Arthur wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, hoping the dim pier lights hid his nerves. He stepped carefully between the harbor master and the tarp to block the view. “Just a lot of mud and a ruined evening, Bill. The reef nearly kept my net for good. I’m just glad to be back in one piece.”
Bill gave a slow, rhythmic nod, his gaze finally shifting from the deck back to Arthur’s face. “Fair enough. These waters have a way of holding onto things they catch. So, did you actually catch anything worth the extra fuel, or just that headache you’re sporting?”
“Just the headache,” Arthur replied, forcing a weary laugh as he began to unstep from the boat. “I didn’t get much worth out of the day at all. I’m just ready to pack it in and get some sleep.” Bill seemed satisfied, giving a final wave before heading back toward the warmth of the harbor office.