Page 67 of Mail Order Splash

“What’s wrong? We’re almost done.”

“We have to take this one in. The wound on this side is substantial, may have been attacked, which would explain Netty’s behavior.”

“So, there could be sharks?”

“Most definitely sharks are watching and awaiting this potential meal.” I called up to Josh. “We need the floater.”

“You can’t float in this, Kleine. Too dangerous.”

“Get the floaters, Josh. This is what we do; we leave nothing behind. Remember?”

“Then strap it on and get back in the boat or I’m not moving.”

“I agree with Josh. It’s terrifying in there.” Dalton treaded across from me. “This one isn’t weak like Netty. Should that be easier?”

“Not really. Depends if it wants to get free.” I pointed to go back down.

I sensed rather than saw something swimming closer. Before I could react, Netty charged. At the same time, I got the last piece cut while Dalton had gotten the straps around the dolphin. It had to have been a shark and Netty would chase it away, but she could only do so much if more joined in.

Where did the pod go, again?

“Dalton, get out of the water. There needs to be less targets to accidentally get hit.”

“I’m not getting out unless you get out.”

“Again, this is what I do, been around it for twenty years. Please, get out,” I demanded. “I don’t have time to argue. The more you fight me the greater risk I’m in.”

I watched as he pulled himself back into the boat, then checked the straps. Netty zoomed by me once more then back again. She was warning me of danger. I had to do what was best for me and Netty, so I climbed up on the edge, still holding onto the floater.

“Go, Josh,” I yelled, then saluted Tony.

“I’m coming out there with you to help hold the floater.” Dalton didn’t wait for me to agree. “This is the craziest thing. Those were sharks swimming by you.”

“Yes, and Netty was protecting me. Hold onto something so you don’t get pulled in.”

Thankfully, the dolphin stayed on the floater, for the most part. Netty followed close behind with other dolphins jumping up out of the water. The pod was with us and very agitated. I didn’t think it was a shark attack anymore. It was probably humans.

“The pod turned back.” Josh yelled out when we entered the intracoastal.

“Netty didn’t, she’s determined,” I yelled back.

“What happens to her when we go inside?”

“We let her in with us. If she’s this determined she won’t leave, and boats will injure her.”

Josh opened the holding pool gates then slowly entered the narrow space, knowing Netty was going ahead of him. She was smart. She remembered those gates and was getting in ahead of us.

“I guess we have two for tonight.” I released my grip on the floater. “Once inside we’ll let this one swim around to see what its strength is.”

“How can I help?”

“We need to unstrap this one then shower off. The inside water is cleaner and I don’t want additional bacteria.” I nodded for him to go once his side was loose. “I have sweatpants stacked in the bathroom. A few are extra-large, you should be able to fit in them.”

At least I think you will. What colors did I leave in there? It would be hilarious if they’re pink.

“You want me to call Doc?” Josh sat on the edge with a bucket of fish. “That is a big wound.”

“It’s evening, don’t bother him yet. I got it.”

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