"For now, yes."Cam stood, grateful for her help."I really can't thank you enough."
Lady Thatcher touched his arm, stopping him."Cam, this is quite the ordeal you're dealing with.If you can't find this young lady, or if she doesn't cooperate, don't hesitate to ask for help.We can involve the police if needed.And if she can't, or won't, board tonight's flight, remember we have a private plane.One way or another, she'll be on her way."
Her firm assurance left Cam feeling lighter.
"Thank you, Lady Thatcher," he said sincerely.
With that, she led him back out to the patio, where the early morning sunlight spilled over the canal.Cam climbed back into the boat, ready to return to the Lagoon and face what came next.Unfortunately, Cam could never have expected what was about to come.
Chapter 85
Truths
Shelleywasupearly,and she was not pleased.Not only had Gray not come home the night before, but now she'd been sitting at the kitchen table for hours, waiting for him to come and take her to work.This was bullshit.
She looked at the packed dry bag next to her.All the tapes inside, ready for the switch.She'd decided last night that the tapes would be safer with her, and if she slowly switched them back randomly, maybe she could take the emotions down a notch.But without a way to get to the Lagoon, her new plan was already falling apart.Glancing at the clock on the stove, she huffed in frustration.
"Fine, I'll just find my way there," she muttered.It wasn't like she hadn't had to make her own way there before.Tapping her finger against her chin, she considered her options.The tourist boat might head out soon, and she could catch a ride.Though they might call the Lagoon and they could refuse to let her on board.
Her eyes swept the room again, and then it hit her.From what she'd observed, the Lagoon required a supply run most mornings.She'd seen a boat heading out each day, even before she'd found her way there or convinced Dustin to drive her.If she hurried, maybe she could catch whoever was making the run today.And if she was really lucky, it would be Gray again and she could get some time alone to feel out the situation.It was the best plan she had.
Grabbing her bag, Shelley headed to the harbour.The sky was clear, and the sunlight lifted her spirits as she walked toward the water.Today, she thought, she was going to make everything right.She had a good feeling about it.
At the Lagoon, the morning team had gathered in the lab.They'd combined the dolphins' first morning sessions with their second ones to give themselves more time to discuss the situation with Shelley.Gray and Daniel filled everyone in on the strange scene of Shelley pretending that Gray was with her at his house when he'd been with Daniel.Riley sat close to Gray, not caring if anyone noticed.She'd been so upset, but now she was relieved to know Gray hadn't fallen for Shelley's ploy.
Cam went over his phone call with Gray's boss and recounted his conversation with Lady Thatcher about helping if needed.
"Poor Bruce," Marta said, shaking her head."As soon as he saw me pull up, he knew something was wrong.We sat on his porch, and he told me about the woman who had gotten stuck on the Sanctuary road, then convinced him she was an actress trying to avoid the media.She'd used a different name, I think Lisa?Which was also weird.And it was as we suspected; she's been on the island for days now.But he said she was only alone for a moment in the lab while he grabbed plates, but my guess is that moment was long enough and that's when she took the tapes."
Marta looked at Cam and thought they'd need to talk to Bruce again.He'd made a mistake, and they would just need to put some more measures in place to make sure nothing like this happened again.
Everyone nodded.They'd already lost Dustin because of a misunderstanding, and they didn't want to lose Bruce, who was part of their family despite working nights.
Cici was at the harbour, loading the boat with the day's supplies, when she caught sight of someone approaching.She glanced up the walkway, and her heart sank.Ugh.Shelley.
Despite the look of disdain on Cici's face, Shelley plastered on her brightest smile."Well, look at that!How lucky I am to have caught you before you head out.It's a beautiful day.Mind if I catch a ride to work?"She stepped toward the boat, but Cici quickly put a hand up, blocking her.
"Oh no, you don't."Cici shook her head and stepped past Shelley to continue loading supplies."Why would I take you to work?So you can cause more trouble?"She shot Shelley a steely glare."And where's Gray?Did he ditch you?Good for him if he did.Sometimes you just need to pull the parasite off and let it die instead of letting it kill you."
Shelley stiffened."That's quite a gruesome picture you're painting."
"Well, you're quite the awful person.And you still haven't answered my question.Where's Gray?"Cici finished loading the boat and now blocked Shelley from getting on.
"I don't know where he is.He didn't come home last night, and--"
Cici barked out a laugh.
"And you're being really rude.I've only been nice to you, and I don't think laughing at me is called for."Shelley attempted to pout but realized it wouldn't work on Cici.
"Oh, it's called for.You're a mess, and Gray is my friend.I'm glad he didn't spend another minute with you invading his space."Cici grabbed the radio and turned away from Shelley."Now, why don't you just stand there while I find out what the plan is for you?I highly doubt that whatever you've got in mind is going to fly."
Cici clicked on the radio."Lagoon 1, Lagoon 1, come in.Over."
"This is Lagoon 1.Cici, is that you?Over."Cam had grabbed the radio and wondered if Cici was having trouble with the supply run.
"Lagoon 1, yeah, it's me, boss.Just finished loading the supplies, but a parasite has shown up at the dock, requesting a ride.Should I bring her?Over."Cici looked at Shelley, making her disdain obvious.
"Yes, please, Cici.We need to talk to Shelley.Bring her here.Over."
