Catherine's Cross

Catherine's Cross by Millie West Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: Catherine's Cross by Millie West Read Free Book Online
Authors: Millie West
Tags: FIC044000, FIC027000, FIC22000
the car. “While I was unloading groceries this afternoon, a neighbor stopped and helped me.”
    â€œOh, who was that?”
    â€œHis name was Caleb Grayson.”
    â€œYes, I know who you’re talking about. I know he worked a number of odd jobs for shopkeepers in Port Royal until the poor economy forced many of them to close their doors.” A frown crossed his brow. “All I know is that many years ago he was in an accident, and he didn’t fully recover from his injuries.”
    â€œWhat kind of accident?”
    â€œAn automobile wreck. I’m afraid he suffered a severe brain injury. His family is well to do, and his parents live at The Point.”
    â€œThe Point?”
    â€œYes, it’s an area in downtown Beaufort with a number of antebellum homes.”
    Their conversation was interrupted as Seth pointed out a severely deteriorated waterfront building off the highway. “There used to be a business here called the Lemon Island Marina, but it closed down some time ago. I heard that a group of investors wanted to reopen the marina and operate a restaurant as well, but their financing fell through.”
    When they reached the waterfront structure, Jenks noticed that the building was missing windows and in need of a new roof. Only the dock appeared to be in decent condition. After they passed by, Seth made a turn down a sandy road and followed it past several mailboxes. He turned onto a driveway that led to a magnificent two-story home on the waterway.
    â€œThis property belongs to Jacob Spenser. A couple of years ago, he was robbed by three young men who made off with a number of his prized possessions, including a collection of antique firearms and his mother’s jewelry. Detective Campbell and I apprehended the young men and retrieved his belongings before they could sell them. Ever since then, he has told me to use his property to access the river any time I want. This is where I meet Mose Lafitte, a local fisherman. I buy fresh fish from him, and this is a convenient meeting place since it’s near his home. He calls me when he has fish to sell.”
    Seth stopped the car near the dock. Tied off to the floater was a worn-out fishing boat with nets and crab baskets resting on the deck. An elderly black man rose from a bench seat at the helm and said, “Lawd, Mister Seth—how are you dis day?”
    â€œMose, I’m fine. I’d like to introduce Miss Jenks Ellington to you.”
    He removed a sweat-stained fishing hat from his head and bowed to her. “Miss, I’s proud to meet you.” He stopped speaking for a moment and then continued. “I’s very sorry about your sister. I read about it in de newspaper, and Mister Seth say he been trying to help you out some.”
    â€œThank you.”
    Mose enunciated his words in the same unique manner as Ida Mae and Meta. He put his hat back on top of his head and smiled at Seth, revealing four yellow, decaying teeth in the front of his mouth. He picked up a sizeable fish and said, “How do you like dis redfish? I caught it about an hour ago, and it’s been on ice ever since.”
    â€œAs long as it’s within the legal limit, it’s fine with me,” Seth replied.
    Mose smiled broadly and responded, “Now, Mister Seth, you knows I ain’t gonna sell no illegal-size fish to no policeman.”
    Seth laughed and said, “I know Mose, I’m just teasing you.”
    Mose put the fish in a large plastic bag and sealed it before handing it to Seth.
    â€œHow much for your fish?”
    â€œFour dollars—you knows I always gives you a break.”
    â€œThank you, Mose.”
    â€œI be back out here tomorrow. I call you if I have a legal catch.” He grinned when he emphasized the word legal .
    He handed a business card to Jenks and said, “Miss Ellington, you call me if you like to buy fish.” He winked at Seth and Jenks and started the motor of his

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