Page 323 of Hidden Depths
“I know.”
Frank looked up from the journal.
“Free vacations improve a man’s disposition.”
Rose sighed.
“No one asked you.”
“I’m speaking from experience.”
The laughter faded when Frank turned another page.
His smile disappeared.
“Storm.”
Something in his voice brought everyone closer.
He pointed toward an entry near the back of Grandpa’s journal.
The date was from three years ago.
Two days before Grandpa died.
His handwriting was weak but unmistakable.
They found the old passage.
The gate is no longer sealed.
If they reach what James and I hid beneath Blackwater, none of the girls will ever be safe.
Thomas knows the second way in.
He swore he would never return.
But if I am dead...
He must.
My mouth went dry.
“James and I?” Calle whispered.
“That doesn’t make sense,” Willow said. “Grandpa was James.”
Nathan took the journal from Frank.
He examined the page beneath the light.
“There are two shades of ink.”
Ward came down the stairs.
“What does that mean?”
Nathan pointed to the first two lines.
