“Another patrol boat came by,” Jerry explained. “In fact, after all the fireworks, just about everyone in Sunset Beach arrived on the scene. We wanted to get you to a doctor so we took the first transportation that offered.”
“Almost there now too,” added Mr. Parker.
Penny sat up. The shore was dark but she could dimly see the dark Crystal Inn hotel.
“I don’t need a doctor,” she laughed. “I’m feeling better every minute. My, won’t Louise be green with envy when she learns what she missed!”
“I’d say she was lucky,” Mr. Parker corrected. “Penny, you don’t seem to realize what a narrow escape we all had.”
“That’s right,” added Jerry, “those men were desperate, and they’d have stopped at nothing. I guess we owe our lives to you, Penny.”
Penny loved the praise. Nevertheless, she replied with a show of modesty:
“Oh, I didn’t do a thing, Jerry. As a matter of record, I nearly messed up the show. When I threw that hand grenade I forgot to pull the safety pin.”
“I’m glad you did,” chuckled Jerry. “If it had exploded, we might not be here now.”
Penny sat very still, thinking over what had happened. Events were a bit hazy in her mind and many questions remained unanswered.