Free Ethics of a Thief by Mary Gale Hinrichsen Page A

friend, but she surely did not. No matter how many stories he told her, she would never trust the guy. Great! If the egg ends the search, the children and I might be in more danger. We’re the only witnesses. I need to notify the Coast Guard, and quick!
    After walking to the hatch, Matt said, “Let’s take a break. I need to show this to Jack.”
    As they climbed the ladder leading to the main salon, the children argued. “You know, we found the egg together,” Lisa said. “You have to split the reward with me.”
    “No way. I found it first.”
    Matt stepped in, “Tell you what. If it turns out to be what we’re looking for, you both get a reward.”
    They grabbed some snacks before bringing them to the main salon.
    The children were motioned to sit by the portholes. “You two need more sunlight. Watch over your sister for me.” She whispered, “Tell Lisa to act sick the next visit to the helm.”
    Danny grinned. She hoped he would remember to tell his sister about their plan and hoped he wasn’t more interested in his reward money.
    “How did you determine the egg’s worth so quickly?”
    “From Jack -- he owns a jewelry store in La Jolla. He specializes in appraisals. Even he finds it difficult to discern the authenticity of a diamond without an eyepiece. There’s a lot that goes into an appraisal.”
    “Would it be okay if we go to the wheelhouse? The children need some fresh air. Perhaps our captain can use a break.”
    “No. He’ll let us know when he needs us.” Matt glared at her for a moment, as if trying to read her thoughts.
    Her palms became clammy, and she was hoping he couldn’t sense her anxiety. I desperately want to alert the authorities, but Matt just said no to going to the wheelhouse. Now what?
     

Chapter Nine
    I should have made a dinner date with Carry, Abigail fretted. Everything would have been different. I would have said no to Larry’s invitation. The couple would still be alive, and we would be home. She glanced over at Lisa. Carry and I were younger than she is now.
    It seems like yesterday that Carry English and her family pulled up to their new home across the street. My dad helped bring in their heavy furniture and boxes, while Mom cared for the children and prepared dinner for both families.
    Steven and Stan played in the front, while Carry and I visited in our backyard. Alisa was away with a friend, so I had Carry all to myself. I was thrilled to play with someone my age, and we both were going to start kindergarten in a month.
    We stood under a large umbrella tree that covered the wood patio deck. A small table with child-sized chairs sat near the house. My dolls were on the chairs, and the table was set for a tea party. Carry didn’t seem too impressed. I took my dolls off each chair and placed them on the deck. We sat on the chairs without speaking.
    “I can’t wait until school starts,” I said.
    “Why?” Carry asked.
    “Silly, so we can play with other kids.”
    “I don’t want to go,” Carry pouted.
    “Why?”
    “I don’t know anyone. Dad got a job here.” Carry’s eyes welled with tears. “I didn’t want to come here.” “But why?”
    “I like my old house. I miss my friends. I want to go to school with them. I will never see them again.” Carry’s tears cascaded down while she said, “My dad made my whole life go away.” Her eyes opened wide. “He told me his job is here, and the weather is great. No snow to shovel. But, I said, ‘I like snow and helping him shovel. We have fun. We throw snowballs at each other.’ When I said that, my dad looked sad. Now, I don’t say anything.” Abigail smiled. “I never lived near snow.”
    Carry looked up, “My mom said I have to support Daddy. No one wants me to talk about it,” she said, with eyes filled with tears.
    They both silently sat.
    “Come eat,” Mom called out.
    Before entering the house, we could smell homemade cookies.
    “Wash your hands, girls.”
    Carry and I hurried to the