Page 94 of Hidden Depths

“That’s probably why he never said anything.”

“Sara and I will add our prayers to the mix,” Tom said. “I haven’t met them, but I already know they’re good people.”

“I’m sure he would appreciate that. I know I do. Jemi’s a good friend of mine. But we had better change the subject. It won’t do us any good to dwell too long on things we have no control over.”

“I’ll take you to where they’re based and fill you in on the way. I’m waiting to hear from the Florida office. They’re supposed to be sending a team down, and I’ve been ordered to collect what intel I can in expectation of their arrival. But we have concerns that they’ll try to move soon and we’ll be too late. I’d love to get your take on it.”

“Then let’s not waste any more time.”

* * *

All three got as close to the shed as they dared. “You two wait here,” Isla said. “I’m going to have a look around.”

“Be careful,” Sara said.

After Isla was out of sight, she sank to the ground. “I had no idea Peter was going through such a difficult time. I was only focused on myself.”

“You were in danger.”

“I just wish he’d said something.”

“You’ve got enough going on. You heard what Isla said. He’s got an army of people praying for her, and now he’s got us too. There’s nothing more powerful that we can do than that.”

“There’snothingmore we can do.”

“It’s all we need.”

They heard men’s voices nearby, and Tom pushed Sara onto the ground behind a pallet they were using for cover. He leaned into her, using himself to shield her until the voices passed.

He waited until the sound dropped to a murmur before looking down at her. “I think we’re clear.”

“Do you think Isla’s safe?” His weight on her chest made it hard to breathe, but she wanted to pull him closer.

“I’m sure she is. We’d hear shouts or something if they found her.”

“Or gun shots,” she whispered.

Isla broke through the brush. “Whoa, sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Tom pushed up onto his knees and helped Sara sit up. “We were hiding. A couple of guys came through here.”

Isla smirked. “I won’t comment, and I expect the same from you two if one day you hear how Jay and I got together.”

“We’re not together,” Sara said.

“It’s none of my business. But I’ll do you a favor and change the subject. From my count, they’ve got a group of six inside.”

Tom took her lead. “That’s more than before, and we know they don’t expect to hang around for long, but with that storm coming, we have some time. We’ll have to be ready to move as soon as it passes.”

Isla looked up at the sky. “Do we have somewhere to take shelter while it does its thing?”

“We’ll find shelter somewhere.”

“We could probably go to the church,” Sara said. “No one will be there. As long as you know how to pick a lock. Margaret and Pastor Frank won’t mind.”

“That’ll do.”

“Church it is.” Isla continued with her assessment. “It looks like they’ve got two boats, so for six guys, it would be easy for them to drive off into the sunset and never moor here again.”

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