The boat didn’t slow down. It didn’t turn. It just kept going. Music drifted faintly across the water. Fishing lines trailed behind it, fully set. Everything looked normal. Except— “There’s no one driving it,” Andrew said. Jack frowned. “What?” Andrew turned the wheel, already moving after it. “I looked straight into the cabin. There’s nobody there.” They closed the distance again.
Up close, the difference was obvious. The other boat was bigger. Heavier. If they got this wrong— it wouldn’t be that boat flipping. It would be theirs. Jack grabbed the air horn and blasted it. The sound echoed across the open water. No response. The boat kept going. Steady. Unaware.
Jack leaned forward, gripping the edge. “Look again.” He stared into the cabin— then slowly pulled back. “…Still no one.” Andrew’s jaw tightened. An empty boat. Moving at speed. Miles from shore. Jack glanced ahead. “…Dad…” Andrew followed his gaze. Far in the distance— a faint strip of land.
Beach. And the boat was heading straight for it.