The reporter stood in front of a marina where boats had been tossed around like toys. Behind him, a yacht lay on its side, half-submerged in muddy water. The camera panned out to show splintered docks and debris scattered everywhere.
“That’s not far from us,” she whispered, recognizing the location. “That’s only about twenty miles down the coast.”
“But twenty miles this way or that makes a huge difference in hurricane damage.” Dale sat up straight in his chair, leaning forward. “Turn up the volume. What is he saying? Isn’t that the bridge they’re building to Magnolia Key?”
She turned on the volume, and the three of them stared at the TV.
“Look at that,” she said softly. “That barge took out a huge section of the bridge.”
“Well, that’s going to change things, isn’t it? Doesn’t look like we’re going to have a bridge connecting the island to the mainland anytime soon.” Dale shook his head.
They all stared at the screen and let the news sink in.
She got up and paced the floor, then went over to look out the window. The rain, which had picked up again, dashed against the glass. Somewhere beyond the clouds and the distance was Magnolia Key—her home, her business, her life. And all she could do was wait and hope it would still be there when they returned.
Chapter 11
When they finally got the all-clear to return to the island, Beverly headed down to the lobby. She saw Miss Eleanor and Jonah and started to walk over to say hi until she noticed Cliff was with them. She turned away, but obviously not soon enough.
“Beverly.” Miss Eleanor waved.
She reluctantly walked across the lobby.
“We need some help. We got a ride over here with a nice young man from the marina, but we need a ride back to the ferry.” Miss Eleanor looked at her expectantly. “Do you have room in your car for the three of us?”
The absolute last thing Beverly wanted was to offer a ride to Cliff. Firm no. Just no way.
“I know you’re not one of those people who stuff their car full of things. You have your necessary to-go things and a small suitcase when you evacuate, don’t you?”
“I, uh… yes. You’re right. I don’t pack up a lot.”
“So, we can get a ride with you back to the ferry?”
Who could ever say no to Miss Eleanor? “Of course.” She smiled weakly.
“And Winston, of course.”
Winston, she didn’t mind. It was Cliff she’d prefer to leave here to his own devices.
“Are you ready to go now? I’m sure the traffic will be horrendous going back across the state, then a long line for the ferry. But I want to get back as soon as possible. We haven’t seen too many photos of the island, but the officials have checked it out, and it was safe for residents to return now. Residents only.”
“Oh, so Cliff won’t be let back on the island?” She had hope.
“No, of course he will. He’s my son. They’ll let him on.”
She had no doubt they would. No one argued with Miss Eleanor.
“I was just getting ready to leave. My car is out front.”
Cliff shot her a look, but she couldn’t quite read his face. Surprise that she’d said yes? Maybe.
Miss Eleanor, Jonah, and Winston climbed into her back seat. Which left… only the front seat for Cliff.
He climbed into the front seat, settled in, and fastened his seatbelt. He didn’t say a word, which was fine with her. She didn’t want to talk to him, anyway.
But the silence stretched out. Uncomfortably so.
She headed back toward the interstate. “I heard the roads are jammed. Lots of people heading back to the Gulf Coast now.”
