Around him came the reply, “Polo.”
He picked Gretchen’s voice immediately and swam towards her before he reconsidered. As much as he liked the excuse to touch her, it wasn’t his wisest idea. Maybe he should go after one of the kids, not that it would be difficult. Brandon would be a challenge though. He smiled. Possibly the safest option and one the kids would get a kick out of. He called again. “Marco.”
“Polo.” Brandon’s deeper tones came from his left now, when previously he had been on Arthur’s right. Yeah, this was going to be fun.
He swam to his left, calling out again. The reply had moved again, back towards where it had first been.
“He’s going after Uncle Brandon,” Lara whispered, though it was more like a shout. She was only a couple of lengths away from him, but he kept focused on Brandon.
“Marco.”
“Polo.” The response wasn’t as loud, making it harder to pinpoint.
“Look out!” Lara called.
A swirl of water behind Arthur, and he spun, reaching out, just missing whoever it was. “Marco.”
“Polo.” Mirth. Brandon was enjoying this as much as he was.
“He’s—”
“Lara, no helping,” Darcy interrupted. “Arthur can do it on his own.”
“Marco.”
“Polo.”
Gretchen was to his right, and it was tempting to change tactics and catch her. What would she feel like in his arms?
He pushed away the thought as he sensed someone approaching. Brandon was getting cocky, thought Gretchen would distract him enough not to notice. There was just enough water movement to pick the direction. Arthur moved in the opposite direction, luring him in. Closer, closer…
Now.
He lunged towards the movement and heard a gratifying grunt as his hand touched solid muscle. He opened his eyes and grinned at Brandon. “You’re it.”
Around him everyone cheered.
Brandon shook his head. “You haven’t lost it. You were always more focused than me.”
The compliment filled Arthur’s soul, but before he could respond, the kids surrounded him.
“That was amazing!” Lara shouted.
“How did you know he was there?” Cody demanded.
“I was sure he was going to get you,” Mischa said.
“Can you teach us?” Jordan asked.
Four hopeful faces peered up at him.
Beyond them, the adults were watching, waiting for his response. Gretchen looked worried. “Do you mind me teaching them?” he called.
Surprise lit her face. “Not if you don’t.”
He smiled. “Not at all.” The kids were easy to be around.
The children cheered, and he put his finger to his lips. “The first thing you need to learn is to be silent. Any noise you make alerts the person you’re trying to avoid.”
