Page 19 of Mail Order Splash

“The water gods will make them appear again if we need them. If they don’t, then we do as we always do.”

Twenty minutes later, we were once again in the water. This time, though, it was a sea turtle tangled in netting. I could see it was in trouble, but the good news with it was that we only had to get it on the boat then release it later without worry of it needing to stay in the water.

“Looks like that pod followed us, and the jet skiers.”

“See, I told you, the gods have our back.” I replaced my mask and fell back into the water.

Question is, though, which gods? Is he the merman Triton, or a merman who only gets a day pass like Ariel?

The turtle was fighting hard to get loose, but I was familiar with them and knowing to keep away from their mouth. I went to work cutting the netting when another set of hands began helping as well. At first, I thought it was Josh and never looked up, until one of the hands touched my arm, gesturing to go up.

“Hi again. Are we safe in the water?” The merman was back.

“Yes, the pod followed us. They’ll protect us, but we still need to keep an eye open.”

“Can we put the turtle on the boat?”

“I’d rather not since the pod is here.”

Without another word we went back under, working together to cut it loose. Once it was loose it swam away as if to say “Why did you bother me?”.

“Thanks for your help, again.”

“Are you sure I can’t get a call or a bat signal when you’re coming out?” he joked. “I could sign something saying I was acting on my own and you are not liable.”

“A bat signal, I kinda like that, but I think that signal is already taken. Think of the chaos if you both showed up.” I pulled my mask off, laying it on the edge of the boat. “The best I can do is tell you we come out most mornings, then again in the afternoon.”

“Until I can get my own signal, that will have to do.” He smiled ear-to-ear. “I better get back to Eli, he looks bored.”

“Thank you,” I called out as he dove under the water.

Where does this guy keep coming from and how did I manage to get through a conversation without staring or calling him a mermaid? I should see if there are any merman names I could call him. Listen to me, assuming I will see him again. Triton, maybe that’s the name.

“Nice guy. You should have taken his number,” Josh complained. “If you don’t next time, I will.”

“You asking for his number. Yeah, that will go over well.”

“I’d get it for you, Kleine, and if you’re going to be afraid then I’ll force your hand.”

“I’m not afraid, just don’t have time for that stuff.”

Climbing off the boat forty-five minutes later, Dr. Garcia on the edge of the water with Netty waiting on us. His expression worried me as we got closer.

“What’s happened? Is Netty worse?”

“She’s doing alright, but the city was here. They’re putting more fines on you.”

“Did they say anything, like I have to close up shop?”

“Not yet, but it’s only a matter of time, Kleine. You have to find a sponsor.”

“I know. When is the next party?”

“Tomorrow night, and I think there will be plenty of people attending that would help your cause- namely, the Hawthornes.”

“That name sounds very intimidating.”

“It is; they are. No one says no to them so, if they get involved, you will be saved.”

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