Finished with all of the tests, Kerry sat down heavily on the stool. She ached in places she didn’t think it was possible to ache. She looked up at the clock and saw that it was two hours past the time she was supposed to call Leaper.
She sighed. “I’m a rotten girlfriend. He’ll understand, right?”
Methodically, she stored the leftover sample materials in the refrigerator, making sure they were properly labeled, and then she cleaned up the table she was using. She took her flash drive, printouts, and notes and left the sterile environment through the double-entry doors. The whoosh of the doors was oddly reassuring, and the noise from the mammals was a welcome cacophony. Happy chatting was a good sign.
Stripping off the paper garments, she stuffed them in the appropriate bin and located her phone. She dialed Leaper’s number. It connected after the second ring. “Hey. Sorry.”
“No worries. I figured you were working.” Leaper was calm, and she was relieved he was so laid-back. One guy she had dated a few years ago had freaked out when she didn’t call at the specified time. Was it any surprise that someone like that wasn’t going to last in her world? Work was a completely engrossing experience for her.
“Yeah. I’m still here.” She rubbed her forehead and felt the paper shower cap still on her head. “Dang, I’m tired.” Whipping off the cap, she walked back to the correct bin and shoved it inside.
“Do you need help?” His offer was so sweet, but there wasn’t much more left to do.
“Thanks. No. I don’t have that much left.” She bumped her hip accidently on the table and almost lost her balance. Suddenly she remembered the equipment she’d borrowed from his house. “I meant to tell you… I robbed you earlier today. I took a few things to help with my excursion.”
He chuckled. “Yeah. I know.”
“How?”
“Trackers. They’re on everything I own. I think there might even be one on my butt.” His chortle made her laugh.
“I’ll check for you, next time I’m down there.” Smiling felt so good, especially after the day she’d had. “Thanks for the loan. I’ll load it into my vehicle and—”
“No need,” he said. “When I saw the stuff was at the Marine Mammal base, I figured you were either using it for fun or work, so I swung by and saw Clay unloading it. He briefed me as we loaded it into the boat. I’m glad it worked out.”
“Me too.” She rubbed her eyes, trying to coax them to focus just a little longer before they required sleep.
“He only gave me the basics. I’d like to hear the whole story.”
“I’d be happy to share it. My work is almost complete. I have a few more things to do.” Kerry picked up her purse and the data and walked to the lab tent’s exit.
“No rush. I’m here. Come over when it suits you.” Leaper was so easygoing. She adored that about him. How did she get so lucky?
“Great. See you soon.” She hung up.
Kerry took her flash drive full of information to her car. She had run tests on her dolphins several times now, and the results were the same. Adding the data from the wild dolphins made her even more certain. The same illness was in both groups, and it would kill them unless something changed. Her heart hurt at the thought. She just couldn’t let that happen.
She took her laptop from the case in the backseat and loaded the data onto the hard drive. Using her phone as a link to the internet, she logged into a private website for marine mammal research, recovery, and relocation. Without disclosing her place of employment, she made the data as generic as she could while maintaining the integrity of her sampling, and then she uploaded the data with her name attached.
Since she volunteered for a number of facilities such as aquariums or water-themed marine mammal parks throughout the United States, her client would stay hidden unless she decided to reveal it. At this point in the process, Kerry was hanging on to that fact in case she needed a bargaining chip with the trustees. Sure, it might cost her this beloved job, but it would save her dolphins—her friends—and that meant more than any paycheck ever could.
Reviewing results from other researchers, she located a research scientist and doctor in Greenland who had encountered the same virus and was having positive results with a vaccine he’d made. He based his chemical compounds on a study done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, who said the virus was being named the morbillivirus infection, which “resembles a measles infection; in addition to bottlenose dolphins being at risk, porpoises and whales are too.”
Shit! This is frightening news.
Kerry sent him a private message with a link to her data. Tapping her fingers, she wondered what time it was in Greenland.
His response was quick, so she guessed the time difference didn’t matter. She read on, and he was extremely generous with his offer. He included a copy of all of his findings as well as the formula for a vaccine.
She could hardly believe her eyes. Loading his data onto her thumb drive and taking a picture of the formula with her phone, she was eager to talk to the trustees and her fellow doctors. She wrote a quick note to her fellow staffers and sent a copy of the formula, and she copied the message to the Director. She prayed they were as eager to help the dolphins as she was.
She pressed the heels of her palms against her eyes, which throbbed with overuse and exhaustion. Sending a second message to the vet in Greenland, she thanked him for his information and told him that she’d keep him in the loop.
She turned off her computer and put it back in her computer bag, taking it with her when she locked up the car. Heading back down to the dock, she texted Leaper: I’m too tired. Can you come get me in the boat?
His reply was swift. I’m on my way.
She let herself through the security gates, waved at the guards, and headed slowly down the dock. Her gaze lingered on each dolphin. She knew them better than her own sisters.
She sat down on the dock next to Juliet’s pen, not daring to close her eyes.
Sleep sucked her under just as she heard a boat pull up to the dock. Kerry was vaguely aware of the strong arms that lifted her, tucked her into a corner of the RIB, and wrapped thick blankets around her. Distantly, she heard Leaper’s voice and wanted to thank him. But when the boat began its journey home, the movement lulled Kerry into a deep, deep sleep. Darkness took her fully away to a place where dreams didn’t dare intrude.
Chapter 7
Panic gripped her. Racing pulse, rapid heartbeat, and cold sweats overloaded her senses as Kerry fought to wake up. When she did, she didn’t know where she was. She couldn’t even remember going to bed. She panted as she tried to calm down.
A hand touched her shoulder, and she practically flew out of bed.
Backing up too fast, she hit the wall hard and slid down to the floor, landing in a shivering heap.
“It’s me,” said Leaper, switching on the light. He came over to sit beside her. “Bad dream?”
“Don’t know.” She was rocking. “Disoriented. So much…fear. I don’t know how, where the time went.” Her breathing was growing strained. She was on the verge of an anxiety attack. “You and me, coming here… How did that happen?”
“Kerry, slow down. Breathe with me and I’ll explain everything.” Leaper had her inhaling and exhaling on a four count until she could feel the terror lifting.
“Thanks,” she said softly. “I’m better.”
He nodded. “You texted me and asked me to come get you in the boat. You were asleep next to Juliet’s pen, the place where we had a dinner date. I picked you up, brought you here, and tucked you into bed.”
“Right. The text. I remember that.” Kerry looked down at her body. She was wearing a T-shirt and panties. She raised an eyebrow. “Did you undress me?”
He nodded, like a pup that was happy to see his owner. “The first thing you always do is take off your bra, and
I didn’t want you to get cold, so I put my SEAL Team FIVE shirt on you, which you fill out better than I do.”
She rolled her eyes. “And I slept through the whole thing.”
“Like a babe. I was gentle and respectful.”
Kerry didn’t doubt that for a moment. “Sorry I got freaked out. It was such a long and overwhelming day.”
He stood up and offered her a hand. “C’mon, I make a great cup of hot cocoa, if you want to tell me all about it.”
Placing her hand in his, she nodded. “I’d like that.” This was precisely what she needed, to unwind. “Are we having marshmallows or whipped cream?”
Leaper pulled her to her feet. He held her close for several seconds, and then he kissed her nose and led the way into the kitchen. “I’m a professional. We’re using both.”
* * *
The boat skipped over the frothy waves as if it were giddy to be cutting through the ocean at full speed. She’d spent three grueling days producing the vaccine correctly, per the instructions of the Greenland vet, and she was praying that it would work. Going into the vast ocean to find a pod of dolphins was like hunting for a yellow needle in a stack of loose hay, but they were still going to do it. One look at her man and she knew his determination matched her own.
She breathed deeply. The fresh air was so sweet, she practically gulped it in as she stared at the horizon. Kerry knew she would always choose the outdoors to being cooped up, no matter what the weather was like, though she also preferred having control. Mother Nature rarely allowed human beings that privilege.
A cool wind smacked her face hard, whipping her hair into her eyes. Kerry pulled up the hood of Leaper’s sweatshirt and cinched it tightly over her hair. She couldn’t stop herself from winding her fingers into the dangling strings and chewing on one of the giant string notes until her inner turmoil became so heavy, she finally blurted out, “Are you sure?”
He glanced at her and said, “For the fourth time, yes. Kerry, please relax. Fidgeting isn’t going to make this go any faster or any better. Just take some time to review your tasks and chill and then face the situation, do your best, and go home. It’s all any of us can do.”
“I bet you say that to all the trainees.”
He raised his eyebrow and made a noise.
“Yeah, you’re right. I get it.” She rubbed her cold nose and tucked her hands into the giant front pocket. Underneath the soft sweatshirt, her body was encased in a wetsuit and her core was toasty warm. In truth, it probably wasn’t even that chilly out, but her concern about the vaccine was seriously getting to her. If someone put the fate of an entire species in your hand, wouldn’t you be nervous?
Glancing over her shoulder, she review their supplies. They’d laid down waterproof camp mattresses in the back of his boat, because this was a risky endeavor—heading into the ocean to find a wild bottlenose that would allow itself to be captured and tagged—and if a human being didn’t use it, then they could hoist a dolphin into the boat. Seriously, she was glad to have him with her.
Tucked between her feet was a bag of dry clothes, a large thermos of coffee, breakfast bars, salty snacks, potassium treats, and bottles of water. In back was a massive first aid kit and the doses of vaccine were split between two coolers. There was even an empty cooler for samples. What more could she do?
As Leaper chomped on a breakfast bar, she threw him a wry look. How he could eat was beyond her understanding or capability. She was more likely to heave than swallow food. Her adrenaline was rushing, and she was too keyed up to devour anything. Of course, she thought, looking at him, I do have a special kind of hunger for him. That thought made her smile.
Dang, he’s right. I need to loosen up.
“Are we heading to San Clemente Island? We took our samples from a pod near the Coronados. Can we head there?”
He nodded his head. “Were you near the breakers?”
“Yes. I don’t know if we’ll find the same pod, but I want to try.”
The night was dark and there wasn’t much light, except for the stars and moon above and their boat. Leaper turned the boat downwind, and for several seconds they were airborne. “I’m not sure if I’ll find a place to anchor in that area. There are deep caverns. Tell me when to stop, and I’ll see what I can do.”
Kerry stood up and pointed. “Over there, about fifty feet.”
Leaper slowed the engine. The boat passed over the area several times. He looked over at her and held her gaze. “Don’t look so upset. You knew it would be a long shot.”
“Yeah, I know.”
He hugged her.
She broke the embrace and paced the length of the boat. “I want it—this—to matter,” Kerry said, angrily slamming her foot against the toolbox.
Leaper approached her slowly. He opened his arms. “You matter to me.”
“Thank you, but that’s not what I mean.” She allowed herself to find comfort in his embrace again. “I need to leave my mark. I entered this world and I helped someone, something, specifically the dolphins. I can’t let them die.” Her body shook as she wept.
His hands rubbed her back, soothing her. “Let it out.”
She pounded her fist on his chest. “What’s the point of having all this education and experience without putting myself on the line? I need to save the dolphins. How can I look my patients, my friends, my dolphins in the eyes, knowing that I wasn’t willing to risk every ounce of my life for them?”
“I get it. Honestly, I do.” Leaper’s words were gentle. “We’re not giving up. Are you willing to give my spot a try?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Leaper escorted her back to her seat and then drove the boat away from the breaks. He brought it to the far side of the island. The water was calmer here.
It was nice to be out of the screaming wind.
Out of the coroner of her eye, she caught sight of a fin. “There!”
Bringing the boat into a small grotto that was protected from the wind, Leaper cut the engine and pulled up the prop. He said, “We have about eight to ten minutes before we can haul her onto the sand.” The boat drifted slowly toward a sandy beach.
Kerry’s eyes scanned the water. She tapped her fingers against the boat, hoping the pod might recognize her. No one came. “Crap.” Frustration was welling inside of her.
Several heads popped out of the water. Kerry recognized the older male. “It’s them. Yes, yes, yes! Thank goodness!” Pulling off Leaper’s sweatshirt, she placed it next to the thermos and prepared to lower herself into the water.
“Not so fast,” said Leaper, grabbing her arm. “Take a breath. You need your vaccine and your tagging equipment, and you’re not going into the water without me.”
“You’re right. I’m rushing. I’m excited. I can’t help it.” Kerry sat down and counted to ten before gathering her tagging equipment and the vaccine. “Leaper, am I a monster for wanting to do this? Individuals who don’t quarantine and follow specific protocols can run the risk of unleashing something horrific into the ecosystem.” She shook her head. “Maybe I’ve watched too many zombie movies.”
“Kerry, you’re not a monster. I’m not a monster. What you’re doing in attempting to save an entire subspecies of dolphin takes kindness, love, and respect. Cut yourself some slack.” Leaper squeezed her knee. “Besides, didn’t that guy in Greenland test the vaccine on the dolphins in the Atlantic? It’s already in the ecosystem. If it had negative repercussions, wouldn’t they already have happened?”
“Good point. Let’s go for it. And if this is a giant mess, it’s on me.”
Leaper lowered an anchor, securing the boat in the deeper area, and then dropped lights over the side of the boat and secured the lines to cleats. The entire grotto lit up, and they could both see two different pods in the area. “I see stingrays in the sand, a lot of them, which means you cannot put your feet
down under any circumstances,” Leaper said.
“Thanks. I try to be aware of them.” She’d seen a man wearing a wetsuit who was pierced through the chest by a stingray. The wetsuit had barely slowed down the stingray. It was horrifying. “Why don’t you go in first? You can be the safety. Let’s hang by the boat for five minutes and see what happens.”
“Sure thing.” Leaper was attaching several knives, bandanas, and a spear gun to his person. He put the fins on his feet, then splashed water into the mask, dumped it, and put it on. He was in the water before Kerry was done gearing up.
Kerry attached the tagging equipment to her dive belt and then tucked the injectable vaccine into a pouch. Grabbing swim fins and a mask, she lowered herself beside him.
They waited patiently. When none of the dolphins came near, Kerry signaled to Leaper to stay, and she swam toward the older male dolphin. The rest of the members of his pod scattered, but he stayed put.
Stopping a few feet from him, she put out her hand.
He came forward and nudged it with his snout. He allowed her to rub down the length of his back. When her hands were on the fluke where she would normally take blood in an examination, she dove underneath him, gave him the vaccine, and quickly tagged him.
The dolphin didn’t seem to notice she had done anything. If he had… Well, dolphins can stop the blood flow to parts of their body, and she definitely did not want him to do that. So she continued to rub him and caress him until she had to go to the surface for more air.
Poor guy. His lymph glands are horribly swollen and misshapen. I wish I could do more to ease his symptoms.
Taking breaths as deep as she could, she replenished her air supply and made her way back down to him. Where was he? She turned in a circle looking for him.
Leaper pointed above her. It was nice having him there with her. He’d come closer to help her when she was clear of the dolphin. What a thoughtful soul.
The Power of a SEAL Page 19
