Michelle M. Pillow - The Mighty Hunter

Chapter One

Bridget Dutton watched the waves lapping along the bow of the ship as it chopped through the water. No matter how many times she went out to sea, she could never stop staring at the beauty of it--the brilliant blue of the water stretching out like a moving field into the horizon. She loved everything about it--the sound, the smell, the feel of being rocked to sleep on the waves. But, there was also the excitement of it, the unknown.

Now, as the bright moonlight shimmered over the glassy surface, the water was exceptionally beautiful to behold. There was nothing around the boat but the sea and the night sky. They were miles away from any coast, surrounded by sparkling blue.

Your mother mustve thought she gave birth to a dolphin, Ned Devenpeck teased, joining her at the rail. He was the head of their expedition. His accent still held traces of his Dutch birth, but after nearly thirty years working off the Florida coast, primarily studying fish ecology, his English was perfect. Dev was an older man, nearing sixty, though he hardly looked it. Years spent out on the waves had kept him fit and he hardly looked a day over thirty-five, except for the short crop of dark gray hair on his head. Like all the scientists, he was dressed for the field in khaki shorts and a fleece sweater. He handed her a cup of coffee. You never come inside the cabin until its time to sleep or work.

Thanks, Dev, Bridget answered, nodding as she lifted the cup. She had known him for some time as a scientist, but she was beginning to think of him as a friend. This was their first expedition together and he had chosen her as his second in command. There had been some light flirting, and she definitely respected his work, but it hadnt gone anywhere. She was only twenty-six and that was quite an age difference, especially career wise. He was winding down while she was just getting started. Actually, she accused me of being a pirate in my past life because I always came home with treasures from the ocean.

Oh yeah? Where did you grow up?

The Oregon coast. Most of the treasures were just sea shells or sand dollars, polished glass, bits of driftwood. But once, I did find this. Bridget reached into her shirt and pulled out her necklace. It was a flat disc with a hole in the middle inscribed with strange symbols. No one has been able to tell me what it is or what it means. Ive basically come to the conclusion that someone was toying with ancient languages and carved it. Its too new to be an antique.

Dev laughed softly. Ive never seen anything like it. And the Oregon coast? Its the wrong region for this sort of thing. Though, I suppose with currents Well, never mind. Its probably like you said. So, is this the reason you love the ocean so much?

I dont know. It did make me think about it more, about what could be out there buried deep beneath the waves. I cant seem to help it. I love the sea. Its the last unknown left to explore on Earth. There are so many things we dont know about it. For each new species we classify, there are fifty more waiting around the next seamount.

What are you doing in Florida, then? Dev asked. You should be going with a team to study the Mid-Atlantic Ridge or the effects of the Puerto Rico Trench on tsunamis. Why stay here helping me with boring chemical readings?

I tried to get on an expedition to explore shipwrecks, but Thurmond told me I lacked sufficient Deep Ocean and thermocline experience to be on his team. He did say if I filled this position and worked for a full year, he would reconsider my application. Since hes the boss, here I am.

Thurmonds a politician first and a glory hound second, Dev said, shaking his head. Were scientists. Politics have no place in science. Well, except to fund my pet projects, of course.

I agree, Bridget said, raising her coffee mug. But, dont you worry. I signed on this boat for the next year and I wont complain.

Im not worried, Dev said, winking. We throw complainers to the sharks. Theres no one for miles to aid in a rescue. How do you think we got rid of Grant?

Whos Grant?

Exactly. Dev winked again. He pushed up from the rail. Im tired. Ill see you in the morning.

Bridget laughed. Good night.

Dont stay up too late, kid. Thats an order. Dev opened the door and went below deck into the main cabin.

Bridget smiled to herself as she turned back to the water. Hugging her sweater around her arms, she knew she shouldnt be out too much longer or she would catch cold. The air was particularly chilly at night, as the breeze swept over her from the water.

Just as she was about to turn, Bridget saw movement on the surface. She frowned, squinting to see better. It was probably just a dolphin pod or something swimming past. She leaned over the rail. As the boat moved ahead, she saw that it was actually something floating on the water. She stiffened.

Man overboard, she whispered. Where had he come from? Springing into action, she ran to the cabin door and yelled, Man overboard! Man overboard!

Someone was playing a guitar and the music came to a sudden halt, punctuated by a rise of voices. Nearly a dozen scientists rushed out from the cabin, some carrying life vests and first aid kits. Dev jumped up to man a searchlight as Bridget pointed at the water. It didnt take him long before he found the man clinging to driftwood. The big spot light outlined the dark figure. Her stomach was tight with worry. Who was this man and what was he doing floating out in the middle of nowhere?

Bridget grabbed a rope ladder still tied to the rail from earlier when theyd taken surface samples. She threw it over the side. Adrenaline pumped through her veins and she fearlessly climbed over the rail to the ladder. She didnt stop to think, just did what had to be done.

Bridget, hold on! she heard Cassandra scream. Let us hand you a line so you can tie yourself off.

Were close, Bridget yelled back. I can almost reach him!

The boat slowed. Freezing cold water splashed over her, soaking her sweater. She climbed down. Her feet dipped below the icy surface. Hooking her arm on a rung, she leaned over.

Almost! she called, beginning to shiver violently. Just a foot more. Ease it in. I can almost reach him!

The boat pulled closer. Her heart pounded so loud in her ears that she couldnt hear anything. The man didnt move as she called out to him. His fingers gripped the driftwood for dear life. She reached out, touching his shirt sleeve. The man jerked and she gasped in loud surprise at the sudden movement.

Whats going on? she heard someone ask. The spot light shifted, shining brightly into her eyes. She closed them, turning her back on the light as she gripped tighter to the mans sleeve.

Easy, were here to help. Youre safe now, Bridget soothed. No ones going to hurt you. Come on. Come with me. Easy does it. There you go.

The man started moving, grasping at her as he tried to pull himself out of the water. His heavier weight strained her arm on the rung. Bridget grunted in pain, trying to hold onto the man and the ladder as his weight caused her to strain. Calling up, she said, I got him, but I need help lifting him up.

Hands instantly came over the side to help her. Together they managed to get him up over the rail. Bridget stayed on the ladder, looking around. She climbed up a few rungs, getting her lower legs out of the freezing water.