Page 231 of Hidden Depths

“Not everything. Not at first.” Thomas rested a hand on the journals. “James began noticing vessels arriving at ports where they had no legitimate business. Names changed. Registration numbers changed. Crews changed.”

“But the same people remained,” Ivy said.

Thomas gave her an approving look.

“Exactly.”

Ward stood near the doorway, his attention divided between Thomas and the water outside.

“The captain knew James had been watching him for years.”

“Yes.”

“That’s why he killed him, and my Dad?”

Thomas’s face filled with grief.

“He tried to frighten James first. When that didn’t work, he made certain your grandfather couldn’t talk.” He killed his son, and James was so afraid he would kill one of you. So he stayed away for a long time. He was gathering information in secret.”

Pain tore through me.

We had always known Grandpa’s death didn’t make sense. His final voyage had been ruled an accident, but none of us had truly believed it. Grandpa had a strong heart.

Now the truth was standing in front of me.

“He murdered Grandpa,” I whispered.

Thomas lowered his head.

“Yes.”

Calle reached for my arm.

I covered her hand with mine, holding on to my sister as the room seemed to tilt around me.

Ward moved closer.

His fingers closed around my hand before I realized what he was doing.

Warm.

Strong.

Steady.

For one brief second, I let myself lean into that strength.

Then Ward looked down at our joined hands.

Something changed in his eyes.

Regret.

Not because he didn’t want to hold my hand.

Because he did.

He released me gently and stepped away.