Page 161 of Hidden Depths

I looked around the bridge.

At my sisters.

At Nathan.

Then...

At Frank and Rose.

A knot tightened in my chest.

"I'm sorry."

Every head turned toward me.

I tried to smile.

It didn't quite work.

"This isn't the voyage you paid for."

Rose blinked.

"What do you mean?"

I spread my hands helplessly.

"You booked sunsets."

"Dolphins."

"Quiet evenings under the stars."

"A relaxing anniversary cruise across the Pacific."

I glanced toward the distant ship following us.

"Instead..."

"...I've somehow turned your vacation into an international mystery."

For a heartbeat...

No one spoke.

Then...

Frank laughed.

Not a nervous laugh.

A genuine one.

Rose looked at him.

"What?"

He smiled at me.