Page 65 of Depths of Destruction
"What he really does for a living?"
"I told you. He's a fisherman. I've never asked the details. I didn't want to pry into his business."
"Does he have a big crew?"
"I haven't been here in two years, but he didn't in the past."
"Is it normal in Belize for fishermen to live in houses like this, right on the coast?"
My gut flips. "No."
"His boats are expensive."
I swallow the thick knot in my throat. "What are you insinuating? I've known Darien forever."
"I'm not trying to accuse him of anything, but he left ten hours ago. You've tried calling him, and he doesn't answer. He can't get passports made without pictures, no matter how good his guy is. Something feels off."
"I—"
The garage door opens as car lights flood the main room through the window.
"He's here."
"Naomi, go to the kitchen."
"Why?"
"There's a door there. If I say run, you bolt as fast as you can."
"Why would I need—"
"Please, don't ask questions." Andre's eyes beg me to obey him.
"Okay." I get into the kitchen as I hear the door open and Darien's voice.
"Where's Naomi?"
"In the other room. Where've you been?" Andre asks.
"Getting your items and finding out how to get passports. Naomi," he calls out.
"In here," I reply, not sure what else to do.
He walks through the doorway. His hands are full of bags. "Here are the items you wanted. Smells good, what did you make?"
"Stewed fish." My insides calm.It's just Darien. How could I think anything other than good about him?
"You made my favorite. I haven't had it since the last time you made it for me. Thanks." He leans down, kisses my cheek, and smiles.
Andre stands in the doorway with his arms crossed. He shifts on his feet.
Uncomfortable silence fills the air.
I didn't think about anything to do with Darien when I made the stew, but it is his favorite. I shouldn't have forgotten. "Do you want a bowl?"
"Please. I'm starving."
I fix a bowl and put it in front of Darien, feeling the heat of Andre's eyes on me. "What do you want to drink?"
