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Everyone filed onto the boat, and Baer put the cooler down next to the seating area. Gio went through the motions of releasing the lines and helping Marcello prepare for casting off while the Weavers got comfortable or explored the boat.
When the motor rumbled to life and they pulled away from the docks, everyone was settled in. His brother relaxed behind the helm, accepting a bottle of water from Wiley. “So, how did you all meet? I’ve never heard my brother mention you before.”
“We’re recent friends,” Gio answered as he opened the cooler and pulled out a soda.
“Where’s your bait?” Marcello pointed at the cooler. “I thought that was bait.”
Wiley held up a bag of lures. They’d purchased them with the poles. Granted, it was a small bag and Marcello looked even more confused.
“Shrimp or cut squid would be better, but I suppose we can use cut bait if you catch some small fish.” His brother snorted and grinned. “Freaking newbies. It’s a good thing I have the supplies you’ll need. Outside of the bait, of course.” He snickered at his brother. “Didn’t plan this out, did you?”
“We’ll make it work. At least we bought saltwater lures.” Gio set his soda in a cup holder. Rather, they’d been smart enough to ask one of the store employees what they needed while they were shopping. He knew they’d see Marcello at the dock so they had to at least present the illusion of being there to fish. They’d never thought they’d have to go through the motions.
“Depends on what you’re trying to catch. Most fish use their sense of smell to hunt. I’ve got some bait spray, though. That should help.”
That was fine with Gio. If Marcello lost himself in teaching most of them how to fish, he might not pay attention to the fact that Baer was missing. Though how the Animal Weaver was going to slip away to conduct reconnaissance of the pestilent island was beyond him.
Wind blew his hair away from his face as he looked out over the bay. Fluffy clouds lined the sky and seagulls soared out over the water. It was definitely too cold to swim, but other than that, the day was just gorgeous. Too bad they weren’t really out on a fishing expedition.
Lucien scooted closer to him and took his hand. “Nervous?”
“Yeah. I don’t know how we’re going to learn anything with my brother here. We’re actually going to have to fish,” he said, trying not to sound too horrified. “You ever fished?”
“No, and in fact, I’m not a fan of the water. Don’t even know how to swim.”
Calder, who was on Gio’s other side, leaned forward. “You don’t know how to swim?”
Lucien shook his head. “Never learned, so I hope your brother knows what he’s doing out here.”
“He does. No worries.” Gio rubbed his thumb over Lucien’s fingers.
“I’ll teach you to swim,” Calder offered.
“But in the meantime, I’m finding you a life jacket.” He started to get up, but Lucien pulled him back down.
“Later, unless you think your brother is going to dump me overboard.”
Marcello would not, but he would be anxious until he saw Lucien wrapped in a life preserver and safe.
Calder smiled and slung his arm around Gio. “I’ll keep him safe.”
Well, it helped to have the Water Weaver looking out for Lucien.
Gio glanced over to find his brother watching the three of them, speculation in his gaze. Marcello knew about his former relationship of course, so he was probably thinking Gio was a fool for trying that again.
He inwardly shrugged. It was none of his brother’s business. He needed to give Lucien and Calder a chance. It wasn’t only a matter of stopping the pestilents and keeping his men safe. If he didn’t, he could also be missing out on the greatest love of his life.
He snuggled into Calder’s side and tightened his fingers on Lucien’s. These men were becoming the center of his world, and he wouldn’t give that up.
With Marcello at the helm, it didn’t take long to reach their destination. His brother cut the engine, letting the boat drift along in the small waves. “We’re here!” he called out. “Get your poles ready.”
Gio stood and grabbed his pole while Wiley handed out lures. The island they were interested in was a few hundred yards away. Gnarled tree branches covered the beach, and there was some thicker brush in some spots. Overall, not a lot of coverage if the Weavers were to sneak onto the island.
A single, two-story white house on stilts rose up. Its many windows glinted in the sunlight, but they were largely covered by thick curtains, giving them no sense of people moving inside. If the spell had been correct, the last Weaver was somewhere in that house.
Baer, Wiley, and Calder all seemed proficient when it came to fishing and had their lines out in no time. Lucien fiddled with his lure but didn’t seem interested in even pretending to fish. Instead, he set his pole down and grabbed a soda from the cooler. He patted Gio’s ass when he walked by and Gio threw him a quick smile.
