Page 43 of Hidden Depths
The tiny compass slipped from his fingers.
It bounced once across the polished deck.
Then...
Slid silently through the rail.
Into the Pacific.
Rose gasped.
"Frank..."
He stared at the widening ripples.
For a long moment...
He didn't say a word.
His shoulders simply slumped.
"It belonged to my father."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"I promised I'd take care of it."
Without hesitation...
I reached for my radio.
"Calle."
Her answer came instantly.
"Go ahead."
"Prepare the launch."
Frank immediately shook his head.
"No, Captain."
"It's gone."
I met his eyes.
"Not yet."
Sea Whisper slowed.
The engines eased back.
Within minutes the tender was in the water.
Calle climbed behind the wheel.
Scott and Mark climbed aboard beside her.
