“Constant vigilance is the rule.” He walked them away from the waterline, and only then did he turn his back on the Pacific to scan the edge of the cliffs. “Still, I wonder if anyone else was diving with Stephen Penderghast when he made his first undersea discovery. Someone who didn’t survive. Someone who died as he meant you to.”

Elle nodded. “Sounds to me like something to investigate.”

“Agreed. We should.”

62

ELLE STRAIGHTENED. “Can I use your phone? I need to call my mother.”

“A reminder, there’s no cell service here at the edge of the continent.” Adam put his arm around her. “Let’s pack up and go home. We can retrieve the prow of your great-grandparents’ boat later.”

She smiled, as if she liked that he’d declared this prow belonged to her family.

They collected their blanket and backpacks and hiked up the path to the highway and the ATV. Adam handed her his phone, and she flipped it open—and hesitated.

With dry wit, he said, “It’s old-school, but you still simply press the numbers.”

“Mom is in my Contacts, so I’m not sure about the number. But when I was a kid, she made me memorize it... I think it’s the same.” Elle dialed hesitantly, put the phone to her ear.

Adam could hear it ringing—and the message starting.

After the beep, Elle said, “Mom, it’s Elladora. I know you don’t recognize the caller so you’re not going to answer, but please call me back at this number. I’m okay, Mom.” Elle’s voice wobbled. “I really want to talk to you.” She hung up. She sighed, sniffled, blotted her nose on the hem of her T-shirt. “It’s two hours earlier there.”

“You want to drive?” he asked.

“No. I want to talk to her when she calls me back.” She got in the passenger’s seat.

“Where’s there?” He joined her and they started up the road.

“Peru. We talk at least twice a week, and it’s been, what? Eleven days? She must be worried to death. We’re close.” As he drove, she talked. “I never knew my father. He abandoned Mom when she was pregnant. We were together, alone, for thirteen years, working mostly in South America. Then she met my stepfather, and he wanted to marry her. She wasn’t going to marry anyone until I was in college, but he really loved her so he asked me. I said yes. It hasn’t been perfect, but Dad’s been a good stepfather and—”

Adam’s phone rang.

Elle jumped so hard she lost her grip on it.

With one hand, Adam caught it before it hit the floor, flipped it open and handed it Elle.

“Mommy!” Elle sounded tremulous and happy.

A squawk of indignation blared from the earpiece.