South of Heaven

by Ali Spooner

  “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.”

  “They are delicious,” Kendra said, as she peeled several more for their injured guest.

  “I need to get your recipe for these hushpuppies, too. I could make a meal of them alone.”

  “I think that could be arranged.” Lindsey grinned.

  “Are these some of the shrimp y’all harvest?”

  “Yes, this is our first year of fishing reds. We hope it’s going to be a good one.”

  “I will definitely have to see if we can get these at home. They’re like baby lobsters.”

  Kendra chuckled. “Yes, that’s why they are so prized along the gulf.”

  “How are you feeling?” Lindsey asked.

  “My head is throbbing again and I’m suddenly tired.”

  Lindsey examined her eyes closely. “You probably have a slight concussion. If you don’t mind, I’m going to wake you every few hours tonight to check on you. Hopefully, the chopper will be cleared in the morning to get you medical care.”

  “Do you really think that’s necessary? You’ve done so much for me already I hate to impose on you further.”

  “I’d feel better.”

  “We can take turns and it’s not an imposition. You’re on board our boat, so you’re our responsibility,” Kendra said with a wink. “Ouch. Damn, I need to stop doing that.”

  “Will you go in for medical care for that cut?”

  “It’s been too long for stitches, and I think the glue is holding up well. I just need to remember to stop winking.”

  “That’s hard to do for such a flirt,” Lindsey chimed in.

  Kendra grinned but didn’t argue.

  “If the weather clears tomorrow, will you head back to harbor?” Susan asked.

  “I think we’ll wait one more day to let the traffic settle a bit.”

  “If you two don’t mind, I think it’s time to lie down. Thanks again for saving me and giving me such good care. Is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?”

  “Get well and get another boat. Don’t let this experience spoil it for you,” Kendra replied.

  “Do you need anything before you lie down?” Lindsey asked.

  “No, I think I’m good. Thanks.”

  “I’ll see you in a few hours then.” Lindsey smiled.

  “Goodnight, ladies,” Susan bade them and then left the galley.

  “I think it’s time for us to turn in as well,” Kendra said.

  “I’m right behind you, Captain.” Lindsey stood to walk behind her. She laughed. “Damn nice view too.”

  “Come on, you,” Kendra turned to reach for her hand.

  †

  Kendra laid her head on Lindsey’s shoulder and snuggled in close.

  “I’ve set my alarm for two hours, but I’ll try not to wake you,” she said as she ran her fingers through Kendra’s hair.

  “I’ll take the next watch if you’ll tell me what to look for,” Kendra offered.

  “Look at her pupils to see if they’re different sizes or her eyes are unusually bloodshot. Also, check to see if she appears to be running a fever. If so, take her temperature and give her some Tylenol.”

  “That sounds simple enough. I’m impressed with your medical knowledge.”

  “I’ve picked up a lot from Dad over the years. He was a medic in Vietnam.”

  “I didn’t realize that.”

  “Your dad probably doesn’t talk about it much either.”

  “No, not often. He tries to stay positive and looking forward.”

  “Just like you.” Lindsey kissed her softly. “Love you.”

  “I love you, too. I hope you get some rest. It’s been a hectic day.”

  “Yes it has,” Lindsey agreed and turned out the light.

  †

  They alternated checking on Susan throughout the night, and as the sun began peeking over the horizon, Lindsey started a pot of coffee. She was waiting to pour cups for herself and Kendra when the phone rang. It was the Coast Guard calling to notify her that they had received clearance to fly and would arrive in approximately thirty minutes. Kendra poured three cups and went to wake the others.

  “The chopper will lower a gurney to the deck for you. Will you be able to lie down to be airlifted?” Lindsey asked.

  Susan nodded her head. “That should be easy. I’m feeling stronger this morning.”

  “You might want to call Kelly, too, to let her know you’re on the way,” Lindsey suggested.

  Twenty minutes later, they heard the helicopter approach.

  “I’ll go and guide them in, Kendra, if you’ll get Susan on deck,” Lindsey offered.

  Lindsey waved the chopper to hover over the deck of the boat, and watched as one of the crew rode down on the gurney.

  “Y’all made great time,” she yelled, over the noise of the rotors.

  “What do we have here?”

  “An injured left arm, probably a break, and a head injury. We’ve got a pressure bandage on her head, and an improvised splint on her arm. We were afraid to attempt too much with her arm.”

  The man nodded. “Any loss of consciousness?”

  “She was unconscious when I reached her in the water, but revived on the way to the boat, and she has been alert. There’s a possibility that she’s suffering from a concussion.”

  Lindsey looked up to see Kendra leading Susan, who was carefully guarding her arm.

  “Let’s get you settled on the gurney, ma’am.” The crewmember offered Susan his arm. He looked into Kendra’s bruised face. “You okay? That’s a nasty looking bruise.”

  “I’m good, just caught the wrong end of a metal buckle in the storm. We’ve kept it clean and steri-stripped.”

  “You want me to take a look while I’m here?”

  “No, I’m good. Thanks for offering.” She nodded at Susan. “She’s in some pain and needs to have that arm looked at. Will you take her to Sacred Heart? She has family that will meet her there.”

  “Most definitely. The worst is over, but be careful until you’re back in port.”

  “We will,” Kendra assured him. “Will you make a report on her boat? There was no saving it from sinking.”

  “Yes ma’am, we’ll take care of that.” As he finished strapping Su
san onto the gurney, another crewmember dropped a line down for him and prepared to lift the gurney. He reached into his bag and pulled out a tube of ointment. “Put this on that cut several times a day. It’ll help with the pain and minimize scarring.”

  “Thanks,” Kendra told him, taking the tube.

  “Thank you for everything,” Susan told them as the gurney lifted off the deck.

  “We’ll take good care of her,” the medic promised, and followed the gurney to the helicopter. He waved to them, and the craft lifted and flew away.

  Kendra wrapped an arm around Lindsey’s shoulder as they watched the helicopter disappear. “I’ll start some breakfast if you’re hungry. After we eat, I think you need some rest. I’m very proud of you.”

  “Thanks,” Lindsey grinned as they started to the galley. “How about ham and cheese omelets?”

  “That sounds wonderful.”

  “When we get home, I’d like to take a long, hot bubble bath with you,” Kendra said while they ate.

  “Looking forward to that,” Lindsey grinned. “Call your Dad while I clean up, so we won’t have any distractions.”

  “Very good idea,” Kendra agreed, and cleaned her plate.

  †

  “I need a shower,” Lindsey stated after she finished cleaning the galley.

  “You mind some company?

  Lindsey grinned and stepped into the shower. She held out her hand to Kendra, and pulled her into an embrace as they stepped under the flow of the water. She was mesmerized by watching the water soak into Kendra’s thick hair, then sliding down her smooth skin in small rivers.

  Lindsey kissed her softly, and then knelt down before Kendra, her tongue chasing a drop of water as it raced down her body. Lindsey looked into Kendra’s eyes to find them dark with desire, smiled, and used the tip of her tongue to tease her lips as her hands spread her thighs apart. She slipped first one, and then a second finger, inside the silky wetness as her lips enclosed the swollen clit, sucking it slowly in and out of her mouth.

  “Oh yes,” Kendra cried out, and braced her arms on the shower walls as her body began trembling.

  Lindsey reached up with one hand to take a firm nipple between her fingers, twisting it slowly as her other hand stroked the inside of Kendra’s body.