“A slight twist in my theory,” Pitt said. “It wasn’t the Mexicans who blew up the Cuttlefish. It was Heiland himself.”

Chapter 21

21

STEPPING INTO THE DRAKE’S MESS JUST AFTER SUNUP, Pitt was surprised to find Ann seated across from Gunn, finishing her breakfast. Grabbing a cup of coffee, he headed to their table.

“Good morning. Mind if I join you?”

Gunn waved him to a seat next to Ann. “Always interrupting my fun.”

Pitt looked to Ann. “Sleep well?”

“Just fine,” she said, softly averting his gaze.

Pitt smiled at her sudden sheepishness. Returning from the barge the night before, he had gone straight to his cabin to go to bed. He’d answered a light knock at his door to find Ann in the doorway, an expectant look on her face. She’d worn a loose-fitting ship’s bathrobe that failed to conceal the straps of her lingerie. Barefoot, she stood on her good leg, relieving the pressure on her wrapped and swollen left ankle.

“I was hoping you would stop by to say good night,” she whispered.

Pitt quelled an uneasy desire as he gazed into her needy eyes. “Negligence on my part,” he said with a smile.

He bent down and plucked her off her feet, holding her tight. She buried her head in his neck as he carried her down the narrow corridor and into her cabin. Setting her gently on the bunk, he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

“Good night, my dear,” he said softly. Before she could respond, he’d backed out of her cabin and closed the door behind him.

“Your cook is excellent,” Ann said to Gunn, now pushing away her empty plate while trying to change the subject.

“Food is a key element of shipboard morale, particularly on long voyages. We insist on highly trained chefs for all our vessels.” Gunn took a bite of toast and turned to Pitt. “Ann was just telling me how she put her college springboard experience to good use by diving from the bridge wing last evening.”

“I’d give her a 9.0.” Pitt winked. “Though I might raise my marks if she would dive into what this expedition was really all about.”

Ann gave a nervous cough into her napkin. “What do you mean?”

“We were searching for much more than just a missing boat, weren’t we?”

“It was important that we find the boat, and any equipment that was still aboard.”

“We succeeded on both counts,” Pitt said, “so how about you tell us something about that equipment?”

“I can’t disclose that.”

Pitt’s eyes narrowed. “Aside from nearly getting yourself killed, you also placed this ship and crew in danger. I think we’re entitled to some answers.”

Ann looked Pitt in the eye for the first time—and realized she couldn’t sidestep the issue. She gazed around the room to ensure no one was eavesdropping.