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The door opened, and the officer returned. His name badge said “Holmes.” Suki hoped his first name wasn’t Sherlock.
“We’re almost to Naples, ma’am,” he said. “The captain wants to talk to you.”
“Naples?” Suki’s mom asked in confusion.
“We’re from Key West, but Naples is the closer port. By Fort Myers. We’re trying to confirm your story, but it’s not adding up. That’s why the captain would like to speak with you.”
Crap. Crappity crap. Suki looked worriedly at her mom.
“When can I call my husband? When we reach Naples?” her mom asked.
“Yes. There’s no cell service out here. But we’re going to keep you at our building in Naples while we sort this out. Without ID, I can’t release you.”
Suki’s anxiety spiked to the next level. She began thinking the Mayan word for “peace” over and over again.
“Okay,” her mom said, shrugging. “We really appreciate all you’ve done. We’ll sort this out.”
“I’m sure we will, ma’am. Thanks for your patience.”
“No, thank you. Thank you for everything.”
Holmes left and shut the door. And then locked it. Suki frowned.
There was no window to look out from, but they could feel the sensation of the cutter slowing down. After a long wait, it finally stopped, and they felt only the gentle sway of the water. They had no cell phones, no wallets, just some cash Jorge had given them. Suki didn’t remember the burner phone number for her dad, and she didn’t dare call his regular cell phone because it was probably being monitored. How could they get in touch with him?
“What are you going to tell the captain?” Suki asked.
“Nothing. We’re getting out of here as soon as the ship docks.” Her mom leaned back, her face looking weary.
“How are you feeling, Mom?”
“I need something other than carbs,” she said. She hadn’t eaten the provisions the crew had brought because it was the wrong kind of food for a diabetic. “I’m going to need an insulin shot soon.”
“Let me help,” Suki said. “We need to get away from these guys so we can try to call Dad. Calakmul is monitoring our normal cell phones, I think, so we’ll have to find another way to reach him. I know he has a burner phone, but I don’t know the number.” He’d tried to make her memorize it, in case a situation like this ever arose, but her mind had gone blank.
A few minutes later, Holmes returned. “Leave the blankets here. There’s a US Coast Guard auxiliary building here in Naples City Dock. We’re there now. The captain is already inside. I’ll take you to him.”
“Great,” Sarina said brightly. “We’re ready.”
The three of them followed Holmes down the inner corridor of the ship and then up onto the deck. Outside, the smell of dead fish filled the air. It was nasty. It looked like they were in a narrow inlet. Boats and yachts were everywhere. She even saw some painted with signs about dolphin and manatee tours. The part of the city she could see looked busy, full of honking cars and seagulls. It was a noisy situation.
“I’m too tired,” Sarina whispered to Suki. “I need you to summon the kem äm. You’re stronger in it anyway.”
“How do I do it? I’ve never made someone disappear before.”
Holmes glanced back at them, motioning for them to approach the gangway. Sailors had gathered there, and a few of them bid them goodbye as they left.
“Thank you so much!” Sarina said brightly, but her voice was strained.
Once they were on the gangway, heading down behind Holmes, Suki felt a prickle of apprehension. She was tired too. “Exhausted” was a better word for it.
“It will work,” her mother said. “Hold hands.”
They all linked hands together.
“It’s the glyph sach ib.” Her mom whispered the word, and then the glyph appeared in Suki’s mind. Thought to thought. Sach ib. An ancient Mayan word. It meant to vanish from sight.
Suki squeezed their hands. “Sach ib,” she murmured.
