“Dale!” Shona screamed. He tried to reply, calling out that he was fine, but he couldn’t get enough air to shout. A stabbing pain burst through his chest as he inhaled. The sharp salt taste of the water swirled through his mouth. Choking and coughing, Dale swam up, nearly stunning himself on the low ceiling of the narrow corridor.
Rolling onto his back, he breathed with a sharp whine. The pain in his ribs became excruciating. Kicking weakly, he swam backwards, the last of the air vanishing under the rising water as his head bumped against the ladder.
Hands grabbed Dale under the arms and yanked upwards. He took a deep breath as he slid out onto the deck. Logan and Shona were watching him anxiously.
“Go… “ Dale muttered. “She’s going down.”
“You’re lucky, mate,” Logan said with his usual dry wit. “Another couple of minutes and we would have left without you.”
Together, Shona and Logan helped Dale to his feet; he hissed at the pain and let them half-carry him across the pitching deck.
“Jump!” Shona shouted. Logan hesitated.
“Go on, mate,” Dale said. “We’re right behind you.”
Logan let go of Dale and leapt into the water. The yellow vest life jacket he wore brought him bobbing to the surface a moment later. He swam towards the black-and-orange octagon of the life-raft that floated a few feet away.
“Can you make it?” Shona’s face was etched with worry.
“Sure I can.” Dale tried to smile and just looked crazed.
The yacht deck rolled underneath them and they both jumped. The mast slammed down into the water with a thunderous cracking sound. Dale came up, gasping in shock and pain. Shona was already on the surface. She grabbed Dale by the hand and drew him closer, the buoyancy of her life jacket keeping them both up.
Kicking strongly, Shona dragged Dale to the life raft. Hands reached out and dragged them into the boat. Spots danced in Dale’s eyes and his vision blurred.
“Motherfuu…” he managed before passing out.
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Megalodon: Apex Predator Page 15
