Page 450 of Hidden Depths

“Grandpa’s compass.”

“What about it?”

“The chain broke when the men found me, but the compass is still inside his compartment.”

Footsteps moved over the radio.

The timer fell beneath two minutes.

Ross laughed.

“You won’t make it.”

Hazel returned, breathing hard.

“I have it.”

“Put it in the heart,” Storm ordered.

Metal scraped.

Then turned.

The fourth circle illuminated.

WEST CONFIRMED.

One remained.

Home.

The cavern began to tremble.

Water rose along the gate.

The resetting sequence had started.

Hazel’s voice shook.

“The last switch won’t move.”

“What’s blocking it?” Storm asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t force it.”

“We’re out of time.”

“Hazel, listen to me. Grandpa never forced a mechanism. What did he teach you?”

Hazel began crying.

“I can’t remember.”

“Yes, you can.”

The timer reached one minute.