Mermaid and Man

by Val Tobin

Sirena drifted closer to the sailboat. It shouldn’t take much to sink it and drown the human predator inside. Even though constructed to withstand rough waters, the small craft would capsize if it took on enough water.

The solitary occupant’s attention was fixed on the fishing line dangling into the water off the stern. A sea anchor, deployed from the bow, drifted below. With the anchor’s line cut, she could scuttle the boat by opening the seacock.

She swam to the parachute-shaped object attached with a sturdy line to a chain. The mermaid pulled a knife from the sheath at her waist and started hacking. Nylon billowed around her. Sirena’s frenzied slices snapped one line, then another. The parachute engulfed her. She struggled, but the more she fought, the more it trapped and suffocated her.

A firm hand grasped her, and she whirled to meet the boat captain’s gaze. His eyes held only kindness and compassion. He pointed upward and she got the message. He wanted to help.

Sirena allowed the captain to swim her to the surface. Their heads popped from the water. He sucked air, then said, “You okay?”

She nodded.

“I’m Jordan.”

She refused to yield the power of her name.

“You’re safe now. These your waters? Sorry for trespassing. I’ll leave.” He glanced in the anchor’s direction. He’d have to repair it. “I’m a marine biologist studying here. I’ve heard of mers but thought they were myths.” He smiled. “I was wrong.”

Sirena placed a hand on his cheek, regretting her attempt to scuttle his boat. Some humans were evil, but not this one.

“You may stay here.” She swam away before he could reply. From a distance, she watched him safely board his boat and haul in his anchor.

Val Tobin writes speculative fiction and searches the world over for the perfect butter tart. Her home is in Newmarket, Ontario, where she enjoys writing, reading, and talking about writing and reading. Discover more about Val on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/val-tobin