Page 100 of Hidden Depths

"They're waiting."

"They're patient."

"They've been patient from the beginning."

He glanced toward the distant trawler.

"Professionals."

"Definitely."

Scott wandered over carrying two bottles of water.

"You two look entirely too serious."

Ben accepted one.

"You noticed."

"I've known you both too long."

Scott leaned against the rail.

"So..."

"When do we stop pretending?"

Ben smiled.

"We're not pretending."

Scott laughed.

"I walked by the bridge."

"I counted four pairs of binoculars."

"One camera with a lens longer than my arm."

"And Storm is checking the radar every five minutes."

He looked at us.

"I may not be the smart one..."

"But I can count."

Ward chuckled.

"You've always been observant."

"I hide it well."

On the bridge...

Storm stood over the chart table with Hazel and Calle.

"I don't want anyone alone."