The Answerless Sea

Word count 300

The Answerless Sea

         Whitecaps began their feisty roll toward shore. The sea changed before my eyes as wind buffeted against the water’s surface, undoubtedly churning the sea beneath those waves. Today, that churning matched the reeling in my gut.

         Peripherally, I caught the edge of movement near me. I lowered the camera I was using as a telescope, ready to reach for the gun inside my bag.

         “I bet you’ll get some fantastic shots with that camera.”

         I stared at the man with camera and sketchpad in his hands and relaxed. “That’s a good way to get shot Charlie.”

         He laughed. “Not during daylight with a beach full of people. You’re too good an agent to be that careless.”

         Charlie dropped his sketchpad next to mine, lifting his camera to scan the marina. Fifteen years working undercover in the areas of art and the FBI made us family.

         “Hear anything regarding that missing yacht? Word’s out that a group is trafficking cocaine and meth.”

         I lifted my camera, taking a few shots of colorful boats. “Nope. I’ve been watching for days, the yacht hasn’t returned.”

         “Nancy, do you want to be removed from this investigation in case your friend Andrea is involved? The outcome could alter your friendship even if she isn’t involved in peddling drugs.”

         “No. I’ll deal with the fallout no matter what happens.”

         Charlie sat down next to me, grabbed his sketchpad and began sketching the shoreline as I continued scanning the water. “Nancy, I’m here for you when you need to talk.”

         I put down my camera and watched Charlie perform a miracle on the page with a charcoal pencil. I sniffed back the tears forming regarding Andrea and put my head on his shoulder. For the first time in days, I just watched the beauty of the sea.