Page 248 of Hidden Depths

"What do you mean?"

"If he knew..."

She pointed toward the journals.

"...he would've destroyed them years ago."

Thomas's eyes lit with approval.

"Go on."

"He knows Grandpa hid something."

"He knows it can destroy him."

"But he doesn't know what it is."

She smiled.

"That means..."

"...he's still searching."

Thomas laughed softly.

"James would be so proud of you."

Nathan walked to the open doorway.

His eyes swept the quiet cove.

"I've been thinking."

Ward joined him.

"So have I."

Nathan looked back toward Thomas.

"My father gave Ashford information."

Thomas nodded.

"Yes."

"But James still managed to hide everything."

"How?"

Thomas smiled.

"Because James was always one step ahead."

He looked toward me.

"Your grandfather figured out there was a traitor months before anyone else."

"What?"