Hard Case VI: The Killer Inside (John Harding Book 6) by Bernard Lee DeLeo Read Free Book Online Page B

buoyancy. Searchlights from the boat were flashing in a light show around us, but I could tell their operators had no idea where we were.
    Luckily, I could hear her hyperventilating gasps for air as she flopped every appendage in all directions with survival the only thought lancing through her head. I figured it would keep her somewhat warm, because hypothermia would come quickly in those frigid waters. People think the Bay Area water must be warm because after all it is California. Wrong. Middle fifties to low fifties is as warm as it gets. It’s not polar bear ice floe temperature, but it will cramp a person quickly, especially one panicking for every breath. My head had already started aching from the cold water as I slowed my approach.
    “Hey! I’m right here! Calm down and I’ll help you!”
    Yeah, that worked well. She squealed, and launched at me like a nautilus missile. I went under, grabbed her feet, and pulled her under. Then I grabbed her hair, and struck out for the Ferry, dragging and straightening her out as I side stroked. She gulped air while I told her to relax. As she calmed to only mild panic, I switched hands, gripping her chin instead of her hair. By then we were nearing the fantail where the crew had put a boat in the water. They took hold of my waterlogged package. The young woman was quickly heaved upwards to the deck as I waited until they maneuvered her to the waiting arms above before pulling myself aboard the smaller boat.
    One of the crewmembers, a salty looking middle-aged character with a three day growth of beard peered into my face with a grin. “Hey, sharky, how you doin’. Was that as refreshing as it looked?”
    “Yeah… I’m all cooled off now, Salt.”
    He chuckled. “Want to climb aboard, or would you rather row alongside?”
    “I think if I stay here, my teeth will start chattering so badly I might break a few. Maybe I better climb aboard.”
    “Good choice.” He gave me a steadying hand as I righted myself in soaking wet clothing. “Damn… you’re a big one. It was a miracle she didn’t end up in the screw. We couldn’t see shit. We didn’t know what direction to launch the skiff.”
    “Say… you wouldn’t have anything to make an Irish coffee with would you?”
    “I believe so, my friend.”
    On deck, the applause for the frozen Cheeseburger was heartfelt. The Beard hugged me, soaking wet clothing and all. The Salt put a large Irish coffee in my hand after I stripped out of my shirt, and donned the blanket I was given. Lora and Al hovered around me, relieved and happy. I smiled while sucking down that Irish coffee with gusto. Salt came alongside and tilted a flask again into my cup.
    “Thanks, brother.”
    “It’s the least we can do. Once we land, we can take you back with us.”
    “I’ll find a clothing store, and get some new duds. We’ll get some hot clam chowder in a bread bowl as planned. I’m thinking of maybe taking a taxi back to Oakland though.”
    Salt and the people within hearing enjoyed my alternate transportation declaration.
    “I don’t blame you,” Salt replied, walking off.
    “That was scary, Dad.”
    “It was cold. I can tell you that much. What’s the name of that clothing place on Pier 39 that sells jeans and everything, Hon?”
    “SF City Wear. You’ll need the works, Dark Lord. Just between us, would you have gone in the water if Al and I hadn’t been with you?”
    “Sure,” I lied. I don’t know. Sometimes I have a mean streak going, especially when it comes to an application of Darwin’s Law. “Well… at least a firm maybe.”
    “We really don’t have to stay,” Lora said after some amusement at my qualification remark. “I bet you’re uncomfortable as hell.”
    “The Irish coffee is helping, but I’d be lyin’ if I said I’m okay with saltwater in every pore.”
    “Why don’t we buy your clothes, and then go check in at the Peir 2620 Hotel for the night? You can take a quick shower, get changed, and then