Fins by Randy Wayne White

Author:Randy Wayne White
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

* * *

Luke sensed trouble. He and the dog had found a quiet spot in a shed near the marina parking lot. Through a dusty window was a view of the docks and the picnic table where Sabina was being interviewed.

They had been warned not to talk to reporters. But there was the girl, talking into a microphone, then posing while a female reporter snapped photos with an iPhone.

Earlier, the same woman had focused her phone camera on him and the dog. That is why Luke had taken refuge in a shed piled high with junk and spare engine parts. Now he was tired of hiding.

Pete … heel! he thought, and slapped his thigh.

The retriever followed him out the door, across the parking lot. When the reporter called, “Excuse me, Luke … can I get a few more pictures?” he kept walking as if he hadn’t heard.

His ears were so good, he also heard Sabina say, “Don’t bother. He’s shy from living with animals. But he is brave—for a farm boy. Did I mentioned he tried to save me from the drunkard’s dog?”

For once, the girl was telling the truth about what had happened in the mangroves.

The boy continued walking. He was pleased by Sabina’s compliment, yet convinced she was inviting more trouble. He had no idea what kind of trouble. It was a feeling, a small gray cloud in his head.

Later, close to sunset, when the police boat returned to the marina, Luke knew he was right.

The detective he’d spoken with, J.D. Miller, was one of five officers who stepped from the boat onto the dock. All the officers wore black ball caps and heavy vests, their guns holstered. The sour look of frustration on their faces told the boy why he was right about more trouble.

The reporter and the van were long gone by then.

Luke felt the weight of the detective’s eyes as the man walked toward him. The boy turned to the retriever, motioned with his hand, and thought, Pete … swim!

Pete charged toward the dock and went airborne. Birds scattered. The dog crashed into the water and then surfaced, spouting water from his nose.

Detective Miller approached in a friendly way but appeared tired. “Quite a storm building out there,” he said to Luke with a glance to the east. “We were ready to come back anyway—I just wish we’d found something worthwhile.”

Every day, over the mainland, heat ricocheted off the ground. It stoked towering clouds of rain and lightning.

“Son,” the man added, “I’m afraid I have to ask you a few more questions.”

Without thinking, Luke touched the scar on his shoulder and replied, “Yes, sir. I know.”

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