Terrors of the High Seas

Kerry could only smile at that. “Dar, did you ever get the weird feeling the place we knew each other from before we met wasn’t in this particular lifetime?”

Both of Dar’s dark, finely shaped brows hiked upward. She gazed at Kerry in silence for a few moments, muscles in her face moving slightly as she thought. “I never really considered the question.” She finally answered, with a barely visible shrug.

“Hm.” Kerry felt slightly silly for mentioning the idea. “Well, nevermind. Just something that crossed my mind, I guess.”

“Interesting idea.” Dar mused. “I think I’d accept the notion of reincarnation if I knew it’d be with you.” Her face creased into a pleased grin. “That’d be very cool.”

Kerry grinned back. “Yes, it would, wouldn’t it?” She released her residually morbid thoughts and gave Dar a light scratch on her bare back, rubbing in little circles with her fingertips. Dar responded by purring, and arching her body at the touch. “You’re very playful today.”

Dar rolled over and changed position, sliding her arms and legs over Kerry’s and blowing a gentle puff of air into her ear. “Just glad it’s today. Not yesterday.” She rested her chin on Kerry’s shoulder and gazed at her. “Cmon. The sooner we get this all over with, the sooner I can steal you and take you off to my deserted island.”

“Oo.” Kerry found it very hard to resist the mischevious grin being visited on her. She tilted her head and kissed Dar gently. Then they both rolled out of bed still tangled together, giggling as they attempted to prevent themselves from crashing headlong into the bulkhead.

They separated and Kerry handed Dar her clothing, which was draped haphazardly across the dresser. She watched Dar slide into her swimsuit, reaching out and touching the soft, silken fabric. “I like this.”

“It’s like wearing tissue paper.” Dar remarked dryly. “Or nothing.”

“Mmhm. That’s why I like it.” Kerry agreed, with an impish grin. “It only leaves a tiny bit to the imagination.”

Dar looked down at herself, then up at Kerry, as a faintly surprised chuckle escaped from her chest. She reached out and tickled Kerry’s still bare navel. “I think you’re outgrowing your upbringing.”

Kerry chuckled a little herself, and donned her underwear. She looked up to find Dar holding her bra, and obligingly put her arms through and turned to allow her partner to hook it. She felt Dar’s knuckles warm against the skin of her back, then a much more intense warmth sent goosebumps over her as Dar nibbled at her neck. “Mm.”

Dar released her, and picked up Kerry’s cotton shirt, holding it for her to don. She adjusted the collar and returned to her nibbling as Kerry attempted buttoning it, reaching around to help her when the holes seemed to elude her fingers.

“Dar?”

“If you keep that up, this is a pointless exercise.”

“What’s pointless?”

“Dressing.”

Dar relented, and just finished her buttoning, giving Kerry a pat on the behind as she released her again. She put on her shorts and buckled the belt, then pulled a polo shirt over her head and tucked it in.

Kerry regarded her. “Black and blue. Are you sending a message, honey?” She plucked at the rich, royal blue polo.

Dar ran her fingers through her hair and settled her wraparound sunglasses on her nose. “Do I look mysterious and intimidating?”

“Until I look down at your Dilbert socks, sure.” Kerry snickered.

Dar stuck her tongue out and went in search of her sneakers. Kerry finished buttoning her denim shorts and followed, shaking her head.

**

They found the captain waiting for them at the hotel’s front entrance. He smiled as he spotted them, and inclined his head, then indicated the outside garden area. “Our power is still off, and the inside is quite stuffy.”

Dar settled next to her, watching the captain warily from behind her sunglasses. “So.” She said. “What can we do for you?”

The policeman motioned a harried looking waiter over. “Some ice tea, if you please.”

“We have no ice, sir.” The man gave him an apologetic look.

“How about some lukewarm tea?” Kerry suggested. “And a couple of whatever sandwiches you probably have available.”

The waiter glanced at the policeman.

“As the lady says.” The captain smiled. “Since we have little choice, I gather.”

“Yes, sir.” The waiter scribbled, then ducked away.

The captain sat back and clasped his hands around one khaki covered knee. He regarded them both for a moment in silence, then spoke. “Many things have occurred over the past several days.”

Now, that was a true mouthful. Kerry propped her chin up on her fist. “Sure have.”

“We were not able to locate the intruder into your rooms.” He stated. “And it appears the reputed employer of that person also has left the islands.” His eyes studied them intently. “We found that quite curious, since the marina tells us he had prepaid his engagement for some time”

Dar evaluated her options. Then she pulled her glasses down and met his eyes very squarely. “If we knew why he wasn’t here, would you want us to tell you?”

The captain’s face twitched a bit, and his head cocked to one side. “I have heard some interesting things bout about this man, and about yourself, Ms. Roberts.” He commented. “If I investigate your statement, perhaps I will learn more interesting things.”

“You might.” Dar agreed.

“However, I might also learn some things that will require me to work very, very hard.” The captain gave her a charming smile. “And it is too beautiful a day to be working so hard. So, Ms. Roberts, I will regretfully decline your so generous offer of information.”

Dar gave him a mental point, and removed a moral one. “Good choice.” She said. “Because, frankly captain, nice as your island is, we’re looking forward to seeing it behind us.”

“That is excellent to hear, Ms. Roberts.” The man turned, as the waiter put down a plate of sandwiches, and a flask of tea. “May I assume then, that you have no interest in pursuing your complaint?” He asked. “Or the disagreeable encounter you had at sea?”

Dar leaned forward. “I’ve settled with DeSalliers, and no, your friends the pirates are safe.” She enunciated the words carefully, but lowered her voice. “I’ve had enough trouble the last few days to last me the entire next year, thanks.”

“My friends?” The policeman replied. “Ah, but you have such friends as well, do you not?”

Dar inclined her head in agreement. She picked up a half sandwich and inspected it, then grinned. “Oh, I bet this is popular with the rest of the tourists.” She showed Kerry the contents. “Peanut butter.”

“It does not spoil so quickly.” The policeman graciously accepted the change of subject and selected his own square of white bread. “Otherwise, you have enjoyed our hospitality, I hope?”

Kerry paused in the act of pouring some tea. “The islands are beautiful.” She said. “I can guarantee we won’t forget our visit any time soon.”

The captain took a bite of his peanut butter sandwich and smiled.

**

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Kerry whispered, as they relieved the grateful grocers of some of their perishables. “I don’t think those guys get along, Dar.”

Kerry motioned to the man behind the counter. A trip to the hospital had revealed that Bud was refusing to remain in it’s care, and he and Charlie were more than ready to leave the place behind. Dar had immediately offered them a ride back to their island, and casually invited them to join her, Kerry and Andrew for dinner on board their boat.

There was, everyone had realized, no real way for them to refuse given the circumstances, and now Kerry was gathering enough food to feed them while hoping the evening didn’t turn out to be a disaster. “I don’t know, sweetie.” She sighed. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Dar added several loaves of local bread to Kerry’s basket, and sent the grocer into raptures by taking some endangered ice cream off his hands. “Dad agreed to it, so don’t worry.” She tossed a jar of hot fudge in. “Time to put all that crap behind them anyhow, and besides, whatever you make’s gonna be a lot better than anything we’d find out here tonight.”

Kerry accepted the compliment with a grin. “Only because we’ve got power.” She reminded Dar. “We’re going to have to run the engines to charge the batteries, remember., if you want anything more than half cooked.”

“No problem.” Dar murmured. “They’ve got hand pressured pumps. I was able to get them to fill the tanks this morning.” She eyed the rather sad looking vegetables. “Those look nasty.”

Kerry snorted. “Dar, if they were perfect examples of their species, presented in the best refrigerated case Publix could offer, you’d still think they were nasty.”

“Mm.”

Dar chuckled. “I’ll go get something for us to drink.” She said. “Meet you at the register.”

**

Kerry was just finishing the folds on the aluminum foil she’d wrapped around the filets when she felt the boat rock and looked up to see Andrew poking his head inside the cabin. “Hi dad.”

“It’s not fancy.” Kerry dusted the fish with some finely chopped herbs then poured a capful of cider over it before she sealed the packets. “It just a different way of cooking it.”

Andy leaned on the counter. “Seems a lot of trouble for bunch of old sea dogs.”

Kerry turned her head and smiled at him. “Nah.” She put the packet with the others on top of the steamer grill insert in the big pot on the stove, and set a layer of vegetables on top of it. Another pot held water for pasta and she put a lid on it before she wiped her hands on a towel and leaned back. “Okay, we’re ready.” She said. “Coffee just finished – want some?”

“Surely.” Andrew replied, taking hold of her sleeve. “Go sit yourself down and relax. I’ll grab it.” He tugged. “G’wan.”

Kerry decided to humor him. She eased out from behind the galley and walked over to one of the chairs, dropping into it and leaning back. She watched her father in law setting the cups on the counter and fixing the coffee, his motions measured and precise as always.

She saw Dar in that. Her partner had the same, unconsciously methodical way of doing things. “Hey, dad?”

Andrew glanced at her and raised one grizzled eyebrow.

“Are you okay with our dinner plans, or are you just humoring your daughter?”

A twinkle appeared in his blue eyes. “Wall.” He picked up the coffee cups and walked over, setting hers down and folding his big hands around his own as he took a seat next to her. “One thing I done learned about my kid. She does something, it’s got a reason.” He said. “She ain’t the frivolous type.”

That force a chuckle out of Kerry. “Uh, no. That’s very true.”

“So, if she wants us to mix up, I figure we’ll all survive it.” Andrew said. “Don’t you worry, Kerry. I know you had a tough time the past few days – nobody’s gonna make this a bad night for you if I can help it.”

“Thanks.” Kerry smiled at him with quiet affection. “But I think it’s been tough for all of us. Bud didn’t have any picnic in there.”

“No.” Andrew said. “That’s true enough. He done all right though. Coulda been a lot worse. Them fellas on that there boat were mean folks.”

Kerry sipped her coffee. “Mean people really suck.”

“Yeap.” Andrew put his cup on the small table and leaned forward, letting his elbows rest on his knees. “Hell of a thing to go on during your R and R.” He said. “You two should go find some quiet spot for bit now.”

“We are.” Kerry said. “We’re going to spend a few days at the cabin. We figure we can’t get into too much trouble there.”

Andy snorted softly.

“Yeah, I know. I suggested Niagra Falls, and Dar said it’d probably stop while we were there and we’d get blamed.” Kerry sighed. “I think we’re fated for that sort of thing.”

“Well.” He reached out and patted her knee. “Least you know if you get into trouble, you got family to call on to help you out.”

Kerry blinked at him, then exhaled. “That’s true.” She nodded. “That’s kind of new for me.”

Andrew nodded back, his expression serious. “Ah know that, Kerry, cause it’s the same thing I had with my own folks.” He said. “When Ceci and I ran off, they scratched me off the front page of the bible, so I know what it feels like to have your own kin turn their backs on you.”

“It sucks.”

“Yeap.” Andy agreed. “It does that. Took me a long time to get past it.”

“But you did.”

“Yeap.” He said again. “I come to realize you can’t figure nobody else’s attitudes. All you got control over is your own, so I got mine, and just put them all out there.” His eyes met hers. “I ain’t talked to my folks in thirty some years.”

Kerry leaned forward until they were almost knee to knee. “Do you ever feel guilty about that?”

“Some.” Andy admitted. “I was close with my mother.” He said. “But I knew the hating wasn’t on my side, and living mah life with Ceci made all that worth the trouble.”

Kerry took his hand and squeezed it. “Thanks.”

He winked at her. She grinned, then found herself pulled to her feet as Andrew stood and offered her a hug.

She accepted willingly. “You rock.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, kumquat.” Andy patted her on the back and released her. “Don’t you worry about me and the boys. Bout time we flushed that old mess down the bilge anyhow.”

“Okay.” Kerry smiled. “Now all I have to worry about is whether or not everyone likes fish.”

“Kerry.” Andrew put a hand on her shoulder. “You spend the time putting down the hatch what we did, you damn near like anything that ain’t crawling or made of sandpaper.”

“Ew.”

“Wanna hear about what live crickets taste like?”

“How bout worms?”

“NO!”

**

Dar walked down the towards the docks, having settled their bill with the hotel and picked up a last few things for their outbound trip. The hotel, she was sure, was more than glad to be rid of them, especially since they’d comped their room and only charged them a few incidentals. Dar had graciously left a decent tip in the room, and found herself just as glad to be vacating it.

Dar leaned a hand on the wall and looked thoughtfully at it. She could just walk past it and get on the Dixie, but her sense of curiousity was getting the better of her and instead she angled her steps towards the boarding ramp the crew were muscling into place.

A tall, blond officer trotted down it, his steps slowing as he got to the bottom and spotted Dar coming straight for him, making eye contact just to take away any doubt that he was the object of her interest.

He stopped at the base of the ramp and waited, twitching his shoulders straighter as Dar closed in. “Ma’am?”

“Captain.” Dar inclined her head. “Mind if I ask you a question?”

“No, ma’am, go ahead.” The officer responded. “What can I do for you?”

Dar collected her thoughts a moment. “We were out in the storm last night.” She began.

“And it was a rough one.” The captain agreed. “We were out there ourselves. I trust you got in safely?”

“Yes.” Dar nodded. “But we radioed in a distress call for a boat we saw out there. I was wondering if you were the ones we talked to, and what happened.”

The man cocked his head to one side. “We had quite a few calls.” He said, with a apologetic grin. “What time was it?”

“Late. Eleven maybe? Out to the southeast of here.” Dar’s eyes flicked to the man’s name tag, then back to his face.

“Ah.” The captain murmured. “Yes, I remember the call. Tell you what, let’s go check the logs.” He turned and lead the way back up the ramp with Dar at his heels. “I don’t want to give you the wrong information.”

Dar gave the scattering of coasties busy working a friendly nod as she followed the captain on board. They entered the bridge, and the captain ducked inside the communications room and picked up a book. He brought it out and thumbed through it as she stood there watching.

“Ah.” He leaned on the book. “Yeah, here it is. 11:32 local. Are you the Dixieland Yankee?”

Dar chucked. “Well, I own it.” She drawled. “She’s a little bigger than I am.”

The captain glanced at her, and grinned. “Sorry.” He glanced back down. “SOS reported in with latitude and longitude. We went to those coordinates, Ms…?”

“Roberts.”

“Roberts, but unfortunately I have to tell you we didn’t find any boat there to rescue.” Captain Culver told her, with an apologetic look.

Dar was momentarily stunned. “Ah.” She murmured. “You didn’t find anything?”

“Well..” The captain lifted his hand. “We didn’t spend a lot of time looking, to be honest with you. The storm was about on us, and we were pitching like nobody’s business. We didn’t see any boat, and our spotlight didn’t pick up any debris, if that’s what you mean.”

“Mm.” Dar inhaled. “Well, I understand, since we were being tossed around last night too. We were glad to see the marina.”

“Good job to get in safely.” The captain said. “Were they friends of yours?”

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

“We’ll take a run out there after we finish here, 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 crew cut in mild embarrassment. “Your necklace caught my eye. I’ve never seen a woman with one of those before.”

With what? Dar’s brows contracted, then she looked down at herself. “Oh.” She murmured. “It’s my fathers.” 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 here 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 a hand out. “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.

**

“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.”

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

Kerry sucked on her fork. “Well.” She mulled the idea over. “Let’s see. In my current position, I can walk into my bosses 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 made her look right, to see Dar caught in mid chew, her blue eyes widening in startlement as everyone turned to stare at her.

“Oo.” 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 her 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 peaceful during the meal, his usual acerbic comments missing

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 mock innocence, then at Kerry. “You started it.”

“Kerry, I gotta give it to you. 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.

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

Everyone chuckled. 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 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 batteries, and in the background Dar had a light, peaceful new age CD playing.

She had surprise 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 completed 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. Ceci up and figgred 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 a surprised voice. “What the hell’d they pension you off with, excess Sandinista funds?”

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

Charlie and Bud both looked at Dar. Dar shrugged modestly. “Not really. My aunt May left me a trust fund after 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 that was owed me anyway, after her leaving 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?”