The square-cut suit I was wearing was a new one with black, green, and purple geometric patterns. I’d bought it with Adam in mind. We might not be able to go swimming in the ocean together—not at night, when sharks hunted for food—but my property was big enough that I could have a pool installed. I’d look into it. “Come on!” Den challenged. “Last one out to the breakwater does the cooking!” We knew that would be Kenny. He was the worst swimmer, but the best cook. The afternoon passed in a haze of heat, salt water, and the smell of coconut sunscreen, and I stopped thinking about the man I’d met by the lockers. Mina loved the water. She dashed into it fearlessly, but she swam so well I didn’t think to worry about her. Somehow, though, whenever I turned around, she always seemed to be near, and she’d growl if anyone on the beach came too close. She finally relaxed enough to let Jimmy and Trish play fetch with her, and I took the opportunity to get something to eat.
