![Drake Sisters 07 - Hidden Currents]()
Drake Sisters 07 - Hidden Currents
too. And we prayed for you, for your safe return.â€
“Thank you,†El e said. “Everyone’s been so kind.â€
“If there’s anything we can do for you, El e,†Mr. Darden said. “Just let us know. Marie makes incredible chicken soup.â€
Mrs. Darden nodded, her face brightening. “What a wonderful idea, Clyde. I’l bring some by for you, El e, for both of you.â€
“We’d love that,†Jackson said before El e could respond. “Your soup saved the day for me when I was getting that cold.â€
El e looked up at his face, but he was careful y avoiding her gaze. Now she knew who did Jackson’s gardening for him. No wonder he had such a beautiful yard with Mr. Darden at the helm. The man could grow anything anywhere and it would blossom and thrive.
Mrs. Darden beamed. “You’re such a sweet boy, Jackson. Thank you for the cord of wood. It real y helped us when the electricity went out.â€
Jackson frowned. “I thought you had the generator.â€
The Dardens exchanged a long look. “I should have told you,†Mr. Darden said, “but you were so worried about our El e. Something went wrong with it and it went out completely in that last storm.â€
Mrs. Darden patted Jackson’s arm. “We knew you’d worry about us, so we didn’t tel you. The fireplace kept us warm enough.â€
“How did you cook?â€
“We ate sandwiches, dear,†Mrs. Darden said. “The electricity was only off for a couple of days.â€
“Three days,†Jackson corrected. “I’l come by later and take a look at the generator.â€
“If you insist,†Mr. Darden said. “And while you’re there, a board needs replacing on the stairs. Mrs. Darden nearly fel through it the other day.â€
“On the back stairs?†Jackson sounded stern. “I told you those stairs had to be replaced and you told me Lance was going to do it.â€
“Lance hasn’t gotten around to it,†Mrs. Darden said. “We asked him right after you told us, but he keeps pushing the date back. I think he may be il .â€
El e knew that was code for Lance having fal en off the wagon. He was a binge drinker and went months without drinking, but then would stay drunk for weeks on end.
“I’l take care of it,†Jackson said. “Next time cal me right away. You can’t take chances with fal ing.â€
Mr. Darden nodded. “In the old days, I would have done it myself.â€
“Oh yes, dear,†Mrs. Darden agreed, looking up at her husband with shining eyes. “You always did the household repairs. Even the roof,â€
she explained proudly.
“Wel there’s no need for that,†Jackson said. “Marie always supplies me with soup and takes care of me when I’m sick. I can do something in return. That way I don’t feel bad that she has to come by and feed me.â€
“Now, Jackson,†Mrs. Darden scolded, as if he was a young boy. “You’re hardly ever il and I don’t mind at al .â€
Bomber suddenly gave a short bark, his body going stil , facing out toward the sea. Goose bumps rose on El e’s arms as she saw the dog’s ears go forward and his eyes focus beyond the waves. Slowly, afraid to look, she turned her head. Jackson had already moved, sliding his body easily between her and the sea. He caught Mrs. Darden’s elbow and began urging her to walk up toward the dunes. The wind shifted and blew toward them.
Out at sea, the fog had begun to gather, a dark gray mass that thickened as she watched it.
“Jackson.â€
“I see it, baby. Don’t panic on me.â€
“What’s wrong, Jackson?†Mr. Darden asked, surprising El e again. He glanced at the dog, at El e’s pale face and then out to the sea.
“I don’t like the look of that fog.â€
He didn’t look upset, but rather protective, fal ing in step on the other side of her, as if he, too, was shielding her from the sea. The seagul s overhead screamed. Out in the waves, the two dolphins leapt in the air and somersaulted, smacking the water hard to draw attention. Both rose up on their tales, speeding backward and whistling in agitation before plunging back beneath the water.
“Where’s your car, Clyde?†Jackson asked.
Mr. Darden glanced toward the
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