South of Heaven (19 page)

“The way the waves were kicking up, it’s no wonder you couldn’t feel you were moving,” Lindsey said, as she took a seat at the table.

Susan looked up at her with wide eyes. “I’m not really sure what happened. I think I came up top to find out what was going on, and the boat slammed into your hull again, and I went overboard. Did I do much damage to your boat?”

“Just a few scratches, nothing bad. Fiberglass doesn’t fare well against steel,” Kendra said.

“I’m sorry. I thought I’d be safe to shelter here. I was on my way to Panama City to meet my girlfriend when I learned about the approaching storm.”

“Would you like to give her a call?”

“That would be great. My cell and everything else was on the boat.”

“I’ll grab the satellite phone and be right back then.”

Lindsey groaned when she stood to walk to the kitchen.

A grimace covered Susan’s face. “Are you okay? I didn’t even think about what you risked to save me.”

“I’m fine, just chilled, and tired. You gave me a run for my money for a few minutes when you were panicked.”

“I’m sorry. I could have hurt you.”

“Don’t worry about it. You were scared and disoriented. I’m happy we’re both safe.”

Kendra returned and handed Lindsey the blanket to wrap around Susan. “Is there a number I can dial for you?”

Kendra dialed the requested number and handed the phone to Susan. While Susan talked, Lindsey began making the splint.

“Will you pour us some coffee?” She asked Kendra. “I’m sure we could all use something warm.” She looked at Susan. “I’m glad she got her friend.”

“Me too. Hopefully she’ll be able to come to the hospital to be with her.”

“How far is it to Panama City?” Lindsey asked.

“Two to three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.”

“I don’t envy her that drive.”

“Me either, especially if this rain keeps up.” Kendra reached over to push wet hair from Lindsey’s face. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just physically wiped out. I thought I was in good shape, but damn that was tough.”

“I’m very proud of you.”

“Do you have any idea what hospital I’ll go to?” Susan asked.

“I’ll request Sacred Heart for you. That will be easy for your friend to find.”

“Yes, she knows where that is. Thanks.”

Kendra poured them coffee and returned to the table.

“Can you hold these for me?” Lindsey asked, holding out two of the spoons.

Kendra took the spoons and held them while Lindsey wrapped duct tape around the center and each end. “You are so clever,” Kendra praised.

“Thanks.”

“Would you mind talking to Kelly?” Susan asked Kendra.

“No, not at all.” Kendra spoke to her for several minutes and explained that the Coast Guard would come as soon as they could get clearance, and she promised to call Kelly as soon as they were on the way. When Kendra finished, she handed the phone back to Susan.

“Yes, honey, I’m in good hands and will be all right. Love you too. See you tomorrow.”

She ended the call and gave Kendra the phone. “Thanks.”

“How’s the ice working?” Lindsey asked her.

“My arm’s not throbbing as badly as before.”

“Good, because I can’t promise you this won’t be painful.”

“I know you’re doing your best and I’m grateful for that.”

Lindsey slipped a pair of spoons into a sock and handed it
 
to Kendra, and then fashioned the next two. When she finished, she carefully placed one splint under Susan’s arm. “Can you hold this one Susan?”

Lindsey waited until Susan held the spoon and then placed another on each side of her damaged arm.

“Can you wrap the large ace bandage around these, as snug as Susan can tolerate, while we hold them?” she asked Kendra.

When they were done, Lindsey smiled at Susan. “It ain’t pretty, but it should help.”

“Thank you. It feels better already.”

“We were about to have breakfast. Have you eaten yet?” Kendra asked.

“No, I was about to cook breakfast, too.”

“Well, you two sit back and relax, and I’ll have some French toast ready in a few,” Kendra said.

“I promised to cook you breakfast,” Lindsey said.

“I know, but you’ve done plenty, so please relax, and let me cook.”

“I’m too tired to argue,” Lindsey said.

“Good. You know I’d win anyhow.” Kendra kissed her before leaving the table.

While they ate the wind began to howl. “You want to check the weather?” Lindsey asked.

Kendra walked over and turned the set on. “Damn, you’ve got to see this.”

Lindsey walked over to Kendra. “Holy cow, how did that get there?”

“Apparently a twister picked up a sailboat and it landed in that old oak.”

“How bad is the damage?”

“Not as bad as it could have been, but bad enough. The roofing contractors in the state will be busy for a while. Trees down, and forty thousand people are without power. FEMA is on the way, so hopefully, once the storm dies out, people can get to work picking up the pieces of their lives.”

“Have you heard from any of the guys?” Lindsey asked.

“Not since Harvey called early last night. I thought after breakfast I’d give him a call.”

†

After getting Susan set up in Lindsey’s berth, Kendra walked to the wheelhouse and picked up the receiver, delighted to hear she still had a signal from the satellite. She’d hoped they would still have a working tower in town. Kendra dialed Harvey’s number and he picked up on the third ring.

“Hey, I’m glad you called.”

“How are you and your family fairing?”

“We’re good. Lost power last night, but the generator restored the power in less than a minute. I’ve talked to the rest of the crew and everyone is doing well. How are you doing on the boat?”

“We’re safe and it hasn’t been too bad. Last night had us rocking pretty good.” Kendra grinned, remembering making love to Lindsey. She immediately regretted grinning that hard. The skin on her injured cheek was tight and smiling made it ache. “This morning got a little crazy though. A woman’s sailboat crashed into the back of the boat and sank. Lindsey had to go into the water to save her from drowning. For a few long minutes, I wasn’t sure either of them was going to make it back to the boat, because the woman panicked and was struggling against Lindsey. We patched her up the best we could with our limited supplies. The Coast Guard can’t make it out until the weather clears to transport her to the hospital, so she’s hanging with us.”

“She’s fortunate you two were out there, or she probably wouldn’t be alive right now.”

“Yeah. She gave us a good scare for a little while, but I think she’ll heal well from her injuries.”

“The two of y’all doing okay out there?” he asked.

“Yes, we’re going to try to get some rest and head back in after the storm has passed through.”

“I’m hoping by lunchtime tomorrow the worst will be over. I’ll ride into town when it’s safe, check on the house for you, and then give you a call.”

“Thanks, Harvey, I’d appreciate that.”

“No problem, Kendra. When can we expect you back in port?”

“Hopefully the day after tomorrow, if the winds return to normal.”

“Great. I’ll look forward to seeing you soon. Have you heard from your Dad?”

“Yes, we talked last night. Uncle Henry is doing well and is back at home. Dad’s been chomping at the bit to come home, but I’m going to try to get him to stay a little longer.”

Harvey chuckled. “Good luck with that. He’s as stubborn as you.”

It was her turn to laugh. “Yeah, he is.”

“Be safe and I’ll call you later. The wife’s calling me to breakfast.”

“Thanks again, Harvey.”

“Did you get Harvey?” Lindsey asked when Kendra returned from the wheelhouse.

“Yes, so far everyone’s doing well. He’ll go by the house later today, or in the morning if this weather moves through, and give me a call.”

“So what do we need to do today, boss?”

“I need a shower.”

“I hear that.”

“Do I smell that bad?”

“I didn’t mean that and you know it. I need one, too.”

“So, take one with me.”

Lindsey nearly choked on a sip of coffee. She coughed several times and swallowed. “I’d love to.”

“Am I putting too much pressure on you? I meant what I told you last night. I have fallen hard for you.”

Kendra saw a blush rising to Lindsey’s cheeks as she answered. “Not at all, I just have to pinch myself to remind me this isn’t a dream.”

“Oh, you are definitely a dream come true for me,” Kendra replied. “Wow, that sounded kind of cheesy, didn’t it?”

Lindsey chuckled. “Cheesy yes, but also very romantic.” She reached over, covering Kendra’s hand with her own. “Let me clean up here and we’ll shower.”

After a leisurely shower, Kendra convinced Lindsey to take a nap. She was exhausted from the morning’s adrenalin rush and was grateful for a short rest. Kendra checked on Susan and went to the galley to watch the weather channel while the others rested.

†

Two hours later, Susan walked into the galley and joined Kendra on the couch.

“How are you feeling?” Kendra asked.

“My arm’s throbbing a bit, but not like it was at first.”

“It’s probably time for more painkillers. Let me get some pillows, too, to prop your arm on.” Kendra placed several thick pillows under her arm.

“Thanks.” Susan said. “Is Lindsey okay?”

“Yes, she’s still napping.” She handed Susan two pills and a glass of water.

“Have you two been together long?”

“No we’ve just begun a relationship. She came down from North Carolina to work on my shrimp boat for the summer, and we’ve fallen in love.”

“Will she be staying after the summer?”

Kendra hadn’t given it much thought. “I sure hope she will.” She smiled.

“I hope so too.”

Lindsey walked in, wiping the sleep from her eyes. “What’s the latest on the storm?”

“She’s stalled and is pounding the coastline with rain. She’s causing tornadoes to the east all the way into south Georgia.”

Lindsey sat next to Kendra, “Any more news from Harvey or your Dad?”

“Not yet.” She looked at Susan. “Do you like shrimp?”

Susan grinned at her. “Is it raining outside?”

“I was thinking I’d boil some reds for dinner.” Kendra looked at Lindsey. “Will you make some of your hushpuppies while I make a salad?”

“I’d love too. Would you ladies care for a glass of wine?”

“I think I’d better pass, but you two go right ahead,” Susan said. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Nope, we’ve got this under control.” Lindsey poured two glasses of wine. “Can I get you tea or something else to drink?”

“Tea would be great, thanks. I hope that you two will come to Panama City for a visit so I can return the favor and cook for y’all.”

“I’ve never been to Panama City,” Lindsey said.

“I think that can be arranged.” Kendra smiled.

Lindsey stood and pulled on a slicker.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going on deck to check the equipment before it gets dark out,” she replied. “I’ll be right back to start on dinner.”

†

Susan raved about the reds. “These shrimp are incredible. I’ve never had anything that tasted near this good.”