Chapter 9
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Island Off the Coast of Chichagof Island, AK
Anya lowered the boat’s anchor in the bay outside the cabin and backed down, making sure it was well set in the sticky mud.
Once she was certain the boat was secure, she killed the engine, grabbed a washdown hose, and began spraying off the cleaning tables.
The mist blowing back into her face refreshed her weary eyes.
It had been one of their best days fishing in a long time, but they had kept at it longer than usual with the weather good and the fish biting.
Anya noticed they were the only boat in the cove. “Wonder why Gus and his boys aren’t here yet? I was kinda hoping they’d have dinner ready for us already.”
“I told them we wanted a little privacy tonight.” He had a sheepish grin. “They said they’d just drop the hook in their usual cove and see us tomorrow. I thought we could use some time alone.”
“That’s sweet, honey. I’ll fix us a nice dinner—how about salmon?” she chuckled and continued hosing off the deck.
“Hey, it’s free. Sounds great to me. I’ll clean one for us.” He reached into the deck box, pulled out a fish, and began the job on the cleaning table she’d just washed. Halfway through, he pulled a bottle from his jacket and took a swig.
Anya gripped the washdown hose so hard it kinked and stopped spraying.
She raised the winch to launch the skiff, swung the boom out, lowered the small boat into the water, and began dropping a few supplies into it.
Almost done cleaning the salmon, he took another swig and flipped the fish over.
“Nice coho. Make a fine dinner—fer two, an-en some.”
She stepped over the gunwale and climbed down into the skiff, sitting as far aft as she could.
He followed, fish in a bag over his shoulder and the bottle in the same hand. The boat wobbled as he stepped in and dropped the fish onto the seat.
Anya took the salmon and handed him one of the oars, his eyes dull and glassy. Anya’s feet cramped inside her boots. She fought against the moisture welling in her eyes.
“Whatcha lookin that way for? Not excited bout a romantic evening with yer husban? I went to a lot of trouble t’make a nice night an you set there lookin like—”
“I’m fine. I’m looking forward to our dinner. I’ll make some rice to go with the salmon and—”
“Yeah, lookin forward to dinner, but not time with me. Always givin me that eye.”
“No, I mean—yes, of course I’m looking forward to being with you. It’s nice not to have the other guys around for a change.”
His face was a big pink grapefruit, a large silver fish scale stuck to his forehead just above his eyebrow.
Anya reached her hand up and gently removed it. “Looks like you’re starting to grow scales. Must be too much time back there with the salmon. Let’s get some dinner.”
He fumbled untying the lines and began rowing toward shore. “Gus’n his boys probly woulda been better compny.”