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Dylan and Hollis met Chase at the Sand Bar for drinks and dinner. The conversation flowed easily and they discovered that Chase used to be a professional race car driver. Now, he owned a garage and he liked to work on cars.
Hollis decided she really liked Dylan’s half-brother and that he seemed like a good man. Just like his older brother.
Chase and Dylan seemed to have a lot in common, too. They talked about jazz, New Orleans, their father and, finally, Hollis and Dylan filled him in on the Santa Lucia and their search for the mysterious 13th ship.
“That is unbelievable,” Chase said. “So, you not only proved her existence, but also you’re finding treasure.” He toyed with the wet label on his beer then took a swig. “You know, I’ve been researching into a legend myself. Who knows? You might be able to help me out at some point. Especially if I ever need to go diving.”
“Whatever you need,” Dylan said.
“What legend?” Hollis asked, curiosity piqued.
But, Chase remained evasive. “I don’t know enough yet to really discuss it too in-depth, but when I discover anything of substance, I’ll let you know.”
Cagey, Hollis thought, beyond interested now in whatever Chase was hunting down. But, he was smart and not spilling whatever secrets he had uncovered so far. And, she respected that.
“Hope you guys are still hungry,” Lia said and swooped in with a plate of spicy chicken wings and another one filled with nachos. “On the house, of course,” she said and cast an appreciative glance in Chase’s direction.
“Thanks, Lia,” Hollis said. “You’re the best.”
“I know,” she said with a wink and headed back to the kitchen. The place was hopping and she had to help the servers out. Hollis had also told Lia about Tony and the easiest way not to dwell on it was to throw herself into work. Hollis felt bad for her friend, but Tony had been toxic for her.
“So, what’s the next step?” Chase asked.
Hollis and Dylan exchanged a look. “Well,” Hollis said, “we have a meeting with the state to figure that out. Even though I hold salvage rights, they have the power to overthrow that.”
“It sucks,” Dylan added.
“Yeah, there seem to be a lot of laws now regarding shipwrecks,” Chase said and picked a chicken wing off the plate.
“There are and that makes it frustrating as hell. My advice is to stay on land if you’re searching for treasure and you’ll be better off.”
“Are those the first pearls of wisdom from my big brother?” Chase asked with a smirk.
“Yeah, you know what, I think they are,” Dylan said with a chuckle.
“I’m heading back to the Big Easy tomorrow, but if you’re ever in town, let me know. I’ll show you around,” Chase offered.
“I love New Orleans,” Dylan said. “So, count on it.”
“I think we should hunt down that sister of ours, too,” Chase said and lifted his bottle.
Dylan clinked his bottle against his brother’s. “Definitely.”
Several days later, Dylan, Hollis and her maritime lawyer sat across a table from a couple of dour-faced state officials. All of their information was spread before the group-- maps, translations, cargo manifests. Even the chest and Rosary itself.
One of the state officials jotted down a note. “Despite being granted permission to salvage, we would like to re-evaluate the case as Florida is now interested in its historical preservation.”
Dammit.She knew it. “How long will that take?” Hollis asked.
The official shrugged. “It could take months. There’s quite a lot here to review.”
With a frown, Hollis’s lawyer turned to her. “Don’t worry. We have counter options.”
Hollis forced a smile and glanced at Dylan who had a blank look on his handsome face. This wasn’t the news they wanted to hear, but it’s what Dylan had predicted. Florida was going to step in and take over. She sighed and ran a hand through her copper hair.
And, there was nothing she could do about it.
After the meeting, Hollis and Dylan walked down the steps to the sidewalk. Hollis studied him for a moment and unease slid through her. He’d been quiet the whole meeting and she had a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach.
