Page 49 of Stone Deep
“Since that day when he found out you were married—he’s been moping around like Pooh’s little blue donkey, you know the guy with the pin-on tail. Why the heck couldn’t that Christopher kid sew that tail on?” She waved off the question. “Anyhow.” She pulled an invisible zipper across her lips but then spoke again. “It’s the first time any woman has had an effect on his life. I’m not kidding. He liked you. I will amend that. He likes you.” She leaned back. “Do not tell him I told you that.”
I smiled. “I won’t say a word or spit on a mom’s grave or anything like that. But since we’re giving out secrets, I can tell you, I really like him too.”
The front door opened. We’d been so deep in conversation, we hadn’t noticed that the clouds had darkened the skies above the house. Hunter walked in, instantly filling the kitchen with his massive physique. He looked upset, but, thankfully, it didn’t seem to have anything to do with me sitting at his table.
“Is Slade back?” he asked.
“Haven’t seen him since he walked out with Cleveland. Why?”
“Shit.” Hunter walked to the window and looked out.
“Uh, you want to let us in on the mystery,” Amy said.
He turned around, pulled his phone out and seemed to be checking it for texts. “I was down at the marina, and Pete Driscoll was on his boat. He heard a distress call on the radio and thought it sounded like the girl said theSea Empress. Something about a fire on deck.”
Amy’s eyes rounded. “TheSea Empress. That’s Stewie’s boat.”
I wasn’t completely sure what was happening, but something had the two of them truly distraught.
Hunter tapped his phone. “I tried to call him but no answer. I’m going to see if Colt has seen him.” He walked out.
“What’s going on? Is Slade in trouble?”
“Not too sure but Slade went out with his friends on the boat that made the distress call.” Amy hopped up. “I’m getting my sweatshirt. We should get down to the marina and find out what the heck is going on.”
“I’m coming with you,” I said.
We walked out to the front room. Hunter was just hanging up from a conversation. “Colt hasn’t heard from him either. I’m going down to the marina.”
Amy pulled her sweatshirt on. “We’re going with you.”
For the first time since he walked in, Hunter acknowledged my presence.
“Please,” I said. “I need to be sure he’s all right. I can drive.”
He nodded, and the three of us headed out the door.
We droveinto the marina parking lot. Colt and Jade pulled in just as we were climbing out of my car. It seemed news of the boat in distress had traveled fast. There was a group of people huddled on the dock, including a middle-aged couple who were especially upset. They were being consoled by others. I could only assume that they were friends or parents of other people onboard.
The clouds had moved on shore, but they’d brought only a slight amount of precipitation. The cold air and the storm had left behind a clammy haze that only added to the anxious, somber mood on the pier.
I was merely a stranger amongst friends, neighbors and family, but I felt sick with worry. I stood alone looking out at the water as Slade’s family grouped together with some other people, to hear the latest news. My only information came from the increased look of concern on all their faces as they spoke to each other.
Amy finally glimpsed my direction and came over to letme know what was happening. “You can join us,” she said.
“Thank you but I’m fine. What news?”
“Last word was that the coast guard reached the burning boat just as it sank below the surface.”
I sucked in a breath, but she took hold of my hand. “They were in the water. From what we hear, they’re all right. Everything is preliminary right now, and it’s hard to get all the information over the radio. But it seems we should be seeing him soon.”
“Thank you, Amy, for everything. Thank you for inviting me into your house and letting me come along and—just thanks for not hating me. I really do care for Slade.”
“Sure.” She reached over and hugged me. “Now take some deep breaths. You look like you’re ready to toss those animal cookies right on this dock.” She looked back at the others. “You sure you don’t want to stand with us?”
“I’m still feeling a little awkward about everything. I’ll be fine here. I’m going to wait until I see him walk off the boat alive and well and then I’ll get out of the way. I’m sure I’m the last person he wants to see after this ordeal.”
“I think you’re wrong about that, but I understand.” Something out on the water caught her eye. A cheer from the crowd on the dock followed. An orange boat was heading toward the marina. “That’s them.” She patted my arm. “It won’t be long now.” She walked back toward her husband.
