“You, too. How’s everything going around here?” The marina seemed completely full and hopping with people, dogs, bikes, scooters and other forms of chaos occurring on and around the main pier. Adam was relieved to see business as usual.

“Not bad. How about you?”

“I’ll be better when I see the boys. How do they seem to you?”

“Mac acts like nothing happened. From what I hear, Evan is working around the clock to get the music studio open. Your dad is a bit more sentimental than usual.”

“More sentimental?”

Luke laughed at that. “You heard me right. He was profoundly affected by what happened.” Luke sighed and shook his head. “It was a very long day for all of us, but somehow it was worse for him because he couldn’t go out and look for them. The fog was so thick…”

“He must’ve been beside himself.” Adam ached for his sweet dad, who would’ve been tortured by having to wait hours for word about his boys.

“That’s putting it mildly. I had to get between him and the Chris Craft a couple of times that day.” Luke referred to the classic boat he’d restored for Big Mac years ago. “He’s been pissed at me ever since.”

“I know it’s hard, but try not to take it personally.”

“I’m trying.”

The way he said the two words told Adam a lot about how difficult it had been for Luke, who viewed Big Mac as the father he’d never had. “How’s Syd?”

Luke’s entire demeanor softened. “She’s great.”

Adam gave him a nudge as they walked toward the restaurant. “Marriage seems to agree with you, old man.”

“I rather like it.”

Adam stopped abruptly and turned to Luke. “You didn’t mention anything about Grant.”

Luke glanced down at the parking lot. “He’s not doing too well. Something’s not right, but he’s all locked up. We’ve all tried to get through to him, but he’s not talking.”

“I saw him earlier, and I have to agree.”

“Maybe having you around will get him talking. You two have always been close.”

“When we were younger, but not as much now,” Adam said, filled with regret to realize it was true. He’d been so focused on his work that he’d let a lot of important relationships slide while he focused on others that turned out to be less important than he’d thought.

They stepped into the marina restaurant where Grant’s fiancée, Stephanie, appeared to be doing battle with the cash register.

“Adam! Is that really you? You’re just the man we need right now! Come. Quickly.”

Luke sent him a sympathetic smile and gestured for Adam to proceed to the counter.

“Hello to you, too, Steph.” He returned the quick hug she gave him. “What seems to be the problem?”