The Reef

I could do, and he enjoyed that.”
    “Did he frighten you?”
    “He offered me champagne and a tour of the boat. Genial host to welcomed guest. He was reasonable, entirely too reasonable.” Tate flexed her hand on the rail. “Yes, he frightened me. I could see him as a Roman emperor, nibbling on sugared grapes while the lions tore the Christians to shreds. He’d enjoy the show.”
    Marla suppressed a shudder. Her daughter was whole and safe and here, she reminded herself. But she kept a hand over Tate’s as reassurance. “Do you believe he killed Matthew’s father?”
    “Matthew believes it. There.” She lifted a hand to point. “There’s the boat.”
    On the bridge, Matthew studied the Triumphant. It was new, he noted, more luxurious than the rig they had used in Australia. As far as he could see, the decks were deserted.
    “I’m going over, Ray.”
    “Let’s take this one step at a time.”
    “VanDyke’s already taken too many steps.”
    “We’ll hail them first.” Ray maneuvered the boat between the Triumphant and the Sea Devil, cut the engines.
    “Get the women in the cabins, keep them there.” Matthew picked up a diving knife.
    “And what are you going to do?” Ray demanded. “Clamp that between your teeth and swing over on a rope? Use your head.” Hoping the scathing tone worked, he left the bridge. On deck, he glanced at his wife and daughter before going to the rail.
    “Ahoy the Triumphant, ” he called out.
    “There was a woman,” Tate supplied. The hair on herarms and neck began to tingle as Matthew joined them. “Crew—seamen and stewards. Divers.”
    Now, the Triumphant looked like a ghost ship, silent but for the flap of awnings and lap of the water on its hull.
    “I’m going over,” Matthew said again. As he readied to dive into the water, VanDyke strolled out on deck.
    “Good afternoon.” His beautiful voice carried over the water. “Gorgeous day for a sail, isn’t it?”
    “Silas VanDyke.”
    Like a pose, VanDyke leaned on the rail, ankles crossed, arms folded. “Yes, indeed. And what can I do for you?”
    “I’m Raymond Beaumont.”
    “Ah, of course.” In a gallant gesture, he tipped the brim of his panama. “I’ve met your charming daughter. Lovely to see you again, Tate. And you must be Mrs. Beaumont.” He bowed slightly in Marla’s direction. “I see where Tate gets her fresh and intriguing beauty. And it’s young Matthew Lassiter, isn’t it? How interesting to meet you here.”
    “I knew you were a murderer, VanDyke,” Matthew called out. “But I didn’t know you’d sink to piracy.”
    “You haven’t changed.” VanDyke’s teeth flashed. “I’m glad. It would be a shame to have all those rough edges polished away. I’d invite you all onboard, but we’re rather busy at the moment. Perhaps we can arrange a little dinner party for later in the week.”
    Before Matthew could speak, Ray clamped a hand on his arm, fingers vising. “We have first claim on the Santa Marguerite. We discovered her, and we’ve been working her for several weeks. The necessary paperwork was filed with the government of Saint Kitts.”
    “I’m afraid we disagree.” Gracefully, Silas took a slim silver case from his pocket, chose a cigarette. “You’re welcome to check with the authorities if you find it necessary. Of course, we are beyond the legal limit. And when I arrived, there was no one here. Just that unfortunate, and empty, boat.”
    “My partner was seriously injured a few days ago. We had to postpone the excavation.”
    “Ah.” VanDyke lighted his cigarette, took acontemplative drag. “I heard about poor Buck’s accident. How difficult for him, for you all. My sympathies. However, the fact remains that I’m here, and you’re not.”
    “You took property from our boats,” Tate shouted out.
    “That’s a ridiculous accusation, and one you’ll have a great deal of difficulty proving. Of course, you’re welcome to try.” He paused to study and admire a pair of pelicans in their dance from sky to sea and back again. “Treasure-hunting is a frustrating business, isn’t it?” he said conversationally. “And often heartbreaking. Do give my best regards to your uncle, Matthew. I hope this bad luck that runs in your family ends with you.”
    “Fuck this.” Even as Matthew vaulted to the rail, Tate sprang to stop him. He’d barely shaken her off when Ray shoved him back.
    “Top deck,” he murmured. “Forward and aft.”
    Two men had