In the Deep *Book Two* Water Trilogy

Ten

I floated in shallow water as I waited for the opportunity to change forms and run to Jim's Tackle Shop. Sure, convincing Jim to help Audrey seemed like a brilliant idea, until I realized I had to run up a beach butt naked and break into the back door of a shop on a busy street. A car passed as my lower half turned to legs. My heart beat nervously in my chest. Crouching down, I prepared to run.

Without a single item of clothing I shot up the sand to the back door of Jim's shop; hoping Jim himself wouldn't be hanging out in his office. The door was unlocked and I let out a sigh of relief when I saw no one in sight. To my left a closet sat conveniently filled with a few sweatshirts and a couple pairs of pants. Quickly I pulled on some jeans, even though they were huge, and tied them tight with a string fishing rope.

A ding of the front door startled me, making me lose my balance and nearly take out a chair. Laughter traveled into the office and it wasn't Jim's.

"I heard rumors that you finally reopened," said a mans voice I did not recognize.

"What are you doing here?" Jim was guarded and unwelcoming to the man.

"Oh, don't worry Jim, I just came to see what I'm up against."

"I have had this shop for a long time-"

"And I opened mine not too long ago. What's the point you're trying to make?" The man chuckled darkly. "Let me guess, your counting on your loyal customers to still come here? Please, Jim, everyone in this town thinks you're crazy. Why would you buy from a loon whose prices are twice as high, and not as good I might add, as the nice fellows cross the street?"

Another laugh erupted from the man before his heavy boots stomped out the front door. I felt sorry for Jim. The man wasn't crazy; the things he believed in and devoted his life to were real. And here I was as proof about to ask for his help to save Audrey from my sister.

I debated if I should go around the front to talk to him since I was clothed or if I should wait for him to come to the back. Before I made up my mind, Jim made it for me.

The man stomped into the back room before I even had time to hide. He threw back the curtain separating the office from the store and what did he see? Me. In his clothes.

"What the hell?" He shouted before pulling a knife out of god knew where. I threw up my arms in surrender.

"Whoa, Jim. It's just me."

"I know, you little shit. You helped my mermaid get away and now the whole town still thinks I'm crazy. You and Audrey destroyed everything."

"I know, Jim, but you have to listen to-"

"I don't have to do anything." He crossed his arms "I should call the cops on you for breaking and entering into my shop."

"Audrey needs help, damn it! She needs your help!"

Silence. Jim didn't say a word as I clamped my eyes shut and took a deep breath. I massaged my temples. I forced myself to remain calm, in control. I needed to convince him to help. There wasn't anyone else.

"I will explain on the way but I need you to get your boat."

"Why should I do this?" Jim questioned. His expression had changed from disgusted to curios. You could practically see him debating with himself.

"Because Audrey will die if you don't," I offered. He sighed.

"Let me close the shop," I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. "But you're going to tell me where we're going and why."