Chapter 8 - An Unexpected Arrival
Before anyone moved, the distant sound of an engine echoed across the lake.
A dark pickup truck rolled down the gravel road toward the dock.
Behind it came another.
Then a third.
None of them drove fast.
They parked neatly near the entrance before several men and women stepped out wearing outdoor rescue uniforms. Their jackets displayed an unfamiliar emblem.
The moment they saw Elias, every one of them removed their hats.
"Captain."
The respectful greeting spread through the crowd.
The tallest bully frowned.
"You people know him too?"
One rescuer smiled.
"We owe him our careers."
Another nodded.
"He trained most of us."
The bullies looked at each other in disbelief.
This quiet old fisherman was somehow connected to experienced rescue teams from across the region.
The leader approached Elias.
"We received your message last night."
Elias handed him the waterproof pouch.
"I hoped we'd never need this."
The rescuer accepted it carefully, treating it as though it contained something priceless.
"What exactly is in there?" someone asked.
May you like
Elias answered without hesitation.
"Proof."
