Page 260 of Hidden Depths
Thomas smiled sadly.
"Because he loved you."
The words hung in the air.
"He knew what that truth would cost you."
Nathan closed his eyes.
"That's exactly the kind of man James was."
Ben leaned against the wall.
"I wish I'd met him."
Thomas laughed softly.
"You would've liked each other."
"Why?"
"Because James collected people."
Ben frowned.
"Collected people?"
Thomas nodded.
"He never cared where you came from."
"Only where your heart pointed."
He looked around the room.
"Take a look."
"A captain."
"A photographer."
"A chef."
"A sailor."
“A ship mechanic.
"Five Navy Seals.”
"A lifelong friend carrying a burden that was never his."
His eyes rested on each of us.
"James would've smiled if he'd seen this room today."
"He'd say..."
"'Looks like my crew finally came together.'"
