"I'm certain he could, after toying with it a little." Why did she have the distinct impression Max would eat out the innards and then keep the shell for a trophy to chew on from time to time?

"I was almost tempted to keep him just for that little mishap." Not that he'd be of much use. He was too tiny to be eaten. Hawke stepped in close enough to take hold of the pole beside him, eyebrows shooting upwards. "Maker, that's heavy," she murmured, holding it steady and helping him pull it upwards.

When it broke the surface of the water, she peered over and grinned at the sight, eyes alight with excitement. "Yes, that's it," she said, grabbing the trap. "Look at them. A perfect catch." Carefully, she set the box down beside the others, taking the pole in one hand and pulling the hook free of the wiring.