Part 28 (1/2)

The momentum gave Evelina the advantage she needed. She yanked the Reef Hag off of the chariot, along with one of the Lake of the Isles novices.

The silver eyes of the Reef Hag turned on her, like glittering shards of gla.s.s just as Evelina bobbed to the surface a few yards from the Lake of the Isles raft. They'd come full circle.

The Reef Hag reared up in the water like a black tsunami, hissing in outrage. She swirled around Evelina, dragging her underwater.

Evelina thrashed and twisted, sinking lower and lower.

Her chest burned.

She couldn't breathe.

Then out of the bubbling foam, there was Frankie, pulling the Reef Hag off. He had a large diving knife with a wicked blade in one hand.

Evelina swam for the surface, frantic for air.

She popped out of the water, filling her lungs with a ragged gasp, then dove back down to help Frankie.

The Reef Hag had him pinned on the sandy bottom, trying to jerk the knife from his hand.

Evelina grabbed her by the hair, yanking her back.

She didn't like that.

She let out a howling screech that echoed through the water like a wounded whale in heat.

Her grip loosened.

Frankie thrust the knife into her chest.

Black liquid oozed out.

She drifted to the bottom limp, like a handful of noodles.

Three ghost rays appeared, giving off an eerie luminous glow.

Evelina froze in fear.

But to her relief and surprise they ignored her and Frankie.

Instead, they each took a tentacle and spirited the Reef Hag's body away.

Evelina swam to the surface gasping for air.

The Lake of the Isles novice was beside her appearing dazed, barely treading water.

Frankie popped to the surface.

”Well, this is awkward,” Frankie huffed, helping her to haul the stunned novice toward the raft. ”If not emasculating.”

Frankie and Evelina pushed while Abby and Tally hauled the novice onto the raft.

Frankie clambered up onto the raft, then offered her a hand. ”Thanks.”

”No problem.” Evelina sucked in great gulps of air, dragging herself up onto the raft. ”I was in the neighborhood.”

”Security is supposed to take care of these things.” He sounded angry with himself. ”I didn't see her until it was too late. It's a good thing you were there.”

”I'm glad you said that.” Abby grinned down at him. ”So I didn't have to.”

Evelina flashed Abby a glare.

”She just can't help herself.” Abby sounded as though she was choking on her own laughter. ”She just keeps saving people.”

Evelina narrowed her glare to a glower.

Abby turned the other way, but Evelina could still see her shoulders shaking.

”You were right about Lefever.” Frankie pushed his wet hair from his face. ”His s.h.i.+p was spotted past the reef. I should have listened to you and reported it.”

She couldn't help but smile. Not quite an apology, but she'd take it. Time Keepers weren't the humblest of warlocks, being at the top of the food chain.

”Well, gotta go.” Frankie dove into the water to swim out to his Water Jet.

Evelina gazed toward the tower. The minute gla.s.s was almost empty. White Water and Lake of Isles weren't going to make it.

It was up to Oceana.

The Swamp Hogs' chariot flew up to the lifeguard tower just ahead of Oceana.

”d.a.m.n!” Abby roared. ”That means they'll get another card.”

Tally covered her face and groaned.

”Cards please, gentlemen,” Sydney McCrystal spoke into the megaphone. The Swamp Hogs have four Aces.”

A cheer rose from the beach.

The Swamp Hags whistled and jeered.

”Oceana has... a royal flus.h.!.+”

The crowd burst into cheers.

”And the winner is,” Sydney McCrystal boomed into the megaphone, ”Oceana!!!”

”Wooo hooo!”