“Now that you’ve been here a couple of days, what do you like most about the Key?”
She looks at the ceiling for a moment. Inhaling deeply, she moves her gaze back and locks eyes on me. “The air.” She closes her eyes like she’s let something go. “I can finally breathe again.”
My heart just takes off. This woman, she’s got layers. Layers, I want to unwind.
“You’re already fitting in,” Jamie praises Maddie after she tells a funny joke. “Careful, though. Margaret’s the only one who can out-snark Liam.”
“I’ve got no snark, man. I’m the teddy bear,” Liam says with a straight face.
Maddie leans back in her chair, relaxed.
Reaching for the syrup like she’s been sitting at this table for years, she eats in earnest. Over the course of one breakfast, she’s no longer an outsider. She’s a new friend.
For a little while, the tension from Garrett’s call this morning and all thoughts of Harrington’s impending arrival fade away, and I feel… alive.
“Are they always like this?” Her bright sandy eyes meet mine again. The directness of her gaze makes me catch my breath.
“Every day.” I shrug. “You get used to it.”
“Take us or leave us,” Jamie says, jumping in.
Maddie glances around the room, the warmth in her expression spreading over me. “I think I’m going to keep all of you.”
Who is this woman?
Despite myself, I hope she means it.
Chapter 3
Maddie
We all pitch in to clear the breakfast dishes. The lively chatter from earlier fades into a quieter, more focused tempo as the dive team shifts into work mode.
Scott stands at the foot of the table. There are maps and notes spread across its polished wood. Neatly combed dark brown hair, broad shoulders, and poised demeanor reveal a military background even before he speaks. His sun-kissed skin and muscular build suggest he’s no stranger to hard work. Focused hazel eyes miss nothing as he surveys the group. I stare at the black dog tags resting against his chest and the deep, jagged scar running along his neck. I shiver and close the collar point of my shirt, pulling the fabric closer to my skin.
He commands the attention of those in the room with a voice of authority as he outlines the tactical plan for their next excursion.
Jamie lounges in his chair, twirling his pen. Margaret sits in a corner by herself, taking notes, while Liam is the closest to Scott, pointing to lines on a laminated map of Carter’s Drop’scaverns. Liam’s a gentle giant with dark brown hair, eyes, and skin. I get the sense he and Scott have known each other the longest.
“Garrett agreed to another reconnaissance dive before we push deeper into the cave tunnels.” Scott taps the map with his knuckles. “We need to confirm which tunnels are worth focusing on before committing to an exploration route. He wants us in there as soon as possible, and I’ve assured him the last thing we want to do is waste time on the dead ends.”
Jamie tips his chair back onto two legs. “The guy’s been out of town for days and still wants his signature of approval on everything.”
Margaret crosses her arms. “His university grant is funding this.” Her soft voice is matter-of-fact. “It’s not shocking he wants to know where his money’s going.” Even though she’s a petite, unassuming brunette, her words carry a punch.
“Is it true Garrett is bringing another university bigwig with him when he gets back to the inn?” Jamie asks, and scoffs. “Another Egghead. How stuffy is this place going to get?”
“Elaine Fischer is well respected.” Scott levels Jamie with a flat, no-nonsense stare. “The grant’s investors are insisting she join the project.” The corners of his mouth twitch. “Not sure Garrett is too pleased about that.”
Obviously, he doesn’t like this Garrett guy either.
I think of the guest list. The doctors will both be staying here at the inn.
“Anyway, back to it.” Scott gestures to the map.
Liam leans forward and taps on a shaded section near the bottom corner. “These sections we analyzed last week don’t look too promising. If we want to stick to Garrett’s timeline, we’re better off focusing here. The conduits are wider, and it’ll be easier to navigate.”
Scott pulls out a chair and sits, the wood creaking under his weight. “I was thinking about that, too. But if we take this path …” He traces a finger along another route. “It might save us time in the long run. There are a few more siphons and restrictions this way, which bring more risks and take more time, but the passages open up to larger rooms that may bear more fruit.”
