Tanner, busy with the lines, cursed under his breath, stumbling as the boat lurched to one side. Mallory’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing at the waters ahead. “Steady, lads!” Mallory’s voice cut through the rising tension, a rock of authority in the chaos.

For what felt like an eternity, Mallory battled the elements, his knuckles white as he held the wheel steady against the waves. The boat tilted dangerously to one side, and then, with a final, desperate turn, Mallory managed to pull them free of the chaos.