The Siren, the General's Daughter Book One Read Online Free Page A

shirt. He knew he had gotten through to her (combined with the memory of a sore bottom). He also suspected that her remorse was temporary. Urging her to get to sleep, he promised a few hours of flying the following afternoon. The prospect cheered her up and she obediently changed for bed, falling to sleep shortly after the older brother tucked her in with a gentle kiss on the cheek.
    Closing the door behind him, Michael ventured to his father’s quarters. Tapping lightly on the door, he waited for the invite before entering. “Hey, Dad, I was just checking in before bed. Is everything alright?”
    “Come on in, son. Sit a spell. How is she?” Dr. Quimby asked, taking off his glasses to look up at his son.
    Michael joined him on the couch. “She’ll be fine. You knew I would check on her, huh?”
    Michael smiled, accepting the bottle of water being handed to him.
    “You did that when she was little so why would I expect it to change? You also help get the point across. Your lectures are almost as good as mine. Did you?”
    “I hope so. I promised her to take her flying tomorrow. I know I should have asked you, but I took it upon myself to make the decision. Is it ok?”
    “I would never make a liar out of you, you know that. You are as bad as she is.  Easier to ask for forgiveness rather than permission,” the man grunted, although amused.
    “I appreciate that you have my back. Plus, I’m way too big to spank,” he teased.
    Dr. Quimby raised an eyebrow. “You think so? I could kick your ass without breaking a sweat, little boy.”
    “Before or after you take your Geritol, old man?” Michael retorted.
    His father stood, yanking his son to his feet. “Let’s go spar. I’ve got some energy that I need to work off.”
    Laughing, Michael happily followed his father to the workout area where they successfully exhausted themselves on the pads. Leaning back to back, panting for breath, the two talked about the coming day and the newest experiment with the neuroband.
    Michael gave his father a sweaty hug as they stood. “I’m so glad we still wrestle. I’ve always loved messing around with you like that. Some of my happiest memories were our living room wrestling matches,” he admitted, handing his father a towel.
    “Me too, my boy. You’ve always been easy to deal with. It’s like your sister got all the mischief for the two of you. Meet me at 0500 to run, ok?”
    “Sure. Should I bring the brat?”
    “Son, you know as well as I do she will do one lap then dive overboard. Then you will have to go after her. Do you really think she would do anything different after tonight?” Dr. Quimby grinned.
    “No, probably not. Good night.”
     
    ***
     
    Sam woke up early that morning, dressed in her swimsuit and track gear and ventured out to the deck to watch the sun rise over the starboard bow. She loved the early morning when the ocean slowly awoke and the sun kissed the shiny, gentle waves.
    Sam took a deep breath, closing her eyes. The breeze was cool and salty. It made her feel alive. The sound of footsteps behind her caused her to turn.
    “What are you doing out here? And dressed? You usually stay in your jammies this early,” Michael asked, hugging her briefly before his father stepped in.
    “How are you this morning, my love? Did you sleep well?” Dr. Quimby asked, embracing his youngest.
    “I’m ok. I couldn’t sleep in. I wanted to swim, but I didn’t want to wake you to ask,” the girl said quietly.
    “Good girl. It seems we got through to you. Yes, you may swim if you like. Would you like to run with us first?”
    “Sure. Thanks Daddy. And, well, I’m really sorry about yesterday,” she said submissively, looking at the deck.
    He lifted her chin to face him, kissing her temple. “It’s over with. Just think before you do things for now on. Let’s warm up.”
    The three jogged several times around the deck of the 150’ vessel, chasing each other up and down the ramps and stairs, and