The Far Reach (Southern Vampire Mystery)

Chapter 30 - Passing to Port

Nautical Note: Port is the left side of the boat as you stand at the helm and face forward. It is signified by a red light. It is more common to pass to starboard, or on the right. When you pass to port, you may very well be tacking up and over to steal the other boat's wind on the way. It can be slang for a sneaky maneuver.

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Little Rock:

"I am looking forward to seeing you, Pammie!" the Minnesota Queen boomed. "Don't think you can just give me a European fly-by and it will ever be enough. I am putting everyone here on notice that I'm taking a full two weeks. The first week is going to be with you in New Orleans and the next week I'm splitting between your new place in Arkansas and the Clan Chief plus one, and if you're smart, you'll plan to come with me there too."

Pam couldn't help but grin. There was something about the take-no-prisoners enthusiasm of her friend that defeated any idea she had of refusing. "I'd love to see Jackson again," she replied, "as if I'd trust you there on your own. Who else would save you from your fashion faux pas? I heard a rumor that Bartlett has been redecorating in some version of early 1960s. I suspect you'll hate it."

"As if I'd speak my mind!" Maude said archly.

"As if you wouldn't!" Pam retorted.

"What the hell is early 1960's anyway? Is that a style?"

"Think avocado green, harvest yellow, and burnt orange," Pam replied, "Square furniture in shiny fabrics and metal tables."

"You're kidding me!" Maude cried out. "I'd rather sleep in the ground! How far are you from Jackson? Maybe I'd be better off staying the whole second week with you. You're not redecorating, are you?"

"Don't worry; I don't have the money for it!" Pam snarked.

"Oh, so, one good thing that's come out of your financial woes then!" and just the way Maude said it had both women laughing.

When they fell into a lull, Maude figured it was time to get around to just why her Pam had called. "Okay, Pamela mine, out with it! You never call for purely social reasons anymore and I don't believe this is any different. What's up?"

Pam could just about see her friend sitting in her oversized leather chair, her feet in her sensible shoes propped up on an ottoman. "Tell me you're draped in some nasty blanket and wearing flannel," Pam snipped.

"I make it look good," Maude replied evenly, "And you're avoiding the question which worries me."

"Don't be," the Regent assured her, "I'm sure it's nothing." Pam twisted the necklace around her neck and stared out at the lights of the city. "Did you know my Sheriff, Jane, when she was at Phoebe's Court?"

"The adventurer? I heard she was with you now. I met her a time or two. Fearless. Crackerjack lab assistant, especially with the special cases," Maude responded. "I wondered if you might find common ground with her. She reminds me of some of the best aspects of you."

Pam found herself feeling relieved. Maude didn't warm up to people readily in spite of what appeared to be an easy going exterior. She had good instincts that were rarely wrong and she wouldn't compliment unless she knew it was warranted. "If you mean aspects other than my amazing fashion sense and timeless elegance, well then I guess she might have those," Pam smiled. "Did you hear about her getting involved with Fae? Trips to Nebraska?"

"Hmm," Maude was taking her time. "No, not directly, but I was in Iowa recently and Phoebe more or less admitted that she's been doing reproductive research for them, fairies, I mean. Oh!" the Queen exclaimed as if something just occurred to her, "and not just any fairies. She referred to Dermot and Niall by name, so I suppose these would be your... what? In-laws?"