My hands shook, half-expecting scowling monks with pointy teeth. I steadied the glasses on Melville’s tiller. Yep . . . water taxis. The bigger kind that carry groups. And . . . oh! In the lead boat, a figure in safety-yellow foul-weather gear, somehow familiar. As the boat approached, the man brushed back his rain hood. Still blond and smooth-faced but looking a bit shaggy now I saw him up close, like he hadn’t shaved in a while. I whooped for joy.

When he drew within everyone’s view, a collective sigh stuttered across the Lagoon. Weapons clattered to the deck, and Empire Will Dubowski motored in to a wild round of cheers and applause.

He slowed when he came level with Melville, waving the other boats ahead. I could see he liked things to look easy, but stress was getting the better of him, especially around the eyes. “Hey, Dan. Best welcome I ever got.”

“Just in time. Doyle was getting ready to lead the charge of the Light Brigade.”

“Sorry. Took a while to round these up. Had to get Gimme on their way first.”

“Yeah.” Daniel offered a mock-frown. “Can’t ever find a cab when it’s raining. Who’d you lift ’em from?”

“Oh, these are ours. Empire owns the medallion. Not that it matters anymore.”

“What about the rest of your clan?”

“Gone upriver with Gimme, except for the patrols. You’ll see them along the way.”

“You’re coming with us, then? That’s the best of news.”

Will shrugged deep inside his shiny slicker. “Yeah. I don’t know. Yankee Stadium. Just sounded too good to miss.” He pulled his hood into place. “Well, got some fares to pick up. See you uptown?”

“You bet. And, Will . . . ?”

Dubowski cocked his head.

“Tom Doyle will try to eat you for breakfast. You’ve totally spoiled his fun.”

Will glided away, laughing.

“How ’bout that? A chance we might actually make it.” Daniel brushed mist from his hair. “Let’s roll out the rain canopy. Breakers, get down and lend a hand, willya?”

We were all soaked already, and the wind swept the fine rain under the stern canopy anyway, but it felt like protection, a roof over our heads while we waited for the last of Unca Joe’s worldly goods to be loaded onto the rafts, and a seat found in the water taxis for every Joe, Smith, Macy, Riverhomer, or other stray. Breakers went below to scrounge up tea and something to eat. I asked her to check on Jenn, then pressed myself into Daniel’s side, like Magus used to do.

“Well, that was fucking amazing.”

“Don’t get cocky.” He stroked my back. “We’re not there yet.”