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Jade
The ride back to the marina was mostly in silence. The guys were making phone calls to girlfriends and wives and I was more than happy to just be quiet.
How could Asher be charming and obnoxious at the same time?
“Jade, what’s with the dark marina?” Joe stood on the deck, pointing to the marina. “I can barely see it. How are you going to dock this boat without killing us?”
“Because I’m really good at driving boats in the dark and something is wrong with the main breaker box.” I threw out something easy to believe. “If it’ll make you feel better, grab the big flashlight under the bench and point it at the marina.”
Joe did as I directed. He didn’t need to know how much I really needed him to do it. I wasn’t about to tell the whole town the marina was broke. They counted on boats coming in with tourists.
I have to figure something out. I wonder if I can get a couple of research projects I can do out in these waters.
“Jade, don’t you have a back-up generator? How are we going to get to the parking lot in the dark with all of this equipment?” Andy stood, looking into the darkness. “My drums cost a lot of money. Plus, I don’t wanna end up like Admiral.”
“If it would be better, you could leave the equipment locked up on the boat for the night,” I suggested. “You don’t need them during the day, right?”
“I guess that would be alright. No one bothers the boats,” Joe conceded. “What do you guys think? It would save us the unloading and loading just to go back tomorrow night.”
“Exactly. I have to go to the island in the morning. If you want, I could just have Mr. Hawthorne’s staff unload it and keep it there for you,” I raced on, trying to make them happy so I wouldn’t have to explain more. “Why aren’t you just leaving your stuff there anyways?”
“I thought about that tonight. We’re going there every night.” Joe jumped onto the dock. “Guess I shoulda got off slower in case it broke.”
“I already checked all the boards on this dock during the day. You guys are safe to walk the planks,” I joked.
“What can we do to help you?” Joe stopped walking. “I don’t feel good about leaving you here in the dark.”
“I’m not afraid of the dark, you can go. I know your women are waiting on you,” I answered into the darkness.
“Not happening.” Andy put his hands on his hips. “The Admiral would destroy us if he found out.”
“Okay, okay, I’m coming. Let me lock everything up,” I called out to them. “Point the flashlight this way.”
Thank you, Dad. You have properly scared all of these guys, and now I don’t have to be out here alone.
We parted ways at the parking lot. I walked into my father’s room fifteen minutes later.
“Hey, you’re back early,” Lucy yawned. “He’s been sleeping the whole time and Bobby has been playing on his phone.”
“Lucy, I’m gonna owe you big time.” I hugged her. “Get your man and get home.”
“In case you forgot, we owe the Admiral for helping Bobby get the shop going, so we’re here for you whenever.” Lucy patted Bobby on the leg to wake him. “Hey, time to go home.”
“Already?” Bobby stretched. “What time is it?”
“It’s time to go home and get in your comfortable bed,” I said. “Thanks, you two.”
They grabbed their stuff and quietly left the room. I checked on Dad. His vitals all looked good--no tremors, no sweating.
I wonder if I have time to get a quick shower.
I walked out into the hallway and motioned for the nurse. “Hi. I’m gonna grab a real fast shower.”
“It’s fine. He had more meds added to his IV about thirty minutes ago,” the nurse assured. He’s gonna sleep through the night, most likely. You get that shower and take your time.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I said. “By the way, is there anywhere in the hospital to get some food at this hour?”
“The cafeteria is usually open but, if not, the all-night diner will deliver for the doctors and nurses.” The nurse smiled. “I know you’re old friends with Dr. Johnson, so I don’t mind ordering something for you. Besides, I’m a little hungry, too.”
