Page 66 of Wild Tempest

It was just around midnight when the ceremony began. The girls danced around the fire and did their best to summon the spirit, but no mystical entities appeared. At least, not that I was aware of.

After about an hour of that, without result, the girls were ready to head back to Coconut Key. They pulled on their clothes, and we escorted them back to the boat.

We weighed anchor, and Summer’s friend Catherine took the helm, piloting the 27-foot motor yacht out of the bay. The boat bounced across the obsidian swells, the moon high overhead. The engines roared, and the briny air swirled.

I said to Summer, “I can’t thank you enough for giving us a ride back to the island. You really saved our asses.”

She smiled at me and winked, “It’s worth saving.”

Teagan sat next to me and rolled her eyes.

I got the girls to drop us off at the station. I thanked Summer again and said our goodbyes.

“Don’t be a stranger,” Summer said as we stepped onto the dock.

Teagan and I watched them motor away, waving.

“She’s cute,” Teagan said with a hint of jealousy. “Careful, she might cast a spell on you.”

“Would that be so bad?”

Teagan rolled her eyes.

We strolled down the dock and stepped into the station. I logged the phone and the earring into evidence, then filled out paperwork and reported the Raptor stolen. Odds were slim we’d get it back.

With any luck, the IT guys would be able to hack into the phone. Maybe there was something useful on it. Maybe it was just a random cellphone that we’d risked our necks for.

We caught a rideshare back to the marina at Diver Down. The driver dropped us off at the entrance to the bar. By that time, the bar had closed, and the parking lot was relatively empty but for resident vehicles.

“Well, that was quite the adventure,” Teagan said.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. I think I’m still a little amped up on adrenaline. You’d think I’d be used to that kind of thing by now. But nothing a glass of wine and a bubble bath can’t fix.”

I chuckled and walked her to her car.

She gave me a hug.

“Thanks for your insight,” I said.

“I don’t know if it did any good.” She frowned. “And now you have one less boat. I feel responsible.”

“It’s not your fault. It will just give Jack an excuse to buy a new one.”

“I promise, I’m going to keep my mouth shut in the future. No more tips.”

“Who knows? Your tip might prove valuable.”

She shrugged.

“You call me if you need anything,” I said.

“I will. Let me know what you find on that phone.”

“As soon as I hear from the IT guys.”

“I’ll bring Buddy and Fluffy by tomorrow.”