Page 174 of Hidden Depths

The only sound inside the bridge was the quiet hum of electronics and the soft creak of Sea Whisper moving through the Pacific swells.

"Sea Maiden," I repeated.

"I've never heard Grandpa mention her."

Neither had Hazel.

Nor Willow.

Nor Ivy.

The four of us exchanged confused looks.

If Grandpa had owned another ship...

Why had he never told us?

Nathan slowly ran his fingertips across the edge of the chart table.

"She wasn't just another boat."

His voice carried a sadness that settled over the room.

"She was the finest vessel James ever captained."

Frank frowned.

"So... what happened to her?"

Nathan looked out the bridge windows.

"She disappeared."

Scott raised an eyebrow.

"Ships don't simply disappear."

Nathan looked at him.

"Most don't."

Ben leaned against the chart table.

"What kind of ship was she?"

"A research vessel."

That answer surprised everyone.

Hazel blinked.

"I thought Grandpa only chartered yachts."

Nathan smiled faintly.

"He did."

"After."