"Alright," Cam said."We've got about an hour before we can call your lab.Let's do a quick session with Shiloh in the canal instead of the open ocean.I'll grab the cooler.We'll check the tapes after, and we'll all sign off and verify the recording.Then, you and I will call your lab.Marta, after the session, could you help with the afternoon tours?Once that's handled, go visit Bruce and see if he had an unexpected visitor last night.He'll talk to you more easily than to us."
As Cam headed into the fish house to prepare, Gray and Marta went to the trainers' shack to suit up.Gray welcomed the distraction; a research session with Shiloh was just what he needed to get his mind off the deleted tapes.Or were they just missing?
Chapter 76
Call back
Astheyboardedtheboat to head over to the Thatchers' residence, Gray couldn't stop thinking about how to break the news to Dr.Terry that all his research was gone.
"Cam, do you think Shelley did something?Be honest," Gray asked, running his fingers through his hair in frustration."I can't come up with any other explanation for how she just showed up yesterday and now all the research we reviewed a few days ago is missing."
Cam glanced at him, sympathy in his eyes."Honestly?There's a good chance.I told her that while I couldn't prove it, I suspected she had a hand in it before I sent her out to the dock.Once Marta tracks down Bruce, we should have some answers."He patted Gray's shoulder reassuringly."Gray, you've done incredible work here.This setback doesn't change my opinion of you or the effort you've put in.We'll figure it out."
Gray let out a small, relieved laugh."That means a lot, Cam.Riley and I have been making all these plans.Did she tell you she's thinking of using our new satellite project to apply for a Master's program?"
Cam's eyes widened."Really?That's fantastic!She's mentioned it before, but I figured she wasn't ready to leave the dolphins.I'll support her in any way I can.Having both of you here, doing research, would be incredible for the team."
Cam's excitement wasn't only about Riley.He secretly hoped that with Gray and Riley leading groundbreaking work, it might catch the attention of Dr.Miranda Sanger, the one who got away.His face warmed at the thought of her.
"Cam?"Gray said, pointing toward the shore."Isn't that our dock?"
Cam snapped out of his daydream."What?Oh, yeah, sorry about that," he said, turning the boat around."Got caught up thinking about all the work we can do."
As they docked, Lady Thatcher was waiting, hands on her hips."Cam, darling!Did you forget what I look like?Here I am, standing all gorgeous, and you drive right past me!"she teased, grabbing the bowline from Gray.
Cam tied up the aft line, trying not to laugh at her playful attitude.
"You two look as if you've seen a ghost.Come on inside and tell me everything.I can't help if I don't know what's going on!And, hopefully today you can get a hold of your team back home!"Lady Thatcher turned and led them through her beautiful gardens, the property sprawling along the tip of the canal.
As they walked, Gray and Cam explained what had happened since the previous day, their voices low.When they reached the part about the missing research, Lady Thatcher stopped abruptly.
"No!"she gasped."All your lovely work gone?Gray, you didn't have backups?"
Gray winced.She was right."I planned to do them, but I didn't have the equipment.It's expensive, and I was going to ask the dive team for help when I had time.But I didn't make the time."
'My dear boy!Write me a list of what you need.Charles is going to the mainland tomorrow; we'll get it for you.'
"I can't let you do that," Gray started."It's a couple thousand dollars--"
Lady Thatcher waved him off."It could be ten thousand dollars, and I'd still insist.We've invested far more in the dolphins and the facility.This project is too important to let a little money get in the way.Besides, your research is putting us on the map!"
She leaned in, her tone softening."You promise me you'll publish your work and let the world know this is the place for serious research.That'll be my payment."
Gray, taken aback by her generosity, nodded."Thank you," he whispered.
"Now, go use the phone and call whoever you need.I have some things to discuss with Cam anyway," she said with a wink, pointing Gray to the phone.
As Gray stared at the phone, nervous, Cam clapped him on the back."Lady Thatcher's right.This is just a setback.We'll fix it."And Cam went to join Lady Thatcher on the patio.
Gray picked up the receiver and dialled.
Chapter 77
Delete
Grayshookhisheadin frustration as the call went to voicemail again.He paced the length of the small office.He didn't want to keep leaving messages, so he'd just kept dialling, but on his fourth try he knew he needed to say something.
"Hi, Dr.Terry, it's Gray," he began, his voice tight with unease."I need to talk to you as soon as possible.Something's happened here.My recorded data is gone.All of it.I don't know how, but--" He forced himself to stay calm."Please call me back when you get this."
