His face broke into a wide grin, teeth flashing as he heaved his catch toward the gunwale. For a moment he looked triumphant, as though the reef’s destruction had been worth the risk. Then his gaze lifted — and froze.
The coast guard vessel loomed above, its officers lined at the railing, rifles lowered but ready, their expressions cold and unflinching. The pirate’s smile evaporated. His hands faltered on the net as realization crashed through him. “Drop it!” one officer barked, voice carrying across the water. “Now!”