Page 479 of Hidden Depths
Grandpa had taken us there when we were children.
It was where he taught me to steer.
Where Dad placed my hands on the wheel and told me the sea would always tell me what it needed if I learned to listen.
I hadn’t returned since Dad died.
“How did you know?”
“Thomas.”
“Of course.”
We anchored beyond the reef.
Everyone went ashore except Ward and me.
That wasn’t suspicious at all.
Even Thomas left without an argument.
Ward led me to the bow.
The late-afternoon sun spread gold across the water.
“Storm.”
Something in his voice made my heart race.
He reached into his pocket.
“Oh my God.”
“It isn’t what you think.”
I stared at the small velvet box.
“What else would I think?”
He opened it.
A silver compass rested inside.
Not a ring.
I released the breath I had been holding.
Ward smiled.
“Disappointed?”
“No.”
“A little?”
“Ward.”
He removed the compass.
