Page 88 of Hidden Depths

That bothered me a hell of a lot more.

The sun was beginning to sink when Ben found me on the upper deck.

He leaned against the rail beside me.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I probably am."

"They've maintained almost exactly the same distance for thirty-six hours."

I nodded.

"They're disciplined."

Ben looked toward the horizon.

"Military?"

"Maybe."

"Private security?"

"Could be."

"Pirates?"

I watched the gray silhouette through the binoculars.

"No."

He looked at me.

"No?"

"Real pirates don't spend three days introducing themselves."

Ben smiled.

"They're watching."

"They're learning."

"Waiting."

"Exactly."

Below us...

Scott was helping Frank untangle another fishing line.

"I think the fish tied the knot."

Frank chuckled.

"You think they're smarter than us?"

Scott looked down at the mess.