Toward the open water beyond.
Everything was ready.
Fuel.
Food.
Weather.
Passengers.
Crew.
I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out Grandpa's old brass stopwatch.
It had belonged to him for nearly forty years.
Dad carried it after Grandpa retired.
Now it was mine.
It still kept perfect time.
I clicked it open.
Nine fifty-eight.
Two minutes.
I closed it again.
Ward noticed.
"Family heirloom?"
I looked down at the worn brass case.
"My grandfather timed every departure with it."
"You still do?"
"Every voyage."
"Why?"
I smiled softly.
"Because some traditions are worth keeping."
He nodded.
"I understand."
Somehow...
I had a feeling he actually did.
At exactly ten o'clock, I slipped the watch back into my pocket.
