When Ethan returned to the cave, Chris quietly asked Emily, "How did Ethan know I was in danger?"
"Skinny Pete sensed that something might've happened to you. The captain came straight out of seclusion and rushed off to save you as soon as he heard," Emily said softly.
"Chris, the captain really cares about you. You should've seen how worried he was when he heard you were in danger. Don't do anything that reckless again."
"I know. It won't happen again." Chris nodded. He knew perfectly well that Ethan cared about him. He really had been too impulsive this time.
He turned to Skinny Pete. "Thanks, Pete. I mean it."
"Come on, Chris. We're friends. You don't have to thank me like that." Skinny Pete sounded almost offended.
Chris gave him a firm nod. This time, he had truly felt death closing in. He'd had one foot in the grave, and if not for Skinny Pete, he would already be dead. That was why he was so serious about thanking him.
