Page 23 of Weston

“Salvage for profit,” Xander commented.

“Exactly. Someone is going to stumble onto that weapon, most likely sooner rather than later, because a lot of people are actively looking for lost treasure. I know Wes and Corey have diving experience from their SEAL days, but what about the rest of you?”

No one commented.

“That’s what I figured. I have a name for you—two actually. Dylan and Hollis Ford are renowned treasure hunters who discovered and salvaged the Santa Lucia, a sunken Spanish ship laden with billions of dollars worth of treasure. Hollis is the daughter of the late Chaz Quinn, a well-known and respected explorer, second only to Mel Fisher. They’ll give you sound advice.”

“Nice name,” Chaz murmured.

“Roger that,” Brand replied, and Wes copied the phone number down that Mitch sent.

Wes wasn’t exactly sure what help a couple of treasure hunters could give them, but ten minutes later, the team was talking to the Fords. Wes was impressed as hell with their vast knowledge when it came to history, wrecks, salvage law and diving. Plus, the way Dylan and Hollis looked at each other reminded him so much of the way he and Ellie used to—with stars in their eyes.

“Indonesia put a moratorium on underwater archaeology in 2010,” Hollis told them, “but the Southeast Asian seabed is too big of a temptation. The black market of found artifacts is alive and well.”

“Definitely,” Dylan agreed. “Especially after the discovery of the famous Tang Treasure that was sold to Singapore in 2004.”

“How much was that worth?” Brand asked.

“Thirty million?” Dylan looked over at Hollis for confirmation.

“Thirty-twomillion.”

Lex whistled under his breath.

“The Indonesian fishermen are your new best friends,” Hollis said. “They know those waters better than anyone. Work with them if you can and take advantage of their knowledge.”

Dylan nodded. “We’ve got some hi-tech equipment, the latest ROVs, and you’re welcome to come down here and borrow whatever you need.”

“You’re in New Orleans?” Brand asked.

“Yeah. I’d be happy to show you what’ll work best for your situation. Just be careful with my babies.”

“Thanks, Dylan, appreciate it.” Brand looked over at Lex. “Let’s have you and Xander fly down, meet Dylan and Hollis, and pick up the equipment we’ll need for our search.”

As they were wrapping up the call, a little boy with dark hair and eyes ran into the room, calling for his mama, a shepherd right on his heels.

“Charlie, honey, give Mama a minute,” Hollis said softly, running a hand over her son’s head. Dylan reached down, ruffled the shepherd’s fur then plucked the boy up, sitting him up on his lap.

“Say hi, Charlie.” Dylan pointed to the camera. “These guys are like superheroes.”

“Like Spider-Man?” the little boy asked, dark eyes growing big.

“Yep.”

“I prefer Captain America,” Lex said with a bright, white grin.

The shepherd let out a woof and everyone laughed.

“You agree, Fish?” Hollis asked, petting the dog.

“Nah, I think Fish said Wonder Woman,” Chaz teased, and Lex punched his shoulder.

While they wrapped up their call with the Fords, Wes wondered what it would’ve been like if he and Ellie had children. Even though she’d assured him she didn’t need anything but him, right now she didn’t remember saying that. He studied her face, searching for any sign of longing, but she only smiled. The beauty she radiated took his breath away. When she glanced over at him, their gazes locked. Her eyes shone brightly and his heart nearly exploded with love.

Beneath the table, he pinched himself. As impossible as it seemed, he had his Ellie back. And he planned on keeping it that way.

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