South of Heaven (9 page)

†

“Something is smelling really good,” Kendra announced when she entered the galley.

“The shrimp are almost done and Lindsey’s working on some hushpuppies.” Harvey handed her a cold beer. “You can join the others at the table and we’ll be done in just a few.”

She took a seat beside Charlie.

“Hey, Captain.” He looked at her with a sheepish grin. “Are you up for some cards tonight?”

“I think I’ll pass tonight, Charlie, but thanks for the invite. We’re going to have a long day tomorrow, so I’m going to get some sleep.”

“It’ll be a good day tomorrow, Captain. I can feel it,” Tim replied.

“I think I was just too overeager to get started, and we weren’t far enough south to be on the shrimp.”

“That’s what we’re thinking, too.” Harvey placed a steaming pan of boiled shrimp in the middle of the table. “Tonight we get to sample what the next few months have to offer us.”

“You have to admit these are beautiful shrimp,” Kendra remarked.

“They taste like miniature lobsters.” Lindsey brought a pan of hushpuppies to the table. “Anyone need a fresh beer?”

“Bring us all a round,” Kendra requested.

†

Kendra left the crew to clean up from dinner before they started their poker game. She walked onto the deck to stretch her legs. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been on board after dark. The lines hanging from the outriggers swayed with the rocking of the boat as waves lapped at its sides. She was standing along the railing, gazing out at the reflection of the moon on the water when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to find Lindsey beside her.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, today was a big disappointment, but tomorrow will be better.”

The hand on her shoulder was warm and comforting. She was pleased that Lindsey didn’t remove it right away.

“You’re a good captain, and we all know that you’ll find the shrimp, so go easy on yourself.”

“Thanks, that means a lot.”

“Is there anything I can get you?”

“Thanks, Lindsey, but I think I’m going to call it a night.”

“Rest well, Captain, I’ll have a big pot of coffee ready for you in the morning.”

Kendra smiled lighting up her face. “Thanks. Goodnight, Lindsey.”

Once in her quarters Kendra stripped out of her clothes and slipped into shorts and a T-shirt. The crisp sheets felt good against her skin as she stretched out in the comfortable bed. She felt the emotional drain on her body as she closed her eyes and let the movement of the boat rock her to sleep.

Lindsey stood for a while after watching as Kendra entered the wheelhouse and disappeared in the darkness. Finally she whispered, “Goodnight, my sweet Captain,” into the breeze, and then walked back into the galley to join the card game.

After losing four hands in a row, she decided to retire for the night. She couldn’t concentrate on the game and bid the crew goodnight. In spite of her best efforts, her thoughts kept drifting back to Kendra’s smile when they talked earlier on deck.
If you only knew how that smile of yours affects me.
The grin grew on her face as she walked to her bunk.

Chapter Eight

The morning dawned brilliantly with the sun shining brightly and a cool breeze blowing across the deck. As Harvey predicted, Kendra chose to skip breakfast, so the crew set the nets and the trawl began while they cooked and ate breakfast.

Lindsey buttered two slices of toast and slathered apple jelly across them as Harvey filled a thermos of coffee. “I’ll take it while you guys finish breakfast.”

“Good luck getting her to eat that toast,” Harvey replied with a chuckle.

“I can only try,” she replied and left the galley.

“Mind if I join you?”

Kendra looked up to see Lindsey in the doorway. “Sure, come on in.”

Lindsey placed the toast next to Kendra and unscrewed the lid on the thermos. “Hand me your cup, please.”

Kendra reached for the near empty cup. “I told Harvey I didn’t think I could eat breakfast.”

“That’s what he told me, but the acid from the gallon of coffee you’ll be drinking this morning will only irritate your stomach, so please eat. I slaved over the hot toaster to make it for you and I put your favorite jelly on it, too.” Lindsey smiled.

Her smile is too adorable to ignore, and she is trying to take care of me.
Kendra reached for a slice of toast.
“Just because you worked so hard,” Kendra joked as she took a bite.

“Thank you.”

Kendra could hear the tone of genuine concern in Lindsey’s voice in spite of her teasing. “This does taste good.”

“I’m glad you like it. Just give me a holler if you need anything else.”

“Thanks again,” she replied and watched Lindsey leave the wheelhouse.

†

The crew positioned the bins to prepare for bringing in a haul. Kendra’s smile grew when she heard and felt what she was waiting for.
The boat gave an audible groan, signaling something of substance was filling the nets. She felt her heart lifting as the crew readied to bring up the nets.

Thank you, God.

She brought the boat to a crawl and lifted the microphone for the speaker system. “Crank them up, Harvey, and let’s see what we’ve got.”

He waved to her from the deck and pushed the switch to activate the winch.

She found she was holding her breath again, but blew it out with a sigh when the winch groaned with strain. Kendra cut the engine and walked out on deck just as Charlie and Tim guided the first net on board.

The net was ninety percent filled with the precious shrimp, and the crew cheered with excitement at the size of the catch.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Harvey shouted.

A smile stretched across Kendra’s face. “Let’s get them processed,” Kendra instructed and returned to the wheelhouse. A smile of relief crossed her face as she returned to her chair to watch the crew.

The catch filled up the bins. Lindsey and Charlie started bagging the shrimp for freezing while the rest of the crew brought up the second net, and prepared them for the next run. Each bag held ten pounds of shrimp when filled, a quart of water added before sealing each bag to speed the flash freezing process.

Tim and Charlie emptied the second net and reset it before lowering it overboard. They watched the net sink beneath the water, signaled Kendra that they were ready, and then joined the rest of the crew in processing the shrimp. Kendra began the trawl again.

Kendra watched as Harvey approached the wheelhouse sporting a large grin. When he opened the door, she heard Lindsey holler out, “Let’s get cracking.” She shook her head and chuckled at Lindsey’s exuberance.

Kendra loved the smile on Harvey’s face when he entered the wheelhouse. “How’d we do?”

Harvey grinned as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “I was given the honor of informing you we had a great first haul. We filled one hundred and ten bags. I knew you’d do it, you’re definitely on the shrimp now.”

“Hot damn.” She grinned and lifted her hand for a high five.

Harvey slapped her hand. “I hope you bought enough bags.”

Her face froze in doubt. “I bought a thousand.”

“If this is going to be any indication of how our season is going to go you better go ahead and call in an order to double that for next week.”

“That will be a call I’ll gladly make, but let’s see what the second run nets.”

“This isn’t a fluke, Captain. It’s going to be great.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Harvey. It means a lot coming from you.”

“My pleasure, Captain.” He smiled. “With your permission I’d like to pull out some steaks for dinner tonight.”

“Absolutely, Harvey, we need to celebrate.”

“I’m on it.”

Kendra watched him go, a spring in his step. She wished her dad could have been here to celebrate with them.

By sunset, they had managed four runs. Kendra would have been comfortable with ending the day at three, but the crew, stoked by their success asked her to make one more. That’s all it took to convince her. At this rate, they would fill their shelves with the remaining bags in two more days and be ready to head home a day earlier than planned.

While making the last run, Kendra called home to tell her dad of their success and to ask him to double the order on bags. She could hear the pride in his voice as they talked, and she ended the call high on excitement.

“We can do this,” she spoke aloud.

†

While the rest of the crew finished processing the shrimp and handling the cleanup, Harvey and Kendra prepared a steak dinner. When everyone was seated around the table, Kendra raised her bottle of beer and looked in the eyes of each of her crew.

“Today we had a great day, and thanks to your hard work, we’re well on our way to reaching this week’s quota. Here’s to the beginning of a great season. Thanks to each one of you.”

“Cheers, Captain,” Lindsey called out. They all brought their bottles to the middle of the table, touching simultaneously.

“To the reds,” Charlie added.

“To the reds,” Kendra repeated.

It was a long, but profitable day, and the crew showed signs that the exertion had taken its toll. With their stomachs filled, the crew left the dining area for showers and an early bedtime. They deserved a great night’s rest after the hard work of the day.

Kendra was too excited to sleep. She showered and dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, then slipped back on deck. She saw a figure leaning on the railing and as she approached, Lindsey turned to face her.

The breeze was blowing through her hair and the peaceful look on her face made Kendra stop in her tracks. She slowly released the breath she was holding and willed her heart to drop back into her chest.

“Hey,” she said as she leaned back on the railing next to Lindsey. “I thought y’all would be in bed already, as hard as you worked today.”

“It was an exciting day.” Lindsey took a drink of her beer. “Care to share this one?”

“Sure,” Kendra reached for the beer. As their fingers brushed, she felt a rush of energy soar up her arm. She took a drink and handed the bottle back to Lindsey. “Thanks, that’s nice and cold.”

Lindsey grinned. “I cheated and snuck it into the freezer for a few minutes to get it super cold.”

“Good idea.”

“Why are you still up?”

“I just haven’t wound down yet. I thought some fresh air might help.”

“If we keep up this pace we’ll be home early right?”

Kendra nodded. “Yeah we will. Did you have something you wanted to do?”

“That depends.”

“On what?” Kendra asked taking the bait.

“Whether or not you’re willing to share your dream and show me the boat you want to buy.”

She grinned back into the deep blue eyes watching her. “I think that could be arranged.”

“I’d like that.”

“If he’s in port Saturday we can go take a look. It’s a bit of a drive to Biloxi.”

“Ah, Biloxi, can we stop and blow a bit of my paycheck at the casinos?”

“I don’t see why not. You’ve earned a break.”

“Thanks, Captain.” She grinned and offered her a last drink.

“I’m good, finish it,” Kendra replied with a stretch. “I’m going to try to get some sleep.”

“Goodnight, Captain,” Lindsey said dropping the empty bottle into the galley trash before leaving for her bunk.

Kendra watched her go before disappearing into the darkened wheelhouse and then to her cabin.

†

Kendra surprised the crew the next morning by joining them for breakfast. Harvey had baked fresh biscuits and was finishing up sausage gravy when she arrived.

“That smells good,” she remarked.

“Grab a plate and get some before the others get here. I’ll bring you some coffee.”

“Thanks. Will you join me?”

“Don’t mind if I do, Captain.” He poured two cups of coffee and joined Kendra at the table.

They were halfway through with the meal when Lindsey and the rest of the crew arrived.

“We’ve already got the nets in place, Captain,” Lindsey reported as she poured a cup of coffee.

“I guess I better finish eating and get us moving.” Kendra could feel her smile growing on her face.

“Take your time. We’ve got all day to fish,” Harvey replied.

“That’s true, but I’m eager to see what the day’s catch brings.” She took the last bite on her plate and sipped her coffee.

“Go ahead and I’ll bring in your thermos, once the crew is eating,” Harvey told her. “Leave the plate. I’ll get that, too.”

“Thanks, Harvey, I’ll get us moving.”

She slid into her chair and started the engine, allowing it to idle for several minutes as the nets lowered into the water, then she increased pressure on the throttle, urging the boat forward. The sun was beginning to crest the horizon as she gazed through the wheelhouse window. “Another beautiful day in heaven,” she whispered as the boat eased forward.

†

The next two days proved just as bountiful, and Friday morning, Kendra announced at breakfast they were heading home after filling every bag she had available. There were several smaller bags they filled for the crew to take home to their families. She even remembered her promise to Hank and froze a bag for him.

The trip back to the harbor took much longer with the boat loaded with shrimp. The crew took advantage of the opportunity to relax while Harvey took inventory of the galley and made a shopping list for supplies. Lindsey was restless and had talked the rest of the crew into cleaning the deck after lunch, so when they arrived at the harbor all they would need to do was unload and head for home.

Kendra watched with pride as they washed down the deck, then stored the nets and gear for the next week. As soon as land became visible on the horizon, Kendra called ahead to alert the delivery truck of their time of arrival and signaled the crew to begin loading the frozen bags into the bins for transport. The crew worked efficiently as a team and had the bins filled and stationed along the railing when she killed the engine. Charlie and Lindsey stepped onto the dock to secure the mooring lines.

Kevin was waiting at the dock with a beaming smile for his daughter. “What a haul,” he said to Harvey as they started transferring the shrimp.

“Hey, Dad,” Kendra called when she emerged from the wheelhouse.

“Great job, Captain.” He smiled with pride.

“Could I talk you into a favor while we settle up here?”

“Anything you need.”

“Drop a package of shrimp off to Hank for me?”

“I’d love to. That way I can brag about how well your first run has gone.”

“Thanks, Dad. We’ll meet you back at the house when you’ve finished,” she said as Lindsey handed him the bag of shrimp.

“Beautiful. I hope you kept a bag for us?”