Beneath The Waves (bxb)

11. You Can't Have Just One! Damn...

As soon as I slid out of my truck with the clipboard I always kept on the seat, I took in a deep breath and sighed.

"Nothing better than spending a day at the beach."

Those words made me smirk as I eagerly walked over the shifting sands. My short black hair was blowing like crazy and getting in my eyes, but I was used to it after so many days researching on the dock or a boat. I had already sprayed on some sunscreen while in the truck, so there was nothing left to do but the work that I loved.

Ken's large fishing boat was out, telling me that he was likely to be gone until late, good. I didn't want him bothering me, in case Callem surfaced. Having to explain to someone that mermen suddenly existed again wouldn't be easy. My feet clacked on the worn wooden planks as I walked down to the edge of the peer, knowing that Callem would probably be over by the tie-out net in the distance. I almost wanted to call out to him, but he was no longer meant to interact with me, even though I had a feeling the lab might want that to occur anyways.

Instead, I dropped down into the folding chair I had left out for relaxing and crossed my legs, setting the clipboard overtop them after getting comfortable. I filled out all the necessary information on the first page—name, estimated age, etcetera, and then kept an eye out for the next few hours. When I finally sighted Callem, he was out by the fish net, heading toward shore. After a quick glance to either side, I sighed with relief to see that most of the beachgoers had already packed up and left. It was a pretty overcast day and had drizzled once or twice, so that probably made them leave early.

When I saw the partial outline of a dolphin swim beneath the dock, I hopped up and walked over to the edge. To say that I wasn't happy to see him would be a lie. He was amazing, and I was extremely glad that I had helped him and managed to get him safely back to his real home. Another minute later, I saw a big splash a few yards ahead and smiled.

"There you are, Callem. Great to see you're okay."

Another splash closer to me had my heart skipping a beat. The choppy water made it hard to see his specific details with all the sand and sediment being kicked up, but I knew it was him. When his tail didn't pop up again, I sat cross-legged near the edge and scribbled notes for the better half of an hour. My boss was going to get his report, even though Callem wasn't doing much. I could definitely bullshit a good amount. Of course I refused to lie in my reports, but I could easily fluff it up quite nicely. After years of researching, I was at least good at that. It was sometime around five when I saw another splash, one much closer.

"Hm? Wanna talk now, Cal?"

I set my clipboard down and scooted closer to the edge, letting my feet hang over it. He splashed again, drawing a quiet laugh from me as I kicked lightly. I almost wished the dock was low enough so that my feet could dip into the water... but then again, it would probably wash away in a simple storm if that were the case.

"You're acting a bit weird today. Finally sick of me?"

There was a sudden splash just to my left, making me jump a little, then laugh.

"Alright alright, you're playing with me. Come say hi, Callem."

I leaned over, reaching my hand toward the water with a smile. Of course I wasn't going to go swimming with him in such high waves, but I did want to see him and make sure he was doing well. My gaze skimmed the water, expecting to see his shadow again or at least another splash. Instead, I heard a car door slam over by the dock and looked up to see Jayson hopping out of his SUV. He didn't normally come down to the beach when I was on an assignment, or at least come directly to where I was researching with his car.