Page 316 of Hidden Depths

“I didn’t say we should leave immediately.”

“You were thinking it.”

“I was considering our options.”

“You were wondering whether the free vacation included yacht repairs.”

Frank looked at me.

“Does it?”

I laughed despite the fear pressing against my chest.

“It does.”

“Excellent.”

Lieutenant Akana’s expression softened for half a second.

Then he looked back at Ward.

“I’ll need full statements from everyone once we reach the marina.”

“You’ll have them.”

“And I suggest no one aboard this yacht goes anywhere without an escort.”

Ward glanced at the five SEALs, and Nathan positioned around the deck.

“That won’t be a problem.”

Akana returned to the Coast Guard boat.

I stood staring at the fishing vessel on the reef until it disappeared behind us.

Grandpa’s boat.

Or a boat someone wanted the world to believe belonged to him.

I didn’t know which possibility frightened me more.

The repair marina came into view an hour later.

By then, darkness had begun settling across the water.

The lights along the docks flickered on one by one.

Normally, the sight would have felt welcoming.

Tonight...

Every shadow looked like a man waiting with a rifle.

The Coast Guard secured a private section of the marina.

Two officers remained near the entrance while mechanics inspected Sea Whisper.

The first estimate wasn’t good.