Page 16 of Hidden Depths

Scott leaned toward Ward.

"I think this family might be crazy."

Ward never took his eyes off Storm.

"I think they're exactly what they're supposed to be."

I pretended not to hear him.

For some reason...

Those words stayed with me.

A loud whistle echoed across the marina.

One of our dockhands waved from the fuel dock.

"Captain!"

"We're topped off."

"Thank you!"

I looked toward the bridge.

Toward the open water beyond.

Everything was ready.

Fuel.

Food.

Weather.

Passengers.

Crew.

I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out Grandpa's old brass stopwatch.

It had belonged to him for nearly forty years.

Dad carried it after Grandpa retired.

Now it was mine.

It still kept perfect time.

I clicked it open.

Nine fifty-eight.

Two minutes.

I closed it again.

Ward noticed.