by Ali Spooner
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?”
“We all have a package to celebrate with our families.”
“I can taste them now.” He licked his lips. “I’ll see you soon.”
†
Once the transfer was complete, Kendra called the crew into the galley. She passed out their traditional end of the week beer and delivered their paychecks. She calculated the checks based on the contracted price for the reds, and was pleased to pay her crew so handsomely.
“We had a great first week.” She watched as the crew stared at the checks she had given them. “Don’t spend it all in one place. I’ll see you bright and early Monday, and we’ll do it all over again.”
Each of the crew hugged her before leaving, several with tears pooling in their eyes. The paychecks she was able to write were triple what a normal week would have netted them.
She and Lindsey were the last to leave the boat, carrying two bags of frozen shrimp. Lindsey placed a friendly arm around Kendra’s shoulder. “I hope you’ll allow me to buy you a nice dinner while we’re in Biloxi.”
“Í have just the place in mind.”
“So that’s a yes?”
“Yes, ma’am, it is.�
��
“Awesome,” Lindsey replied as they walked up the hill.
Chapter Nine
Saturday morning blossomed into a beautiful day.
“Have a great time, you two,” Kevin said when Kendra told him of their plans for the day. They invited him, but he declined their invitation. “Hank and I are going to the driving range to hit some golf balls.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re going to get out and have some fun, too,” Kendra told him.
“I’ll remind you of that when I call you to pull me out of the bed tomorrow.” He chuckled.
“I’ve got plenty of muscle for backup.” Kendra nodded toward Lindsey.
“I’ll be sure to wear some pajamas to bed tonight then. I’d hate for Lindsey to see me in my boxers.”
“No offense, Captain, but I’ve seen my dad in his boxers on many occasions, so I doubt you’d give me a scare.”
“She’d probably be blinded by those white legs of yours though. I hope you’re going to wear shorts so you can start getting some sun,” Kendra teased.
“Ouch, that was a low blow.” He grinned.
She chuckled. “We’ll see you later tonight.” Kendra kissed his cheek and turned to look at Lindsey. “You ready to roll?”
“Just waiting on you, Captain,” she replied with a wink.
†
They worked together to remove the top, leaving the Jeep open to the sun and cool breeze as they drove down the coast. The beaches were dotted with sunbathers and families enjoying one of the last weekends of the summer season. Out on the water, boats of all shapes and sizes carried fishermen, and several commercial boats were heading out to the horizon.
Kendra glanced over to her shotgun seat. Lindsey was smiling, and her spiky blond hair blew in the wind as she sang to a country song on the radio. Beautiful, Kendra thought to herself before turning her eyes back to the road.
An hour and a half later, Kendra slowed the Jeep as they approached the harbor in Biloxi. The Southern Star was in port, and her eyes lit up when she saw the boat. She parked the Jeep and they approached the boat.
“You must be Kendra,” a man stated. “You look just like your dad, only prettier.”
Kendra chuckled and extended her hand. “You must be Captain Cole. This is Lindsey, one of my crew.”
He shook their hands as Kendra introduced Lindsey. “Just Johnny to you, ladies. Your dad tells me you got your Reds license this year.”
“I did and we’ve had a great first week. We filled up quickly and came in early, so I wanted to come take a look at the Star.”
“Come along then and have a good look. I was just about to make some coffee. Would you ladies join me for a cup?”
“I never pass on a cup of coffee, and I haven’t heard Lindsey say no either.”
“Make yourselves at home while I brew a pot. Go anywhere you like,” he added.
“Thanks, Captain.”
Johnny disappeared into the galley as Kendra and Lindsey inspected the equipment on the deck. The freezers, bins, and other equipment were in immaculate condition. Pleased with what they saw on deck, they went below to check out the sleeping quarters and engine room, finding them in great condition as well. When they returned to the galley, Johnny was pouring the coffee.
“Have a seat at the table and I’ll bring the coffee over.”
They took their seats and when he brought mugs of steaming coffee they settled into a friendly banter.
“So what did you think of the old girl?”
“She’s just as beautiful as I imagined. The photographs don’t begin to do her justice,” Kendra praised. “Are you still planning to sell at the end of the year?”
“I am. I’ve got a commitment to the crew to finish out this season, and then I’m going to start enjoying retirement.”
“Dad’s actually taking up golf,” Kendra told him.
“I hope to do that as well so I can spend some time outside. The wife wants to travel, so I’ll need something to do while she shops.” He chuckled.
“I wish I could talk Dad into doing some traveling. It’s hard to get him away from the water though.”
“I can understand that. We’ve spent so many years out in the Gulf, she feels like another spouse. She treats you grand on some days and leaves you frustrated on others. Kinda like a wife,” he joked.
“That’s one way of explaining it,” Lindsey replied. “I think my Dad would agree with you on that. He fishes off the Outer Banks.”
“Ah, the mean Atlantic. I’ll stick with my Gulf any day.”
“It is beautiful here,” Lindsey agreed.
“The fishing is much more reliable here. Even in slim years the profits are still good. We can sell anything we catch to the local markets and restaurants.”
“That is a plus, having the local restaurants open all year long. After Labor Day, in the Outer Banks, some of the bigger places start shutting down for the season.”
“Open all year round here, so you can always have fresh seafood.”
“You may think me crazy, but it tastes different here too,” Lindsey commented.
Kendra found herself smiling as she agreed with the assessment.
“Not as briny as the Atlantic,” Johnny remarked. “It’s still good seafood on the East Coast, but not as good as here, except for the lobster. We just don’t have great ones here.”
“That’s true. Nothing like a good Maine lobstah,” Lindsey spoke in her best Maine accent.
Kendra took a sip of coffee and steadied her voice before speaking. She sent up a silent prayer that Johnny didn’t have a contract on the boat yet.
“Have you had any offers on the Star, yet?”
“I’ve had several interested parties, but nothing solid yet. Are you seriously interested?”
Kendra grinned. “Yes sir, I want this boat. Will you take a down payment today?”
“I’d love to feel like she’s being kept in the family. I’ll take whatever you can afford to put down, and I’ll have my lawyer draw up a contract.”
Kendra took a check out of her pocket and handed it to him. She watched as his eyes lit up when he saw the amount of the check.
“Are you sure you can afford this now?”
“I’ve been saving up for years,” Kendra assured him.
Johnny extended his hand. “We have a deal, young lady. Let me go write up a receipt and I’ll be right back.”
When she turned back to the table, Lindsey was watching her. “You certainly made his day.”
“No, he made mine, by accepting the offer.”
“Congratulations, my friend, she’s a beauty and will be perfect for fishing reds.”
“Yes, she will. I can’t wait.”
Johnny returned with the receipt and got contact information from Kendra. “I’ll let you know when the lawyer has the sales contract written up.”
“Sounds great. I’ll look forward to hearing from you and thanks for the coffee.”
“My pleasure, ladies. Have a great rest of your weekend.”
“Let’s go celebrate,” Lindsey told her as they stepped back onto the pier.
“Pinch me first, so I know I’m not dreaming.”
Lindsey reached over and pinched her arm. “You just bought a boat.”
“Yeah, I did,” Kendra answered, grinning wide.
†
They arrived at one of the casinos and settled in at two slot machines. Lindsey ordered two beers, and when they arrived, she held out her bottle. “To the new owner of the Southern Star,” she toasted, and Kendra tapped her bottle.
“How does it feel to own two shrimp boats?”
“Amazing. I still can’t believe all this is happening.”
“You’ve worked hard for years and it’s paying off. What do you plan to do with Heaven Sent?”
“I’m still working on that plan. She’ll definitely stay in the family and will fish for the smaller shrimp. That I do know.”
“Will Harvey take her over?”
“You’ll work it all out.”
Kendra’s good luck continued when she hit a jackpot of four hundred dollars only two hours after they arrived.
“I think I’ll quit while I’m ahead. Go ahead and play as long as you like, I’m going to walk around for a bit.”
“I won’t be here much longer. This baby is getting ready to hit,” Lindsey predicted.
“Good, because I’m getting hungry and you promised me dinner.”
“We forgot all about lunch, so you have a right to be hungry. You sure you don’t want to eat now?”
“No, we’re good. The restaurant doesn’t open for another hour.”
“Cool. I’ll track you down in just a little while then.”
Kendra cashed in her winnings and strolled around the casino. She found herself in the dollar slot section and, even though she had decided not to play more, she found herself taking a seat and inserting a five-dollar bill. On her third pass, the machine lights started flashing and the dollars began adding up. She sat and stared at the machine as a five-hundred dollar win showed up on the screen. She hit the payout button and walked to the cashier.
“You’re back already?” the woman asked.
“I guess this is just my lucky day,” Kendra grinned, and handed her the slip.
“I’d say so,” the woman replied as she looked at the slip. “How would you like the bills?”
“Hundreds, please.” Kendra smiled as she watched the woman count five bills.
“Congratulations. Will I see you again?”
“No, ma’am, I’m not going to press my luck.”
“Smart move. Too many times I see folks get greedy and play it all back, hoping for another big pot.”