for their safety. “Most towns have cleaned out the criminal element. You’ll be as safe in those places as in your home.”
“I don’t know where you get your opinion, sir.” The mustached storyteller tossed him a disdainful glance. “While those inns may not be murdering helpless souls, bank robbers—probably Confederate deserters for the most part—are very active now. I heard of a robbery across the river from Natchez in Vidalia just a few weeks ago.”
David had visited the bank in question as Mr. Bastrup had suggested, so he probably knew more about the robbery than the man beside him. But that didn’t mean he could erase the fear in the ladies’ faces. Or could he?
“That was far from here. And I’ve met the sheriff there. He’ll probably make an arrest before long.”
Mr. Culbertson snickered. “He’s more likely to be in league with them. Why else would a gang of robbers be able to get away so easily?”
“Nevertheless, they will be caught.” David found the man’s foot with his own and stepped on it with some force. “I’m certain these ladies will rest more easily knowing that.”
After a grunt and an angry glance that David met with a warning stare, the man took a deep breath and nodded his agreement. “Of course you’re right. I apologize. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
The ladies exchanged a worried glance. The mother put her fork down on the table and pushed her chair back. “I am feeling a bit out of sorts, Adina. I believe we should retire to our stateroom and rest.”
Adina cast a sorrowful glance toward the photographer before nodding her agreement.
David was the first one to stand and bow to them, regret filling his heart because he’d been unable to reassure the ladies. As he watched them make their way around the other tables, his gaze clashed with Jasmine’s. He shrugged his shoulders at her frown. Was she so eager to condemn him when she knew nothing about what had just happened?
Before hopelessness could overtake him once more, David took a steadying breath. Hadn’t he promised God a little while earlier that he would wait on Him? What had happened to his resolve? He smiled at Jasmine. Let her think what she wanted, he wouldn’t let her boorish behavior upset him.
Walking out onto the deck, David leaned against the rail. A leafy curtain of tall trees gave the illusion that the
Water Lily
traveled through an uninhabited wilderness while showy white magnolia blooms filled the air with their sweet fragrance. During the months he’d spent in Chicago, David had forgotten how green and beautiful the landscape was along the river.
He didn’t realize he wasn’t alone until a hand clapped him on the shoulder. He turned and looked into Blake’s bright blue eyes.
“You look more relaxed than at the restaurant the other night.”
“Can you blame me? You didn’t have to sit next to Jasmine’s aunt Dahlia.” David grinned to soften his words.
“I’m sure she had plenty of gossip to share since you haven’t seen her for a while.” Blake whistled. “It’s a wonder your ears still work.”
“I know.” David pulled on one of his lobes and made a face. “It was touch and go for a while.”
“The rest of the family sends their thanks for the pleasant meal.” Blake’s laughter blended with his.
A splash close to the boat made them look at the muddy brown surface of the river. A ring of concentric circles showed where a fish had broken the surface in its quest for a meal.
As silence enveloped them, Marguerite’s advice returned to David. Should he talk to Blake about his feelings? The idea yanked the smile from his lips. What could he say? That he didn’t feel like a part of the family? That he’d been naive enough to hope his irresponsible parents might one day get back together and welcome him into a loving home? The very idea of being so candid made his skin crawl.
“Are you doing okay?” Blake’s question was hesitant, as though he too
Rod Kierkegaard Jr J.R. Rain