Page 188 of At First Catch

“Mostly miss.”

“Mostly.”

He points toward my truck.

“Go see your girl before she starts organizing a search party.”

A tired laugh slips out.

“She’d absolutely bring snacks.”

“She’d absolutely bring Bailey.”

I wince.

“That’s the more terrifying part.”

“I need to check the north slips first,” I say automatically.

Miguel stares at me like he’s specifically exhausted by my personality.

“Pierce.”

I glance over.

“You’re bleeding.”

I blink once.

Then, finally, I notice blood mixing with rainwater across my knuckles, where the dock cable tore skin open earlier.

“Not bad,” I mutter.

Miguel looks profoundly unimpressed.

“You know there are easier ways to self-destruct, right?”

The truth hits me anyway while rain slows around us. I am pushing too hard. Not because I don’t trust people but because I’m terrified of failing them.

I stare out across the battered marina while storm clouds finally begin drifting east over Back Bay.

This place matters to me too much now.

My phone buzzes again.

Hadley

I’m serious. Come find me when this is over.

Emotion surges painfully through my chest.

I text back before I can talk myself out of it.

Me

I’m okay. Cut my hand. Storm’s easing. I’m sorry I didn’t answer sooner.

The three dots appear.