Sid nods slightly, continuing to work as if unaware. “How do you want to handle this?”
“Directly,” I decide, standing and turning toward the dunes in one fluid motion. “We know you’re there!” I call out. “Show yourself!”
For a moment, nothing happens. Then, a figure rises from behind the tall grass. Not Dawson, as I half expected, but a man I’ve never seen before. Middle-aged, wearing an expensive-looking coat despite the beach setting, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly styled.
“Ms. Lane,” he says, his voice carrying easily across the sand. “And Mr. Gillespie. Finding anything interesting?”
Finn moves to stand between me and the stranger, his posture protective.
“Who are you?” Sid demands, moving to stand beside me.
The man descends from the dunes, approaching with confident strides. “Jonathan Reeves, Coastal Development Partners.” He offers a business card which neither of us moves to take. “I understand you’ve been quite busy the past few days.”
“You’ve been watching us,” I state flatly. “And leaving threatening notes.”
He makes a dismissive gesture. “Warnings, not threats. I had hoped you would take the hint and stop pursuing your father’s . . . hobby.”
“Finding a historically significant shipwreck isn’t a hobby,” Sid responds. “It’s an important archaeological discovery.”
“It’s a complication,” Reeves corrects. “One that could have been avoided with proper discretion.”
“What’s your interest in this?” I ask directly. “Beyond the obvious development plans that a protected shipwreck would disrupt.”
Reeves studies me for a moment, seeming to reassess his approach. “Your father discovered something that affects multiple parties, Ms. Lane. The shipwreck itself is only part of the equation.”
“The Star of Sebastian,” I guess, watching his reaction carefully.
A flicker of surprise crosses his face before he masters it. “So you know about that. Interesting. Did your father tell you, or did you figure it out from his notes?”
“Why take my driftwood star?” I counter, avoiding his question.
“Insurance,” he says simply. “Your father encoded information in that creation of yours. Information that could complicate matters significantly if it became public.”
The confirmation that the star contains hidden information sends a rush of excitement through me, tempered by wariness of this smooth-talking developer.
“Return the star,” I demand. “It’s valuable to me for reasons that have nothing to do with your development plans.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible at the moment,” Reeves replies. “But I can offer compensation for your loss. A generous amount that would allow you to create many more pieces.”
The suggestion that money could replace something with such personal significance angers me. “The star was made from driftwood my father and I collected together during his final months. It’s not about the monetary value.”
Reeves sighs. “Sentiment is a luxury in business, Ms. Lane. I’m offering a practical solution.”
“And we’re declining,” Sid interjects firmly. “The star belongs to Marnie, and the shipwreck information belongs to historical record.”
A harder edge enters Reeves’ expression. “Consider carefully before taking an adversarial position. Coastal Development Partners has significant resources and influence in this region.”
“Is that a threat?” I ask, Finn pressing against my leg.
“A reality check,” Reeves corrects. “Your father was attempting something that would impact many lives, not always positively. A protected historical site prevents development, which means fewer jobs, less tourism revenue, decreased property values for existing homeowners.”
His argument sounds rehearsed, the typical developer’s promise of economic benefits masking personal profit motives.I recognize the same tactics used against Dad during the resort development fight years ago.
“We’ve documented everything we’ve found,” Sid informs him coolly. “Including this conversation. If anything happens to either of us or to any evidence, copies will go to authorities.”
It’s a bluff, but a good one. Reeves hesitates, reassessing the situation.
“I came to offer a reasonable arrangement,” he says finally. “Return of the star after the development plans are finalized, in exchange for your discretion about certain historical findings. Think about it.” He places his business card on a nearby rock. “My offer won’t remain open indefinitely.”
