Free Dead Asleep by Jamie Freveletti

holes had left him assuming he’d meet a creature there. Still, that explanation didn’t entirely sit well with her either. She thought there was likely something in the holes. Nonetheless, she intended to dive them.
    â€œI understand your concern,” she said. “Is there anyone else that you think would be willing to take me there? I’m not so foolish as to dive alone, but everyone seems to be leery of the area.”
    Marwell shook his head. “No one I know will do it. I’m sorry.” The sound of several engines reverberated through the air, and moments later four Jeeps screeched into parking spots near the Siren’s Song. Emma watched Carrow, Warner, and several others pile out, all with tote bags. They headed toward the boat. When Carrow saw her, he broke into a smile and waved. As he approached he greeted Marwell.
    â€œShe ready to go?”
    Marwell nodded. “Ready when you are.”
    Carrow turned to Emma. “Care to join us?”
    She shook her head. “Wish I could, but I’ve got more collecting to do.”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œShe’s thinking of diving the blue holes,” Marwell said. “I’m working on talking her out of it.”
    Emma patted Marwell on the shoulder. “Thanks for the concern, but I’ve got to do this.”
    â€œNot alone you won’t. Promise me,” Marwell said.
    Carrow tilted his head to one side. “No one will go with you?”
    Emma shook her head. “No one.”
    â€œAnd you have to do it?”
    She nodded. “It’s my job. I’m certified. But of course I won’t go alone.”
    Carrow smiled. “I’ll go with you.”
    Marwell frowned. “Mr. Richard—”
    â€œYou will?” Emma was thrilled. “Are you certified?”
    â€œI am,” he said. Emma glanced at Marwell, who nodded.
    â€œHe’s actually quite an experienced and careful diver, but that doesn’t mean I think you two should do this.”
    â€œDo what?” Warner and a man Emma hadn’t met were on deck now, standing next to Carrow.
    â€œDive the blue holes,” Carrow said. The man cocked his head to the side.
    â€œCave diving? Isn’t that a type of extreme sport?” he said. “I saw a television show about a cave that has over forty dead divers in it.”
    â€œThat one is in Egypt,” Carrow said. “It’s legendary due to its danger. But the blue holes here don’t have that reputation.”
    Warner grimaced. “Forty dead people? That’s disgusting. Why do they do it?”
    â€œIt’s a form of extreme diving,” Emma said, nodding at the man who’d mentioned extreme sports. “The Egyptian caves represent a challenge that a lot of divers can’t resist. Like the challenge that Mount Everest represents for mountain climbers.”
    â€œLots of dead people left there too,” the man said.
    â€œI don’t understand that obsession either,” Warner noted.
    â€œI can’t go today.” Carrow indicated the crowd that was forming on the cruiser’s deck, “but I can anytime this week. You just let me know when.” Marwell got an agitated look on his face.
    â€œBoth of you stop. This is dangerous. There’s something out there. I’ve seen it. The risk is not worth it. Especially not for a job. Let the boss take his own risks.”
    â€œI can’t,” Emma said.
    â€œWhy not?” Marwell put his hands on his hips.
    â€œBecause I am the boss.”

Chapter 10
    A n hour later Emma drove up to the mangrove’s edge. The day’s heat was rising and the sun beat down on the car. Crawling through a mangrove was one of her least favorite things to do. The footing beneath could be treacherous, and in places one could sink deep into the brackish water. The twisted mangrove roots extended for several acres, their arching formation emerging from the water in a tangle