Page 57 of Two Favors Repaid

“I’m glad you did. I don’t think I stood much of a chance against that shark.”

“I’m surprised I haven’t seen that one before. I wish I could have gotten a closer look at him.”

“I can tell you all about him,” Rob joked, “I was face-to-face with his eyeball for a second there.”

“Yeah, it’s good that I found you before he hurt you,” Jessy said. Rob wondered whether she was happy he hadn’t died or happy the authorities wouldn’t have to organize a hunt for a man-killer.

Probably both.

Rob’s ribs complained from the beating he’d taken, but he wouldn’t trade Emma’s weight on his chest for anything on the planet. He still couldn’t believe how lucky they’d gotten.

Finally, he saw the harbor appear in the distance.

“Lucky, because this engine’s just about to give up on us,” Jessy said.

“I’m sorry. I’ll get it looked at.”

“It’s fine,” she said, shrugging. Rob knew money wasn’t an object for Jessy; she wouldn’t blink at getting the jet ski replaced if she needed to.

“Please,” he repeated. “I insist.”

“Okay. But I think you should also buy a round of beers – for me and for all these people who’ve been out searching for you,” Jessy said, pointing at the patrol boat that was just heading towards them.

“Rob!” Susan shouted, waving at them.

Darryl’s huge form appeared behind her. His normally bronzed face was pale.

A moment later, the jet ski reached the boat. Darryl and Susan jogged to the stern. Darryl carried some docking line in his hand. He reached out and secured the jet ski quickly with a bowline knot.

“There,” he said. “It’s not going anywhere.”

“Wake up, Emma,” Rob said softly. Emma started. For a moment, her expression was panicked. She visibly relaxed as she looked around her and saw only friendly faces.

“I can’t believe I fell asleep,” she said, looking embarrassed.

“You had an adrenaline crash,” he said, not wanting her to worry. “It’s absolutely normal. Let’s get you onto the boat.”

Darryl went on his knees, holding the jet ski as steady as possible. For a moment Emma didn’t move. Her body shook like a leaf.

“I won’t let you fall in, I promise,” Rob whispered in her ear.

“I shouldn’t be so scared, should I, after what we’ve been through,” she said. “But I am.”

“You’re the bravest woman I know,” he said. “It’s thanks to you that Jessy got to us in time. That was some quick thinking.”

“You noticed?” Emma asked, looking happily at Jessy.

Jessy smiled, brightening her normally serious expression. Her eyes scanned the ocean around them.

“Don’t worry,” Jessy said, “The shark hasn’t followed us. I would know.”

Emma nodded, letting Darryl help her onto the boat. Darryl reached out to help Jessy as well, but she ignored his help, stepping easily off her jet ski in her rubber shoes.

Without the women’s added weight, the jet ski bobbed up and down. Rob grabbed onto Darryl’s arm gratefully and pulled himself onto the boat. He was near to crashing himself.

“We’re ready, Walsh,” Darryl said in his naturally loud voice.

“Adrian’s piloting?”