First of all, there's the need to give Topaz some better accommodation - so you and Caroline go ahead with your agreement to transport the mermaid over to your friend's house. The two of you wrap your 'guest' up - a damp towel around her tail, and a dry towel and blanket to cover up the rest of Topaz. Then, using Caroline's car, you all arrive at her plush house - and you both carry the mermaid over to the heated swimming pool alongside the back porchway, before releasing her into it.
Topaz gives a 'squeal' of delight as she rolls into her new 'lodgings', landing with a 'splash'. She kicks out with her tail to explore her surroundings - then, coming to rest at the edge, she addresses you both.
"So... What happens now?"
"We'll take you to a secluded beach, tonight," Caroline answers. "Neil will use my computer to work out the best place to go to. Neil's not working at the moment - and with today being Saturday, I'll ring my workplace, to book the next week off."
Topaz frowns, not fully understanding the ways of landfolk. "Does that mean you will both join me in the sea?" she asks hopefully.
"Yes! We're both willing to experience life as merfolk, Topaz." You smile. "On a temporary basis, though!"
The mermaid breaks into a wide grin. "Thank you, my friends! I will be happy to change you both! Even if you will be my kin for only a while." Excited, Topaz starts rolling and splashing around in the pool, waving her caudal fin in the air as she dives with joy.
"Well... I'd better ring work and book leave. Just as well I don't work Saturdays." Caroline gives a lazy smile. "Then I need to get ready for tonight." She slips into the house.
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After a few minutes of watching Topaz twisting and circling gracefully around the swimming pool, you break off your enraptured vigil and take a walk of the perimeter of Caroline's back garden. Thick, tall hedges prevent the neighbours from seeing who's swimming - and the far end, which borders a wood, is fenced off.
All secure, you think happily. And just as well. During the last year, there's been a spate of late night murders in town. Five men, months apart - and all lone burglars and muggers - were killed. Although the local police have kept the details under wraps, your friend in the local press network - Dipak - has hinted they were torn apart by some wild animal.
During the last year.., you reflect. And Topaz was held at the manor for just over a year. Is there a connection at the private house...?
Still, all three of you will be far away from here - at least for a few days. There's nothing to worry about.
Except... Looking behind a bush, you spy a hole in a lower fence panel - big enough for someone to slip through. The broken pieces are lying around on the wooded side of the fence.
Somewhat disturbed, you head back inside, to tell Caroline.
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Caroline doesn't seem too worried about the hole, when you tell her, later on.
"I suspect it's squirrels and hedgehogs - they sometimes come into my garden," she titters, as she rubs at the freckles on her cheek. "I'll repair the fence, when we get back from our big trip."
But knowing your friend as long as you have, you sense that she is suddenly nervous - and evasive of the topic. Her body language is telling you this. Caroline soon changes the subject.
"Right! Got a route and bay sorted out for us, Neil?"
"I have," you reply. "There's a nice cove, about twenty miles away. I guess I'm all set to go after sunset! I'll see you two ladies later..."
Caroline smiles and gently lays her hand on your forearm. "Stay for dinner, Neil! I'll cook up a treat for all three of us."
"Okay, then," you reply - pleased at the way Caroline's acting towards you.
"And whilst I think about it..." Caroline whips out a coin from her purse, and holds it between her fingers - ready for a spin. "Let's see who'll be transformed into a merperson first, when the time comes - shall we?"
"Fair enough." You grin. "Tails, I go first."
Suppressing a groan at your joke, Caroline flicks the coin into the air...and it finally settles on the lounge floor.
You release the breath that you were holding, as you see the coin showing...