Read Online Balefire by Barrett - Free Book Online

engines back to a slower speed, Kirin moved closer to hear him. The hull of the boat dropped back into the water.
    “That is Belize City,” he yelled over the wind and pointed. “We will stop there on the way back if you want. They had flooding but not too much damage. The south got the most. Because there is no electricity and the houses are not so strong, the small villages get no weather alerts.”
    Kirin cupped her hands around her mouth. “Have you been in many bad storms?”
    He shook his head. “Not bad ones. Only a few hurricanes come this way. Most go the other direction. We have many inches of rain and often strong wind. I go closer to shore so you get pictures.” He swung the wheel to the port side and pushed the throttle.
    For the next hour, Kirin made notes and took pictures of the landmarks Kenrick pointed out—smashed piers, overturned fishing boats, and a top pled lighthouse. The heat and humidity would have been much worse if they had not been moving.
    By late afternoon, Kenrick steered the boat to a public dock in Danriga. There was only one small place serving decent food. They landed amongst the locals.
    She stood at the sink in the ladies room and tried to wash off some of the salt spray. Even with the sunscreen, her skin was glowing pink, prob ably from the wind. Kenrick had assured her that Placencia was only a few miles further. “We will stay at my cousin’s Land’s End Resort at the north end.”
    When she returned to the table, he was still talking on the phone. It felt good to sit on something that wasn’t moving for a while. She added a couple of notes in her journal. Fatigue washed over her even as her mind raced with story ideas. It was probably a good idea to stop soon so she could write down more details. Kenrick gave her a nice story about a fish erman who rescued his elderly neighbor’s dog.
    Kenrick returned to the table. “My cousin is very pleased that we can visit. I have not seen him since last year. Three years ago when his father died, he took over the small resort. It is not very fancy, but I think you will be comfortable. Would you like something else to drink?”
    She finished her water. “I don’t think so. I suppose we should get go ing. I’d like to get more photos before dark.”
 
    SILKE HUNG HER wet green bathing suit on the porch railing. The sun had dipped behind the resort, and she had promised to have dinner with Diane and Mark.
    She pulled her damp hair up and clipped it. The satiny fabric of her sarong brushed against her with the evening breeze. She chuckled. Without societal constraints, she could easily be a nudist. Whenever pos sible she chose light, loose clothing to avoid any kind of restriction. After the choking incident with Rachel, this became the neurotic, almost-unthinking response.
    “Hi, sugar. You about ready to go?” Mark’s voice startled her.
    “Hey, Mark. You didn’t have to come all the way over here. I told Diane I can find my way to your house—as I do every year.” She locked the door, unfolded her cane, and took his hand as she went down the steps.
    “Are you kidding? This is the perfect way to get out of kitchen duty. I spend enough time in kitchens without having to do it at home.” He pulled her sideways. “Watch that rock. Besides, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since you arrived. Diane told me you had a pretty rough flight, so I’m glad there was someone to help you.” He laughed. “We got an earful from some of our guests. They were downright cranky about that—especially the ones that couldn’t make it out here. Believe me, it was no better for the people whose departures were canceled. Fortunately, we had the space to accommodate everyone. But if that ever happens again, call me. I’ll send someone to town get you.” He stopped and picked up two stray palm fronds and stuck them in a trash barrel. He returned to her side, brushed his hands together, and offered his arm.
    Silke slid her hand around