Page 392 of Hidden Depths

A long pause.

Four taps.

I closed my eyes.

“She’s in Grandpa’s compartment.”

“What compartment?” Ward asked.

“The one beneath the wheelhouse.”

“Is it secure?”

“Grandpa built it.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

“It’s steel-lined and hidden behind the chart cabinet. There’s an emergency release on the inside.”

“Can anyone open it from the outside?”

“Only with a code.”

“Does Ross know it?”

“No.”

I wanted to believe that.

But Ross knew about Blackwater.

He knew about the second gate.

He knew enough about our family to understand Grandpa’s childhood game.

What else did he know?

Ben struck the rear window of the cab.

Nathan glanced in the mirror.

Ben pointed toward the radio.

Ward slid open the small window.

“What?”

“Give it to me.”

“You’re bleeding.”

“I’m aware.”

“Elanore needs to look at your shoulder.”

“I don’t need a doctor. I need to hear what’s happening.”

Ward passed him the radio.