Page 239 of Hidden Depths

"It almost looks peaceful."

"It won't stay that way."

"No."

We stood in silence.

Finally, I smiled.

"You've been protecting us since the day you stepped aboard Sea Whisper."

Ward looked toward the horizon.

"I couldn't do anything else."

I noticed the sadness in his eyes.

He wasn't just thinking about today.

He was thinking about tomorrow.

About Hawaii.

About the life waiting for him.

Neither of us said another word.

Some feelings didn't need words.

Not yet. Maybe never.

Behind us, Thomas carefully gathered the remaining journals.

"There are seven."

Ben looked surprised.

"Seven?"

Thomas smiled.

"James always said..."

"...every important story takes time to tell."

He held up the final journal.

"And this one..."

"...contains the name of the man Charles Ashford fears."

A chill settled over the room.

Thomas looked at each of us.

"But once you know that name..."

"...there will be no turning back."