Chapter 8
Wading as fast as he is able to through the knee-high water, Mike reaches the woman in mere moments. Hearing the RHIB behind him, he turns to the woman. Laying a comforting hand on her shoulder, he says softly "Ma'am, please calm down. We are here to help you." The woman looks at him and seeing his eyes, she somehow feels safe immediately. Knowing he has her attention now, Mike goes on "Is there anyone else in the house?" She shakes her head at first, but then she looks at her son and remembers "Our dog. Our dog is still inside."
Nodding Mike asks her "What's his name?" Instead of the woman, the little boy answers with a quiet voice "Chico." Grinning at the boy and ruffling his hair, Mike says to him "Alright, buddy. I'll help you and your mother aboard the boat, then I get your dog, alright?" Feeling proud and like a big boy, because the adult had talked to him, the boy replies "Hmm, okay." Taking the boy gently out of the woman's arms and heaving him into the boat, he asks "By the way, what's your name buddy? My name is Mike."
Looking into the face of the friendly man, the boy answers "I'm Zach. And this is my mummy." Smiling at Zach, Mike replies softly "I already figured that out by myself, young man." Excited like a kid on Christmas, Zach calls to his mom "Mummy! Mike called me a young man!" Smiling at her son, the woman says "Really? Did he now? That was nice of him." Turning to Mike, she goes on "Normally Zach isn't that forward with strangers. Seems he already likes you – Mike" ,testing out his name and then asking "I may call you Mike, or not?"
Smiling slightly, he answers "Of course you can call me Mike. It would just be fair, if I would know your name too, ma'am." Blushing a bit, she replies "My name is Sarah. Pleasure to meet you Mike." She holds out her hand to him for a shake. He takes her hand in his and says "Pleasure is all mine. But now we have to get you into the boat so I can go and look for Chico." Without preamble Mike picks her up and lifts her into the RHIB, where Greg helps her on board. He looks to Mike and says "The water is rising rapidly. We have to hurry up." Mike nods and taking a flashlight out of the boat, makes his way back to the house.
After what seemed like endless minutes, Mike comes back out of the house, the dog in his arms. The occupants of the boat all sigh in relief. Once more Mike wades through the water until he reaches the boat. In fear of getting caught on to something underwater they stayed a few meters away. When he is at the boat, he releases his hold on Chico, who jumps out of his arms and into the inflatable. Supporting himself on his arms, Mike propells his body out of the water and takes a seat on the RHIBs side, catching his breath.
Immediately two little arms wrap themselves around his waist and a small blond head is snuggling into his chest. Surprised Mike looks down and recognizes Zach. The little boy murmurs a thank you and falls asleep. His mother Sarah comes over to sit next to him. She smiles softly "I'm sorry if he is bothering you and.." she isn't able to get on as Mike interrupts her "It's okay. He is certainly not bothering me. It's the opposite. I'm honoured that he feels so safe with me that he just goes to sleep in my lap."
The three firemen Greg, Andy and John laugh heartily at seeing this scene unfold in front of them. John says "Seems you have already found some new friends, Commander." He deliberatly used Mike's rank instead of his name just to see the woman's reaction at hearing it. He smiles as he sees her eyes widen in surprise and hears her gasp "You are a Commander, Mike?" Now it's Mike's turn to smile brightly "Yep, I am indeed. Navy Commander to be precise." Sarah takes a closer look at his uniform and recognizes the Navy crest immediately.