Page 342 of Hidden Depths

Because we still didn’t know who inside the marina could be listening.

The Coast Guard would lock down the docks and quietly position a response team near Ke Ala Pier.

But the rescue belonged to Ward, Ben, the other three SEALs, and Nathan.

The kidnappers expected the five SEALs.

They didn’t know what Nathan could do.

“You’re staying here,” Ward told me.

“No.”

“Storm.”

“That’s my mother. Why the hell is she in Hawaii? She must have come over here hunting for us.”

“Which is why you can’t be part of the entry team.”

“I know the coastline.”

“Nathan knows the tunnel.”

“I know, Mom.”

“We all know what she looks like.”

“That isn’t what I mean.”

Ward’s expression softened.

Only slightly.

“If she’s hurt, frightened, or confused, she’ll need one of us.”

“She’ll have Nathan.”

The certainty in his voice made me look toward him.

Nathan stood at the table, loading equipment into a black bag.

He had become completely focused.

But his hands weren’t quite steady.

“I’m going,” I said.

Ward stared at me.

I didn’t look away.

Finally, Ben broke the silence.

“She stays behind the entry team.”

Ward turned toward him.

“Whose side are you on?”