Seeming taken aback, he hesitated. “Why didn’t you just go to the I.S.?”

My lips pressed together, thinking this could go south really fast if he called the I.S. out here with his radio. “Because they’re incompetent boobs and rescuing people is what I do for a living,” I said, and he eyed me suspiciously, his gaze going to my bruised neck again. “Look, I’m usually better at it then this,” I added, refusing to explain the teeth marks. “I’m sort of out of my element up here. I tried to ask you earlier, but Debbie kept interfering.”

At that, Marshal smirked and relaxed. “Okay. I’m listening.”

I glanced at the bow of the boat and the man with his game. Like he would even notice if a great white shark bit off the back of the boat? “Thanks,” I breathed, sitting down again. Marshal did the same, and Jenks dropped to sit cross-legged where he could see both of us. The sun glinted on his yellow hair, and it was obvious the warmth spell was working: his lips were red again and he was very relaxed, almost basking.

“See,” I said, embarrassed, now that I seemed to have my hat in my hand. “My boyfriend, my old boyfriend,” I reiterated, flushing, “turns out he’s…” I couldn’t tell him he was a thief. “He recovers things.”

“He’s a thief,” Marshal said, and I blinked. Seeing my muddle, the man snorted. “Let me guess. He stole something from the Weres and got caught.”

“No,” I said, tucking a windblown strand away. “Actually, he was contracted by them to recover something, and when he found it, he decided to give them their money back and keep it. I need to get him off that island.”

Marshal looked at Jenks, who shrugged.

“Fine,” I said, feeling stupid. “I don’t blame you if you want to take me back to the dock and tell me to get lost in a ley line. But one way or the other I’m going over the side of this boat. I’d rather it be in a wet suit with one of your charms.” Eyes squinting, I peered at him. “Could I at least buy a spell from you? So he doesn’t freeze on the way back?”

Marshal’s smooth face scrunched up. “I’m not licensed to sell my charms, only use them in my work.”

My head bobbed, and I felt a finger of relief wedge itself between my heart and the band wrapped about it. “Yeah, me too. How about a trade?”

He leaned toward me, and after meeting my eyes to ask for permission, took a deep sniff of me. I could smell a hint of chlorine on him over his redwood scent. Apparently I smelled witchy enough, since he settled back, satisfied. “What do you have?”

A exhalation of relief slipped from me. Pulling my waist pack around, I dug in it. “Ah, on me? Not much, but I can send you something once I get home. I’ve got some sleepy-time potions in splat balls and three scent amulets.”