Page 155 of Hidden Depths

His weathered hands rested on the back of the captain's chair.

He looked tired.

Not from the sea.

From carrying secrets for too many years.

I finally broke the silence.

"Tell me why."

Nathan met my eyes.

"Why what?"

"Why did Grandpa go back?"

His gaze drifted toward the endless Pacific beyond the bridge windows.

"I've asked myself that every day since we buried him."

He took a slow breath.

"Because he promised me he was done."

Hazel frowned.

"Done with what?"

Nathan smiled sadly.

"Looking."

The word hung in the air.

Looking.

Not sailing.

Not fishing.

Looking.

Ward folded his arms.

"What was he searching for?"

Nathan shook his head.

"Not what."

"Who."

Every head turned toward him.

Frank spoke for the first time.

"Someone survived?"