Page 240 of Hidden Depths

45

Storm

"Aman's reputation is built over a lifetime...but one bad choice can become the only thing

history remembers."

— James Sinclair

No one reached for the second photograph.

The scratched-out face seemed to stare back at us anyway.

Thomas carefully laid it beside Grandpa's journal.

"James said this photograph was the most dangerous thing he'd ever possessed."

I looked at the faded image.

"Why didn't he destroy it?"

Thomas smiled sadly.

"Because James believed the truth belonged to the innocent."

"He said evil only wins when good people bury the evidence."

That sounded exactly like Grandpa.

Outside, the low rumble of Coast Guard engines echoed across the cove.

Ward glanced toward the dock.

"They're sweeping the shoreline."

Thomas nodded.

"Good."

"The fewer people who know about this place, the better."

Ben frowned.

"They're the good guys."

"They are."

Thomas looked toward the hidden entrance.

"But James taught me something years ago."

He smiled faintly.

"'Trust people.'

'Just don't trust everyone with everything.'"

I smiled through my tears.