Page 13 of On the Line

Mateo grumbled. “Come on, we’re supposed to play darts.”

I looked in after I climbed out of the car. “Next time.”

I stopped into the Trading Post a couple of miles up the road and went in for a six-pack. When I turned the corner to head to the register, Sammy was walking in.

“Hey, man. How you guys faring in all this craziness?”

I gave him a worried look. “Slow. How you doing?”

“Same. When demand is down, prices are too. But, hey, crazy times. It’s good to take a break every once in a while, lay low and relax.”

I noted his emphasis onlay low. “Yeah. We’ll get through it.”

“I meant to tell you, I finally got the pearl to my jeweler friend in Key West. She was back home visiting her folks in Jersey for a month. But she’s on it now. Should have it ready in a couple of weeks.”

It’d been over two months since I spotted him a wad of cash, but I knew Sammy was good for it.

“Cool. Just let me know.”

CHAPTER 7

Ellie came back from Naples with an improved outlook and in a much better mood. And after we’d pulled off a successful run, I was more at ease. As crazy as it seemed, it almost felt safer the way George was running things. He’d apparently told Mateo to keep his trap shut, because even he’d gotten more careful. We only met when necessary, and said little as possible when we did.

With so little work, Ellie and I had more free time, most of which we spent together. I started to think Sammy was right, that there was a bright side to the blockade.

Except that the Keys suffered under it. Businesses were floundering. It had been a month and there was no end in sight. But then the tables turned. Locals pushed back. There was talk of a revolt. The Key West mayor led the charge.

Dennis Wardlow took it all the way to federal court in Miami, arguing unsuccessfully that using border patrol officials to blockade territories within the U.S. was unconstitutional.

The day after the court shot him down, Ellie came over for a sunset cruise on the Whaler. We motored way out into the bay, nothing but mangrove islands speckled on the horizon.

She laid back onto my chest, staring out at the fiery ball making its descent into the bay. “They say the mayor is going to secede.”

I stroked her arm, chuckling. “Sounds like a publicity stunt. But if it helps, I’m all for it.”

“Plenty of people think we’re like another country down here anyway. They’re all fired up about it. Supposed to be a big celebration down in Key West tomorrow.”

“Maybe we oughta go. I have a tent. We can camp at Bahia Honda.” And maybe I could pick up the pearl from Sammy’s friend.

I went by Sammy’s to get his jeweler friend’s address after I’d loaded up the camping gear. She’d be expecting me. I made up an excuse for Ellie to explain the stop on our way into town.

“Waylan’s sister’s friend has something for her. He asked me to pick it up. I’ll only be a minute.”

I left the keys in the ignition when I stepped out into the gravel driveway. Lorna was a woman of probably forty who looked like she’d spent the last fifteen years following the Dead. A tie-dyed dress flowed down to her ankles. I hurried inside as soon as she answered the door.

“Thanks for doing this for me,” I said. “I imagine you’re anxious to get down to the party.”

“Any excuse for a party,” she shrugged, pulling the ring she’d made out of a small wooden box. “I hope you like it. Sorry it took so long.”

I took the ring, studying the intricate gold leaves that held the pearl like petals. “It’s gorgeous. And worth the wait.” Just like Ellie.

She smiled. “Good.”

I turned the box over in my hand before tucking it into my pocket. “I’m trying to surprise my girl with this, and she’s waiting in the truck, so I’d best get going. Maybe we’ll see you down there?”

Lorna shrugged, brushing a long dark curl off her shoulder. “Maybe. You two have fun.”

“Thank you for this.”

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