Page 98 of Perfume Girl

Whatever the reason, we had to get out of the waternow.

Sharks picked up the scent of blood, one part per million.

“We’ve got you,” I told her. “Hang on.”

Raquel moved theAllureup beside us. She leaned over, reaching for the girl’s shoulders. She pulled her up as I pushed the young woman until she rolled onto the boat.

I hoisted myself onto the deck and scrambled to make sure our patient was in the recovery position. She was already stirring, about to regain consciousness.

I tried to stay focused. “Call the coastguard. Tell them we need medics ready.”

Raquel made the call. I wrapped a silver heat blanket around her as Raquel hurried into the driver’s seat. She steered back to shore as I checked our girl for any more serious injuries.

Though Raquel was pushing the speedboat to its limits, the ride back felt excruciatingly long. I hated each second we were losing. Our patient was slipping in and out of consciousness.

Emergency services were waiting when we pulled up to the dock, immediately taking over the girl’s care. Raquel and I stood side by side, watching them wheel her into an ambulance.

We watched it pull away and for several minutes neither of us spoke a word.

Staff at the center let me shower in Garcia’s office bathroom. It took me half an hour to feel warm again as I blasted hot water over me. The shower was pretty shabby and I made a mental note to do something about it. Although it was a renovation Garcia would probably decline because he wanted all the money going to the animals.

I borrowed some of the spare clothes that he kept here, but his shoes didn’t fit and mine were still drenched. Not that I cared…I was still too concerned for that girl and her recovery.

Luckily, I recalled that I had a pair of shoes in the car, thrown in the back after a hike I’d taken a few weeks ago.

“How’s my superhero?” Raquel said, walking into Garcia’s office.

“I needed you out there, Raquel. You did great.”

“You did better.” She came over and wrapped her arms around me. “I’m only doing this so you’ll have body warmth.”

I kissed her forehead. “And that’s just me thanking you for saving a life today.”

“Do you think she’ll be okay?”

“We’ll call later. They’re taking her to Miami Beach Medical Center.”

“Not sure I like your brand of excitement, Astor.”

“You’ll get used to it if you stick around.”

“Thank you for today,” she said softly.

“We had a detour but we’re fine, right?”

“You’re the best friend a girl could have.”

Whether it was me coming down from the adrenaline rush or her comment describing us as only friends, I suddenly crashed with exhaustion. I stepped away from her and sank into a seat, taking a few deep breaths to center myself.

“You okay?” she said.

“Yeah, the threat of you diving in and gnawing on a shark was all too real.”

She tapped my arm. “You were brave out there, Astor.”

“Let’s get home.” I pushed to my feet. “Garcia’s jeans are so tight I feel like a 1980s rock star.”

Raquel’s laughter rippled over me, and as I laughed too, I felt intensely happy that we were going home together.