Page 170 of Hidden Depths

"It was rigging."

Storm's heart skipped.

"Sailboat rigging."

Nathan nodded slowly.

"Lines striking a mast."

"Metal against metal."

Clink...

Clink...

Clink...

He closed his eyes again.

"James wasn't aboard Sea Whisper."

Everyone fell silent.

Storm frowned.

"How do you know?"

Nathan smiled sadly.

"Because your grandfather hated noisy rigging."

"He replaced every worn fitting before leaving harbor."

Storm laughed despite herself.

"He really did."

Nathan nodded.

"He said..."

'A noisy boat is a lazy captain.'

Storm smiled.

"I remember that."

"So..."

Ward asked quietly.

"...he called from another boat."

Nathan looked at him.

"Yes."

"I'm certain of it."