Page 226 of Hidden Depths
"The Mariner's Crown isn't searching."
Every instinct I had came alive.
"What is it doing?"
A long silence.
Then—
"The silver-haired captain..."
The Coast Guard intercepted the Mariner's Crown and made the silver-haired captain break off. He must be aware of Ivy’s millions of viewers, and he can't risk firing on a Coast Guard cutter with millions of people watching Ivy's livestream.
Just then, a loud THUNK echoed from inside the abandoned boathouse.
Everyone froze.
Ben instinctively stepped in front of Calle.
Calle reached for Storm's arm.
I drew my pistol.
The sound came again.
THUNK... THUNK...
As if something...
Or someone...
Was trapped inside.
42
STORM
Grandpa used to say.
"A captain doesn't abandon hope just because the storm gets louder."
— James Sinclair
The thumping came again.
THUNK... THUNK...
Ward raised one hand.
"Stay behind me."
The old boathouse door creaked open on rusted hinges.
Sunlight spilled across a floor covered in dust and weathered fishing gear.
For a moment...
Nothing.
