“Come in,” I say, stepping aside while gauging his demeanor.
Inside, Sid paces the small living room, too energized to sit. “My contact at the historical society mentioned a private property near the lighthouse, recently purchased by a shell company linked to Coastal Development Partners. An old caretaker’s cottage that’s been vacant for years.”
“And you think that’s where they’re keeping the star?”
“It makes sense. Isolated, privately owned, close to the beaches where the artifacts have been found. Perfect base of operations for Reeves.”
His reasoning sounds plausible, but Dawson’s warnings echo in my mind. Is Sid genuinely trying to help recover the star, or does he have his own interest in finding the Star of Sebastian?
“What else did your contact tell you?” I ask, watching his reaction.
“Coastal Development has been quietly acquiring properties throughout Seacliff Haven over the past year. Not just beachfront, but strategic locations throughout town. The lighthouse property was their most recent acquisition, finalized just weeks before your father passed away.”
The timing feels significant. “Dad must have realized what was happening. That’s why he accelerated his documentation efforts.”
Sid nods. “And encoded the final piece of information in your star. Information that could definitively protect the Salvador Mundi site.”
I hesitate, then decide to test the waters. “I encountered Dawson at the sixth location while you were gone.”
Sid’s expression shifts. “Did he threaten you?”
“No. He shared some interesting information.”
“About the shipwreck?”
“And about your family,” I add, watching for his reaction.
Sid stills, his excitement fading. “My family?”
“He mentioned the Gillespies have a history with antiquities collecting. That they’ve tracked the Salvador Mundi legend for generations.”
His face cycles through several emotions, landing finally on resignation. “I should have told you. But I worried you wouldn’t trust me if you knew.”
“So it’s true?”
Sid sinks onto the sofa, Finn watching him from his position near my side. “My grandfather was Alexander Gillespie II, a notorious collector of maritime artifacts. He spent decades searching for evidence of the Salvador Mundi and its cargo, particularly the Star of Sebastian.”
“Why not tell me this from the beginning?” I demand.
“Because I’ve spent my entire adult life distancing myself from that legacy,” Sid responds, meeting my gaze. “Mygrandfather acquired pieces through questionable means. I chose a different path, creating art rather than collecting it.”
His explanation sounds sincere, but trust, once shaken, rebuilds slowly. “And your interest in finding my star? Is that about helping me, or continuing your grandfather’s search?”
“Both,” Sid admits. “When I realized what your father had discovered, I recognized its historical significance. But my primary concern has been recovering your star because I know what it means to you.”
The straightforward acknowledgment of his divided motivations feels more honest than a denial would have. “What do you know about the Star of Sebastian?”
“Only what my grandfather told me as a child. That it was a navigational tool far advanced for its era. If authenticated, it would rewrite portions of maritime history.”
His description aligns with Dad’s notes and Dawson’s explanation. “And if we find it?”
“It belongs in a museum. Not in private hands, including my family’s collection. That’s where I broke with my grandfather’s legacy.”
Finn has moved closer to Sid during our conversation, his canine instincts assessing. He shows no sign of distrust, which I consider meaningful.
“The final location on Dad’s map is at the lighthouse,” I say. “If Reeves is using the caretaker’s cottage, we could be walking into a confrontation.”
“We should notify Chief Barnes,” Sid suggests.
