Shark Eater

by K D McNiven

  After collecting the data they’d come for, they motioned for the team to begin the ascent.

  It was hard to tell whether it was from the box removal, the impact of the air bubbles from their regulators, or the momentum of their fins, but sediment and grit began to swirl around them like a thick curtain, leaving them with little to no visibility depending on where they were. Dax and Decker were thankful they were not in extremely deep water and that there was nothing to block their ascension.

  Moving blindly through the veil of sediment, they mentally determined how close they were to the mooring line. Because of the murky cloud, they struggled to make out shapes. Unfortunately, it made it near impossible to see the other divers. Blindly, Dax scrabbled for the rope. When he grasped hold, he followed the line until he caught up with the others and was thankful they had fastened themselves to the shot line.

  After decompression checks, Decker and Dax popped their heads through the surface and were relieved to find everyone accounted for. It had been an unfortunate event to run into silt-out, but they only had minutes before they ran out of air and would have been forced to resurface anyhow. All in all, they determined it was a good day’s work and looked forward to the next dive when they would dredge the ship’s cavity to see what they would uncover.

  CHAPTER 19

  Kealakekua Bay

  Garrett was still awaiting his underwater permit to continue his area search for artifacts. Restless, he decided to dive the area and place markers if and when he found anything of cultural significance. Carson was ready and willing, as boredom had set in after only a few days. He was used to action and adventure; vacations only satisfied him for a couple of days. His feet were itching to move ahead.

  Garrett and Holly were humored by his antsy demeanor. Holly was all for the guys going out and seeing what they could find. Today she determined to stretch out on the lounge, soak up some sun, and read a good novel. They had been coming and going all week, and she had to admit she was ready to relax a bit.

  Those who weren’t going to dive with Garrett decided to go ashore, with the exception of Shane who stayed in the pilot house to keep his eyes on current changes and monitor the weather. The sea was ever changing, and it was important always to have someone close at hand, especially when they were diving.

  “You sure you don’t want to tag along?” Garrett asked, striding over and kissing Holly.

  “You two enjoy yourselves,” she urged him. “I’m going to rest up and take it easy for one day. You have to admit, we have been like birds in flight. Hardly taking the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.” She reached out to touch his cheek. “I’m not complaining. I would like a little quiet time.”

  “You never complain.” Garrett brushed back her dark hair and gazed lovingly into her eyes. “And I fully understand.”

  Garrett and Carson fitted on their face masks and fins and slid their arms through the shoulder straps that held their oxygen cylinders. They moved to the stern and jumped into the warm Kealakekua Bay waters. They kicked through the waves and dove down to the sandy bottom.

  It was an incredible feeling to swim alongside sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays. The reef was teeming with life and brilliant color. The two of them made a leisurely pass over the coral and made their way toward the area they had marked out with yellow flags where they’d found the coins.

  With a hand fan, they dusted off areas to see what they might uncover. Carson had a metal detector that he swept back and forth over the area, occasionally finding a lost item such as a ring, a pen, and a pair of sunglasses. Stowing the objects in a bag to keep the ocean floor clean, they continued their search.

  One hundred feet from shore, Garrett discovered another coin. He motioned for Carson to keep with him in that area to see if they turned up anything else. Soon they discovered two more coins. The trail of coins appeared to be leading them toward the cliffs where an extensive lava flow extended out into the water. They approached with caution in order to avoid being thrust into the rocks by way of the current, which at this point was quite strong. Their approach brought them to a section of the flow where an underground lava tube had created a cave, not obvious to the casual diver. At the base of the opening, they discovered several more coins, as well as an axe head made out of obsidian.

  They were more than a little curious about the number of coins they were finding near the entryway. Both wondered if they might locate more within the cave. They knew they would investigate this more, but on another day because they did not have the proper equipment.

  As they made their way back to the yacht, Garrett went over in his mind what additional permits they would need if they were to investigate on land. Permits that would allow them to do an archaeological study of the area. Getting the permits would take a few days. In the meantime, he would try and locate as many maps of the area as he could to study.

  Once on board the Jade, Garrett pulled up a chair beside Holly and took her hand in his. “I hope my excursions are not upsetting you?” he asked.

  “No worries.”

  “Our honeymoon and here I am running off on a treasure hunt.”

  She smiled warmly. “That’s who you are, and why I married you.”

  “How about I take you dancing tonight?”

  “You don’t have to try and appease me, Garrett.”

  “That’s not what I’m doing,” he said, his blue eyes surveying her. “I want to spend time together. You and me.”

  “Seriously!” came a voice from behind. “You’d rather spend time with her than us?”

  Garrett and Holly’s heads turned to see Polly strolling onto the deck in his bright orange swimming trunks, and his snorkel mask already fitted over his eyes. His hair waved like red flags in the warm, Hawaiian breeze.

  “Sorry, Polly,” Garrett said, “Holly is much better looking than you.”

  “I’m hurt, Garrett.” He chuckled, his green eyes flashing humor. “Carson told me that you two believe the coins may be washing down from a lava tube?”

  “It appears so,” Garrett answered. “We’ll be going out in a couple of days and dive the cave. It may be a dead end, but worth a look.”

  “I’m in.”

  “I was going to ask you to join us. Always safer having a couple extras, especially with the undercurrent there. I’m also going review a few maps so I can get the layout of the land surrounding the cave. We might have to access the cave by land.”

  “I’ll go over it with you,” Polly said, then changed the subject. “Have you talked with Decker?”

  “Not in a couple of days,” Garrett told him. “I’ll check in with him later and let him know what we’re up to.”

  “How’s their work going on the galleon?”

  “Last I heard, they had a few mishaps, but Decker and Callie are excited by the find and have a few artifacts to study. They all seem convinced the galleon is one of the shipwrecks from the 1539 hurricane.”

  “I can’t wait to hear all of the details,” Polly clipped, sticking the rubber snorkel into his mouth. He shot a quick see you later motion with his hand and dove off the side of the Jade.

  “I’d like you to dive with us to search out the cave,” Garrett said to Holly. “But cave diving is dangerous even for those who are experienced.”

  She nodded. “You don’t have to apologize, Garrett. I would never think to ask you not to follow your heart. What’s nice is that you always include me and don’t push me to the background. I don’t feel left out.”

  “If you ever do…”

  She pressed her finger to his lips. “I’ll let you know.”

  CHAPTER 20

  Shark Eater

  The Shark Eater team hovered over the small pool to look on at the opening of the wooden chest that had been ballooned to the surface. All of them were filled with anticipation to discover the contents. Lars had already set up his video equipment for the event. He was hoping to have video footage of all aspects of this archeological exploration�
�their dives as well as any artifacts they chose to surface and make available to the public by way of museums. If he acquired enough clear video shots, he intended to make another documentary.

  He had previously asked Decker before they left port if he would be willing to write out a detailed documentary script. He had seen first-hand Decker’s writing skills—there was no reason to search anywhere else for someone to do the job when Decker was at the threshold of the operation.

  With gloved hands, Decker maneuvered the padlock, though it didn’t take much effort for it to slide off. Deliberately and oh, so gently, he pushed upward on the lip until the lid gave way to reveal what had lain undisturbed for centuries.

  Gasps and various exclamations of awe escaped the crew as their eyes viewed heaps of jeweled necklaces, rings, coins and precious gems. There was a heavy sediment build up, but it appeared most of the contents were in relatively good condition. Nevertheless, they would have to wash the items carefully to document the contents.

  “This is fantastic.” Dax released the air that he had been holding in. His blue eyes flashed with excitement.

  “I never lose the sense of awe when we uncover artifacts,” Callie whispered almost to herself and took another step closer.

  “Look at this.” Decker pointed to a solid gold chain. “This alone is worth a fortune. I’d say close to a pound of gold.” He used a small brush to clear away sediment. One piece after another, he gently moved the chain to the side in order to have a clearer view of what else lay inside the chest. He could feel his heart thumping with expectancy. Lars was capturing it all on video.

  “This is why archaeology is our lifeblood,” India said, unable to take her eyes off the heaps of gems and gold.

  Dax laid his hand on her shoulder, gave a gentle squeeze, and smiled. “This is worth all the danger and intrigue, eh India?”

  “I’d die working a nine-to-five job. You know that,” she replied. A structured life was good for some, but she did not conform to the world standards.

  He grinned, the dimples on either side of his mouth deepening to give him a boyish charm. “I couldn’t imagine you doing that either, Sheila. We’re two of a kind, you and me,” he told her. “I’ve no doubt we’ll be scurrying around a ship’s deck at some exotic port, adventure on our heels, even when we’re barely able to stand.”

  India laughed heartily, but his words rang true.

  “I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Captain Manny interrupted, “But Linus informed me that a storm is heading our way. It is coming from the Gulf of Mexico with gale force winds. We’ll be sitting too close for comfort. The storm will extend to 20 N 80 W. Seas will top at fifteen to twenty feet.”

  “We won’t be headed back to Miami?” asked Dax.

  “We’ll head for Haiti,” Captain Manny informed them. “When you wrap up here, meet me in the pilot house, and we’ll go over the details.”

  “You got it,” Dax replied.

  CHAPTER 21

  Greater Bahama Bank

  After being apprised of the storm, the team went straight away to their quarters to dress in their foul weather gear. It was obvious they would encounter some high waves and heavy wind. Captain Manny had given them instructions on what needed to be done to prepare for a storm. Anything not battened down was a hazard waiting to happen in a storm. Broken glass, lines that become tangled—each could develop into a threatening weapon against the crew.

  Decker helped Callie into her wetsuit and dropped a kiss on her head. “We’ve hardly talked since the altercation,” he mentioned. “Are you doing all right?”

  “Do I look green around the gills?” She chuckled softly but felt her stomach churning as the Shark Eater bucked and rolled with the ever-intensifying upsurges of the sea.

  “A little,” he smiled. “You need something to settle your stomach?”

  “I’ll be fine,” she assured him, reaching up to brush his cheek her slender fingers. “You need to be on deck and quit worrying about me.”

  “If you change your mind…”

  “I’ll let you know.”

  The horizon was banked with black looming clouds when Decker strode briskly onto the deck and headed aft. Waves rose and fell, exploding into frothy white foam as each reached its crescendo. Water cascaded over the Shark Eater as the crew worked frantically, securing anything loose.

  Decker made his way to the dive platform and began fastening the tanks and equipment. Several lines were foul. His fingers worked deftly to untangle and secure the cables to prevent damaging their gear or striking one of the crewmen.

  The wind shrieked across the deck, and the mounting waves licked the hull like wild flames. The Shark Eater groaned with the sheer tension colliding with her. She lurched, throwing Decker to the floor. Air currents changed dramatically and abruptly as they pushed inland, and they were being slammed by the heavy, gale-force winds.

  Briefly, while trying to find his footing on the slick deck, Decker identified with the Spanish fleet caught off guard by the 1539 hurricane. He could only imagine the panic that the crew must have experienced as they fought valiantly to keep the ships from being torn to pieces.

  Callie and Karina worked quickly stowing test tubes and anything breakable. They shoved whatever wasn’t bolted down into cupboards that locked down and made sure all of their surveying charts were tucked safely into waterproof containers, so they wouldn’t lose important data amassed over the past weeks.

  Both held fast to the counters or whatever stable source they could find. Dealing with the momentum of the ship’s pitching took tremendous effort. They had ridden out storms at sea, but neither of them had witnessed the wind being so commanding. As they looked over at one another, they could clearly see a thread of fear fringing in the depths of their eyes.

  “We’ll be fine,” Callie tried to reassure Karina. “Captain Manny and Linus are more than capable of handling this; they’ll see us through without a hitch.”

  “I know,” she replied, but without conviction. “I just hope I don’t vomit before they do.”

  The Shark Eater shifted abruptly, throwing Karina and Callie across the floor. Karina fought to grab hold of something stable but was unable to. A guttural moan escaped her lips as her head struck a center beam. She lay motionless, and Callie saw a trickle of blood on the back of her head.

  Heart pounding, Callie crawled across the water-soaked floor to Karina’s aid. She withdrew a scarf from her back pocket and pressed it against her skull. “Karina!” she called out sharply. “Karina, can you hear me?” Karina had been knocked out by the blow, and Callie knew she had to get her back to her quarters and check her for a concussion.

  Rushing to the door, Callie yelled as loud as she could in order to be heard over the roaring wind. A sigh tumbled from her lips as she saw Dax rushing toward her.

  “What’s wrong?” he called out, seeing Callie’s frantic expression.

  “Karina fell and struck her head against the beam.”

  Dax rushed past Callie and dropped to his knees beside Karina, who appeared to be regaining consciousness. He cradled her head. Her eyes fluttered a few times before she opened them, blinking a couple of times to focus, her face pinched up with pain.

  “What happened?” she managed to say.

  “You fell and hit your head, Kat,” explained Dax. “I’m going to carry you back to your cabin. If you feel pain in your neck or spine let me know.”

  She nodded. There was some pain in her neck, but she thought it was from jamming into the hard surface. Decker, with his medical training, could check her out a bit more thoroughly once they got her back to her bed and make sure it was nothing serious.

  Callie agreed to stay with her and watch for any signs of a concussion. It was evident in the depths of Karina’s eyes that she was glad Callie opted to wait with her, especially with the storm still raging and the Shark Eater pitching wildly.

  Once everything was buttoned down securely, Dax and Decker met in the pilot house wit
h Linus. Rain drenched the ship. The dark, foreboding waves were building and capping off at fifteen feet.

  They found both Captain Manny and Linus stooped over the instrument console reading the sonar charts. There was an edge of tension as Decker peered over their shoulder to glimpse the screens. “How long are the gale warnings in effect?” he asked.

  “Through tonight,” Linus informed him. “We’re getting close to land, but there are some shallows. I want to make sure we steer clear of them. The last thing we want is to be pitched onto one of the shoals. We should make it to shore in about an hour.”

  “We’ve had our share of mishaps lately,” Dax said. “I’d hoped we’d get the chance to dredge the shipwreck area to see what we turned up tomorrow.”

  Decker patted his back. “The weather’s as unpredictable as the stock market. You just have to ride it out. We’ll be back at it in no time.”

  “Patience was never my strong suit.”

  Decker smiled. “Nor mine. Callie can attest to that.” He changed the subject. “How’s Kat doing?”

  “Sore, but she seems all right. Callie’s with her, watching signs of a concussion. She looked a deathly pale and was pretty nauseous.”

  Captain Manny cleared his throat to rouse their attention. “I need to update you on the Gabriel. As I said before, seems she’s vanished into thin air. She’s not been seen anywhere since that day her crew advanced on us. The ships logs show that the Gabriel has imported goods to Haiti for nearly twenty years. Now, all of a sudden—gone.”

  “Hmm…” Decker replied, his brows hiking in bewilderment. “A bit odd, isn’t it?”

  “I’ve run checks throughout the Caribbean,” Manny continued. “Being a cargo ship you’d assume she’d unload somewhere in the gulf or South America? What’s even more interesting is that a ship named Rosy Anne began docking off shore in Cap-Haitien. What caught my interest is that she has no registry prior to that.”