Page 67 of Riptide

“The Coast Guard will scan the hills for eyes. We’ve blocked off the trailhead but that doesn’t mean there aren’t people working for Marretta camping round the cave. To be honest, I don’t think it’s likely, but we have to account for all the situations.” Marcus looked to Seth. “You got gear on this boat?”

“Yeah, snorkeling and scuba. This is one of those secret caves so to speak, so not many people have ever been in it. We might be able to get the boat in but if not, we may have to swim.”

“What do you mean?”

“Some of the caves are a tight squeeze. If the boat can’t get under, you’ll be swimming. There’re strong currents in the area so either way, we’ll have to be careful.”

“Yeah, it definitely happens,” Kaimana agreed.

“I thought you said you didn’t go in caves,” Seth said.

“You got brothers?” Kaimana set her hand on her hip.

Seth smiled in response.

“Let’s just say I did a lot of things as a kid. Then I grew up and maybe didn’t want to do some of those things anymore.” Kaimana’s expression turned serious as she looked to Marcus. “In all seriousness though…the caves are sacred. Our ancestors used to bury their dead in caves. Iwi kūpuna. They’re taking him there to die. I…I just don’t get what is wrong with these people.”

“We’re going to put these assholes away,” Marcus told her.

“He’d better be alive.” Kaimana edged closer to Seth and leaned her head on his shoulder.

“He’s going to make it.” The warmth and scent of Kaimana surrounded him as he buried his nose in her hair. She’d become an addiction and her presence brought him happiness in spite of the chaos spinning around them. Through his entire life he’d never been compelled to commit to one woman…until now.

“Coast Guard is on their way,” Marcus said.

Kaimana eased out of Seth’s arms and took a seat as they headed out of the bay and into the sea. A wave rolled the boat, and she curled her fingers around a railing.

“Okay folks, hold on. Let’s roll!” Seth shoved the throttle forward and sent the boat roaring into the ocean.

He kept his eyes focused on the sea as the warm wind blew against his face. Thoughts of Evan played in his mind, and it occurred to him that maybe he never knew Evan as well as he thought he did. Evan led a secret life, and though they’d shared many memories, he’d never shared that part of his life with Seth.

As they approached their destination, the spectacular valley came into view. Seth’s mind settled into a quiet confidence, determined to find Evan. The sight of Nā Pali, the lush green coast and its sandy beaches, brought back college memories. Despite warnings from his grandmother, he’d hiked the breathtaking but unforgiving trail with a couple of friends. Between the weather and cliffs that would test the most experienced hikers, it was like nothing he’d ever hiked in his life, and he swore someday he’d be back.

Like the many dangers of his youth, the Nā Pali Coast beckoned him once again. As he sped past the first sea cave, he pulled the throttle back and put it into neutral. The engine fell into silence and the boat bobbed with the waves.

“Okay, Marcus. Can you point us to the coordinates? I’m looking here, and I’m not seein’ any other caves. Kaimana, you see anything?”

She retrieved a pair of binoculars and began scanning the coast. “Not yet.”

“It should be over there. To the right.” Marcus pointed towards a small beach lined in green cliffs.

Seth eased the throttle forward, moving the boat closer to shore. “It’s not very big. It’s just a little patch of sand.”

“I don’t see a cave opening, but maybe I’m missing something.” Marcus scrubbed his beard.

Static erupted from the radio. This is the US Coast Guard. ETA 5 minutes, Copy

Seth reached for the radio. “Roger. We’re sitting on the coordinates but will have to take the boat closer.”

“The wall of the cliff. It doesn’t look right,” Kaimana said. “See there? Both sides of the cliffs…it’s moving. It’s ivy or something.”

Seth radioed to the Coast Guard. “This is Seth. We’re going in toward the cliffs, Copy.”

“It looks like there might be two caves underneath that cover. Which one should we go to?” Marcus asked.

“Yeah, I don’t know.” Seth took the binoculars and strained to see into the caves.

Kaimana pointed to a dark grey fin cutting through the water off to the right. “Look. We should go to that one there.”