Perfect Bastard (Mason Creek)

Seconds later, the boat rocked violently as water crashed against the sides. Then it took a nosedive.

“Help me get the raft!” Agan yelled over all the noise from inside my head and out.

I wasn’t that strong, but my inner mom instincts kicked in at the same time adrenaline did. We fought against the gravity and water that was sinking the boat. Finally, the bag I assumed contained a raft popped free from under the bench seat.

“When I release it, wrap your arms in the ropes and then we will jump,” he commanded.

Fear wasn’t an option. The boat was going down. Either I went down with it or took a chance on the raft.

There was no time to think as the raft exploded free of the bag, knocking me to my ass. But I grappled for the rope and found my feet. Agan nodded and then we were jumping into freezing water with nothing but lightning striking across thick clouds to light our way.

I went under. The rolling sea caused me to lose my orientation. I didn’t know which way was up or down. I stopped fighting as I could feel my lungs strain for breath. Then the sky lit up from lighting, and I saw the boat heading down. I kicked my feet toward the light before it disappeared again. There was nothing I wouldn’t do to survive and see my daughter again. That was my last thought as my limbs got heavy. My brain begged me to open my mouth and breathe. My fingertips breached the plane of water just as darkness overtook me.