1. Levi

Chapter one

Levi

M y satellite phone's crackle pulls me away from chatting with the tourists on the deck of Island Dreamer. I rush over and grab it before the third ring, concerned it may be a problem back at the dock.

"Levi Harrison, how can I help you?" I answer seeing the caller ID is from OceanLife. They're a nonprofit focused on marine conservation and I'm curious why they're calling me.

"Mr. Harrison, this is Sarah Scott from OceanLife. How are you today?"

"Doing well, thanks. What can I do for you?"

"Well, we have a project starting up to investigate the declining green sea turtle population in your area of the Keys. We'd like to hire you and your charter boat to escort and transport our project lead biologist for a couple of months."

My interest is piqued. A chance to aid sea turtle conservation right here in my backyard waters. It aligns perfectly with my passion for protecting these islands.

"What would the job entail exactly?"

"You'd be responsible for taking our biologist out to specific GPS coordinates each day for observation and data collection. She'll be monitoring turtle nesting sites, analyzing water quality, tracking population numbers, etcetera. We need someone experienced and familiar with the local waters who can navigate efficiently."

"I'd be very interested in supporting your project but how soon would you need me to start?"

"Mr. Harrison, we would need you to start tomorrow. I realize this is short notice but the charter service we usually use has had to cancel due to a family emergency."

Two whole months dedicated to green turtle conservation. Visions of contributing to their longevity through hands on stewardship flash through my mind.

"You'll be the main point of contact and the logistics coordinator for our scientist once she's on site." Sarah continues. "It would involve monitoring activity patterns, documenting food sources, and gathering population metrics. We aim to determine the threats to green sea turtles here and use the data to advise changes for their protection."

I grip the phone tighter, feeling the full significance of this opportunity. A chance to leverage my intimate knowledge of the reef and surrounding islands that directly impact turtle preservation, while working directly with a passionate biologist at the helm.

"We've had great success working with captains before," Sarah adds. "I have to imagine you share our commitment to keeping these magnificent creatures thriving."

I gaze out at the Atlantic, the image of a tiny turtle hatchling imprinted in my mind, fighting for survival. "You imagined right," I reply.

"So, what do you say Mr. Harrison?"

I respond with a noncommittal, "Let me check my schedule and I'll get back to you later today if that works for you. I want time to think this through a little more before I commit—in spite of the fact I'm salivating at the prospect of being involved in this project," I say with a chuckle."

"Absolutely. You come highly recommended by a number of people here in Key Largo, so I sure hope you are able to work this into your schedule. I'll look forward to your call."

For now, I turn my attention to the tourists who seem to be enjoying the trip so far.

"Port side," I call out as I cut the engines. "See that dark shape moving through the waves?"

All six heads swivel starboard. "That's a juvenile green sea turtle. An endangered species we're lucky to spot today."

A skinny blond boy, around thirteen years old, peers over the railing. "It looks smaller than the ones at the aquarium back home."

"Good eye," I tell him. "The little guys hatch on the beach, then swim out here all alone. Only one in a thousand survive to adulthood." I shake my head, scanning the surrounding blue water. "They're in real trouble lately."

"Why's that, Captain?" asks a woman in a floppy hat, fiddling with the zoom lens on an impressive camera. Tourist, but serious about her wildlife shots based on the gear.

I plop down on the bench next to her husband, a beefy guy wearing a straw hat.

"See, the adults return to the same small beaches they were born on to lay eggs of their own. But in the last few years, not as many are making it back and the scientists aren't sure why."

The man nods slowly. "Pollution? Oil spills?"

"Maybe. But it seems different, the way the numbers are declining." I scratch my stubble, searching for an answer. Wishing I could do more to keep these waters and the turtles safe.

"That's odd." The woman bites her lip as she snaps photos. "Hope they figure it out soon."

"No kidding." I slap my thighs then stand. "Well how about we swing by one of those nesting beaches so I can show you the turtle tracks?"

A toothy smile spreads across the boy's face, "Totally!" he exclaimed.

I fire up the engines, angling us north toward the turtle nesting grounds. As we pick up speed we suddenly see dolphins racing in our wake and the tourists were beside themselves with excitement. The lady with the expensive camera was snapping pictures at breakneck speed. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself, I couldn't have planned this if I had tried.

As the Island Dreamer cuts through the waves, I let the sea's wisdom wash over me. The call from OceanLife is more than a job, it's a call to stewardship. I think of my dad, who passed his love for the sea onto me, and how he'd want me to use my skills for something meaningful, and that makes up my mind for me.

For now, I brush the thoughts of OceanLife aside as we drop anchor at Key Largo Reef. After going ashore to see the turtle tracks, we head out to the reef for some snorkeling.

While the sightseers are snorkeling, I use this time to check my schedule and see I only have a couple of bookings and one of my other captains can handle them with our smaller boat.

I grab my satellite phone, excited at what I'm about to do.