“Hold on!” Andrew shouted. The boat surged forward. The shape became clearer. A man. Floating. Alive. But not swimming. His body jerked suddenly— violently— as if something yanked him from below. Jack’s stomach dropped. “What is that?!” The man’s arm lifted weakly— then slammed back into the water. Another sharp pull.
A splash erupted around his legs— and then— he disappeared. “Go! GO!” Jack yelled. Andrew pushed the throttle harder. The engine screamed. They closed the gap fast. Seconds felt like minutes. Then— the man broke the surface again. Gasping. Barely conscious. His head dipped under— then came back up. Jack leaned over the edge. “We’re almost there!”
Andrew swung the boat alongside him. “Grab him!” Jack lunged forward— caught his arm— but immediately froze. “Wait—!” Andrew looked down. And saw it. Something wrapped tight around the man’s leg. A line.
Pulled taut. Still dragging him forward.