Page 180 of Hidden Depths

James's granddaughter was following the trail he had left behind.

And for the first time...

She was one clue ahead of the people hunting her.

32

STORM

Grandpa always said...

"Never mistake a calm sea..."

"...for a safe one."

Night settled gently over the Pacific.

The last streaks of orange disappeared beneath the western horizon.

One by one...

Stars began filling the sky.

The ocean became a sheet of black glass.

Beautiful.

Endless.

Deceptive.

From the bridge, I looked toward the aft deck.

Piers lounged in a deck chair with his boots resting casually on the rail, a steaming mug of coffee balanced in one hand.

John sat nearby, his cap pulled low over his eyes as though he were watching the stars.

Mark leaned comfortably against the transom, one elbow resting on the polished teak, quietly talking with the others.

To anyone watching from a distance...

They looked exactly like three friends enjoying a peaceful evening at sea.

I smiled.

Because I knew better.

Every few seconds, Piers' mirrored sunglasses caught the faint lights behind us.

Not once had he stopped watching Mariner's Crown.

John casually stretched his legs, but his gaze swept the horizon with every movement.

Mark appeared fascinated by the constellations overhead.

In reality...

He was using them to judge distance and movement behind us.