South of Heaven (14 page)

She climbed back in bed, eager to fill their quota and head back home.

†

Over breakfast, Kendra gave them the news. “I think we need to decide what we want to do later today. We can work one more day or head for home. I’ll keep an eye on the reports so we have the most current data.”

“I think we all want to work another day, if we can do so safely,” Harvey said.

“Does anyone plan to evacuate? If so, we need to head in sooner.”

“You are the only one close to shore. I think the rest of us have heeded your dad’s advice and bought stand-by generators for our homes, so we should be in good shape,” Charlie stated.

The rest of the crew nodded in agreement.

“Will you need help securing the boat?” Harvey asked.

“Not if Lindsey will join me. I’ve taken the boat deep in the bay with Dad twice, so that’s what I’ll do again. Stay with your family and if you can, keep an eye on our house. I’ll make sure that the shutters are closed and the generator is ready. It’ll run the house as long as the natural gas isn’t interrupted. My main worry will be the storm surge and trees.”

“I think we can keep an eye out on it. You know Charlie’s going to be out in the storm until his wife locks him in the house,” Harvey added.

Kendra looked at Lindsey. “Are you up for a few days on the bay?”

“That beats being cooped inside a house any day.”

“Okay, so now we just figure out the timing, and we’re set.”

†

The nets were filled to their maximum each time they arrived on deck, and the crew worked quickly to empty them and get them back in the water. They opted to work through lunch to get another run in and get that much closer to their quota.

Kendra returned to the galley, took packages of steaks out of the freezer to thaw, then again to soak them in marinade, and put potatoes in the oven to bake. She would grill the steaks while the crew cleaned up and relaxed.

As the sun raced to the horizon, the crew brought up the final nets of the day. The extra run helped as they harvested nine hundred bags, placing them three quarters into their quota.

Kendra silenced the engine and dropped anchor for the night before going to set up the grill.

Charlie looked at what she was doing. “I hope that means we’re getting a steak tonight.”

“Absolutely, Charlie, y’all have more than earned it these last two days.”

“All right. I call dibs on the first shower,” he called out.

“Would you mind if I use your shower again so I can come back and help?” Lindsey asked.

“Sure, will you put the beer in the freezer before you go?”

“Absolutely, boss.” She grinned, went into the pantry for a case of beer, and placed it in the freezer. “What else do you want to go with the steaks?”

“I’ve got potatoes baking. Would you mind putting a salad together and a couple bags of corn on to boil when you get back?”

“No problem,” Lindsey answered and went to shower.

“I’ll go ahead and get the water for the corn boiling,” Harvey offered.

“Thanks, Harvey,” Lindsey called and kept walking.

“We did well today, huh, Captain?” he asked.

“Yeah, we did excellent. I think we can head for home around lunch tomorrow, and make it most of the way home, even loaded down.”

“That sounds like a good plan. Do you need anything before I head down?”

“Nope, just put the water on to boil. Once the grill is heated, I’ll start on the steaks.”

“I can taste the steak already.” He grinned.

Kendra was proud of the effort the crew had put in and was happy to crank up the grill to prepare steaks for their dinner. She smiled even more broadly when Harvey reminded her that there was half the cake left, too, for dessert, if anyone wanted something sweet.

He handed her a cold beer. “Those look and smell delicious.”

“They do smell good, don’t they?”

“My mouth’s watering. The water was boiling so I went ahead and dropped the corn in to boil.”

“Thanks, Harvey. Lindsey will make a salad when she returns. Do you think that will be enough?” she asked.

“Looking at the size of those steaks? I’d say that will be plenty. Poor Tim may fall asleep mid-chew they are so big.”

Kendra laughed at his comment. “He did look worn out.”

“He’s having trouble adjusting to sleeping on the boat. I think I’ll recommend some Melatonin to him for our next trip out. It’ll help him sleep, but not leave him groggy.”

“That’s a good idea, Harvey. Thanks.”

†

Lindsey found herself smiling as she stepped into Kendra’s shower. She couldn’t resist the urge to open the bottle of shampoo to get a whiff of the fragrance. Her stomach flipped with excitement at the visual that flashed before her eyes. Locked in an embrace, she had her face buried in Kendra’s hair. “Down girl,” she whispered, and finished bathing.

She returned to the galley and dropped half a dozen eggs in the boiling water to add to the salad. The aroma of the steaks cooking had her stomach growling as she prepared the remainder of the salad.

Charlie walked into the galley, handed her a beer, and asked, “Anything I can help with?”

“Go ahead and set the table for us. Check to make sure we have plenty of tea for supper, too.”

He opened the refrigerator. “Two gallons,” he reported.

“That should be plenty, with beer for those who want it. Thanks for the beer.”

“You’re welcome.” He started setting the table.

“Can you also pull another of the big bowls down for me for the corn?”

“Sure thing, short stuff.” He chuckled and reached over her head to pull down the bowl she requested.

She pulled out a large pan, lined it with aluminum foil, and handed it to Charlie. “You want to run this out to the captain? She may have some steaks ready to come off the grill. I’ll cover them and keep them warm until they’re all done.”

†

Lindsey pushed her plate away and groaned. “I can’t eat another bite.”

“It looks like we can have steak and eggs for breakfast in the morning,” Harvey announced.

“You’re always looking ahead, aren’t you, Harvey?” Kendra asked.

“This steak was way too good to let it go to waste. I’ll cut up the leftovers and we’ll have a feast to get us started in the morning.”

“Sorry, boss.” Charlie grinned as he held up a bone stripped of every morsel of meat.

Kendra grinned at him. “Did you get enough to eat?”

“Yes, ma’am, but that’s not gonna keep me from having a slice of cake and a glass of milk.”

Lindsey groaned at the mention of more food. “You go right ahead. I can’t even watch.

“Go ahead and relax. Tim and I are cleaning up tonight.”

“You won’t get an argument from me.”

†

Lindsey took her beer, and walked outside. She eased down onto the bench and lifted her face to the breeze. The winds were picking up and felt good against her skin.

“Do you mind some company?” Kendra asked.

“Never, especially when it’s you. That was a great meal.”

“Thanks, I’m glad everyone enjoyed it.”

“So you think two more runs will fill us tomorrow?”

“Even it if doesn’t we’re heading in. I won’t risk us being caught out here.”

“What’s the storm doing?”

“Waffling east to west, but I don’t trust she won’t make a strong turn our way. I want to be protected before she arrives.”

“Is there anything we need to pick up in town before we take her into the bay?”

“I’ll need to top off the fuel. I’ll ask you and the crew to stow away everything possible inside, or get it tied down as soon as we head home. That’ll save us some time.”

“What do we need to do at the house?”

“Secure the shutters over the windows, unplug anything not necessary to run the house, put chairs, and other outdoor items in the garage. Then pray.”

“How long will it take us to get safely tucked in the bay?”

“Usually about an hour and a half, but it depends on the traffic on the water. Most of the smaller boats and pleasure craft go into storage for the storms. Some captains prefer to ride out the storm on the open water, but Dad and I have always preferred the bay.”

“That has to provide you more protection, especially from rogue waves.”

“Yes, there’s that, and it’s less far to swim or paddle if something goes amiss,” she answered with a serious face. “I prefer the comfort of seeing land in bad weather.”

Lindsey gazed out to the south at the clear skies and brilliant sprinkle of stars. “It’s hard to believe that just a few hundred miles south, mayhem is on its way. It seems so peaceful out tonight.”

A comfortable silence had fallen between them. They relaxed against the bench and Kendra’s hand was resting on Lindsey’s thigh. The warmth of their bodies pressed close together brought her a sense of contentment. Her eyes were growing heavy and she felt Kendra stand and stretch. “I’m going to call it a night. Sleep well, my friend.”

“You too, Captain.”

Lindsey enjoyed the cool night for several more minutes before retiring to her berth for the night. The gentle swaying of the boat rocked her to sleep within minutes.

†

Kendra looked up when Harvey came into the wheelhouse the following morning. She had the engine idling low as it warmed and was studying the weather maps. He was looking as worried as she felt.

“She’s growing, isn’t she?” he asked.

“Yes. She’s up to a Category Two this morning.”

“Last night, as I was smoking a cigar on the deck, something just didn’t feel right in my bones. She’s small now, but I’ve seen too many storms increase in size quickly once they hit the Gulf. I’m worried that a big storm is brewing.”

“Me, too. How would you feel about getting the crew up and dropping the nets so I can trawl while you cook breakfast? I think it’s time for us to finish our work here and get back home.”

“I’ll get them up and moving.” He exited the wheelhouse.

Kendra pressed a few switches and felt the anchor winch engage as it began the ascent from the floor of the Gulf. “If that noise didn’t wake the crew, Harvey certainly will.”

†

Lindsey was surfacing from a dream when she heard the groan of the anchor winch. She sat up in the bunk just as Harvey walked in. “Is everything okay?”

“So far. The captain wants to get a jump and get the nets wet so she can fish while we cook and have breakfast. She’s anxious to get us home.”

“I’ll get the rest of them up if you want to start working on breakfast,” she told him.

“Good luck getting them moving,” he replied, and went topside.

Lindsey walked from berth to berth, gently shaking each occupant awake. “Wake up you guys. The captain wants nets in the water before we have breakfast.”

Charlie groaned. “I was having the nicest of dreams.” He wiped the sleep from his eyes.

“You can get back to it later. We’ve work to do before we can head home,” she explained. “I’ll meet you all on deck.” She left them to get ready and walked out to prepare for work.

†

When the wind hit Lindsey in the face, she knew what was making Kendra anxious. It had picked up noticeably from last night’s gentle breeze, and was coming up from the southeast. She didn’t need a weather report to know Dani was on her way.

Twenty minutes later, the nets were in the water and Kendra began the trawl as the crew headed to the galley for breakfast.

Lindsey carried a tray into the wheelhouse for Kendra. The plate, full of scrambled eggs, slices of leftover steak, hash browns, toast, juice, and a thermos of coffee, had her mouthwatering as she placed it on the small table beside the captain.

“Enjoy, and give me a shout if you need anything.”