Dead Calm by Emma Rose Watts

Author:Emma Rose Watts [Watts, Emma Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Coastal Publishing
Published: 2017-11-12T22:00:00+00:00

“Great place you have here,” Skylar said looking around as Michael led her into the back where the kitchen was. It was a good-sized kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a large mahogany dining table that was already laid out with cutlery. As soon as she walked in, she caught sight of his youngest child and his wife, Elizabeth. She was a full-figured woman, big hair, not overly tall, reminded her a little of the celebrity chef Paula Deen, except twenty years younger. She just had that natural glow to her that made her seem personable.

“Welcome, welcome, Skylar.” She greeted Skylar with open arms and gave her a warm hug like she was meeting a long-lost relative. It seemed genuine, not forced and certainly not for show. She considered herself a pretty good judge of people and Elizabeth came off as if that was just her way.

“Michael, go grab the other chair.”

He darted off and Skylar noticed their daughter. Dark hair, blue eyes, almost the spitting image of her mother. Looked to be around sixteen years of age.

“Come, take a load off your feet. Can I get you a drink?”

“That would be lovely, Mrs. Baker.”

“Call me Elizabeth. Mrs. Baker seems so impersonal.”

“Elizabeth it is.”

Michael returned with a chair and she took a place. Over the course of the next twenty minutes they ate dinner, and Skylar felt a little awkward as if she’d invaded what should have been a private family time. Harvey scooped potatoes onto his plate and kept eyeing her like a store clerk who thought she was about to steal.

“So Harvey said you’re living down at the marina, is that right?”

She was chewing away on a mouthful of food when she answered. “That’s right. It’s a catamaran. The boat belongs to a friend of mine.”

“From the U.S. Marshals?”

She nodded.

Payton chimed in, nudging her brother. “I told you they let women become Marshals.”

“So, that doesn’t mean you are getting in.”

“I can do whatever I like.”

Harvey chimed in. “Your brother is right, Payton, it’s not the life for you.”

Skylar found that quite amusing. “And why would that be, Harv?”

“Well, you know, banging down doors, sticking your neck in the line of fire. It’s…”

“Not for women?” She grinned turning her focus to Payton and addressing her directly. “You do know it’s not all about apprehending fugitives. There’s some pretty cool stuff you can do, such as transport federal prisoners, protect federal witnesses, seize assets and a lot more.” She turned an eye towards Harvey. “You’d be surprised at how many women are Marshals.”

“Yeah,” Payton said. “See. It’s not all about brawn, it’s about brains.”

Skylar winked at her.

“Still. I’d prefer if my daughter wasn’t being endangered.”

“Well, I’m sure she can make smart decisions.”

Harvey cast a glance at his wife and then back at her. Skylar chewed her chicken.

“You know, this is really good. Best I’ve had in a long time, Elizabeth. Certainly beats microwave dinners and takeout.”

She made a motion with her head as a sign of appreciation.

“Well, thank you, Skylar.”

“Anyway, I think your dad has a good point, Payton.

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