The rental fins had been reorganized by size. Someone had replaced the cracked clipboard beside the register. A jar markedPANCAKE’S LEGAL FUNDcontained at least forty dollars.
“What happened while I was gone?”
“Business.”
“Business usually doesn’t include legal defense for the dog.”
“We had visitors.”
“How many?”
“Enough that I made the sign.”
“Reporters?”
“Two. One podcast. Several people who claimed not to be either.”
“You spoke to them?”
“I told them Reef Rascal offers morning and afternoon departures and certified divers receive ten percent off rental equipment.”
“That was responsible.”
“I also told one woman you once backed the trailer into a recycling bin.”
“Hank.”
“She asked what you were like.”
“And you chose vehicular incompetence?”
“It showed humility.”
Captain Pancake put one paw on my shoe.
I reached down and removed his bandana.
He immediately tried to eat it.
“Strong commitment to the message.”
“He’s still learning media discipline.”
Hank took my suitcase.
“I can carry that.”
“You just got off a plane.”
“I sat on the plane.”
“That is not rest.”
“My mother said the same thing.”
“She texted.”
I stopped.
