Melissa Good - Terrors of the High Seas

“Mm.” Dar inhaled. “Well, I understand, since we were being Terrors of the High Seas 361

tossed around last night, too. We were glad to see the marina.”

“Good job to get in safely,” the captain complimented. “Were they friends of yours?”

Dar shook her head. “No. Just a fellow boater in trouble.”

“After we finish here, we’ll take a run out there and see if we see anything,” the Coast Guardsman told her. “And if you’re in the area I’ll…ah…”

Dar glanced at him as he hesitated. “Yes?”

He blinked. “Oh, sorry.” He rubbed the back of his crewcut in mild embarrassment. “Your necklace caught my eye. I’ve never seen a woman with one of those before.”

With what ? Dar’s brow contracted, then she looked down at herself. “Oh,” she murmured. “It’s my father’s,” she told him with a faint smile. “No, they haven’t let women into the program.”

The captain grinned. “Gotcha. We’ll let you know if we find anything. Will you be in port for long?” He closed the book and folded his arms across his chest, watching her.

“We’re leaving tonight,” Dar replied. “But we’ll be around.

Give us a holler.”

“Absolutely.” Captain Culver held out a hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Roberts. Have a safe trip.”

Dar clasped his hand, then allowed him to guide her out of the bridge and down the ramp. She left the cutter behind and walked on down the dockside, deep in thought. Had they all drowned? She was hard pressed to admit anything but relief if that’s what had happened. It put a closure on the incident, didn’t it?

Or did it? Wouldn’t DeSalliers’ friends, his family, want to know what happened? Wouldn’t they come searching, trying to find out? Wouldn’t there always be questions, following them?

Dar sighed as she paused to watch the waters of the marina ripple past. Then she shrugged, and started walking again. If questions came, then they did. She had questions of her own, and after all—they’d been in the right through the whole mess, hadn’t they? So, if someone wanted to investigate, well… she’d cross that bridge when she came to it. Right now, she had other things to do and places to be, and that was that.

“HEY, KERRY?” CHARLIE spoke up as Kerry was pouring another round of wine. “You interested in changing professions? I got a job for you if you are. This is some first rate chow.”

Kerry seated herself, giving Charlie a smile as she acknowledged the compliment. “Thanks, but no. I’m happy with the job I have.”

“You sure? Hospitality business’s got great benefits,” Charlie persisted.

362 Melissa Good Kerry sucked on her fork. “Well.” She pretended to mull the idea over. “Let’s see: in my current position, I can walk into my boss’s office, shut the door, and get a kiss that sends my stockings flying out the window. Can you beat that?” she enquired with a completely serious expression.

A tiny squawking noise from her right made her look in time to see Dar caught in mid-chew, her blue eyes widening in startlement as everyone turned to stare at her. “Ooh,” Kerry murmured. “I’ve never seen you blush like that before.”

Dar swallowed and shook her spoon at her partner. “I’m gonna make you blush in a minute, Kerrison,” she warned. “I’ll tell them what you like to do with i..fmpf.”

“Dar!” Kerry covered her partner’s mouth. “Bad girl! Not in front of your father!”

Andrew started laughing, his low rumbling breaking the moment.

Dar nipped Kerry’s fingers, making her yelp and remove her hand.

“Lord.” Andrew chuckled. “If you two ain’t something.”

“Yeah?” Dar turned her head. “Remind me to tell you sometime about Kerry’s views on parental sex.”

Kerry covered her eyes. “Jesus, Dar, I’m going to kill you,” she uttered in a hoarse squeak.

Bud, who had been silently eating his dinner since his arrival, chortled softly at that. He was still obviously stiff and sore, but he’d remained peaceable during the meal, his usual acerbic comments absent

Cautiously, Kerry peeked out from behind her hand, trying to ignore the twin pair of twinkling blue eyes. Dar poked the very tip of her tongue out at her, and Kerry made a grab for it, snatching her partner’s nose instead and tweaking it. “Troublemaker.”

Dar pointed at herself in feigned innocence, then at Kerry.

“You started it.”

“Kerry, I gotta admit it I can’t beat that benny pack.” Charlie shook his head, his bearded face crinkling into a grin. “And I wouldn’t wanna try.”

Kerry leaned her flushed cheek against her fist. “I know. I asked for that.” She poked Dar’s shoulder. “But thanks for the compliment. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and I especially like doing it for people who appreciate the results.”

“Hey, I appreciate it,” Dar interjected.

Kerry smiled. “I know, honey. That’s why I always do it for you.”

Everyone chuckled and Kerry relaxed, relieved that the evening hadn’t been nearly as uncomfortable as she’d imagined it would be. They were all clustered around the small table, enjoying Terrors of the High Seas 363

her fish and vegetables as the boat rocked gently, the windows open to catch the cool evening breeze. She’d lit candles to save the drain on the Dixie ’s batteries, and in the background Dar had a light, peaceful, New Age CD playing.

She smiled to herself as she thought of the surprise she had for Dar, something she’d held in the back of the small freezer and earlier had put in the refrigerator to thaw. “Ready for dessert?”

Kerry inquired.

“Does it involve chocolate?” Dar asked immediately.

“Heh.” Kerry got up and went into the galley. She put an already brewed pot of coffee on the counter, along with cream and sugar.

“So, Andy, Dar said you’re living out on a boat now?” Charlie asked, breaking the brief silence.

“Yeap,” Andrew agreed solemnly. “’Bout pulled my shorts out when Ceci up and figgered she wanted to live on one, after all them years kicking me to get off ’em.”

“Hard to believe,” Bud contributed in a low mutter.

“She still doing her painting?” Charlie said.

“Definitely,” Dar answered. “She’s got a workshop set up in the living space, right around there.” She indicated the similar area in their boat. “Only it’s bigger.”

Charlie put his fork down. “ You got one of these things?” he asked Andrew in surprise. “What the hell’d they pension you off with, excess Sandinista funds?”

Andy chuckled, refusing to take offense. “Naw.” He reached over and tugged a lock of Dar’s hair. “Mah kid took care of it.”

Charlie and Bud both looked at Dar, and she shrugged modestly. “Not really. My Aunt May left me a trust fund when she died; I signed it over to them.” She glanced at her father. “It was their choice how to use it,” she said. “I never felt like anything was owed me anyway, especially after she left me the condo and this thing. “

Charlie whistled under his breath. He looked at Andrew. “Bet you’re glad she didn’t end up a swabbie, ain’t you?”

Andy snorted. “Hell, Ah’da been happy in a Quonset hut.” He leaned back. “But that there boat’s a hoot and a half, no question.

Ceci’s having her a good old time with it.”

Bud eyed him. “You guys lucked out,” he remarked, but his tone was mild, not grudging.

“Hell yes.” Andy hitched a knee up and circled it with both big hands. “Spent all them years in hell, now we got some good times.

Life’s evened out for a change.” He glanced at both men. “Ah done paid my dues.”