Chapter 84
Answers
Cam couldn't sleep. His team was hurting, the person who hurt them was still on the island, and they didn't have all the answers yet.
Giving up on rest, he threw back the covers and got out of bed. It was early, but he might as well start his day.
The Lagoon was calm when he arrived. The dolphins floated in their dreamy morning state, gliding lazily in the still water. Cam always loved the morning, when the world felt full of possibilities. But today, he wasn't here for serenity; he needed to put some puzzle pieces together.
First things first: check if Dr. T had replied to their email.
He booted up the work computer and opened the inbox. There it was.
"Yes!" Cam pumped his fist in the air.
To: The Lagoon, Dr. Gray Whittal
Subject: Re: Urgent - need to talk
Cam, Gray, or whoever gets this email, please call me immediately. I don't care what time it is. We have a satellite phone, and I'll have it on me until I hear from one of you. I did not send Shelley.
Dr. T
Cam exhaled a long, steadying breath. Finally, some clarity. Grabbing the boat keys, he made his way to the dock. He hoped the Thatchers were already up; he needed their phone again. Deep down, he knew they wouldn't mind; they'd do anything for the Lagoon.
"Hello, Dr. Terry speaking," came the bright chirp of Gray's boss, her voice surprisingly clear over the satellite phone. Lady Thatcher had reasoned that the satellite phone was a better choice for calling the Arctic.
Lady Thatcher had been gracious when Cam had shown up early to use her phone, even offering him a cup of tea before slipping out of the room to give him privacy.
"Hi, Dr. Terry, it's Cam." He kept his voice calm, though his stomach churned with nerves.
"Cam? What a surprise! Is Gray there too? Isn't it early for you? I thought the lab had no phone?" She fired off questions in rapid succession.
"You're right, no phone at the lab. I'm across the canal at the Thatchers', using theirs. Gray hasn't arrived at work yet, but when I saw your email, I couldn't wait to call."
"Well, I've been up all night worrying, so I'm glad you didn't wait. What's going on?"
Cam launched into the full story, recounting everything that had happened. When he finally finished, Dr. Terry let out a low whistle.
"Cam, if I weren't hearing this from you, I'd think it was fiction. Shelley's behaviour is beyond unacceptable." Her voice hardened. "When you get back to the Lagoon, find Shelley and tell her I want her on the next plane home. She's broken my trust, and that's not something I take lightly."
"Understood," Cam said, jotting down notes.
"But, Cam," she continued, her tone softening, "I've known Shelley a long time. She's many things, but she's not the type to destroy data. I'd bet anything she still has Gray's tapes somewhere. Numbers are her lifeline. Try reasoning with her. Coax it out if you have to."
Cam nodded instinctively, then realized she couldn't see him. "Right. I'll see what I can do. There's a flight out tonight, and we'll make sure she's on it."
"Good. Keep me updated. And thank you for calling. I know this isn't easy."
"I'll send you an email as soon as I can. Thank you, Dr. Terry."
They said their goodbyes, and as Cam set the phone down, Lady Thatcher returned, her expression curious but calm.
"All sorted?" She asked, her tone warm.
"For now, yes." Cam stood, grateful for her help. "I really can't thank you enough."
Lady Thatcher touched his arm, stopping him.
"Cam, this is quite the ordeal you're dealing with.
If you can't find this young lady, or if she doesn't cooperate, don't hesitate to ask for help.
We can involve the police if needed. And if she can't, or won't, board tonight's flight, remember we have a private plane.
One way or another, she'll be on her way. "
Her firm assurance left Cam feeling lighter.
"Thank you, Lady Thatcher," he said sincerely.
With that, she led him back out to the patio, where the early morning sunlight spilled over the canal. Cam climbed back into the boat, ready to return to the Lagoon and face what came next. Unfortunately, Cam could never have expected what was about to come.