“Any idea how we’re going to handle this?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ll think of something.”
“Why don’t you think about rustling us up some dinner? I’ll stay here and hold down the fort.”
He told me what he wanted from Diver Down, and I took Madelyn’s order. I hustled down the dock to the restaurant and put in a to-go order. I chatted with Teagan while I waited, then returned with the food.
We chowed down under the stars on the sky deck. Madelyn told us about how she started the platform with her brother and how it grew.
“Tell me about the falling out,” I said.
29
"That is a long story, and I don't want to bore you with the drama of my life," Madelyn said. “Besides, it's embarrassing.”
"No judgment here," I said.
She grabbed her drink and wiggled it, the remnants of fine whiskey clinging to the glass. "What does a lady have to do to get a refill around here?”
I smiled. It was a clever way to change the subject. I stood up, moved to the bar, grabbed another bottle of Wild Fury whiskey, and brought it to the table. I poured a glass for Madelyn, then topped off JD’s and mine.
"This is good whiskey," she said.
Jack beamed with pride. "There's plenty more where that came from." He lifted his glass to toast. "To surviving another day.”
"Hear, hear," Madelyn said.
We clinked glasses and sipped the fine whiskey.
The three of us found topics to talk about that had nothing to do with the platform, corrupt officials, or assassins. Despite what she’d been through, Madelyn seemed calm. Maybe she was a basket case on the inside and hid it well. Maybe she was able to compartmentalize.
Jack texted Ginger and made plans to meet the girls at Blue Ruin for a drink.
“I assume you’ve got it covered around here?” he asked before leaving.
“The situation is under control,” I assured.
He grabbed the keys to the van and left the boat.
I grabbed Buddy’s leash, and Madelyn joined me as I took him for a walk. I kept a watchful eye as we strolled through the parking lot.
The moon glowed overhead, and a gentle breeze pushed a few lazy clouds around.
“Do you always take in strays?” Madelyn asked.
“Only when they’re in danger,” I said with a grin.
“Well, thank you. I won’t forget this.”
“It’s no trouble.”
“Don’t say that. You have no idea how much trouble I can be.”
I chuckled. “Oh, you’re trouble, alright. But nothing I can’t handle.”
She lifted a sassy eyebrow. “Don’t be so sure.”
“Maybe you’re right. You’ve gotten on the wrong side of some pretty powerful people.”
