Maya Stark

Chapter 83: Calling in some favors

I was outside helping Sam and his nephews get the knots untangled from a net. I was using one of my knives to help me out and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was peaceful and I was happy to help. To feel useful.

Despite not sleeping the best, nightmares creeping in out of nowhere making me wake in a cold sweat, I was still content with working. I was always more content when my hands were busy with something. Just like dad.

'Good job, guys,' Sam said, interrupting the silence. 'In about ten years, we'll have this thing fixed. Would be fun to take the boat out one more time before we sell it? There's a great spot in Grand Isle, your grandfather used to take me, catch a lot of fish.'

I had yet to see this very famous Wilson boat. It seemed important to Sam though.

'But Mom said we can't sell it,' Cass said.

'What?' Sam asked.

'Mr. Dinh said he wouldn't buy it cause it cost more to fix.'

'And then he said something else in Vietnamese,' AJ said.

'Yeah,' Cass said with a chuckle.

I looked at Sam who was looking at Sarah. Already off to a great visit.

School was a foreign subject to me. I almost forgot it was a thing until Cass and AJ had to get ready for it. I sat on the counter of the kitchen, unable to sit in a chair apparently, as Sam and Sarah talked about the boat.

'Why didn't you say something?' Sam asked.

'I didn't wanna tell you last night when you were looking all sad puppy dog in the rain and then I got distracted by helping Maya out with her hair,' Sarah said.

'Which I'm very thankful for,' I said, a small smile on my face.

'It was a rough day,' Sam said.

'You mean with Isaiah Bradley?' Sarah asked.

'And what they did to him,' Sam sighed.

'You wanna talk about it?'

'No,' Sam said, shaking his head. 'I'm just trying to figure out what it all means.'

'Okay, well, I'm here,' Sarah said. 'And Maya.' She pointed to me.

'Oh, no. He already said he doesn't want to plague my mind with more things,' I say, dramatically.

'That is not what I said,' said Sam.

Sarah sighs. 'As far as the boat is concerned, bottom line is, Mr. Dinh backed out. I don't know what to do. Parts alone on that thing are gonna eat up most of what we get back.'

'Listen to me. Don't worry. I'm gonna fix the boat,' Sam said.

'I'll help,' I said with a shrug. 'I got a lot of money I don't need or want.'

'Maya, you're not—'

'Aren't you two supposed to be off saving the world?' Sarah said, interrupting Sam. 'Why are you back here bothering me?'

'Cause my family's well-being is a part of the world,' Sam said.

'So, you're waiting for a lead?'

'And the government stepped in and took control and kind of benched us,' I said.

'Mhm,' Sarah said, shaking her head.

Sam chuckles as the kids walk in. Sarah finishes packing their lunch and hands the paper bags to the two boys.

'Please make sure Bennett and Elling each get one,' she said to Cass. 'Okay?'

'Okay,' Cass said.

'Alright, bye.'

'Bye.'

'Have a good day at school, guys,' Sam called after them before the door closed.

Sarah sighs. 'Bennett and Elling's dad cannot get up before noon. Kids keep showing up hungry but are too proud to ask for any help.'

'And you're like Mom, feeding every kid in the neighborhood,' Sam said with a chuckle. 'How many people still owe Mom and Dad something?'

'All of them,' Sarah said. 'All that's left, for sure.'

'Hmm.' Sam stood up. 'It might be time to call in a few of those favors.' He opened a draw and pulled out a black book and pointed it at Sarah. 'I'm gonna fix this damn boat.'

Sarah looks at me and I shrug. I was sure he'd figure something out though.