I took the final swig of my coffee and headed for the coop. I fed the girls and collected their eggs, leaving the basket just outside their enclosure to grab when I finished my morning chores. I made my rounds in the greenhouse, paying special attention to the seedlings I’d started that would soon be ready for planting in the larger outdoor garden. Our growing season wasn’t long, so I made the most of it, fitting as many things as possible in the rows of soil.

I headed out of the slightly stuffy greenhouse and towards the water. I hoped I could convince Brody to take the first kayak trip of the season. If we were lucky, we might spot a few orcas and some other creatures. He’d seemed a bit skeptical about taking out the skinny watercraft, but I had a feeling I could bring him around, even if it took a little bribery.

I walked down the worn path, hopping over the familiar roots and rocks. Just as I was about to turn to head down to the beach and the boat shed, my steps faltered. Something was on the dock. I started towards it without thinking, jogging down the steps. When my feet hit the planks of the dock, I froze. The form was familiar, too familiar.

I screamed. My feet tripped over each other in a battle to get away from the sight that seemed to draw closer. But I couldn’t right them. I couldn’t do anything but scream.

38

Brody

A scream pierced the air. One that spoke of sheer terror. My steps faltered for the briefest of moments as if they were still headed towards the studio as planned, but the rest of my body was already moving towards the sound that had sent birds soaring into the air.

A million and one thoughts flew through my mind as I ran down the path. Not a single one taking hold as my gaze jumped from the ground in front of me to the water and back. I had to keep myself from tripping over one of the exposed tree roots or logs. But I had to get to Shay. As fast as my legs could carry me.

I tore out of the woods and down the steps to the dock. She was scrambling up the steps and wound up to level a punch to my gut before recognizing it was me and stopping herself.

“What is it? What happened?”

She jolted as I wrapped my arms around her, my eyes and hands searching for injuries. Her arm shook as she pointed towards the end of the dock. I froze. Another crumpled form lay on the wood. I slowly pushed to my feet, trying to get a better view.