Page 409 of Hidden Depths

“He raised five girls,” Willow said. “He prepared for everything.”

“Where does the hatch open?”

“Behind the flybridge seating.”

I turned to Ben.

“Take Ivy and Willow to Akana’s boat.”

“No,” both sisters said.

Ben didn’t move.

“Well, are you taking them?” I said.

“I heard you,” Ben said.

“Then take them.”

Ben looked toward the flybridge.

“You need someone at the lower stairwell.”

“I have John.”

“John is outside.”

“How do you know?”

“I saw his shadow through the smoke.”

Of course he had.

Even wounded and terrified for Calle, Ben was still reading every inch of the operation.

“I’ll hold the stairs,” he said. “The sisters show you the compartment.”

Ivy crossed her arms.

“We’re not leaving without Hazel.”

Ben looked at her.

Then Willow.

“You stay behind me. If I say move, you move.”

They nodded.

I doubted either of them meant it.

We entered Grandpa’s compartment through the wheelhouse.

The hidden door blended perfectly with the chart cabinet.

Inside, the space was barely large enough for two people.

A narrow ladder disappeared into the ceiling.