The Shark Whisperer. Ellen Prager

in a particular type of algae. When mixed with water and consumed, it helps to turn on those genes we’ve been talking about. Yes, it was in the bottled water you just drank. But again, don’t worry—it is perfectly safe. You will find that after drinking it, you’ll develop a thin webbing between your toes and fingers when you get in the ocean. For some of you it will be subtle, for others more distinct and strong. Learning how to make the most of your newfound water wings—that’s where I come in.”

      Tristan held up his hand, sure enough there was a thin film of skin between his fingers. He didn’t feel any different than before, but there it was. He actually had webbed hands and feet. He looked to Sam. She was also staring with disbelief at her newly webbed appendages. Rosina was shaking her hands as if the webbing was some kind of slime she could jiggle off.

      Hugh walked out of the water and sat on the dock watching the others. Henry waddled over to him. Hugh moved away.

      “A few tips for swimming,” Coach said. “For speed, use a flutter or butterfly kick with your hands at your sides or straight out in front, like a swordfish’s bill. Making slight changes in the position of your hands, or shoulders and head while swimming will enable you to turn smoothly.”

      “Can we, like, breathe underwater too?” Ryder asked.

      “We’ve never seen anyone develop that skill. But with practice, some of you will be able to hold your breath for quite awhile and dive deep or swim long distances underwater.”

      “Do we have to keep drinking the water?” Tristan asked. “If we don’t, will the webbing go away?”

      “If you stop drinking the water, the webbing will diminish slowly, until it disappears altogether. But your other skills should still work, just not as strongly.”

      The dolphin, Scarface, then swam by turning on his side, clearly eyeing the teens on the dock.

      “Well Marten, how about taking a little swim with Scarface?” Coach offered.

      “Okay. Yeah. What do I do? Do I just dive in? Do I swim up to it? Can I touch it?”

      “It’s not an it, it’s a he. Scarface is a male dolphin and all you need to do is jump in and just do what feels right . . . what comes naturally. Let Scarface lead you.”

      Sam looked to Tristan briefly and then hopped in. Immediately, Scarface was beside her. They swam together for a short way and then the dolphin put its beak into Sam’s hand. Moments later she reached out and grabbed hold of the dolphin’s dorsal fin.

      The other teens looked on in amazement as Sam was whisked through the lagoon. At first Scarface swam slowly, but then he sped up and raced with Sam through the water like a torpedo, creating a foamy white wake. Sam grinned from ear to ear. The two performed a figure eight at high speed. They then submerged out of sight. Seconds later they popped up, did another figure eight, and headed for the dock fast. A high-speed crash seemed just seconds away until Scarface suddenly swerved. Sam let go and drifted to a perfect landing in front of Coach, as if it was something she did every day.