"I wasn't at my place yesterday, and I definitely did nothing with Shelley," Gray said gently."She must have seen you coming and decided to mess with you.Oh, Riley, I'm so sorry!Daniel and I came by here last night, but you weren't home, so we assumed you were dropping off Johnny's boat keys.I didn't think you'd gone to my place.We have so much to tell you."Gray stepped closer, and Riley let out a final sob before grabbing hold of him, letting him support her.He hadn't broken her trust.She had taken Shelley's word at face value without knowing the full story.
"Come on, let's get you ready," Marta said, her voice gentle."We'll go to work, and compare notes from last night.Then, fill you in on what's been happening.My sweet friend, I'm so sorry you spent the night thinking such terrible things.But this man here, he would never betray you."Marta patted Gray on the shoulder, giving him and Daniel a little push toward the door so she could help Riley get sorted before they left for work.And Marta knew as soon as they rounded up Shelley, she'd have a lot to say.No one hurt her friends.Not on her watch.
Chapter 84
Answers
Camcouldn'tsleep.Histeam was hurting, the person who hurt them was still on the island, and they didn't have all the answers yet.
Giving up on rest, he threw back the covers and got out of bed.It was early, but he might as well start his day.
The Lagoon was calm when he arrived.The dolphins floated in their dreamy morning state, gliding lazily in the still water.Cam always loved the morning, when the world felt full of possibilities.But today, he wasn't here for serenity; he needed to put some puzzle pieces together.
First things first: check if Dr.T had replied to their email.
He booted up the work computer and opened the inbox.There it was.
"Yes!"Cam pumped his fist in the air.
To: The Lagoon, Dr.Gray Whittal
Subject: Re: Urgent - need to talk
Cam, Gray, or whoever gets this email, please call me immediately.I don't care what time it is.We have a satellite phone, and I'll have it on me until I hear from one of you.I did not send Shelley.
Dr.T
Cam exhaled a long, steadying breath.Finally, some clarity.Grabbing the boat keys, he made his way to the dock.He hoped the Thatchers were already up; he needed their phone again.Deep down, he knew they wouldn't mind; they'd do anything for the Lagoon.
"Hello, Dr.Terry speaking," came the bright chirp of Gray's boss, her voice surprisingly clear over the satellite phone.Lady Thatcher had reasoned that the satellite phone was a better choice for calling the Arctic.
Lady Thatcher had been gracious when Cam had shown up early to use her phone, even offering him a cup of tea before slipping out of the room to give him privacy.
"Hi, Dr.Terry, it's Cam."He kept his voice calm, though his stomach churned with nerves.
"Cam?What a surprise!Is Gray there too?Isn't it early for you?I thought the lab had no phone?"She fired off questions in rapid succession.
"You're right, no phone at the lab.I'm across the canal at the Thatchers', using theirs.Gray hasn't arrived at work yet, but when I saw your email, I couldn't wait to call."
"Well, I've been up all night worrying, so I'm glad you didn't wait.What's going on?"
Cam launched into the full story, recounting everything that had happened.When he finally finished, Dr.Terry let out a low whistle.
"Cam, if I weren't hearing this from you, I'd think it was fiction.Shelley's behaviour is beyond unacceptable."Her voice hardened."When you get back to the Lagoon, find Shelley and tell her I want her on the next plane home.She's broken my trust, and that's not something I take lightly."
"Understood," Cam said, jotting down notes.
"But, Cam," she continued, her tone softening, "I've known Shelley a long time.She's many things, but she's not the type to destroy data.I'd bet anything she still has Gray's tapes somewhere.Numbers are her lifeline.Try reasoning with her.Coax it out if you have to."
Cam nodded instinctively, then realized she couldn't see him."Right.I'll see what I can do.There's a flight out tonight, and we'll make sure she's on it."
"Good.Keep me updated.And thank you for calling.I know this isn't easy."
"I'll send you an email as soon as I can.Thank you, Dr.Terry."
They said their goodbyes, and as Cam set the phone down, Lady Thatcher returned, her expression curious but calm.
"All sorted?"She asked, her tone warm.
