Page 235 of Hidden Tide

It isn’t.

The helicopter lifts away.

Marquez disappears into a concealed position near the old ferry building.

I walk onto the dock alone.

Wind pulls at my hair and jacket. Dark waves strike the concrete pilings below me.

Far across the water, lights approach.

The Argent Star.

I touch the false compass.

“Ben?”

His voice comes through the tiny receiver in my ear.

“I’m here.”

“Are you in the water?”

“Almost.”

“Your head?”

“Still attached.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

“It’s the answer you’re getting.”

I smile despite myself.

“Come back to me.”

“I will.”

The transmission goes quiet.

Five dark figures slip from a Coast Guard response boat beyond the island.

Then they disappear beneath the water.

I watch the Argent Star grow larger.

Simon’s voice comes through a marine speaker mounted on its bridge.

“Walk to the end of the dock, Calle.”

I move forward.

The vessel slows as it enters the narrow channel.

Naomi stands inside the bridge.

Donald remains behind her.