“We work the coast with the neighboring stations,” he says, gesturing toward the bay. “Depoe Bay, Newport, up toward the Columbia River, down the southern coast. It’s all connected out here. Doesn’t matter what patch you’re wearin’, everyone shows up when somethin’ goes wrong.”
He glances at me as he speaks, making sure I’m following, making sure I’m included.
“We do a lot with marine biologists too,” he continues. “NOAA, OSU, research teams. Whale entanglements, habitat protection, vessel support for research missions, and oil spill response. All of it.”
“That’s basically my whole world,” I say.
“Aye, I figured,” he smiles. “You’re the science side. We’re the chaos side.”
I laugh.
“We work together more than people realize,” he adds. “Whale rescues, protected waters, research boats, enforcement of cleanwater laws, protectin’ marine sanctuaries. It all overlaps out here.”
He slows as we walk, close enough now that I have to tilt my head just slightly to meet his eyes.
“It’s not just rescues either,” he says. “It’s prevention. Protection. Keepin’ things from turnin’ into disasters in the first place.”
That lands differently than I expect.
“I like that,” I say quietly.
He looks at me when I say it, his attention settling fully on me.
“Aye,” he says softly. “So do I.”
We pause near one of the open bay doors, the sound of water and gulls drifting inside, the smell of salt in the air.
For a second, it doesn’t feel like work at all. It feels like standing in the middle of something good, something solid and real, and somehow Finn doesn’t feel like a distraction from why I came here. He feels like part of it.
George clears his throat beside us. “We’re all one big team around here,” he adds. “Next stop is the fire station, so May can meet the team there.”
“The fire station?” I ask, blinking.
George nods, smiling. “Figured we could get it all done in one day. We want you out in the ocean as soon as this weekend.”
“I’ve got you scheduled for Friday morning,” Finn adds casually as we walk toward George’s truck.
“As always, it’s been a pleasure,” George says, extending his hand.
Finn takes it and shakes firmly. “We’ll talk soon, mate.”
George nods and heads for the driver’s side, already pulling his phone out, leaving me standing there with Finn, who’s now wearing one of his slow, confident smiles that feel entirely too intentional.
“Are you busy tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?” I’m caught off guard. “I work a half day, and I’m moving into my new place in the afternoon.”
“Will you need any help moving?”
I laugh. “I have two suitcases and Neptune’s bed. I think I can manage.”
I walk toward the passenger door. Before I can open it, though, Finn places his palm against the door frame, stopping me.
I look at the door, then at him.
“Finn,” I keep my voice low, “I’m working, and that in there is my superior. Whatever you’re trying to do, this is not the time.”
He glances through the window at George and lifts one finger, silently asking for a minute. George gives a distracted thumbs-up while answering his phone.
