Page 197 of Hidden Depths

"One last voyage."

"One last promise."

Frank quietly stood.

He looked around the deck.

Then out toward the endless Pacific.

"I've lived a long life."

He slipped his arm around Rose's shoulders.

Everyone turned toward him.

"I've learned something."

"Evil is patient."

He smiled gently at Storm.

"But so are good people."

Rose rested her head against his shoulder.

"And good people..."

"...usually win."

No one spoke.

They simply stood together beneath the stars.

A family.

Old friends.

New friends.

Six silent protectors.

And one determined captain.

Watching the Pacific.

Watching the enemy.

Watching tomorrow draw a little closer.

Far beyond the glow of Sea Whisper...

The silver-haired man lowered his binoculars.

"They're beginning to understand."

A younger man stood beside him.

"Should we stop them before they reach Hawaii?"