“Bring it on, Obi-wan,” He laughs.
“Let’s go home and get some rest, rookie. We’ll pick this back up after the storm passes.”
Chapter 23
Maddie
The sky darkens throughout the afternoon until it becomes an ominous slate pressing down on Maverick Key. This morning’s calm, turquoise waters are unrecognizable. They’re now a churning, furious gray. I stand on the front porch with Ding planted by my side. Fat drops of rain spatter on the wooden planks beneath my feet, and the salty, static-laden air makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. The wind picks up, tugging at my loose hair as I stare at the horizon, the surf roaring against the beach with relentless force. Rows of palms along the shore beds lean unnaturally, their fronds straining against the wind as if they might snap at any moment.
Ms. Connor steps out from the inn, a towel draped over her arm.
“Come inside, honey,” she urges, raising her voice over the howling wind. “This is just the beginning. It’ll get worse before it gets better.”
Ding runs inside, plopping down next to the couch. When I follow, a sharp gust slams the door shut behind me, making mypulse quicken. I’d experienced my share of storms in Sarasota, but they’re always different. Each is a unique monster, bringing its own brand of mayhem and destruction.
Ms. Connor moves with an efficiency honed by the countless storms she’s weathered. She’s already cleared all the outdoor furniture. Hannah’s securing the shutters upstairs.
“How bad do you think this one will get?”
“It won’t be a direct hit, thank the heavens.” She’s already turned on a battery-operated lantern in case we lose electricity. Extra batteries ready to go. The warm glow softens the edges of the dim room. But it’s close enough to give us a beating. “Best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
Scott had promised to check on us before the storm hit, but hours have passed without a word. I tell myself he’s okay. He can handle himself, but a knot of unease in my stomach tightens with every crash of thunder.
The inn is quiet. Garrett and Elaine are staying at a hotel on the mainland, and Wes and his crew are securing his boat.
I head upstairs to assist Hannah in fastening the last of the shutters, their old wooden frames creaking under the relentless pressure of the wind. Rain lashes against the windows.
Hannah flops onto the edge of the bed, pushing damp hair out of her face. “I hate this part,” she mutters. “The waiting. It’s like the storm is taunting us until it slams us.”
I sit beside her, and the coiled tension in my chest threatens to snap with each passing moment. “At least we’re not alone.” I’m unsure whether I’m trying to reassure her or myself. We lay and chat, catching each other up on recent events.
“Did you ask Scott about cave diving?” Her face gives her away. She’s hoping I’m going to give this up.
“Yes. He said no.”
Hannah frowns. “I’m sorry. I know you had your heart set on it… maybe he’ll come around after he has a little time to process.You can still be an important part of the work… share the maps with Scott… he’ll help you.”
“I’m not giving up on this. I’ve found someone else who’s willing to help me.”
She bolts up. “Who?” Her face flushes with anger. “That asshole—he wouldn’t.”
“Please don’t tell Scott.” I swallow, ashamed of asking her to be a part of this. “He doesn’t need to know. I’m in good hands with Wes.”
“I’m going to kill him.”
“No, you’re not… because you love me.”
She huffs, then pulls me in a hug. “I do. Please be careful… and tell Scott. It won’t be good to wait. He’s falling for you. Hard. Tell him.”
I swallow the guilt and tell her I will.
By evening, the storm is in full swing.
The wind screams through every gap in the shutters. We’re watching the progress of the storm on the television. The power flickers twice before shutting off completely, plunging the inn into darkness. The glow from the lantern is our only light. After a few minutes of sitting in the dark, Hannah jumps up. “All right, it’s time to play. I’ll get the wine.”
Ms. Connor pulls some old board games from under the coffee table, and we all gather around the dining room table.
“Go straight to jail. Don’t pass go,” Hannah commands.
