“We searched it thoroughly,” Trey continued, “but only found that single piece of gold. The island’s mostly limestone, full of caves. Some extend underwater.”
“You think there might be underwater passages you haven’t fully explored?” Amy asked, intrigue pushing aside her disappointment.
Trey nodded, his finger tracing the eastern shoreline. “We explored some, but the network is massive. With this new combined symbol—the broken arrow and palm leaf together—we think there could be hidden passages or chambers we missed.”
“Better get to exploring,” Nash said.
“We need to move. Now,” Marshall reiterated.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, casual planning morphing into urgent action.
“We’ll need advanced diving gear,” Marshall said, turning back to the map. “Underwater lights, breathing apparatus, communication systems.”
“Already arranged,” Brooks confirmed. “Trent’s handling that end.”
“What about sonar?” Blaze asked. “If we’re looking at deeper underwater structures, we should map them thoroughly before going in.”
“Got that covered,” Marshall replied. “Latest tech, military grade.”
“And if we need to blast our way in?” Porter asked, always practical, always focused on action rather than theory.
Trent walked into the room. “Let’s just say I’ve got some expertise in that area.”
Amy watched the men circle the table, pointing at the map, discussing equipment needs, debating access points. A wave of apprehension washed over her. She’d never left Utah since entering witness protection. South Carolina might as well be another planet—one where she’d have no established escape routes, no safe houses, no familiarity with the terrain.
Nash seemed to sense her sudden unease. He moved to her side, his hand finding the small of her back. “Having second thoughts?” he asked softly, for her ears only.
Amy met his eyes. “I’ve never been this far from … from my safe zone. Not in eight years.”
Nash’s expression softened. “That’s a big step.”
“It’s terrifying,” she admitted. “But also necessary. I’m tired of living in fear, tired of waiting for answers that might never come if I don’t go after them.”
“You’re not alone this time,” Nash reminded her, his voice low and intense. “I’ll be right beside you, every step of the way.”
His words gave her courage, steadying the tremor that had started in her hands. With Nash at her side, she could face whatever waited for them in South Carolina.
“Do you think the Ferrantes know about Bird Island?” she asked the group, her voice stronger now. “With Dr. Martinez in custody, they might not have connected the dots yet.”
Brooks looked thoughtful. “It’s hard to say. They knew about the Porter Rockwell angle, but there’s no evidence they’ve linked it to Bird Island yet. We’re monitoring their associates on the East Coast, but so far, nothing around South Port.”
“This could be our advantage,” Trey said. “If they’re focused on Utah while we move to South Carolina, we could get ahead of them for once.”
“We leave soon,” Brooks decided. “Everyone get packed and ready. And keep your phones in airplane mode until we’re in the air—no digital trail.”
A timer chimed from the kitchen, followed by Sadie’s voice announcing lunch. The men gathered up their maps and notes, leaving Amy and Nash momentarily alone.
“Are you okay with all this?” Nash asked quietly. “It’s happening fast, and I know leaving Utah is a big deal for you.”
Amy tucked Bill’s notes into her folder. “I’m scared,” she admitted. “But I’m more scared of never finding the truth, of letting the Ferrantes win again.”
Nash’s eyes searched hers. “You’re braver than you think.”
CHAPTER 17
Nash had spent much of his life in wide-open spaces—the rolling hills of Wyoming, the sprawling cattle ranges of Cross Creek Ranch, the vast Utah mountains. But here, cruising along South Carolina’s coastal highway with the windows down and the air thick with salt and humidity, everything felt different.
He glanced at Amy in the passenger seat, smiling when he caught her leaning forward, eyes wide with wonder as they entered South Port. Micah had loaned them his truck while the rest of the family went ahead of them. He had given her a little tour of the town.
