“The whales. They live with their families their entire lives. Eighty, a hundred years. Like people.” Liam shook his head. “Honestly, I’m starting to sound like Russell. But taking Lottie away devastated her mother and her sisters. They’re in for the shock of their lives when they hear her calls again.”
Rick could only offer a nod and a grunt. Behind his black sunglasses, his eyes were strangely reacting to the wind.
The dock was crowded with boats, but Hank found a spot. Russell rushed to meet them.
“Don’t worry, Mackenzie,” he said quickly when he caught her scowl. “Everyone who’s here is allowed to be here.”
“Good, because I will kick out any party crashers.”
He laughed. His face was lit with a smile. “I can’t believe it’s finally here.”
“How’s Lottie doing?” Sheila asked. “When did you last hear from the vets?”
“Half an hour ago. She’s doing well,” Russell said. “Getting her into the sling was a bit stressful. She was calling out a lot when they lifted her into the air, but once they got her into the portable tank, she calmed down.”
They walked along the shore and to the lodge. There was a gaggle of people, talking and laughing, and a woman was spooning out hot cider.
“Hello, hello!” she called out.
Rick didn’t realize he was getting a mug until she was standing in front of him, shoving it into his hands.
“You must be Rick!” She grinned, hands on her hips. “I’m Margie, Hank’s wife.”
“Hello. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“You have to have the cider,” she said. “It’s from a fantastic farm on Orcas Island. A friend of mine has a hotel there. Have you been?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“I’ll have to take you on a field trip,” Addy said with a smile. “Hi, Margie.”
“Addy! I can’t believe that business with your car. Do you have pepper spray? I can get you some pepper spray—it’s very effective if you just aim and shoot.”
“I don’t need pepper spray.” She clapped a hand to Rick’s shoulder. “I’ve got a personal bodyguard.”
Rick laughed. “Pepper spray is still a good idea.”
Patty stole Margie away, and he was left sipping hot cider with Addy.
“I heard you sent Mia pepper spray,” she said.
“Yeah?” He stared off into the distance, pretending to think. “Nah. That must’ve been another Rick.”
“No, pretty sure it was you. That was nice. It almost makes up for you fleeing the car in terror when she burst into tears.”
He laughed. Not his proudest moment. He wouldn’t do the same now. “That was a different Rick, too.”
“There they are!” Eliza yelled, pointing.
The crowd hushed, searching the sea. A boat bumbled toward them, the hum of its engine slow and steady.
“How’s this going to work?” Rick asked.
“Well, Lottie is in a little tank on that barge. See that other boat, here?”
He nodded. He’d seen it when they arrived, a crane sitting stationary.
“They have her in a sling. The crane will lift her up and into the pen.”
