South of Heaven (13 page)
“Hello.”
“Hey, Dad, it’s me, Lindsey.”
“Hey there, sweetie, is everything okay? I didn’t recognize the number.”
“I’m on the boat’s satellite phone. We’re out in the Gulf, going out for reds, but Captain Drake just got a weather alert and wanted to make sure you got it as well. There’s a storm brewing that has the potential of making it to the Outer Banks by next weekend.”
“I’m booting up the system now, but tell her thanks for the heads up. How have you been doing?”
“I’m great. Kendra’s dad had to fly to Phoenix yesterday. His brother suffered a massive heart attack and needed surgery today.”
“Have you heard from him? Is his brother going to be okay?”
“Yes, she had just talked to him before the weather alert came up. Things went very well, and he should be in the hospital about a week.”
“That’s good news. Damn, I see the storm track now. Hopefully, it will head back out to sea or die off completely.”
“I hope so, too, but please keep an eye on the storm, Dad.”
“I will. You said you’re out in the Gulf fishing reds, is that right?”
“Yes, sir, we’ll hit our grid tonight unless the captain turns us around to head for home.”
“That probably won’t be necessary for at least a couple more days. Maybe you can get a few passes in before heading back.”
“Hopefully so. I’ll keep in touch. Stay safe, Dad.”
“You too, honey. I’ll call this number if anything changes here.”
“Thanks, Dad. Love you.”
“Love you, too, baby girl.”
†
Lindsey walked into the galley. “Wrap it up, boys, the captain wants to meet with us in the wheelhouse. We’ve got weather issues.”
The men groaned at ending the game, but followed her into the wheelhouse.
“I just wanted to give you a heads up on a weather alert we just received. The National Weather Center is tracking a depression. The scientists feel it has a strong chance of becoming at least a tropical storm, but more likely a hurricane,” Kendra told them.
“Aw man,” Charlie groaned.
“What about the track?” Harvey asked.
“Still early in the game, but one of the tracks does send it potentially our way, in four to five days. The best case scenario is that the Gulf Stream flow takes it back out to sea in the eastern Atlantic.”
“That’s good to hear.” Harvey relaxed a bit.
“I’ll keep a close eye on the track, and if we need to high tail it home we will. What I need to hear from you is whether or not you want to bust it for the next three days, and hopefully get our quotas and head in early, just in case.”
Lindsey noticed several heads nodding as Kendra spoke and looked into the faces of the crew. “I think we’d all be in agreement to push a little harder to make the quota and head for home.”
“I’m certainly on board with it,” Harvey agreed. “If we put in just before sunrise, and bust it until the sun goes down, we can probably get in four, maybe five runs.”
“I think that’s doable, but it’s going to be long days,” Kendra warned.
“Hell yeah, let’s do this,” Charlie said. “I don’t know about y’all, but I enjoyed the hell out of last week’s paycheck, and I want another, even better.”
“If we fill all the bags I ordered for this week, we can double your check, but I will not put the crew or the boat in any danger.”
“Thanks, Captain,” Tim replied. “We’ll make it happen.”
“We should arrive at the edge of the grid in about an hour, and I’ll drop anchor for the night. I’d suggest we have a hearty meal and get a good night’s sleep.”
“You heard the Captain, let’s get to fixing supper,” Harvey instructed, ushering them out of the wheelhouse.
“I’ve got a cake to frost. Do you need anything?” Lindsey asked.
“A strong westerly wind to blow the storm away from us.”
“I wish I could get that for you.” Lindsey shrugged, and followed the crew to the galley.
†
Kevin kept his word and called Kendra just as the sun was going down and she was preparing to drop anchor.
“Henry’s doing remarkably well. I think he’s even excited about starting to walk tomorrow.”
“That sounds good. I just hope he stays positive once the pain medications start wearing off. We know he’s a fighter, but don’t let him overdo things,” Kendra warned.
“I don’t think we have to worry about that. His personal nurse has to be kin to Nurse Ratched. She could probably bench press more than I could in my youth.”
“That’s good to hear. How are you holding up?”
“Tired, but relieved that the surgery went well. I know the tough part is just beginning, but I feel good about his rehab.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, baby girl. Did you make it out to the grid yet?”
“We just arrived and I’m about to close her down for the night. Harvey’s frying chicken for dinner.”
“That sounds so good. Rice and gravy, too?” he asked.
“Don’t you know it. Lindsey’s made a cake, too, yellow with chocolate frosting.”
“Aw man, you’re killing me.” Kendra could almost see his smile across the phone lines. “Go ahead and get her tucked in for the night and enjoy a good meal. Just know how jealous I am at this moment.”
“I will, Dad. Will you call again tomorrow?”
“Yes, but if there are no changes, I’ll wait until he walks to let you know how it went.”
“Sounds good. Have a good night, Dad, and get some food and rest yourself.”
She ended the call and fought a momentary pang of guilt about not telling her dad about the potential weather problem—
he has enough on his mind
. Hopefully, the television in Phoenix wouldn’t be broadcasting about the storm just yet. They could get a full boat and on their way home before he found out. She could at least hope for that luck.
Kendra dropped anchor, and once she felt the tug of it planting in the floor, she killed the engine and closed out her logbook for the night. She turned up the volume on the weather alert system, and followed the smell of frying chicken to the galley.
†
After the meal, Lindsey finished cleaning the galley before walking onto the deck for some fresh air. The breeze had picked up and felt good on her face as she looked up at the brilliant stars. Movement to her left alerted her to Kendra’s presence, sitting on a small bench next to the wheelhouse.
“Hey, boss, you okay?”
“Yes, just too wired to sleep just yet. I had a long nap today thanks to you.”
Lindsey grinned at her. “Would a nice glass of wine help you relax?”
“That would definitely help.”
“I’ll be right back then.” She disappeared into the captain’s suite.
Lindsey smiled as she pulled open a small drawer and pulled out the corkscrew she had picked up at the store as an afterthought. It would have been horrible to have such lovely wine but no way to open the bottle. She held her breath as she began the process of uncorking the bottle, working it free from the bottleneck, breathing again only when she heard the pop of the cork. She had to chuckle when her search failed to locate wine glasses, so she took a pair of mason jars down from the cupboard. She poured the wine into the jars, re-corked it, and returned the bottle to the fridge. She picked up the jars and walked back on deck.
“Not exactly a wine glass, but these will do in a pinch.” She handed Kendra a jar.
“I will add some to my next shopping list. Where did you come up with the wine?”
“I stopped off at the wine shop and picked up six bottles of Riesling.
I’m not certain it’s the same as we both liked, but the shopkeeper declared it his finest.”
Kendra smiled. “So it was you. The shopkeeper told me a young woman had been in earlier and bought six bottles.”
“Yes, it was me.” Lindsey grinned and made a bow.
“Good job.” Kendra lifted her mason jar to Lindsey. “Care to share my bench?”
“I’d love to.” Lindsey took a seat beside her. ”Gorgeous out here isn’t it?”
“Yeah, you’d never know there’s a storm brewing out there.”
“Stupid question, but have you checked the weather report lately?”
Kendra smiled at her and Lindsey felt her heart melt a little more. “Still strengthening, and slowing down. That’s never good.”
“How much longer until you think they’ll have a better idea of the track?”
“Two, three days tops.”
“We better work hard these next few days then.”
“We can do this, if the shrimp are still as plentiful as last week.”
“You’ll find them, just like you did before, Captain.”
Kendra took a sip of the wine and she turned to face Lindsey. “Thanks for having faith in me.”
“That’s so easy. You’re a great captain.” Distracted by the shine of the wine on Kendra’s lips, Lindsey found herself thinking how much sweeter her lips would taste. She cleared her thoughts when she realized Kendra had spoken.
“It helps to have a great crew to back me up.” Kendra had a tremor in her voice.
Twenty minutes later, they had finished the wine. “Would you care for another glass?”
“No, I think that was enough to relax me.”
“Let me have your fine china and I’ll go wash them,” Lindsey said. “I’ll bring them back to you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Lindsey. That was just what I needed. Have a great night.”
“You too, Captain. Goodnight.” Lindsey fought the temptation to kiss Kendra. She would wait to allow the captain to make the first move on the boat.
Kendra stopped in the wheelhouse to check the weather before retiring for the evening. Not much had changed from the earlier report.
“Just give us a few more days,” she whispered into the darkened room. She double-checked the volume on the system and retired to her cabin.
Stretched out in her bed she felt the gentle rocking of the boat and let the wine relax her into a restful sleep.
Harvey woke earlier than planned from the rocking of the boat. The wind and waves had increased significantly overnight. He climbed out of his berth to dress and walk on deck. The skies were still dark, but he could see ominous clouds racing in front of the moon. There was a drop in the temperature that, while noticeable, might not be enough to affect the approaching storm. He returned to the galley, started the coffee, and picked out items for breakfast. It would be a long day ahead and he wanted the crew to start it with a robust breakfast.
Lindsey heard Harvey head up on deck and slipped from her berth. He would probably start breakfast before the crew woke, and she planned to offer him her help.
He looked up when she arrived in the galley. “Good morning.”
“I hope so. Those clouds look a bit ominous today.”
“I just pray we can get two or three long days in before we have to head for home.”
“Amen to that. What can I do to help?”
“Cube up some ham and cheese, then chop a few of those green onions. I thought we’d have some good scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, and toast to get us started. I don’t imagine we’ll have time for a leisurely lunch today.”
She pulled out a knife and began chopping the onions. “In between runs, I can come in and prepare sandwiches. I’ll put chips in a bowl so when we can take a short break everything will be ready to eat.”
“That’s a good idea. I can help to make things go quicker.”
The outside door opened and Kendra entered the galley. “Good morning.”
“Morning, Captain, did you rest well?” Harvey asked.
“Not bad, Harvey, and you?”
“Slept like a rock.” He grinned. “Grab a couple of mugs of coffee for you and Lindsey if you will.”
“Will do. What can I do to help? You two look like you’re whipping up a feast.”
“You can make a pile of toast,” Harvey said.
Kendra passed a mug of coffee to Lindsey and went to work on making toast.
“What’s the latest on the storm?” Lindsey asked.
Kendra dropped six slices in the toaster and pushed the lever. “It’s still growing, unfortunately, but no clear path yet. She’s got a name now, too.”
“Dare I ask?” Harvey replied.
“Tropical storm Dani.”
“Damn, I hate four letter storms. They almost always come into the Gulf,” he groaned.
“Is that true or you pulling my leg?” Lindsey asked.
“Oh, it’s true,” Kendra, agreed. “Erin, Opal, Ivan, Kate, all have paid us a visit.”
“Damn,” Lindsey echoed Harvey’s concern.
The door opened again and Charlie came through.
“Go ahead and get the rest of the crew moving, breakfast will be ready in just a few,” Harvey instructed as he whipped up two dozen eggs. He turned to Lindsey, “Drop your ingredients in the bowl and let’s get this party started.”
“You want me to do the eggs while you finish the potatoes?” she asked.
“Be my guest.” He handed Lindsey a spatula. “Captain, will you pull out jelly, juice, and ketchup?”
“You got it.” She buttered the last of the toast to pop up, and put out what Harvey had asked for.
Lindsey watched as Kendra scooted back her chair and stood. “I’m going to get the engine warmed up,” Kendra announced. “As soon as you can, get the nets in the water and the doors set so we can start a pass. You can clean up once we start to trawl.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Harvey answered. “You heard the captain. Eat up boys.”
“Thanks for a great breakfast,” she told them, and left the galley.
†
When the nets were in place, Kendra began their first pass of the day. The lights on the front of the boat lit the water as the sun had yet to rise. The crew prepared the deck for the first haul while Lindsey cleaned the galley.
The sun was beginning to creep above the horizon as the crew finished the setup. Beautiful hues of red, orange, and gold filled the eastern sky. Lindsey felt Kendra back down the power on the engine and she looked up to see her give Harvey a thumbs-up sign to start the winches. The crew held their collective breaths until the first full net rose above the railing, guided onto the deck above the bins.
Charlie was the first to let out a yell. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”
Lindsey turned to see Kendra smiling as they untied the first net and the bins overflowed.
“Let’s get them emptied and back in the water as fast as we can,” Kendra instructed over the intercom.
Kendra watched as the crew carried out their tasks, two men retying the emptied net while the other two brought in the second net. Harvey and Lindsey began the process of bagging the shrimp.
The first pass netted a great first haul with full nets. Charlie and the other crew took the filled bags to store in the freezer. The nets also brought in several nice grouper that they placed in a live well for a future meal. Harvey walked to the wheelhouse to report the catch.
“One hundred and fifty, and a half-dozen nice grouper,” he reported.
“A good start, but we have a long way to go.”
“We’ll get there, Captain.”
“Yes, we will,” Kendra agreed.
Two more passes brought in three hundred and ten more filled bags. When they finished storing the shrimp, Lindsey and Harvey went to the galley to prepare lunch. They had a nice stack of sandwiches ready. Harvey handed her a plate of sandwiches and chips for the captain.
“Do you care to do the honors?” he asked.
“I’d love to.”
“Send the rest of the crew in as you go. We might as well eat while we can.”
Lindsey picked up a glass of tea and left the galley. “Lunch is ready,” she called out on deck.
“I’m starving,” she heard Charlie say as she entered the wheelhouse.
“Lunch is served, Captain. I brought tea, but do you want a refill on your coffee thermos?”
“That would be great, but eat your lunch first. Thanks for bringing it to me.”
“My pleasure. I’ll bring your coffee in just a bit then.” She picked up the thermos and returned to the galley.
They managed to get in four passes before darkness overtook them. Kendra called it a day and the crew began cleaning the decks and preparing the nets for the next day.
“Once you are done, why don’t you guys get cleaned up while I start cooking some spaghetti? Y’all did a great job today, and it’s time for the captain’s special,” Kendra said.
“You won’t get any argument from me,” Harvey replied. “A hot shower and a cold beer might make me feel human again.”
“Charlie, will you take a case of beer into the freezer to get good and cold while y’all are getting cleaned up?” Kendra asked.
“Yes, ma’am, I’m on it.”
Kendra turned to look at Lindsey. “Would you like to use my shower so everyone can shower quickly?”
“I would love to, thanks.”
“Let me get started then.” Kendra entered the galley wearing a huge smile.
†
“That was a great meal, Captain,” Charlie said.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Y’all deserved a steak after the hard work you put in today, but we didn’t have time for that.” She looked at her tired crew. “I don’t think anyone will have trouble sleeping tonight.”
“Definitely not me.” Harvey stretched.
“I think Tim’s already on his way,” Charlie teased.
Tim had finished eating and was starting to nod off. Charlie nudged him awake. “Go hit the bunks, man.”
“I think I will. Goodnight, everyone.”
“I’ll clean up here and then hit the sack,” Lindsey said.
“I can get this. All I did today was drive.”
“You cooked, so I’ll clean,” Lindsey insisted.
“We’re going to leave you two to hash it out,” Harvey chuckled, and ushered the tired crew from the galley.
“Seriously, you can keep me company and have a beer if you want, but I’ll clean up here.”
“Very well,” Kendra relented and twisted the top off a fresh beer. “You want one?”
“I will in just a minute, when I get these dishes in the washer.”
Lindsey filled the dishwasher and placed the few leftovers in the refrigerator. “We had a good day today, didn’t we?”
“Yes, we did. If we can repeat it tomorrow, and the next, we’ll head home Thursday.”
“I forgot to ask if you heard from your dad today.”
“He called twice. Uncle Henry’s doing well. Already complaining about the hospital food.” She chuckled.
“That’s a good sign.” Lindsey took the beer Kendra handed her and sank into a chair.
Kendra noticed a grimace on her face. “I think the crew will all be sore tomorrow.”
“That is a very good possibility. I know I will be. I can only imagine how Harvey’s feeling right about now.”
“I’m planning to come out of the wheelhouse to help out tomorrow and hopefully give him a bit of a rest.”
Lindsey looked at her with bright blue eyes. “No offense, Captain, but have you heard the expression ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’?”
“Of course I have. What’s your point?”
“We have a system in place that works well. While I appreciate your intention, having another body on deck may be counter-productive.”
Kendra appreciated her candor. “I understand. I just don’t want you guys getting hurt from being overly tired.”
“We’ll be fine. Just keep finding us good shrimp.”
“That I can do.” Kendra lifted her bottle to Lindsey. “To finding good shrimp.”
“Cheers.” Lindsey took a long drink. “That freezer makes the beer perfect.”
Kendra smiled. “Another plus of having a freezer on board.”
Lindsey yawned. “I’m toast. See you in the morning.”
Kendra reached over to push a strand of hair back from Lindsey’s face and let her fingers caress down her cheek. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow will be another long day,” Kendra warned.
“You too, goodnight.” Lindsey dropped her bottle in the trash bin and left the galley.
Kendra smiled. “You have a wonderful crew, Captain Drake. Cherish them,” she reminded herself.
†
Kendra felt like she had barely fallen asleep when she heard an alarm sounding from the wheelhouse, jarring her awake. She leapt from the bed and rushed into the room to find the computer screen flashing an update from the Hurricane Center. She clicked on the screen and read the alert. Dani was now a Category One hurricane and was drifting further west toward the Gulf. The torrential rains she dumped on Puerto Rico and Cuba had left mudslides and flooding in her wake. Kendra winced when she clicked on the storm path projections, which revealed the percentage was increasing of the storm coming their way. She checked wind speed and the rate at which the storm was moving. Still relatively slow moving, the storm wouldn’t reach south Florida for another day. She and the crew could safely work two more days at this speed and still have time to race the storm back to land.
The crew would have ample time to go home and batten down the hatches to ride out the storm or collect their families to evacuate to the north. She would apprise them of the situation when they met for breakfast in a few more hours.
Kendra expected her dad to learn about the storm sooner or later, but she hoped for later. She would have the crew safely returned to their homes, have the shutters closed on the house, and be fully prepared to face the storm as she took the boat deep inland into the protected waters of the bay. She doubted Lindsey would choose to evacuate, and honestly, she would appreciate the extra pair of hands and the company as she rode out the storm on board. Kendra had weathered two storms on the boat with her dad and felt confident she could keep the boat safe from the storm.