Page 244 of Hidden Depths

My heart skipped.

"This one?"

Thomas nodded.

"Your grandfather wasn't hiding from Ashford."

"He was watching him."

Ben frowned.

"From here?"

Thomas smiled.

"This old boathouse overlooks one of the busiest hidden channels on the coast."

"He could watch every ship that passed."

"And no one ever knew."

I looked out toward the narrow passage we'd just navigated.

Grandpa hadn't chosen this place because it was beautiful.

He'd chosen it because it was the perfect lookout.

A sudden knock echoed against the side of the boathouse.

Every head turned.

Ward drew his pistol.

Ben instinctively stepped in front of Calle.

Nathan reached for the shotgun resting beside the door.

"Coast Guard!"

A voice called from outside.

"Mr. Calloway?"

Thomas looked surprised.

"They found me."

Ward opened the door carefully.

A Coast Guard lieutenant stood on the dock.

"We've secured the Mariner's Crown."

Everyone let out the breath they'd been holding.

"But..."

The lieutenant's face grew grim.