Page 160 of Hidden Depths

He lowered the binoculars.

"But the captain does."

He tapped the side of his own temple.

"She just doesn't know it yet."

Then he gave a single order.

"Maintain distance."

His voice was calm.

"Do not interfere."

"Not until she leads us..."

"...to what her grandfather hid."

29

Storm

Grandpa always told me...

"A captain's first responsibility isn't the ship."

"...it's the people who trust you enough to step aboard."

I never forgot those words.

Right now...

They weighed heavier than ever.

The bridge had grown quiet again.

Beyond the windows...

Mariner's Crown remained on the horizon.

Never rushing.

Never leaving.

Simply watching.

Waiting.

Nathan stood beside Grandpa's bell.

Ben and Ward quietly monitored the radar.

Scott remained near the bridge door.

No one had to tell the SEALs what to do.

Protecting people was simply who they were.