Page 315 of Hidden Depths

And whoever had done it knew exactly how to make the paperwork appear legitimate.

Lieutenant Akana studied the journal.

“If your grandfather owned that vessel, why wasn’t it included in his estate?”

“It would have been,” Calle said.

“I handled the inventory myself. Every boat, building, and piece of equipment was documented.”

“Could he have hidden it?”

I looked at Grandpa’s initials carved into the metal case.

“He hid plenty of things.”

“But not from us,” Calle said.

I wasn’t as certain.

Not anymore.

Grandpa had taught us everything about the ocean.

But he had never told us the truth about Blackwater.

Or the serpent.

Or the gate beneath the trench.

Maybe he hadn’t hidden those secrets because he didn’t trust us.

Maybe he’d hidden them because he loved us. One of our workers was working for the bad guys. That had to be it. It was the only solution.

Akana’s radio crackled.

“We need you back aboard, Lieutenant.”

“Understood.”

He turned toward Ward.

“My crew will tow the grounded vessel once the tide rises. Until then, it remains a restricted scene.”

“What happens to us?” Frank asked.

Akana looked toward him.

“The Coast Guard will escort Sea Whisper to the repair marina.”

“And after that?”

“You’ll be free to continue your journey.”

Frank smiled.

Rose stared at him.

“We have one engine and several bullet holes.”