Suzy ignored Derek's question and instead glanced toward the people aboard the other assault boat.
"I was asking them for directions," Derek explained. "I never expected to run into you guys."
Then something occurred to him.
"Oh, right. Suzy, wait a second. Let me talk to them first."
Paddling his raft over, Derek stopped beside the other boat and exchanged a few words with its occupants.
A moment later, the people aboard waved toward Suzy's group before turning their boat around and departing.
Both Suzy and Leonard quietly relaxed. Another potential conflict had been avoided.
"That kid's got some nerve," Leonard muttered under his breath.
He had heard every word Derek said.
At a time like this, Derek was still willing to strike up conversations with strangers and ask for directions.
Wasn't he worried someone might rob him?
Suzy found herself agreeing.
A few moments later, Derek paddled back.
"Come aboard," Suzy said, gesturing toward the assault boat.
