Ahu swore profusely, and grabbed a worn old spear he had stowed away for fishing purposes. Kiki and Tavake screamed, while Eloni and Lose ran to the back of the boat with Kaimana to see the monster themselves. Everybody else, Aka included, stood rooted to the spot, eyes wide with fear.
When Eloni and Lose reached her, Kaimana took a deep breath and turned back to the taniwha underneath them.
“There’s nothing here,” Eloni said, her voice laced with wicked satisfaction.
Kaimana thrust her head over the edge of the canoe and searched frantically. Eloni was correct; the water was empty, with shoals of fish beginning to return.
Eloni turned to address the canoe. “Calm down, nothing to see here. Kaimana just decided she hadn’t got enough attention recently.”
Kaimana’s eyes locked with Aka, and his look of shock had turned to disappointment and anger. She stood with her mouth open, lost for words.
It was right there. Someone has to believe me, the monster is in the water.
Everybody else returned to their tasks, their moods slightly darker.
Kaimana looked back at the calm Atoll waters.
Where is it now? And why is it following us?
Where the Waters Turn Black releases later in 2016. Head here to be notified as soon as it is available.
If you found me a few years ago, you would have met a slightly less grey-haired writer who believed he could do this writing thing all by himself, with as little input from anyone else as possible.
Yes, I was that stupid.
My ongoing, immeasurable thanks to:
All of my early readers, for invaluable feedback. To Edingell, for being there from the beginning. To Craig and Graham, for your speed and honesty. To Mark, for getting there eventually! And finally to Kat, for making me laugh and cry more than I thought I ever would when reading my own book.
Laura and Jenny for their professional polish, for helping to make this story into something I am proud to publish.
The Writers of All The Things, for being my constant companions on this journey (and long may we continue!).
Also to The Plotting Telltalers for being writing buddies, to the handful of people on Kboards who helped throughout the process (and to everyone else on there for all the valuable info you give to everyone, everyday), and to Bryan Cohen and his Facebook group for their help with the book description.
And finally, to Adele. Thank you because I promised I would, and thank you because you make all of this worthwhile.
They Mostly Come Out At Night Page 23