Sabrina exhaled shakily and reached a hand up to touch his hair, mirroring his affectionate gesture. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re kind of intense?” She asked with a slight smile.
Cesare gave a pained chuckle. “Uh. Yeah.”
Sabrina relaxed under his gaze, and then her smile deepened. “I need to go see a seal pup, which means we’re stepping back into my wheelhouse. Normally I have more backup, but right now it’s looking like it’ll be just me handling the pup. Would you prefer to watch, or are you willing to get a little more hands-on?” She asked.
Cesare stepped out of the helicopter, extending a hand, and assisted her down to the grass below. “Whatever you need, you tell me.” He answered firmly.
“Yes, sir.” She teased, eyes fixed on his lips.
“I like that.” He answered, his voice deepening.
“Sir?” She asked, flicking her gaze back to his.
Cesare nodded silently, watching for her response.
“I’ll bear that in mind.” She replied cheekily, walking away from the helicopter.
The broody Italian took a step forward, taking Sabrina’s hand in his as they made their way towards the beach.
Sabrina smiled.
Dusk had arrived as they approached a small parking lot leading to the beach. Travis had parked a van with flashers on in a no-parking zone in the crowded parking circle. He gave an appraising look at Cesare before looking at Sabrina and holding up a pair of dark green waders.
“I wasn’t sure if you wanted these or not. But I brought everything else on the list.” He informed her, pointing towards a few white plastic five-gallon buckets filled with various supplies.
“Let’s start with vests on everyone and gloves. Cesare, this is Travis. Travis, this is Cesare.”
“Good to meet you.” Cesare nodded, extending a hand.
Travis shook it with a side-eye to Sabrina. “Where are you from?” Travis asked.
“Philly.” Cesare nodded. “Here to visit and ready to help. You?”
“I’m from here. Born and raised.” Travis folded his arms.
Sabrina watched in horrified amusement at what looked like the beginning of a turf war. “I think it’s time to suit up.” She remarked dryly. “Vests make us identifiable to the public andlocal agencies. These are oil rigger gloves. They’re cut proof which means bite-proof…mostly.”
Cesare accepted a pair of bright yellow gloves from Sabrina as she continued. “The seal pup seems as far from the water as it can get, so we can pass on the waders for now, but we’ll need the safety boards and a seal net just in case.”
The red head picked up two wooden boards, approximately two feet wide and three feet tall, with handles on top. “Can you carry those?” She asked Cesare.
He was already reaching out for the boards. “Of course. What else can I carry?” He asked.
“You can take the net too, if you want. I’ve got the rope bag. Travis, do you have the camera?” Sabrina inquired.
Travis scoffed. “Of course I do.”
“Good.” Sabrina nodded, gaze shifting towards the beach. “We probably have another half hour before it’s dark. Let’s go check out this party.”
The trio made their way onto the sandy beach, approaching the group circled around something making a sound similar to a sniffling baby goat.
Without any hesitation, Sabrina deftly maneuvered herself into the middle of the circle, eyes widening at the sight of a tiny, premature spotted leopard seal. Its black and white spotted coat still had the fluffy fur typically lost before birth. Wide, frightened black eyes looked up at Sabrina. Its nose was dry, and its whiskers drooped as the seal pup continued to make a high-pitched snuffling sound that tugged at Sabrina’s heartstrings.
“Who called the hotline?” Sabrina shouted out, projecting her voice over the crowd.
A young woman in a green tank top and jean cutoffs, standing on the outskirts of the circle, stepped forward nervously.
“Thank you for calling.” Sabrina nodded. “Can you stay to answer a few questions?” She asked.
