“You’ve got that right. And it’s all gone viral on social media. Celebrities are getting in on the hype. Wes Harrington and his crew are expected to arrive sometime this week. They’re staying right here at the inn.”
“Who?” I haven’t looked at the list, but more guests are arriving soon.
“You’ve never heard of Wes Harrington?” Her eyes widen in disbelief. “Last year, he rappelled into a cenote in the Yucatan with just rope and his GoPro. Edge-of-your-seat clickbait. His channel tripled overnight. He claimed he found valuable artifacts.” She giggles as Ding licks her hands. “The locals claim he faked the whole thing. He’s a charmer, at least on camera. Look.” She pulls up his channel on her phone. “Over two million followers and a ton of fan channel spin-offs. He’s a real celebrity daredevil.” Her face spreads into a grin. “Not to mention he’s hot.”
I shake my head and laugh. “This is nuts. It sounds like I won’t be bored.”
“Ha… that’s an understatement.” She gives me a big hug. “Welcome to Maverick Key. You’re going to love it here.”
After Hannah leaves and Ms. Connor and I share a quick dinner, I linger on the inn’s front porch, my gaze fixed on the horizon.
I picture Nathan’s face and the first dive we took together so many years ago.
“The sea has a way of pulling us in, Mads.”
Deep water enveloped us, a boundless expanse of wonder and mystery. The beauty of the deep lies in its endless and mighty embrace of all within it.
“Look at you… you’re a natural.” His face was full of pride.
We both loved the sport, and he made it an important part of his life. My mentor. My hero. He dedicated his life to exploringthe ocean’s secrets, a path I might have also taken, but I didn’t. When I went to college, I had a different plan for myself. To break out of the mold and not live the same life as Mom and Dad, or Nathan. I wanted so much to be my own person. Now, I’m not sure who I am. My vision of his face vanishes as I turn my head away from the shore.
In the next few weeks, I’ll focus on preparing to open my animal clinic. Make connections with the locals, do house calls, etc.
This is what I want, isn’t it?
But tomorrow—tomorrow, I’m going to take a day off for myself—one last break before I’m too busy with this new life.
Maybe I’ll go swimming.
Chapter 2
Scott
I break the surface with a kick. Sunlight hits my face as I pull my dive mask down and spit out the regulator. Bracing, familiar air rushes into my lungs, and the taste of the ocean clings to my lips as I climb the ladder. Man, I love this shit. It never gets old.
“Welcome back,” Jamie calls from the boat, grinning as he reaches out a hand. “Find anything good down there today, boss?”
I grab his hand and haul myself onto the deck, my dry suit clinging to my shoulders. “No hidden treasure, if that’s what you’re asking. Just a whole lot of rocks and silt.”
He snorts. “So, we’re not rich yet?”
“Not unless you can cash in on dead ends and frustration.”
Margaret had dived with me today to collect the animal bones we’d spotted on our last dive. I’d started a recon on the first entry point and found it went nowhere.
“Damn.” He stomps a foot. “I guess I’ll have to cancel the check for the yacht I just bought.” He tosses the clipboard aside dramatically.
I pull off my fins and lean against the railing. The sun warms my face—a welcome relief from the cool, oppressive darkness below. Every descent into the Drop is a negotiation, a balance between curiosity and caution. One wrong move and the deep will swallow you whole. It has no mercy.
A bark interrupts my thoughts. I glance to the other side of the boat and spot Denver, my Belgian Malinois, his ears pricked and tail wagging furiously. Jamie follows my gaze.
“What’s up with him?”
“He’s got no patience for the sea life today.” He barks again, his tone more demanding this time. I give him a quick nod, reassuring him I’m okay, before turning back to Jamie. Liam joins us, stepping up to the helm to take the wheel.
The engine roars to life, drowning out the ocean waves as Liam steersAdelinefrom the Carter’s Drop descent point back toward Maverick Key. Jamie settles down beside me, flipping through the day’s notes on his clipboard. Margaret, my first mate, quietly catalogs her bone samples at the back of the boat.
“Think we can wrap this up early?” Jamie asks, rubbing his nose. “I wouldn’t mind getting a good night’s rest for once.”
