Desolation by Bobby Akart

Author:Bobby Akart [Akart, Bobby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: X08
Publisher: Crown Publishers Inc.
Published: 2021-06-30T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Tuesday, November 12

Morton Street

Grassy Key

Marathon

The Morton family compound jutted into the Gulf from Grassy Key on the eastern side of Marathon. Several properties had been held by the family on Morton Street since Marathon was developed in the early 1900s. The Mediterranean-inspired homes were set in lush, mature tropical vegetation. Each of the three homes had its own jetty projecting out into the water to create a safe space for their boats to dock.

When they arrived, they were surprised to see Commissioner Bud Marino and the other two district commissioners referenced in their conversation at the hospital the other day. They stood on the terrazzo-covered entry leading inside Cheryl Morton’s home. The elderly woman stood just inside the doorway and was greeting the commissioners as Hank brought the car to a stop on the driveway.

Marino broke away from the group to hustle to Hank’s truck. He opened the door for Erin and spoke to both of them as Hank came around the front bumper.

“I know you’re surprised to see me here,” he began. He glanced over his shoulder to determine whether they were being observed by their hostess. She’d escorted the other two commissioners inside and left the front door slightly ajar.

“Those two, also,” said Hank. “Is this an ambush?”

Marino laughed. “No, of course not. Unless you get caught up in friendly fire. Listen, Hank. This may be presumptuous of me, but I felt compelled to move this thing along a little bit. I have news for you both, if you don’t mind waiting until we get inside.”

Erin and Hank looked at one another. They shrugged, and Hank said, “Lead the way.”

Minutes later, everyone had exchanged pleasantries and got comfortable in Mrs. Morton’s spacious living room, which overlooked her private beach. Hank was impressed.

“Let me bring Erin and Hank up to speed,” began Marino. “Late yesterday afternoon, Sheriff Daly pulled virtually all of the sheriff’s deputies assigned to Islamorada and Key Largo. They, along with several firefighters from our largest fire station, were ordered to report to Key West. The wife of one of the firefighters, who is a paramedic, rode with her husband from Islamorada. She returned just after midnight and pounded on my door, waking me up.

“This morning, Lindsey has Jock sending teams into food warehouses and grocery stores throughout Key West with the intention of emptying them all. Now, as we all know, this was not altogether unexpected. That said, I didn’t expect them to act so quickly after the hurricane.”

One of the other two commissioners spoke up. “Down our way, we’ve still got people wandering the streets whose homes were destroyed. I would’ve thought Lindsey would have more compassion than that.”

“She’s a vile woman,” said Mrs. Morton. “She never should’ve been put into office in the first place. We’re stuck with her, for now.”

“I presume you know that’s why we’re here,” said Erin.

“Yes. Before I begin, just so you know, I didn’t vote for your boss either.”

Erin laughed. “Understood. Half of America didn’t. It’s a funny thing about elections.

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