Page 257 of Hidden Depths

Ward's eyes narrowed.

"The harbor."

Thomas nodded once.

"James was trying to tell us where to look."

Ivy was already staring at the coastal chart.

"The harbor..."

She whispered the words almost to herself.

Then suddenly...

Her eyes widened.

"Oh..."

Ben looked at her.

"What?"

Ivy slowly raised her head.

"I think Grandpa wasn't talking about a place."

She looked directly at Thomas.

"I think..."

"...he was talking about a person."

Thomas didn't smile.

He simply closed his eyes.

For the first time since we'd met him...

He looked relieved.

"As I told James..."

"...one day..."

"...one of his granddaughters would finally understand."

Outside, a gull cried overhead.

The tide continued its slow climb into the hidden cove.

Thomas looked toward the sea.

Then, so quietly I almost didn't hear him, he whispered⁠—

"James..."

"...they're ready now."