How embarrassing was that? The woman outright called him a pansy for wearing a life vest, and there he sat wearing a bright orange, buoyant pillow. It was like deer-hunting season on water. Still, he had to admit the life vest made him feel a little better about his longevity. Dorie cut the boat in and out of the tiny inlets of water, the aluminum sides occasionally brushing against the marsh grass next to the bank. One thing was for sure: Shawn Roland would not get away from Dorie Berenger if this came down to a boat chase. Richard was pretty sure fish couldn't get away from Dorie in a boat chase. All of a sudden, the boat dropped its speed and he pitched slightly forward, barely managing to hold on to his seat and his dignity. Dorie pointed to the bank on the right of the boat and steered toward a small cabin on stilts just off the bayou. "We can start here," she said. "This is the Paulie's. They live in Lake Charles and only come here occasionally. Should be empty." She motioned to the dock.
