Page 9 of Hidden Tide
“I sent a photograph to Nathan ten minutes ago.”
I turned toward the patio.
Nathan was already standing.
His phone was in his hand.
Mom stared at him from across the table.
“You should have told me,” I whispered.
“I needed confirmation before I frightened your family.”
“You frightened me instead.”
“I’m sorry.”
The regret in his voice softened my anger before it had time to grow.
“Are you coming here?”
“Yes. Commander Keating is driving me.”
“When?”
“We’re leaving now.”
Headlights appeared through the palms beside the house.
Two Coast Guard vehicles pulled into the drive.
Ward’s men separated before the engines stopped.
“You said they were sending officers,” I said.
“They did.”
Ben paused.
“Calle, listen to them. Stay at the house. Don’t go near Sea Whisper or the dock until I arrive.”
“You think whoever entered Blackwater might come here.”
“I don’t know what to think yet.”
That honesty scared me more than reassurance would have.
“Be careful.”
“I will.”
“And Ben?”
“Yes?”
“I’m glad you called me.”
His voice softened.
