by Tripp Ellis
The marina at Diver Down was quiet when we arrived—it was the middle of the night. We tied up the boat and reconnected the shore power and water.
JD grabbed a few beers from the galley, and we sat in the cockpit, decompressing.
"I guess I should say thank you," Madison said.
"Just being a protective older brother."
She smiled. “Maybe sometimes that's not so bad."
We almost shared a nice sibling moment, then her face soured.
"But I wouldn't have been in this mess in the first place if it weren’t for you!”
“I’m sorry."
"You can't just say you're sorry and think that makes it all better."
"I don't think it makes it all better. But what do you want me to do?"
She was silent for a moment. "So, I'm just supposed to go about my life like this never happened?"
“No. I think you should dwell on it and let it scar you for life,” I said with a healthy dose of sarcasm.
She didn’t take that too well.
The scowl on her face deepened. “You know, ever since you came back, things have been crazy around here.”
"Maybe I should leave?”
"Maybe you should!”
We shared an intense gaze, then she huffed and scaled the transom. She stomped down the dock, her bare feet slapping against the wood.
Mr. Miller poked his head out of his cabin and grumbled. "Would you people keep it down? Decent people are trying to sleep!”
I smiled and waved. "Sorry about that."
He cursed at me under his breath and disappeared back into his cabin.
I exchanged a grim glance with JD.
“I’m sure she’ll get over it,” JD said.
“Don’t count on it.”
He looked at his watch, took a last gulp of beer, and crinkled the can. The crackling aluminum sounded like a freight train colliding with a car in the still night air.
I was sure Mr. Miller would yell at us again.
Jack moved into the salon and tossed it in the garbage, then stepped back into the cockpit. “I’m going to hit the hay. I’ll drop Buddy by after I pick up Scarlett in the morning.”
“Thanks,” I said. “Are you sure you don’t mind him living on board?”
“Every ship needs a first mate,” JD said with a grin.
I watched him stroll down the dock, then I pushed into the salon and descended the staircase to the master stateroom. I was too amped up to get a good night’s sleep. I tossed and turned mostly.
The next morning, JD dropped off Buddy. He grabbed the prototypes we had borrowed from Ian and ran them back to the Institute. He said he’d touch base with me later.
I let Buddy out of his crate and loved on him. The little guy licked my face and seemed excited to see me. I let him run around the salon and get comfortable in the space again. Then I attached his leash and took him for a walk.
Afterword, I stopped in Diver Down to get something to eat. It took Madison a few moments to stroll over and acknowledge me. She looked tired and frazzled, and I don’t think she slept much either.
As she began to speak, I mentally prepared myself to get another tongue lashing.
“Listen, I’m sorry I lashed out at you last night. I was in an… emotional state. I’m sure you can understand. I’m not used to this kind of thing like you are.”
“I don’t think you ever get used to being kidnapped and threatened.”
She paused. In a sincere tone, she said, “Thank you for rescuing me.”
“You don’t need to thank me. You’re family. I’d do anything for you. I—”
She held up her hand, cutting me off. “Nope. Let’s just leave it at that. It’s too early for serious discussions. What are you having?”
I looked at my watch. It was 11:30 AM. “Shrimp tacos.”
“Anything to drink?”
“Diet Coke.”
“Coming right up.” A thin smile formed on her weary face.
A breaking news update flashed on the TV. A news anchor in an urgent tone said, “Prominent real estate developer Luciana Varga was found dead today in the waters off Coconut Key. A local fisherman recovered the body. Authorities have yet to release any other details. A spokesperson for the development company said that all future plans for the Vista Del Mar area are now on indefinite hold. More on that story tonight at six.”
I glanced over to Harlan who was working on a beer. “Looks like you’re going to be able to stay in your home.”
He frowned at me. “Ah, it’s a shithole, anyway. I’m thinking about selling and moving onto a sailboat.”
I chuckled. Harlan would find something to grumble about no matter what the situation.
My phone rang as I waited for lunch. It was from a number I didn’t recognize.
“Hello?”
“This is Special Agent Peter Cullen with the FBI. I’m trying to get in touch with Deputy Wild.”
“This is he.”
“I was calling about a ballistic search that you ran on a 9mm slug. It matched a slug involved in one of our unsolved cold cases. I thought maybe we could share information?”
“That sounds great. What have you got?” I asked.
I was hopeful this would provide one more clue to help solve my parents’ murders.
Ready for more?
Join my newsletter and find out what happens next.
Author’s Note
Thanks for all the great reviews!
Tyson and JD have more adventures on the way!
If you liked this book, let me know with a review on Amazon.
My Max Mars series is sci-fi with mystery and thriller elements, you might want to check it out.
Thanks for reading!
—Tripp
Max Mars
The Orion Conspiracy
Blade of Vengeance
The Zero Code
Edge of the Abyss
Siege on Star Cruise 239
Phantom Corps
The Auriga Incident
Devastator
Connect With Me
I'm just a geek who loves to write. Follow me on Facebook.
www.trippellis.com
