South of Heaven

by Ali Spooner

“Not me,” Kendra replied. “Thanks.”

  She placed the bills in her wallet and turned around to see Lindsey smiling at her.

  “Did you hit another jackpot?”

  Kendra smiled. “I put a five in a dollar machine and won a five hundred dollar pot. How’d you do?”

  Lindsey held up her ticket. “Four hundred for me. I think we’d better take our money and run.”

  “Agreed,. Come on, you have a dinner to buy.”

  “Lead the way, boss.” Lindsey grinned and followed her from the casino.

  †

  Kendra parked the Jeep in front of Mary Mahoney’s and climbed out.

  “I know it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food is to die for. Back in the day it was a bordello, and today it’s one of Biloxi’s premier eateries,” Kendra said.

  “I trust you to pick out the best spot.”

  “Good, and I’m glad you hit a jackpot. I’m really hungry now.”

  “You can eat to your heart’s desire ma’am. I’ve always got plastic if I run out of cash.”

  Once seated, a tuxedo-clad server approached them. “Good evening, ladies, what may I offer you to drink?”

  “Would you like a bottle of wine?”

  “That’s good with me,” Kendra replied.

  “What would you recommend?” Lindsey asked the server.

  “We have an excellent Riesling.”

  Lindsey nodded.

  “I’ll give you ladies a moment to peruse the menu while I prepare your wine.”

  “So, Kendra, what do we want for appetizers?”

  “Definitely some fried crab claws.”

  “Sounds good. Would you also like to share a shrimp cocktail?”

  “That would be awesome.”

  “Do you have any recommendations for entrées?”

  “You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. I’m going to have the filet and fried shrimp.”

  “I was thinking the filet and the fish of the day, especially if it’s grouper,” Lindsey said.

  “Just be sure to save room for dessert. They have excellent bread pudding.”

  “Maybe we can share one then.”

  “There will be no sharing of dessert, if you want one, order your own,” Kendra warned.

  “Yes, boss.” Lindsey suppressed a grin.

  The meal was as terrific as Kendra had promised and they ordered coffee and desserts to end their meal.

  “I have to admit, this was one of my all-time best meals,” Lindsey said.

  “I’ve got no complaints either. Thank you for a lovely meal.”

  “It’s been my pleasure.” Lindsey paid the bill.

  Dark had descended when they emerged from the restaurant. “Wow, I didn’t realize how long we’d been inside. Are you okay to drive?” Lindsey asked.

  “Yes, I backed off the wine to let you finish the bottle, and I’ve had plenty food to soak up what I did drink.”

  “I did have more than my share of the wine, didn’t I? It was too good to waste.” Lindsey chuckled.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. We may have to stock the boat with a few bottles.”

  “You won’t get an argument from me.”

  Kendra took the Interstate for a faster route home. When they pulled in the driveway and into the garage, she left the top down on the Jeep.

  Lindsey stepped out and stretched. “Thanks for a great day.”

  “I had fun too.”

  “Do we need to restock the boat tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I have groceries being delivered at ten so sleep in, if you want.”

  Lindsey grinned. “There’s little chance of that happening.”

  †

  Kevin was still awake and watching football when they entered the house. “Welcome back, girls.”

  “Thanks, Dad. Did you have a good day?”

  “I did, and so far I haven’t broken or pulled anything. I do think I’ll be feeling some muscles that haven’t worked in a while in the morning, though. How was your day?”

  “It was great. I put a down payment on the boat, we both won pots at the casino, and dinner at Mary Mahoney’s was fantastic as usual.”

  “Oh that does sound good. Hank and I boiled up a mess of your reds for dinner. They sure were good.”

  Lindsey yawned. “I’m going to call it a night. I’ll see y’all in the morning.”

  “Goodnight, thanks again for a great day.”

  “Thank you for letting me invite myself along. I had a blast.”

  “Sleep well,” Kevin told her. “Are you going to sit up with your old man for a bit?”

  “Sure, Dad.”

  “Before you sit down, will you grab us a beer then?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Thanks,” Kevin replied when she handed him a beer and sat beside him. “Now that you’re going to be the owner of two boats, have you considered what you’re going to do?”

  “About a second captain you mean?”

  “Yes. You can’t be in two places at once, and I’m sure you’ll want to keep a boat running the local waters.”

  “I talked with Harvey several weeks ago, and he’s not interested in getting a captain’s license. I’ve got a few months yet to come up with a plan.”

  “I think an option just went up the stairs.” He grinned.

  Kendra looked at him in surprise. “Do you mean Lindsey?”

  “Well I didn’t see anybody else go upstairs.”

  “Smart ass.”

  “She has a younger brother who can take over her Dad’s boat when he chooses to retire, and I think she’s really enjoying her time here. At least give it some thought.”

  “I will, Dad,” she promised. “To be honest, I thought she’d be chomping at the bit to go back to the Outer Banks.”

  “Maybe so, but I doubt it.”

  “What makes you think differently?” Kendra asked curiously.

  Kevin turned to fully face his daughter. “I know we don’t talk about much personal things, but the woman is in love with you.”

  Kendra nearly choked on the drink of beer she had just taken. “What are you talking about?”

  “Well, you obviously have blinders on, but when she looks at you, you can see it in her eyes.”

  “You’re serious aren’t you?”

  “Kendra, I love you like no other, but you can be dense as hell at times. She looks at you the way I looked at your mother. She loves you and I think she’d be good for you.”

  “When did you become a matchmaker?”

  “Just recently, when my bullheaded daughter refused to see what’s right in front of her. I’ve never seen you as happy since she got here.”

  Kendra was quiet for several minutes while she pondered her dad’s revelations.

  Kevin finished his beer. “Now, I’m going to bed. Lock up and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Goodnight, Dad. Love you.”

  “I love you too, Kendra.”

  Kendra turned the television off and picked up their empty bottles. She carried them into the kitchen to dispose of them and prepared the coffee pot for the morning. When she climbed the stairs, she saw the light coming underneath Lindsey’s door, and a smile grew on her face. Is he right? Does she really love me?

  She undressed and climbed into bed still pondering those questions.

  Chapter Ten

  Kendra woke the next morning, her face sore from smiling during her sleep. She had fallen asleep thinking about Lindsey, and her thoughts had turned into the most beautiful of dreams. She made her way into the shower and, when she emerged from her room, the smell of coffee and the sound of bacon frying met her on the staircase. Walking into the kitchen, she expected to find her dad cooking breakfast, but Lindsey was in front of the stove whipping up batter for pancakes. Lindsey turned when she entered.

  “Good morning, boss, I hope you’re hungry. Your dad wanted pancakes today.”

  “Pancakes always work for me. Anything I c
an do to help?”

  “Grab a cup of coffee and join your dad at the table. I’ll have the first batch ready in a few.”

  Kendra poured a cup of coffee and walked to the table. “Do you need a refill, Dad?”

  “I’d love one, darling,” he replied, barely taking his eyes off the newspaper he was reading.

  She picked up his mug and walked over to the pot. Kendra caught Lindsey not watching and snagged a slice of bacon.

  “Don’t think I didn’t see that.”

  “It smells too good. I had to have a bite.” Kendra smirked and stuffed the slice in her mouth.

  They had finished breakfast, and she and Lindsey were washing the dishes, when the phone rang. “Hang tight, I’ll get it,” Kevin said.

  Kendra heard him answer the phone and turned to look at him.

  “Hey, Betty,” he said.

  She watched as her dad’s face blanched white as he listened to the caller. He sat down in a chair, seemingly stunned speechless by what he was hearing.

  “Dad, is everything all right?” she asked.

  He looked up at her, and she could see the panic in his eyes. He held up a finger for her to wait for a second. “Of course I’ll be there. Tell Henry I’ll be on my way today and I’ll see you soon. Thank you for letting me know. Goodbye, Betty.”

  “Dad, what’s wrong?” she asked.

  Lindsey turned around and looked at Kevin.

  “It’s your Uncle Henry,” he said to Kendra. “They rushed him to the hospital this morning. He’s had a heart attack and needs open heart surgery.”

  “Oh no, Dad. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I just didn’t expect that from Henry. He’s an avid fitness buff, even at his age.”

  “That will work to his advantage in surgery. I’ll call and make flight reservations for you if you want to pack a bag.”

  He nodded and walked over to Kendra who hugged him tightly. “He’s going to be okay, Dad, so don’t worry.”

  “We’re not young men anymore,” he said, with tears in his eyes.

  “Do you want me to go with you?”

  “No, stay and keep the business going. Thanks for offering, but I don’t know anything you can do. Hell, I don’t know what I can do, but be there for Henry and Betty.”

  “I can be there for you.”

  Kevin looked at her and forced a smile. “You’re worse than me about hospitals.”

  “You’ve got a point there. I’d probably get us both kicked out,” she replied. “Go pack and I’ll get on the computer.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” Lindsey asked.

  “Go up to my room and grab my wallet off the dresser while I boot up the computer please.”

  Kendra watched her fingers shake as she reached to turn on the computer on her desk. Henry was her dad’s only sibling, and was his senior by four years. He and his wife Betty had retired to Phoenix, Arizona, several years ago. She heard Lindsey racing back down the stairs, and took the wallet from her. “Thanks.”

  “I’ll take care of the groceries, while you help your Dad,” Lindsey offered. “Just call if you need anything, okay?”

  “I’ll take him to the airport and get back as soon as I can.”

  “Just take care of him and don’t worry. I’ve got this under control.” Lindsey turned to leave.

  “Lindsey,” Kendra called after her.

  Lindsey stopped and turned back to her.

  “Thanks for being here and helping.”

  Lindsey smiled back at her. “There’s no place I’d rather be. See you later.”

  Kendra nodded and turned back to the computer as she heard the front door close. She could hear her dad moving around in his room as he packed his bag. She logged on to check airfare to Phoenix. There was a seat left on a flight from Mobile, but they would need to leave soon for the airport if he was going to be able to make the flight. Kendra booked it and then made a reservation for a car at the Phoenix airport. Then she went to check on her dad.

  He had finished packing his bag and was sitting on the edge of the bed, fighting back tears. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him.

  “He’s going to be fine. Uncle Henry is in the best place he can be right now, so be strong for him and Betty.”

  “I don’t know what I’ll do if he doesn’t pull through.”

  “Then don’t even dwell on it. Think positive thoughts. Are you sure you don’t need me to come?”

  “No, darling. I’ll get it together and be all right. Did you get me a ticket?”

  “Yes, but we need to go soon to make it on time.”

  “I need to stop at an ATM, along the way.”

  “No you don’t.” She pulled out her wallet and handed him eight hundred-dollar bills. “I hit a couple jackpots yesterday,” she grinned.

  Kevin shook his head and placed the bills in his wallet. “Take the money out of the account to replace this.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” She picked up his bag. “You okay to ride in the Jeep?”

  “Sure, I could use the fresh air to clear my head.”

  “Let’s go.”

  †

  Kevin was unusually silent on the ride to Mobile, worrying Kendra. “Will you call me when you arrive, and let me know you got there safely?”

  “Yes, but I’ll wait until I get to the hospital and have an update on Henry.”

  “That’s a good idea. Please keep me posted this week. I programmed the number of the satellite phone into your cell, so call whenever you can.”

  “I’ll call you every day. Is morning or night better for you?”

  “Both are better for me, Dad.” She smiled.

  “Both it is then.”

  She pulled up to the curb at the airport. “I’ve already checked you in, so all you need to do is clear security, and then gate-check your bag. You didn’t bring any weapons did you?”

  “No, I left the machine gun at home,” he teased, and opened the door.

  Kendra jogged around to the back of the Jeep and took out his bag. She hugged her dad tightly. “I miss you already. Tell Uncle Henry and Aunt Betty hello from me, and please call anytime you want to. Deal?”

  “Yes, yes, I will. I promise.”

  “Be safe and I’ll see you soon.”

  “You, too, be careful driving back, and have a great week.”

  Kendra nodded and watched as he grabbed the handle of his bag and rolled it toward the entrance of the airport. The emotional weight riding on his shoulders made him look older as he turned and waved goodbye. She smiled, returned his wave, and turned to wipe away tears as he disappeared inside.

  She pulled into the cell lot and waited until his plane took off, and then headed for home.

  Kendra groaned as traffic slowed to a crawl just outside the tunnel in Mobile. “Damn, not today,” she growled as she drove ten feet then stopped. It would be another mile before she could detour through downtown, bypassing the heavy traffic. She jacked up her radio and sang along with the tune to pass the time. Even the upbeat country song did little to lift her spirits. When she was close enough to see the exit, she turned onto the shoulder and left the Interstate.

  †

  Lindsey turned at the sound of the Jeep and watched Kendra drive away with her dad. She sent up a silent prayer that all would work out well, then looked back toward the harbor. She stepped on board and walked over to unlock the galley. The delivery would arrive shortly, but she took a few minutes to explore the boat. As she stepped into the wheelhouse, her heart felt heavy. Kendra had barely pulled away, but Lindsey was missing her already. Lindsey sat in the captain’s seat and looked out at the view Kendra saw every time she left the harbor. A glance down to a small desk revealed a notepad, and she smiled at the thought of Kendra doodling on the pad as she spent endless hours behind the wheel. She was even more surprised to see her name written on the pad with a large question mark beside it. She wondered what was the question Kendra needed to answer about her. She lef
t the wheelhouse to enter the small cabin set aside for the captain.

  She couldn’t resist picking up the pillow and lifting it to her face. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of Kendra’s shampoo and the alluring scent of her perfume. She chuckled at her behavior. “This is really weird,” she spoke aloud. “I’m pining over a woman I can never have.”

  She placed the pillow back on the bed as she heard the back-up alarm of the delivery truck. The groceries had arrived. She stepped back out on deck to supervise the unloading, and after signing for the order, began storing the supplies.

  Lindsey finished stocking the groceries and closed the galley. She had decided to walk to a local shop to check out the wine selection, intending to purchase several bottles of the Riesling they had shared the previous night as a surprise for Kendra. Here I go again, being a romantic. She smiled and headed for downtown.

  Surprised by the extensive selection of wine, Lindsey decided to rely on the expertise of the shop owner to make selections for her and she smiled as she left the shop with six bottles of his finest Riesling. It drained her wallet of the last of her winnings, but it was for Kendra, who was damned well worth the cost. Lindsey walked back to the boat, entered the captain’s suite, and opened the small refrigerator. Lindsey smiled as she spied a wine rack, which would allow two bottles to chill at a time. She slipped the bottles into the cradle, and then carried the rest of the crate to the small pantry, storing it for future use.

  She stopped by her own berth before leaving the ship, checking her supply of clothing and hygiene products. As she was about to step onto the deck, she looked up to find Kendra coming on board.

  “Welcome back,” Lindsey said.

  “Thanks. Did you get everything stocked and stored?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I did.”

  “I appreciate you taking care of the order while I got Dad settled.”

  “No problem. I was happy to help. How’s he holding up?”

  “I think he’s still in shock, but he’ll get himself together before he makes it to the hospital.”

  “He’s a strong man and he’ll be ready to deal with whatever comes his way.”

  Kendra smiled. “Yes, he is.”