Ronan takes two running steps toward the side of the boat, ready to jump over, I think. But Henry is able to grab ahold of his life jacket and pull him back.

Henry is wide-eyed, looking at him. “What are you doing, Ronan? It’s just a fishing pole.”

“I can cut the line,” he says.

“Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.”

“I’ll help the shark. Get the St. Croix back for you. He won’t be interested in me. Great whites don’t attack people. Very rarely. I’m more likely to get killed by a vending machine. Or a cow. More cows attack people than sharks, and no one freaks out about them.”

“What?” Henry is confused. “It’s a shark. A great white.”

“Seriously. Statistically, it’s more likely I’d get killed by a vending machine or a cow than a shark.”

“Listen, kid. You really—”

“Please?” Ronan interrupts. I’ve never heard him sound like that before. Like a little kid begging.

“You can’t do that, son. You saw that shark who took your fish. He’s still around somewhere.”

“I could be fast. I’ll cut the line and grab it quick!”

Looking out at the water, I notice the pole is gone now. “I think it’s too late anyway, Ronan.” Ronan’s face is hard like a rock. “I’m sorry you lost the fish. I’ll split my money with you.”

“But your pole. The St. Croix is your lucky one. I’m so sorry. I want to get it back for you,” he begs Henry.

“It’s just a pole,” Henry says, stepping forward. “It’s okay.”

And Ronan steps back. “I didn’t mean to let it go. If I—”

“It’s really okay, Ronan. Relax. It wasn’t all that lucky, anyway.”

Henry reaches out to touch his shoulder, but Ronan leans just enough away to avoid it.

“Things happen,” Henry says. “Better the pole go in the water than one of you.”

“I’m so sorry,” Ronan repeats. He sits down on the deck with his back against the side. His knees are up near his chest, and his forehead rests against his palms. Then he looks up to say one more thing to Henry. “Please don’t tell my father. What kind of fisherman would want me for his kid?”

Chapter 29

THE GREATEST PREDICTOR OF SUCCESS

The next morning, Ronan and I head to Saucepan Lynn’s for some pancakes. Saucepan Lynn is also a volunteer firefighter, so she cooks in her suspenders in case she has to run off.

I remember the day she slapped a handful of keys on the counter and told the regulars to take one. That they could start pulling their weight around the place and get in early to help with breakfast. One of Henry’s favorite things to do is leave the house before dawn and get some bacon frying on the griddle.

When we arrive, we have to step over a couple of golden retrievers. When some people complained about them, Saucepan hung up a sign that says IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH OUR DOGS, WE ARE HAPPY TO RECOMMEND ANOTHER RESTAURANT.