Nash guided Amy to a seat between himself and Cheyenne, who gave her an encouraging smile.
“Alright,” Trey began once everyone was settled, “let’s get down to business. Brooks, updates?”
Brooks leaned forward. “First, the good news. Dr. Martinez and his brother are fully cooperating with the FBI. We’ve put them in a secure location, and they’re providing valuable information about the Ferrantes’ operations in Utah.”
“And the bad news?” Porter asked.
Brooks’s expression darkened. “We’ve confirmed that the Ferrantes have operatives in South Carolina. At least two known associates have been spotted in Charleston in the last forty-eight hours.”
A tense murmur ran through the group.
“Do we think they know about Bird Island yet?” Blaze asked.
“Uncertain,” Brooks replied. “But we have to assume they’re working on the same information we are.”
Trey shifted in his seat. “Which brings us to our plan for tomorrow. Marshall?”
Marshall stood, moving to the nautical chart. “Bird Island at dawn,” he said, tracing his finger along the eastern shore. “We’ll use two boats—theStone Cutterand Trent’s new vessel—to approach from different angles.”
“The underwater cave system is extensive,” Trent added. “We’ve mapped some of it in previous expeditions, but with the new, combined symbol combination, we’re focusing on the deeper structures here.” He pointed to an area marked with red circles.
“What about equipment?” Chance asked.
“Already handled,” Marshall assured him. “Full dive gear, underwater comms, sonar mapping tools, and some … specialized equipment for dealing with obstacles.”
Nash noticed Amy watching the exchange with fascination.
“What about security?” Porter interjected, his protective instincts clearly engaged. Always the big brother, always the guardian, Porter couldn’t turn off that part of himself even if he tried. “If the Ferrantes have people in the area …”
“We’ll have lookouts,” Trey replied. “All of the Crosses plus Raine, Oliver, and Matt have volunteered to maintain a perimeter while we dive. And Brooks has arranged for discreet FBI surveillance of the island from shore.”
“I want to go,” Amy said.
Everyone got quiet.
“She should be allowed to go,” Nash said quietly.
All eyes turned to him, and he felt a flash of embarrassment.
“I mean, she’s the one who made the connection with the symbols. She should be involved, but …”
“But she hasn’t had dive training,” Trey finished for him. “We’ve thought of that.”
Amy straightened in her chair. “I can learn. I want to be part of this.”
Nash felt a surge of pride at her determination, even as concern flickered through him.
“Actually,” Trey said, “you might be most valuable on theStone Cutterwith the sonar equipment. Your expertise with the symbols could help us interpret what we’re seeing beneath the surface.”
Relief and gratitude washed through Nash. This way, Amy could be involved without putting herself at unnecessary risk.
Amy nodded, clearly pleased with the arrangement. “I can do that.”
The planning continued, with specific roles assigned and contingencies discussed. Nash found himself impressed, as always, by the military precision with which both families approached these operations.
As they all dispersed for bed, Nash took Amy’s hand. “Let’s go for a little walk. I want a little time with you before … everything.”
She leaned into his side. “Okay, let’s go.”
