around, removes his headset, and waves to the crew.
“I’m taking five,” he shouts - holding up five fingers. “Okay, Isla, what can I do for you? You have three minutes. I kinda need the other two to take a leak.” He smiles apologetically.
I get right to the point.
“I’m worried that nobody’s heard from Jackson,” I say. “I’ve called him several times, and he’s not picking up. His phone is going straight to voicemail.”
“I’m sorry to ask, but is it possible he’s blocked you?” Rob says. He seems relieved to see Cappy strolling up the beach. The old sea captain is all cleaned up. His beard is combed, and his clothes are pressed. “Let me go talk to Cappy; maybe he’s seen him.”
“I’m coming, too,” I say.
“No, no, I’m sorry, Isla. I have some other private biz I need to chat with Cappy about. Stuff for tonight’s episode. I’m worried, too, though. If we don’t hear from Jackson by the time we’re done taping, I say we get the authorities involved. I just don’t think they’d be willing to do anything just yet though.”
Rob turns to go, and I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket. I’m so overwhelmed with relief to see the call is from Jackson. In my haste to answer, I clumsily drop the phone on the sand. Snatching it up again, I swipe at the screen hurriedly.
“Hello?” I say. “Jackson? Are you okay?”
There’s nobody there. When I look at the screen again the call has disconnected.
