Page 13 of Jewel of the Sea

“They’ve left us alone for all these years, Randall. Even now that we know of their existence, they haven’t come. We should follow their example and just leave it be. Leavethembe. Stay here as long as you need to make sure the town is safe, but don’t hunt them down. Don’t give them a reason to think of us as a threat to their safety.”

“If they’re truly leaving us alone, I don’t think we’ll ever find them. It’s a big ocean.” He stood straight. “Thank you for your time, Miss Rhodes. I appreciate your being open with me.”

Aymee nodded, eyes downcast. She felt…helpless. Her pleas wouldn’t change Randall’s course. He and his rangers were a threat, and because of their hunt, it was too dangerous for Arkon to continue the supply exchanges. She had to warn him.

She had to keep him away.

Her chest tightened; he was her only link to Macy, but the mere thought of never seeing or having the chance to speak with him again pained her.

“Have a pleasant evening.” Randall lingered for a moment before he turned and walked out.

Aymee remained still until Randall’s heavy steps were cut off by the sound of the clinic’s front door closing, and then folded her arms atop the bed and buried her face in them.

Please don’t let the Hunters locate them.

* * *

It was later than usual by the time Aymee left the Clinic. She’d busied herself by organizing tools and medicines until she was sure Randall had moved on and then gathered a few supplies for Macy and her baby. Twice, she’d dropped items in her haste, and finally forced herself to take a breath and slow down.

Randall won’t find him. He won’t.

No matter how many times she repeated the words in her head, her anxiety persisted.

Aymee slung her packed bag over her shoulder and hurried out, jogging across the square. She slowed only when she was on the road leading to her home.

“Aymee!”

She turned to see Camrin loping toward her, his shaggy red hair flopping into his face.

“I thought for sure I missed you this time,” he said as he neared.

“Lucky for you, I’m running late.”

He swept hair back from his forehead. “Everything okay, Aymee?”

Frowning, she scanned their surroundings and shook her head. “I’m worried,” she replied, lowering her voice.

Camrin’s eyes followed her gaze. He moved closer. “Because of those men from Fort Culver?”

Aymee adjusted the strap of her bag. “Their leader came to talk with me.”

“He talked to me and Breckett, too, right there on the dock. I heard he got the names of everyone who took a guard shift while Jax was in the warehouse, and spoke with all of them, too.”

“He plans to hunt them down. He won’t take anyone’s word, and he won’t sit around and wait.”

Camrin frowned. “Guess I can’t blame him. He probably didn’t believe it when he first heard the stories about what happened here, but then he comes into town and finds out it was true? Stuff like that scares people.”

“I know. I understand, I really do.” She closed her eyes, sighed, and tilted her head back. “It’s just…not right. As much as I want to believe they’d leave the kraken alone if they realized they’re just people, I…can’t. I just can’t believe they’d leave them in peace.”

“Well, for whatever it’s worth, our people have been fishing these waters for generations and we’ve never found a kraken. If Jax and the others don’t want to be found…I don’t think theywillbe found.”

“I hope you’re right. I’m going to warn Arkon.”

“If I can help at all, let me know.” He extended his hand, holding a folded letter to her.MACYwas scrawled on the front in his loud, clumsy writing. “Would you send this on for me?”

Aymee grinned, tucking the letter into her bag. “Are you telling her the good news?”

He smiled sheepishly and looked down. “It feels weird to, but yes. I just want her to know that I’m doing well.”

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