“How long are you planning to stay?”
“That depends.”
I raise my eyebrows, holding his gaze. There’s a curious pause, like he’s deciding how much to share.
The corner of his mouth flicks up. “Apologies for sounding so cryptic. Habit of mine. I’m consulting with Dr. Garrett Harlow to study the objects Dr. Nathan Carter recovered from the blue hole. And oversee the continued exploration and cartographic mapping of the cave system.”
I bite back a smile. With an explanation like that, he’s definitely the scientist.
“Dr. Phineas Clark?”
“Just Finn,” he says with gentle eyes.
I like him. He’s kind of awkward, but Nathan had a quirky side too—if not as pronounced as Finn’s. I have a soft spot for charming nerds, so he’s already won me over.
We gather up the remaining food and walk to the buffet. Tables are brimming over with covered dishes of all shapes and sizes. I’m not surprised to see Maddie already dipping into a full plate at the other end. I wave and start arranging our dishes with Finn’s help.
Natalie tugs on my shirt. “Can I play with my friends, Momma?”
“Sure, sweetie.” I watch her run off with a group of other first graders.
As I prepare the serving tongs, I gaze over the lighthouse green where volunteers have laid out all the activities and tables for the picnic. Most of my friends and family are here. Hannah and Jamie are in the middle of the lawn tossing beanbags at a cornhole while Scott and Garrett stand nearby, absorbed in a heated discussion.
Typical for them.
I’m not a fan of Dr. Garrett Harlow. After Nathan died, he swooped in to take credit for all his work, and he’s just arotten human being, just one notch above a criminal as far as I’m concerned. He’s also the guy in charge of the Carter’s Drop project—a renowned archaeologist commissioned by university funders. Scott runs the dives and doesn’t put up with any nonsense from Garrett or anyone else.
They’re only a couple of yards away, close enough for me to hear what they’re saying.
“Scott, you’ve got all the divers you need. My answer’s still no. How many times is this going to come up?” Garrett huffs in irritation. “Wes Harrington stays dead. Or he goes to jail.”
I haven’t thought of Wes in a while. His fakedrowning in a siphonlast year is the worst-kept secret on the island. The rest of the world believes he died in the caves attempting to rescue Maddie from Mark. But he’s alive and well. Where? No one knows. Once a popular urban explorer with a massive social media following, he’s now invisible.
He’s also kind. After he found out about Natalie and me last year, he called me from one of his burner phones. We spoke for almost half an hour about Nathan and our daughter. He offered his help if I ever needed it. He loved Nathan, and I hope I get a chance to meet him one day.
“If you want to move at the speed you’re asking for, we need every cave diver we can get,” Scott says. “Wes has experience in the Drop. We need him to cover more ground.”
“Then get the divers you need. BUT NO WES.”
Scott says something under his breath and stomps off, joining Liam and Margaret at the picnic tables. He pulls out a seat and motions over to Maddie. Maddie’s been making laps around the buffet and picnic tables, helping everyone get what they need.
“Give me just a minute,” she calls out to him, giving him a flirty shake of her hips and belly.
Maddie’s eyes light up when she turns her attention back to Finn and me. But before she can speak, Garrett spots Finn, pushes his way through us, and extends his hand.
Finn accepts it with a measured shake, his expression polite and confident.
“Dr. Clark. Welcome to Maverick Key. I trust the accommodations at the inn were satisfactory. Ms. Connor keeps the rooms clean and provides a decent breakfast each morning. Worth the price if you don’t care about frills.”
I stop myself from rolling my eyes. Maddie and I are used to him. If he weren’t politely hostile, we’d wonder what was wrong. Finn, apparently, is a quick study—he doesn’t react at all.
Finn clears his throat. “Well, um. Yes. Very comfortable. Feels like home.” His gaze flicks to Maddie. “I appreciate the welcome.”
Garrett continues without missing a beat. “Very good. If you have time after lunch, I’d like to bring you up to speed on the work I’ve supervised. I’ve prepared some detailed field reports that should capture your interest.”
“Brilliant,” Finn says, smoothing the fabric near his watch. “I’m eager to jump right in. Would it be possible to see the stone Nathan found first?”
Garrett frowns. “No. The police still won’t release it. They’re dragging their feet, saying they need to keep it as evidence until they finish investigating that crazy murderer, Mark Glassier. It’s ridiculous.”
