9
“You crazy, sister?”
“Asks the rescue swimmer,” Vera chided him. They were the ultimate warrior in the Coast Guard hierarchy, jumping out of helos to rescue desperate people from fast-sinking boats. She’d never seen him before. He must be the substitute for Harvey now on his honeymoon.
“Hey, I’m paid to be crazy. You’re doing that all on your own. I like that in a Guardsman.”
“Guardswoman.” Vera wore a full float suit, unlike the diver who wore a dry suit. If she hit the water, she’d float like a balloon animal; he needed to be able to swim and dive. They were both International Orange for maximum visibility.
Like a lot of swimmers, he was a big guy. His broad shoulders and well-muscled legs were obvious even through his suit. Which had her looking aloft.
Hammond was up there. Just
