Jacques grumbled something under his breath that was too low for her to hear as he went to the shack and brought back a key, holding it out for her to take.“Third boat in.”
“Thank you, Jacques.”She reached for the key, but he pulled it back at the last second before she could take it.
“Business first, Mac, then pleasure.”
How could she forget the man cared about his money more than anything?Mac reached into her back pocket and pulled out several bills.
“That’s it?”Jacques asked, looking offended by such a small amount.
“That’s a hundred dollars,” Mac defended.
“That’s what I charge tourists for an hour.”
“What about my deal?”He’d promised her a discount for rescuing one of his customers.This was the first time she was collecting.Who knew Jacques was such a money grabber?
Jacques pursed his lips, not looking pleased about her bringing that up, but Mac didn’t care.She needed a boat, and he was her only option.“Fine, two hundred dollars.”
That still seemed steep to her.“I thought we were friends.”Shouldn’t he cut her a better deal than that?
“You startled me awake.”
“So, what, I get charged extra for the tank slipping from my grip?”She knew she’d scared him, but she didn’t think it was enough for him to skyrocket the price for a boat.She could have paid Burt half that under the table to take her out instead of haggling with Jacques.
“If you don’t like it, you can find yourself another boat.”Jacques smirked at her.He knew he had her.There was another dock on the island, but it was several miles away, and she didn’t know the owner.
“Fine,” she said through gritted teeth, not liking having to pay so much, even if it had been worth it to see him nearly jump out of his skin.“This is extortion, by the way.”She handed over the money.
Jacques pocketed the money and tossed the keys at her.“Enjoy your reef trip.”He laughed as if he knew it was a lie and settled back into his chair.
“Oh, Jacques, I referred a tourist your way.When he stops by, will you give him a deal?”
“And why would I be doing that?”he asked, giving her the stink eye.The man didn’t like giving away anything for cheap.
“He’s a friend, and I already told him you would.”
“Now, Mac, you shouldn’t be going around making promises you can’t keep.”
“Please, Jacques, do this for me.”Mac stuck out her bottom lip and gave him big puppy dog eyes.She wasn’t a woman used to begging, but she had already promised Barry a discount.She didn’t want to be a liar if she couldn’t follow through.
“You know puppy dog eyes don’t work on me.”
“Fine, I’ll give you another hundred if you agree.”Since speaking to his principles didn’t work, she knew money would.Mac pulled out another hundred dollars and waved it around under his nose like a matador waving a red flag to a bull.Jacques’ eyes tracked the money.
“Alright, I’ll do it,” he grumbled, not looking happy about agreeing but taking the money and stuffing it into his back pocket.“And who might this friend be?”
“His name is Barry.”
“A man?”Jacques’ eyes widened in shock.
“Yes, a man.”She felt her cheeks heat, but she refused to be embarrassed.“He asked about a boat, and I told him about you.”
“He must be something special.Is he another shark person?”
None of the locals could seem to remember her actual title of shark biologist, but whatever.She was used to being known as the shark lady, or person in this case.“No, he’s a tourist.”
“It’s not like you to get caught up with the tourists.”
“Regardless of the reason, his name is Barry.You’ll recognize him because he has a prosthetic arm.”
