She didn’t look up, but continued to hook on the goodie bag. “Yes?”

“You know it’s only natural that you’d be nervous going down.” Marsh touched a hand to her shoulder, but she busied herself by strapping on her diving knife. “If you want a little more time, I’ll work with Ky and you can run the wash.”

“No.” She said it too quickly, then cursed herself. “It’s all right, Marsh.” With forced calm she hung the underwater camera she’d purchased only the day before around her neck. “I have to take the first dive sometime.”

“It doesn’t have to be now.”

She smiled at him again thinking how calm, how steady he appeared when compared to Ky. This was the sort of man it would have made sense for her to be attracted to. Confused emotions made no sense. “Yes, it does. Please.” She put her hand on his arm before he could speak again. “Don’t say anything to Ky.”

Did she think he’d have to, Marsh wondered as he inclined his head in agreement. Unless he was way off the mark, Marsh was certain Ky knew every expression, every gesture, every intonation of her voice.

“Let’s run it a couple of minutes at full throttle.” Ky climbed over the side, dripping and eager. “With the depth and the size of the prop, we’re going to have to test the effect. There might not be enough power to do us any good.”

In agreement, Marsh went to the helm. “Are you thinking about using an air lift?”

Ky’s only answer was a noncommital grunt. He had thought of it. The metal tube with its stream of compressed air was a quick, efficient way to excavate on silty bottoms. They might get away with the use of a small air lift, if it became necessary. But perhaps the prop-wash would do the job well enough. Either way, he was thinking more seriously about a bigger ship, with more sophisticated equipment and more power. As he saw it, it all depended on what they found today.

He picked up one last piece of equipment—a small powerful spear gun. He’d take no more chances with Kate.

“Okay, slow it down to the minimum,” he ordered. “And keep it there. Once Kate and I are down, we don’t want the prop-wash shooting cannonballs around.”

Kate stopped the deep breathing she was using to ease tension. Her voice was cool and steady. “Would it have that kind of power?”

“Not at this speed.” Ky adjusted his mask then took her hand. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

Then he kissed her, hard. “You’ve got guts, professor,” he murmured. His eyes were dark, intense as they passed over her face. “It’s one of the sexiest things about you.” With this he was over the side.