I am terrified of water over my kneecaps(running water) or thighs(swimming pools). I would secretly learn to swim and then 'drown' in the lake above the house. Of course I would do this with one or two people watching from the far bank.....Oh, there have been 5-6 drownings at this lake and they were able to recover one body due to the overgrowth of weeds around and on the lake. less

The tell tale signs:

It’s a Moonless rainy night. I’m driving North, around 3am in the morning. It is a particularly treacherous hairpin stretch along the Great Pacific Coast Highway of Northern California. This is rural land. It’s cold, wet, and windy, with not another soul to be seen. The only sound comes from the driving rain against the windshield, and the near silent screech of the tires, as they make each sliding turn. The ocean waters are crashing violently against the rocks 300 feet below, just as they have been doing for thousands of years.

Flash forward. It’s now a couple of days later, and friends are growing concerned about my absence. They were aware of my itinerary, which included an overnight stay at the TimberCove Lodge. An upscale hotel, located on the coast, overlooking the ocean.

The California Highway Patrol is notified that I am officially missing. They set-up a search route along the coastal highway, between the city of Jenner and the lodge. The officers who patrol this stretch, are quite familiar with just how dangerous it can be. That said, it does not take one of them long to find the unmistakable sign of an accident. The roadside railing of a fence is split right through. Because of the hairpin nature of the road, the officer cautiously places road flares for his own safety. Now, as the officer precariously leans over the roads edge, he can make out what appears to be a grey Porsche convertible, barely sticking out of the water. Using his binoculars, he now knows for certain. It is my Porsche. The visible license plate confirms it. But, he is unable to find me at the wheel. The top of the car is been sheared away.

It was not much of a mystery for the authorities. They were aware of the treacherous driving conditions. It’s an accident which has repeated itself too many times. If the shear drop doesn’t kill you, then the cold water will. The ocean waves are relentless, pulling any and all things out to sea. Finding remains is near impossible, now that the Great White sharks have staked claim to these waters, as their private feeding grounds.

The end, of my beginning. less

Mr. John, that was EXCELLENT! That is one awesome setup & beautifully written, I might add! I agree with surreptitious, I loved the story & it is going to help the thread, no doubt.

Surreptitious, how is it you attract writers to your posts? I remember the great storyline you had going back & forth with KyotoAngel, (I think it was she), on your April Fools' review!

sunflower, I would wish them good luck, suckers, trying to figure out your mind & what you did!

js250, I'm a little scared you have it so well thought out! It sounds like a plot from a mystery thriller! less