LC 04 - Skeleton Crew Read Free Page B

happened to be an archivist with some knowledge of
Spanish documents. She couldn't believe her eyes when she came
upon it. If that archivist hadn't recognized what it was, it probably
would have ended up in a trash heap or a garage sale."
    Trey shook his head. "It's amazing how often fate plays a part
in science. Francisco Lewis wants to put excerpts from the diary in
the newspaper, like a serial. I think it might be a good idea. Public
support is a good thing."
    "Trey said you just arrived today," Harper said to Lindsay.
"What do you think of his little operation here in the middle of the
ocean? Pretty spectacular, huh?"

    "It's like the eighth wonder of the world. I was just looking at
the ocean all around the dam."
    "Yeah, great, isn't it?" Trey obviously wasn't suffering any of
the feelings of anxiety and vulnerability that the dam was producing in Lindsay. He was definitely in his element.
    "If you can think about it without being scared, it's quite wonderful to be able to walk on the bottom of the ocean," Lindsay
agreed.
    Trey motioned Lindsay to one of the tables and chairs not far
from the outer bulkhead and the three of them sat down. It was
like an outdoor cafe with an ocean view. Several of the crew were
sitting, eating their lunches. One person had binoculars, looking
out at the ships at sea. Lindsay guessed they'd have to eat somewhere else on windy days. She could imagine the waves coming
up over the walls nine feet above the ocean. Even on this pleasant
day, she felt an occasional spray from the waves splashing against
the bulkhead wall.
    "Scared?" Trey gave her forearm a reassuring grip."Oh, it's safe
here. West and his crew maintain a constant presence." Lindsay
looked over to the West Construction barge not far away. John and
some of his crew were having lunch. She waved but she didn't
think he saw her.
    "I've hired meteorologists just for this project. They watch the
weather minute by minute. Lewis got us enough money to do this
right. Speaking of which, he'll be here in the next few days to do a
little trowel work himself. I think he's bringing a television crew."
    Lindsay laughed out loud. "He's such a show."
    "Don't laugh too hard. Publicity gets us money."
    "And pothunters, too, I'll bet."
    "Some, but it also educates the public on what we're doing and
why it's important."
    "John mentioned Eva Jones," Lindsay said, pulling a Hostess
Twinkie from her bag.
    "Yeah, she has a yacht out there somewhere. There're rumors
flying around about the Estrella being a Spanish treasure ship. I
hear she's got her crew searching the ocean bottom. I've tried to
put the word out that the Estrella was heading from Spain, and
wouldn't have treasure, only supplies for the mission colonies. But
you know, the Atocha was found just down the coast of Florida,
and Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge was found a little ways from here off the coast of North Carolina. When word got out that
we had found a Spanish galleon, I guess gold fever kind of took
over." He squinted at the horizon. "I think that may be her out
there." He pointed at a tiny sailing ship on the horizon.

    Harper and Lindsay shaded their eyes, looking toward the
ship.
    "Fancy boat," said Harper. "Who is this chick?"
    "Depends on who you ask," answered Trey. "Some call her a
looter, others a collector, and some call her names I won't mention."
    "She sounds intriguing." Harper stood. "I guess I'd better get
back to my translating." Trey started to stand up and Harper put a
hand on his shoulder. "I'll find my way down to the dock. See you
this evening. Nice to have met you, Lindsay. Come by my apartment sometime and visit." She winked at Trey and made her way
to the ladder.
    "Isn't she great?" Trey said, watching her go.
    "We look a little smitten," Lindsay teased.
    Trey's cheeks turned a little darker under his tan as he smiled
and nodded to Lindsay. "Maybe."
    "She does seem like a delightful person and a very talented