“Looks like he brought a date,” Cate said. “Better get me another beer before the party starts.”

“Huh?” he turned to her and grinned. “Good idea.” He went to the small icebox and grabbed another cold bottle and handed it to her. “Somehow, I don’t think he’s here for the booze.”

Vincent Kelly stopped at the wharf edge, looking down. “Captain Monroe, permission to come aboard.” He saluted, grinning.

“Only if you brought rum.” Jack held the boat and wharf to steady them, as Vincent jumped onto the deck. He didn’t turn to help the woman, who jumped down beside him, landing lightly. She had short-cropped red-blond hair, a snub nose and a dimpled chin. Her green eyes glinted with fierce intelligence.

Vincent turned to her. “Pilot First Class, Regina Boxer.” He turned back to Jack. “Regina, Jack Monroe, the guy I told you about.”

Jack shook her hand, and stood aside. “And this is Cate Granger, a good friend.” Cate nodded and shook hands with both of them

“Beer?” Jack asked, already reaching towards the box.

“We’re working, but…” He shrugged. “Sure.” He looked briefly to Regina who nodded. “Make that two.”

Jack grinned up at Regina. “And two for you as well?”

Vincent nudged her. “I told you, he’s got old jokes.”

Regina laughed. “Just the one; I’m the sap who has to do all the flying.”

Jack led them under the canopy, and motioned to the storage benches that had cushions on them. He and Cate sat back in their chairs.

“So, Vince, long way to come for a beer, buddy. What’s up?” Jack could see something in his friend’s eyes – impatience, worry… something.

Vincent‘s eyes shot to Cate for a moment. “Please tell me you don’t work for the LA Times.”

Cate scoffed and Jack waved the question away. “Don’t worry, she’s an evolutionary biologist, so may have some insights into whatever it is you want to chat about.” He leaned forward. “Which is?”

Vincent reached under his jacket and pulled out a folder and opened it. There were several pictures in it, and he quickly sorted through them. He began to hand them one after the other to Jack.

Cate leaned closer. Jack looked at the first – an image of nighttime scene on the water. A person, Vincent, he assumed, was standing on the body of a floating whale.

“Big whale.” He looked up “Blue or fin?”

“Fin, about eighty feet we think.” He handed Jack another photo. “Now look at the bite mark. Please tell me that’s multiple bites and not a single one.”

Jack turned to the next shot. The huge chunk of missing flesh showed the white blubber cut all the way down to pinkish meat of muscle that continued on down below the water-line. The sheared off rib was also visible.