Floaters
Budge grinned, relieved at the alternative ending to his life’s brief story.
“Good job,” Will said to Drummond, nodding toward the dock.
Lifting the spyglass, he returned his attention to the river.
If only Fish would get here, he thought but saw no sign of tug or barge.
***
They’d attracted a crowd.
The floaters drifted alongside now, not attempting to board, not getting in their way but leaving the lane before them open. At four miles an hour, the canal boat passed their entourage, but there were always more, drifting alongside, as if they knew the lock lay ahead and the living would have to stop and deal with the dead.
Sikat na Kabanata