Page 278 of Hidden Depths

Ben’s tone wasn’t harsh.

It was simply final.

Besides you’re both our friends.

“We’ll make sure you get inside safely. Then two of us will check your room and the surrounding floors.”

Rose blinked.

“You’re checking our hotel room?”

“For listening devices, cameras, and anything that shouldn’t be there.”

Her face changed.

The reality of what had happened finally breaking through.

Frank reached for her hand.

“All right.”

Then he looked at Ben.

“Do whatever you need to do.”

I looked toward Ward again.

His attention had shifted to the parking lot.

Or at least...

I thought it had.

Then I noticed the phone vibrating in his hand.

He stared at the screen.

For one second, the hardened Navy SEAL disappeared.

Something uncertain moved across his face.

Something almost like guilt.

He turned away from us and walked toward the end of the dock.

I didn’t mean to watch him.

I told myself I was checking the harbor.

Watching the boats.

Searching for the white fishing vessel that had followed us before.

But my eyes kept returning to Ward.

He stopped beneath a palm tree near the edge of the parking lot.

Then answered the call.