Page 42 of Deadly Waves

“I’ve never heard of San Lopez before,” James admitted. “I had to look it up when I saw it on the itinerary. One of the first things I found when Googling was your shark tour. I knew it was right up my wife’s alley.”

“We are far behind on certain matters, like technology, but we are close enough to other areas to learn and adapt,” Eduardo supplied. “Mr. Davenport has been buying up native land from families who held the property deeds for more than two centuries. Now, I’m not going to say he’s ripping people off, but I’m pretty sure he’s paying far below the market value.”

“What does he want the property for?” Mandy asked.

“He wants to build restaurants and hotels,” Eduardo replied. “He’s convinced that he can corner a huge market thanks to his cruise liner and this island.”

“What do you think?” James asked.

“I think I’m watching him very closely.”

It was something of an evasive answer, but James didn’t want to push their host until after Mandy saw her sharks so he decided to let it go. “How far away are we?”

“About thirty minutes,” Eduardo said, his expression kind when he shifted to Mandy. “You’re about to see something you will never forget. I hope you enjoy it, because your husband certainly went out of his way to make sure he catered to your every whim. He even hired a photographer from the town. He’s beneath the deck.”

“I heard,” Mandy said, smiling. “My husband always goes out of my way to take care of me. I’m not surprised he did this.”

“You’re a lucky woman.”

“I know.”

“She’s not lucky,” James said, shaking his head. “I’m lucky. And, truth be told, I’m just as excited to see the sharks as she is.”

“Then enjoy the ride,” Eduardo said. “We’ll be there before you know it.”

Mandy’s smile was wide and heartfelt. “I can’t wait.”

“And there’s my baby,” James said, kissing her cheek as she lifted her head. “I hope this day lives up to your expectations.”

“Oh, you’ve already surpassed my expectations,” Mandy said. “Everything from here on out is a bonus. I love you.”

“Oh, I love you more than anything, baby,” James said, pressing his lips to hers and lowering his voice to a gentle whisper. “Enjoy your day.”

“OKAY, WE’REhere.”

Eduardo was all smiles as his son killed the boat’s engine and the small skiff floated toward a small rock formation about a hundred feet away.

“Where are the sharks?” Mandy asked, hopping to her feet and jerking her head in every direction so she could see the telltale fins.

“They will come when we chum,” Eduardo replied. “We need to drift closer to that spot over there. That’s where we lower the cage.”

“And tell me about the cage again,” James prodded. “How safe is it?”

“Very safe.”

James pursed his lips and glanced at Mandy. “I think we’ve decided to stay on the boat instead of getting in the cage, but we’re still massively excited to see the sharks.”

“Are you sure?” Eduardo didn’t look convinced. “It is perfectly safe. I promise.”

“What would it be like?” Mandy asked. “I mean … do we go all the way underwater? I’m not certified for diving.”

“No, the cage is partially submerged and about three feet of it is above water,” Eduardo explained. “So you can tread water and see the sharks from above and below. We will give you a mask and snorkel if you like.”

“And they come close?” Mandy’s expression was unreadable and James couldn’t stop his heart from rolling when he realized she was going to change her mind about the cage.

“They come very close,” Eduardo confirmed.

“Baby, I’m not sure we should do the cage,” James hedged. “Something might happen. Isn’t seeing them from the boat just as good?”