Fatal Tide by Iris Johansen Page A

second sense.”
    “Pete is larger and has darker gray markings on his snout. Susie’s dorsal fin has a V in the center. Where’s Cal?”
    “I sent him to Tobago to get supplies and meet Nicholas’s plane. They’ll be back tomorrow.”
    “Nicholas Lyons is coming here?”
    “Not unless you give the word. It’s your island. He can stay in Tobago. I just wanted him nearby.”
    “He can come. I don’t care.”
    “That’s not what Cal said. According to him this is a very private island.”
    “That’s the way I like it. But sometimes we have to ignore what we like or don’t like. You may need him.”
    “Really?”
    “Good night, guys,” she called to the dolphins. “See you in the morning.”
    They gave a final chattering series of clicks and then disappeared beneath the water.
    “They won’t come back unless I call them.”
    “Why do you call them guys when Susie is a female?”
    “When I first got to know them, they wouldn’t let me get close enough to find out their sex. They’re built for speed, and their genitals are tucked neatly out of sight until they have use for them. I just got in the habit of calling them that.” She got to her feet. “I’ve made some coffee. I’ll go get the cups and carafe.”
    “I’ll come with you.”
    “No, stay here.” She didn’t want him with her. She needed a few minutes alone. Jesus, she didn’t want to do this. Well, it didn’t matter what she wanted. She’d made a decision and she had to stick to it.
    He was standing looking out at the sunset when she came back with the tray. “God, it’s beautiful. No wonder you never want to leave this place.”
    “There are lots of beautiful places in the world.” She set the tray on the table. “And you’ve probably seen most of them.”
    “I’ve tried.” He poured coffee and took his cup to the edge of the lanai. “But sometimes beautiful turns ugly. It depends on what happens there. I hope this place never does.”
    “That’s why I had Phil install safeguards to protect the island.”
    “Cal told me that you could rev that electricity up on the net from low voltage to lethal.” He paused. “And you did it before any of this particular ugliness was in the works. You evidently don’t place much faith in law enforcement.”
    “The coast guard usually shows up after a crime. If you’re going to maintain your independence, I’ve learned you can’t really count on anyone but yourself.” She looked him in the eye. “Haven’t you?”
    “Yes.” He lifted his cup to his lips. “I wasn’t criticizing your methods of taking care of yourself. I was only commenting.” He turned to face her. “Okay, we’ve discussed scenic beauty, security, and independence. Now are you going to tell me why I’m here?”
    “Why, I’m going to give you what you want. What you all want.” She paused. “Marinth.”
    He stiffened. “What?”
    “You heard me. The ancient city, the fortress, the treasure trove. The grand prize.” Her lips twisted bitterly. “The trophy that was worth Carolyn and Phil giving their lives.”
    “You know where Marinth is?”
    “I know the approximate area. It’s in the Canary Islands. There are obstacles. It’s not going to be easy. But I can find it.”
    “How?”
    “I’m not going to tell you. It’s important that you continue to need me.”
    “Because you don’t trust me.”
    “I don’t trust anyone where Marinth is concerned. I lived with Phil for years, and every one of those years he dreamed about finding Marinth. He’d read me the legends and tell me about the expeditions that went in search of the lost city. He even named his ship Last Home because that’s how Hepsut referred to Marinth on the wall of his tomb. Phil wasn’t nearly as excited about Atlantis. He was sure Marinth was the technological and cultural end of the rainbow. He spent half his life on wild-goose chases to find the city.” She paused. “And then six years ago he thought he’d discovered