Jack jumped over the sand dunes and rushed down to the shore. "Lexi!" He called over the crash of the ocean waves.

"It's Mom! Please hurry!" She yelled back.

Jack hit the hard-packed sand at a sprint. His rifle rattled as it jostled against his back. The tactical gear slowed his pace. He pushed harder until he finally reached the edge of the water.

"Dad!" Lexi pulled Alex along until she tripped and fell at his feet. "Something's wrong with her."

Jack ...