Write On

A horn sounded, and with his hands securing his goggles and cap, Andrew Hewitt leapt off the dock and into the Hudson River, the smack of the brackish water his baptism for the day ahead. The Manhattan Island Marathon Swim had begun, and Hewitt's race number, inked onto his left bicep, gleamed in the early morning light.  Dozens of swimmers were attempting a circumnavigation of Manhattan, and the water grew choppy as they kicked and stroked their way out of the cove. Tracing the island counterclockwise, Hewitt and the others would head down the Hudson, around the Battery, and up the East River. From there they would cross the Harlem River and then swim back down the Hudson. At twenty-eight and a half miles, the swim was longer than either the English or Catalina Channel swims. It was Hewitt's first triple crown event.  A 41-year-old former Navy Seal, Hewitt hailed from San Diego. Like the other racers, he had two support boats accompanying him, a small fishing boat and a kayak.

  Chapter Five Andi tapped my shoulder.  “Are you all right?”  I swallowed hard and nodded.  “Ellen, do you have more candy?”  The plastic-wrapped nugget was hot and kind of damp.  I unwrapped it and laid the sweet on my tongue, focusing on the fake watermelon flavor that was, at that moment, the only thing I knew for certain to be real.   Becca sort of skipped across the gravel to Daniel and threw her arms around his shoulders.  “That was amazing!  You are such a talented musician.” Daniel snort chuckled and dumped the spit out of his trumpet.  A huge glob plopped next to his sneaker.  “Much obliged, much obliged.  An auspicious beginning to the spooky season if I do say so myself.”  His face flushed red enough that I could see it through the dark. “He’s gonna love her forever.”  Andi chuckled.  “And I’m totally there for it.” “Let’s go.”  Chris whirled and headed back down the path.   “Thanks, Daniel!”  Ellen clapped in his direction and hurried after Chris. Daniel bowed elaborately,