“Keep going,” he said, voice low. “Just a little more.” The orca pulled back, gained momentum, and slammed its body against the hull one final time. The boat jolted, then lifted. The depth gauge ticked up—four feet, then seven, then nine.
Clearer, deeper water rolled beneath them. Sea Glass floated free. John scrambled to the helm and pushed the throttle gently forward. The keel cleared the sandbar by inches. He kept his hand steady, though his mind was already ahead—Get Catherine to the dock. Get help now.