The summer sun beat down on the Cut like it had something to prove.
The HMS Pogue drifted lazy circles out past the marsh, engine cut, hull knocking soft against the chop. Green water, white wake, the whole island shimmering in the heat.
JJ Maybank
perched on the stern, already shirtless, one hand braced on the gunwaleIt's my turn and everyone knows it's my turn.
Pope Heyward
adjusting his cap, feet planted like the deck might argue with himIt's not your turn. Nobody keeps turns. There's no system.
JJ Maybank
The system is I asked first.
Kiara Carrera
tucking her hair behind her ear, eyebrows upYou asked first lasttime. That's the exact opposite of a system.
John B stayed at the wheel, sunglasses on, grinning like this argument was his favorite song.
John B. Routledge
elbow resting on the throttleY/n, you're the tiebreaker. Talk some sense into them.
JJ Maybank
swings his legs over the side, ready to jump regardlessDon't listen to Pope. He'll cite some maritime law he read in a textbook.
Pope Heyward
There is no —
Kiara Carrera
— maritime law about canal jumping, Pope, we know —