“I’m telling you, it wasn’t shadows!” Elias snapped, frustration boiling. “He was waving—he looked desperate!” Another officer smirked. “ Go home. Coast guard will board it when it’s safe.” The first officer’s voice hardened. “Enough. We’ve got it under control. Don’t make trouble.”
The crowd began to disperse, satisfied—or at least too rattled to argue. But Elias stood rooted, rain dripping into his eyes, his heart pounding with anger. He could still see the figure in his mind, arms lifted against the storm, as if begging not to be forgotten.