Page 117 of Hidden Depths
That bothered all of us.
More than the trawler.
I reached for the bridge radio.
"Calle."
"I'm here."
"Keep everyone inside."
"Already done."
"Hazel?"
"With Frank and Rose."
"They're doing crossword puzzles."
Despite everything...
I smiled.
"Good."
"Willow?"
"Baking cookies."
Ward looked at me, amused.
"Cookies?"
I shrugged.
"My family copes with stress differently."
"I like your family's method."
The older man slowly stepped closer to the rail.
Then, to my surprise...
He picked up an old brass speaking trumpet.
Not a radio.
Not a loudspeaker.
A speaking trumpet.
The kind Grandpa used to keep aboard Sea Star.
He lifted it to his mouth.
"Captain Sinclair!"
His voice carried cleanly across the water.
