South of Heaven Read online

  “Need some help?”

  “Nope, I’ve got this.”

  Kendra poured coffee, then stirred creamer into her favorite mug, and took a seat at the edge of the kitchen bar counter. She watched her dad place bacon on to fry and then reach for a carton of eggs.

  “Fried or scrambled?”

  “Fried sounds good.”

  “Grits or potatoes?”

  “Thanks, but I’ll pass on both and just have some toast. I want to get down to the harbor early this morning.”

  “Big plans for today?”

  “Just some deeper cleaning. The boys are good on deck, but not so good in the galley or bunks. I want to take inventory of linens and supplies since we will be going out to deeper waters.”

  “Are you all set to have the freezer compartments installed next week?”

  “Yes. I thought I’d surprise the crew with a long weekend and have them installed Friday. That way we can ensure everything’s working properly before we head out for reds.”

  “That’s a good decision.”

  Kendra sipped her coffee and browsed through the morning paper, paying close attention to the weather forecast. “Looks like we’ll have fair weather next week.”

  “Perfect for shrimping,” he said, with a lopsided grin.

  Kevin finished cooking and brought plates of food to the table. She refreshed her coffee and poured one for her dad, before settling in beside him for the meal.

  “Hey, Dad, are you planning on Lindsey staying here with us?”

  “Yes, if you’re okay with that. I thought she could use the guest room across from yours. She won’t be on land long enough to justify renting an apartment, so I thought I’d charge her a small fee and let her stay with us.”

  “That makes good sense.”

  “Her dad says she’s not big, but she’s a scrapper,” he added.

  “You say the same about me, and I reckon I turned out fine.”

  “That you did. I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

  “Thanks Dad. I hope she’ll turn out fine too.”

  Kendra used the slice of toast to sop the egg yolk on her plate. “You sure I can’t convince you to cook for us while we’re out shrimping?”

  “We’ll see how things go, and if you think you really need me, I will. Otherwise, I’m thinking of taking up golf.”

  “I think that’d be great, Dad.” She smiled as she slid back from her plate.

  “I can see how you are anxious to go, so go, and I’ll clean the kitchen. Is spaghetti good for supper?”

  “Sounds great, Dad.” Rising from her chair, she leaned over to kiss his cheek. “Call me if you need me to bring anything home.”

  “I will, honey, have a good day.”

  †

  The sky was beginning to lighten as she walked the short distance to the harbor. Their boat, Heaven Sent, bobbed rhythmically in the water, the first sun rays gleaming on the freshly waxed hull. Her dad had taught her from an early age to take pride in their boat and to keep the equipment clean and in good repair at all times.

  Storage compartments held the neatly folded nets, tucked safely beside the doors used to hold the nets open when in use. Kendra had purchased a spare set of larger nets for use with the reds, which were stored below deck. She had also purchased a heavier duty winch to install along with the freezer units, to handle the weight of the larger net capacity. The old winch, which had been adequate for years but could not haul the weight volume of the new nets when full, would be stored on board as a backup if needed.

  Kendra had spent hours reviewing equipment and making plans to fish for reds, and she felt she was as ready as she could be. In anticipation for making their first run, she had ordered food and other supplies to be stored on board next weekend.

  She stepped on board and unlocked the wheelhouse as the sun gleamed off the fresh paint. She loaded the stereo system with music and began cleaning the wheelhouse.

  After several hours of cleaning, the wheelhouse and galley were sparkling. Kendra made notes of the first aid supplies and lighting she needed to add to her shopping list. The bunks were now equipped with satellite television, internet, and telephone service, so the crew could relax in comfort after long days at sea, and stay in contact with home.

  She was washing the outside windows of the wheelhouse, but it was singing along with Jimmy Buffet that made her oblivious to the soft purr of a motorcycle filling the air.

  †

  Lindsey Bowen had ridden all night to reach the Gulf Coast. She and her father had visited once when she was a child, but her memory failed to remind her just how beautiful Northwest Florida was. The sun shone off the sugar-white sands of the beach and the water, the most beautiful emerald green she had ever seen. Very different from the deep blue of the Atlantic she was accustomed to seeing.

  She parked her bike along the sidewalk next to the pier, the heated engine ticking from the long hours of riding. Lindsey pulled off her helmet and stepped off the bike. She heard music floating across the air and could not prevent the smile from growing on her face as she watched a woman washing the windows of the wheelhouse. The smile grew broader as she looked at the name of the boat. Heaven Sent. Her father had told her the name of the boat and she was delighted to see the gorgeous woman working on deck. The faded denim of the shorts, gave way to long tan legs, which seemed to go on forever as the woman continued working, unaware of her arrival.

  She stretched her sore muscles and placed her helmet on the bike seat before striding toward the boat, her eyes never leaving the woman onboard. She stopped at the gangplank and waited for the woman to give her permission to come aboard.

  Lindsey watched as the woman turned back toward the pier to find her standing there watching her closely. Clad in worn blue jeans, faded to show their age and thinning fabric, Lindsey sported a bandana tied around her head. She watched her glimpse toward the parking lot where the only vehicle was a sleek, black motorcycle. When her eyes trailed back to her, Lindsey smiled and cleared her throat.

  “Captain Drake, I presume.”

  “That would be me.”

  “Permission to come on board, ma’am?”

  “Granted and welcome aboard. Are you, Lindsey?” The woman was gazing at her with brilliant green eyes, the color of the Gulf water.

  “Yes ma’am, I am,” she replied with a quick smile. Damn those eyes are gorgeous.

  “I’m Kendra.” She walked toward her and reached out her hand. “Welcome aboard. I wasn’t sure when you’d arrive.”

  “I decided to drive through the night. There’s less traffic to deal with, and a cool breeze.”

  “You must be tired. Would you care for a cup of coffee?”

  “I’d love one.” Lindsey smiled.

  The captain led her into the galley. “Have a seat and I’ll put a pot on. What do you take in your coffee?”

  “Just some cream, please.”

  Kendra walked to the counter to start the coffee maker, and when she turned back to the table, the woman had removed the bandana to reveal disheveled blond hair. A few freckles were dotted on her cheeks and her blue eyes sparkled when they met hers.

  “So my dad says you want to work on my crew this summer.” She leaned back against the counter, awaiting an answer.

  “Yeah, I would really like to. I have experience working with my father. I was on his boat every chance I got. He’s hoping I’ll follow in his footsteps now that I have a captain’s license so I can take over the family business when he retires in a few years.”

  Kendra was surprised by the deep voice and rich southern accent. “That sounds like a good plan.” The coffee pot gurgled as the water finished running through the filter. Kendra turned around to pour two cups, stirring creamer into both, and carried them to the table.

  “Thanks.” Lindsey took the offered cup and moaned after she took a sip. “Pure heaven.” She grinned.

  “Nothing like a fresh cup of coffee,” Kendra added.

  “Da
d thought it would be good for me to work for you this summer. He felt that I could learn much from you about leading a crew of men, but that’s not the entire story.”

  “I know there was some issue, but I don’t know any details. Dad left those up to you to share if you thought they were important.”

  Lindsey took another sip of coffee and set the cup on the table. “My dad thought it might be good for me to get out of town for a few months to let a situation calm down a bit.”

  Kendra could see the blush rising on the young woman’s cheeks.

  “I have to be honest with you and I’ll understand if you don’t want to take a chance with me. I was caught in a rather embarrassing position with the wife of a local preacher.”

  Unfortunately, Kendra had just taken a sip of coffee and the candor from the young woman caught her by surprise, sending the hot liquid down her windpipe. She broke into a fit of coughing, as she tried to clear her throat.

  A distraught looking Lindsey tried to pat her on her back. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you choke.”

  Kendra raised her hand, her cheeks flushed red as she struggled to breathe. “It’s okay,” she finally managed to croak.

  Several tense seconds passed before she could regain her composure. She eyed the coffee, fearful of taking another sip just yet.

  Lindsey sat there.

  “Sorry about that. You just caught me off guard.”

  “No need to apologize, I shouldn’t have blurted it out like that.”

  “I appreciate your honesty.”

  Lindsey took a deep breath that she slowly released. “So, yes I’m a lesbian, and I fell for the flirtation of a married woman. Not my best decision ever, but I found out too late that she was just using me to get back at her husband. He came home early one day, and caught us together. As you can imagine, it wasn’t pretty. Dad thought it best for me to leave to prevent a public scandal or lynching. I didn’t waste any time disagreeing with him. When he called your dad and found out you might need an extra deckhand, I packed a bag and left town.”

  Kendra took a sip of coffee as she carefully selected her response. “I don’t have any issue with your sexuality, but you’ll have to prove yourself to the crew next week before I decide if you can join us. We’ve just received our license to fish for reds, so the money will be good if you work out.”

  Lindsey raised her head. Kendra noted the sparkle had returned to her eyes as she spoke. “I’ll work my ass off for you given the chance.”

  “That’s all I ask from any of my crew. My men are hard workers and won’t cut you any slack because you’re a cute female.”

  “I don’t expect to be treated any different. Dad will tell you I can outwork most men.”

  “You’ll be bunking with four men. Will that be an issue?”

  “Not for me.”

  “I guess you have a try-out then. Do you have any questions?”

  “When do we start?” she asked.

  “We have one week to fish for browns and then we’ll make our first trip for reds the following Monday.”

  “That sounds good to me. Can you point me in the direction of a boarding house or motel?”

  Kendra chuckled for the first time since the woman came on board. “It’s called the Drake Inn, straight up the street and second house on the right. Dad and I have agreed you won’t be on land enough to justify an apartment, so he’s going to hit you with a ridiculously low rent, and feed you like you’ve probably haven’t eaten in a while.”

  “Are you okay with that?”

  “Yes, I am. Dad and I discuss every decision when it comes to business. Go meet him for yourself and let him know I’ll be home in a couple of hours.”

  Lindsey stood abruptly and reached out her hand. “Thank you, I promise I won’t let you down. Is there anything I can help you with?”

  “Thanks, but I’ve just got a few other things to handle. Go relax and take a nap if you want. You’ve got to be tired from the ride.”

  “I think I’ve gotten a second wind.” Lindsey smiled.

  “Fine then, you can finish washing those windows while I do some paperwork.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Lindsey grinned and left the galley.

  Kendra watched her leave, admiring the view from the back side. “This ought to prove to be interesting,” she said to the empty galley. She poured another cup of coffee, turned off the pot and walked to the wheelhouse. Her eyes kept drifting out the window as she felt her face smiling. She’s cute and not afraid of work.

  Kendra couldn’t deny the young woman was very handsome but, on the verge of starting a season of fishing for reds, she couldn’t afford to be distracted. Lindsey reached high to clean the top of the window and her shirt pulled free from her jeans to reveal an abdomen rippled with muscle. Kendra moaned as her eyes fell on the edge of a tattoo. Good Lord, please stop tempting me.

  She softly chuckled and forced her eyes back to the computer screen. It had been two years since her failed relationship with Jude, and Kendra had buried her heartbreak deep in hard work. Her dad, always accepting of his daughter’s sexuality and concerned with her lack of a social life, had encouraged her to date, but Kendra wasn’t ready for more heartache. Her career was top priority and she doubted any woman would play second fiddle to a shrimp boat, even a very successful one.

  As she washed the wheelhouse windows, Lindsey could see the captain tapping away at the computer. Easy on the eyes and she has her act together. She grinned as she sprayed cleaner on the glass. She’s exactly who I need to be learning from. The cries of gulls drew her attention from the wheelhouse as they trailed a shrimper begging for a handout. She felt the smile grow on her face as they dove to retrieve scraps tossed overboard by the deckhands. Life appears good here, and if I can stay out of trouble, this could be a good place for me to weather the storm.

  Lindsey finished with the windows and carried the spray bottle and rags into the wheelhouse. “The windows are clean, boss. What else can I do?”

  “Store the cleaning stuff in the closet in the galley. I’m almost done here and I’ll drop off a supply list at a local vendor and head for home.”

  “May I offer you a ride? I didn’t see another vehicle in the lot.”

  “Thanks, but the shop is just a few blocks away.”

  “Would you mind if I walk with you then?”

  “Not at all. Just let me print out this list and I’ll be ready.”

  Lindsey walked into the galley to put away the cleaning supplies. When she returned to the wheelhouse, she asked, “Do we take turns cooking?”

  “I haven’t given much thought to that yet. I guess I should. I assumed I would do most of the cooking.”

  “I’ve cooked for Dad’s crew for years. No one has abandoned ship or thrown me overboard, so I must be a pretty fair cook.”

  “You’re pretty sure you’ll make the cut.”

  “Or die trying.” Lindsey grinned. “I know shrimping and I haven’t killed anyone yet with my cooking. How can you resist that combination?”

  Kendra chuckled. “We’ll see how that goes next week, rookie,” she replied as they walked from the wheelhouse. She locked the door behind her, then turned back to face Lindsey. “Let’s go.”

  “Just waiting on you, boss.” Lindsey grinned.

  †

  They walked the short distance to the general store, just a few blocks off the harbor, and Kendra dropped off her list of supplies with a request for delivery on Friday. Lindsey noticed that the shopkeeper seemed to be eyeing her closely.

  “Hank, this is Lindsey, our new deckhand,” Kendra said.

  Lindsey stepped forward, her chest puffed out, and shook his hand. “Pleased to meet you, sir.” The fact that the captain had just introduced her as the new deckhand didn’t escape her, leaving her grinning at the man.

  The older man chuckled. “Hank will do just fine. Welcome to Perdido.”

  “Thanks. I like what I’ve seen so far.”

  “I hope
you’re prepared for hard work. Captain Drake’s a tyrant,” he warned, and shot Kendra a wink.

  “Now, Hank, don’t go scaring off my help. We’re going to be fishing for reds soon and I need good help.”

  “So I heard. Congrats. I hope you’ll put a few batches back for me.”

  “I think I can fill that order.” Kendra smiled. “I’ll be by after the delivery Friday to pay the bill.”

  “See you then,” Hank called. “Tell that old man of yours to stop in and see me.”

  “Will do. He’s talking about taking up golf.” Kendra grinned.

  “That should be interesting,” Hank added with a wave.

  “Your dad’s going to start playing golf?” Lindsey asked.

  “That’s what he claims. I think that just may be an excuse to drink beer.”

  “That sounds familiar,” Lindsey remarked as they walked back to the boat.

  When they reached Lindsey’s bike, she again offered Kendra a ride.

  “Thanks, but I’ll pass. It’s just a short walk.”

  “I’ll see you there then.” Lindsey pulled the helmet over her head and mounted the bike.

  Chapter Three

  “My goodness, you look like a miniature version of Paul,” Kevin said when Kendra introduced him to Lindsey.

  “He can’t deny I’m his,” she joked back.

  “He was a few inches taller and about thirty pounds bigger than you when we first met in boot camp.”

  “He’s only got about fifty pounds on me now,” Lindsey answered. “He’s stayed pretty lean.”

  “Hard work will do that for you.” He eyed the green duffle bag sitting beside her. “Is that all the luggage you have?”

  “I’m on a motorcycle, so I had to travel light. I figured if you decide to keep me on, I can always buy a few things.”

  He looked at Kendra. “Would you get her settled in the guest room upstairs and show her around?”

  “Sure thing, Dad,” she replied. “Let’s go, rookie.”

  Kevin smiled as he watched the two young women climb the stairs chatting animatedly. It appeared that they were getting along pretty well which was a good sign of things to come.