Nick sat at the patio table nursing his beer and watching the gulls fight over something only gulls would fight over. He took a drag of his cigarette, leaned back, and blew smoke toward the bright azure sky. Closing his eyes against the glare, Nick smiled at his good fortune at finding a place right on the beach.

   After a few seconds he heard a cry that didn't sound like a gull's. He opened his eyes and quickly leaned forward. A woman was running on the beach. Her tight red skirt, silky blouse, and bare feet told Nick she wasn't running for exercise. He stood up, and his pulse quickened when he noticed the frantic look on her face as she looked over her shoulder.

   Nick glanced up the beach and saw a man running after her. He was about fifty yards away and seemed to be gaining. Suddenly the woman stumbled and fell. She didn't get up. Nick vaulted over the railing, flicked his cigarette away, and ran toward her.

   Adrenaline pumping his legs, Nick churned through the sand and reached the woman just before her pursuer did. He put his arm out and said, "Hold it, buddy."