Page 53 of Hidden Depths

Same heading.

She wasn't close enough to worry me.

Yet.

She was close enough to make me curious.

"Thinking too hard?"

Ward stepped beside me.

I never took my eyes off the horizon.

"You see her?"

He followed my gaze.

"Trawler?"

I nodded once.

"I've noticed her three times."

Ward was quiet for several seconds.

"Same one?"

"I think so."

"You think she's following us?"

"I think she's interested."

"Is there a difference?"

"A big one."

He folded his arms across his chest.

"If she's following us, she's committed."

"If she's interested..."

"...she's still deciding."

I smiled.

"Exactly."

Ward

Storm walked onto the bridge wing carrying two mugs of coffee.

She handed one to me without asking.

"Thanks."

She looked toward the horizon.