Anabel was excited by all the drama, but was shocked when Elliot suggested inviting her friend Tenika Wahine over for questioning.
Anabel: Tenika? But SHE can't be involved!
Elliot: I don't think she is, but she's related to people who are. These families are all connected in some way. I doubt she'll openly admit anything, but she's pretty gabby, and I think I can get some info from what she says. Just tell her I want to talk to her about kelp. That's true enough.
Later, Tenika DID talk...and talk...and talk. Elliot told her he was writing down kelp recipes, but actually he was taking careful notes about local activities she let slip.
When Tenika finally left for her culinary job, Elliot organized his notes and did some research on more of the locals. There was another shady character Tenika mentioned: Silas Allender. He'd seen the guy and was pretty sure he was an undercover cop from somewhere. Still, Elliot didn't trust him.
Anabel herself was thrilled with all these juicy bits of gossip. She promptly added a few new twists to her latest dramatic novel, "Lagoon for Two."
Elliot set out to explore some of the areas he had read about, and Anabel insisted on coming along.
Anabel: You never know when you might need a mermaid, Elliot!
The coastlines seemed to go on forever! Elliot was getting a little queasy by nightfall. Maybe Anabel was right about needing some sea skills. He had moved to their beach home in Roaring Heights for her sake, but he was still a High Rise city man himself.
And speaking of High Rises...what the heck was that strange mound on top of the hill? An old volcano?
Elliot noticed a dark row boat near the dive site. He turned the sailboat into an inconspicuous spot, and Anabel eagerly dove down into the waters before he could stop her.
At least she didn't see him tossing up his cookies. Not very manly!
The water was dark and eerie in the dive hole, not the brilliant place it was during the day. Elliot could barely see five feet in front of him. Suddenly he heard noises close by. Other divers! But at this time of night? He signaled to Anabel to hide.
Anabel immediately saw the divers. Two men were lugging a chest between them, heading for one of the caves. She motioned for Elliot to get into the other cave and ducked behind some old ruins herself.
Elliot swam towards the odd looking cavern, dodging schools of herring, colorful squid, and strange-faced clown fish. But this was no time for sightseeing!
He couldn't see or hear what was going on outside his hiding spot, but he took time to search inside. Yesterday, when he and Bel had been messing around in that other cave, he hadn't noticed anything odd. But in this cave, he found stacked crates tucked away in corners.
Prying a lid open on one, Elliot uncovered a collection of relics and other treasures. He carefully closed the lid and headed back to the mouth of the cavern, waiting for another signal from Anabel. He prayed she was keeping herself well hidden.
From her view point, Anabel watched as more boxes were loaded into the cave. She was relieved to see the men finally swimming to the surface. Then she heard oars hitting water. The divers were leaving!
Anabel drew Elliot out of the cave, and they waited awhile before resurfacing themselves. None too soon because Elliot was running out of air!
After discussing what each had seen, Anabel and Elliot decided to check more of the coastline.
Anabel: The oar sounds moved off to the east.
Elliot: Well, I think they're done for the night. They can't call attention to themselves by taking too long with what they're doing.
Anabel: But Elliot...what ARE they doing?
Elliot: It's some sort of smuggling ring.
Anabel: Pirates!
She got excited.
They soon spotted a small dot of light near some rocks and weeds. Pulling up to the shore, they discovered a boat post, a rusty lantern, and an odd looking well. The water in the well was pitch black. Had to be pretty deep.
Anabel: I've seen these things before. They're diving wells.
Elliot: Well, I think I'll check it out. You stay here, Bel.
Anabel: Not on your life! I'm coming too!
