“Your mother was the best, you know it. Pretty as a movie star. Your dad used to be a hell raiser, Will. Always quiet, always thoughtful, but daring and adventurous. That’s what your mom liked about him.” Don wiped his nose again.
“He still does stupid things.”
Don spun on him with bright black eyes. “Stupid! I’m betting this expedition pays for your and Ellen’s college, and three new, fast cars for the lot of you. Maybe even a place on the beach in Virginia when you go back.”
“Money’s a dumb reason to risk the most dangerous seas there are,” he mumbled.
“That’s because you’re twelve, and you don’t have to feed your kids and put good clothes on their backs. Besides, it’s more than money. Your dad loves a challenge at sea, and he’s done the Drake Passage more times than any captain alive. It’s like his warped paradise. He gets excitement, he gets to use his chops. Those things are important.”
“Dad doesn’t get excited about anything.”
“Well, what the hell’s got you pissing all over your dad like this?”
Will instantly felt guilt. He should have kept his mouth shut. “I just don’t like being at sea.”
“Oh, I get it. And he makes you go on trips. You have six years and then you never have to even take a shower again if you don’t want to. Cut your dad a break is all I’m saying. He’s had it rough. And between you and me, and I’d never say this except I nipped a touch of rum earlier, but he hasn’t been right since she died. He loved adventure, sure, but she was the great adventure of his life. We can all only hope to have what your mom and dad had at some point in our lives, even if it is just for a day.” He looked back at Will and smiled. “Eat more. Almost eight, and I see some of Mallory’s people starting up the pit. You’re in for a treat. Fresh air and a hot fire. Actually, just save your food and eat it on deck. I bet you’ll actually finish a meal tonight with that setup.”
Megalodon: Apex Predator is available from Amazon here.
Island Rampage: A Dinosaur Thriller Page 22