Page 196 of Hidden Depths

"I believe they did."

Hazel quietly covered her mouth.

Willow lowered her eyes.

Ivy reached for Storm's hand.

Calle stood at the rail, with her own thoughts.

Nathan continued softly.

"They believed your father knew where James had hidden something."

Storm's voice barely rose above a whisper.

"But Dad didn't know anything."

"No."

Nathan replied.

"He couldn't tell them what he never knew."

Silence settled over the deck.

Even the waves seemed quieter.

Storm stared into the darkness.

Her father...

Had died protecting a secret he never possessed.

Nathan looked at the sisters.

"After your father died..."

"James blamed himself."

Storm's eyes filled.

"He never said anything."

Nathan smiled sadly.

"He wouldn't."

"He believed the burden belonged to him."

"He thought if he could find the truth first..."

"...he could keep all of you safe."

Ben looked at the old sailor.

"And that's when he started searching again."

Nathan nodded.