Page 18 of Spring Break with a Treasure Hunter
“Interesting that you bump into each other. Must be serendipity.” Beck mused.
I furrowed my brows. What an odd comment. Was he trying to tell me something? Was he warning me off Cork? I glanced at Cork and he was talking to Fletch now.
“I don’t see where that’s a problem. It was a fundraiser; many people were there and all the proceeds go to the museum. There were some very generous donations too,” I stated.
“That’s great. I didn’t know about the fundraiser otherwise I totally would’ve been there and contributed.” He smiled and glanced at Micki.
“We would’ve loved to be there, had we known about it.” She leaned her elbows on the table. “It wasn’t until Cork mentioned it, after the fact. I’m intrigued by the idea of a nautical museum. Tell us more about it.”
Cork took my hand under the table and laced his fingers in mine. I gripped his, wondering where this conversation was going.
“I suppose it’s been a dream of mine for quite a while. My father had discovered many unique and wonderful artifacts over the years. He was driven, always looking for that elusive find. But he didn’t do it for the money. He was bound and determined that whatever he found needed to be on display so everyone could enjoy them. They belonged to the people and not to one particular person.”
Beck’s lips twitched, and he glanced quickly at Cork. Just what was going on between them? I was sensing some kind of vibe.
“Anyway,” I continued. “He’d set up a small viewing area on the island down near the docks, but as he continued his hunting, he needed more space, and got the museum building. It was pretty dilapidated, and he did what he could.” I paused and gathered my thoughts. “But it wasn’t enough, and he died well before the renovations were completed.”
“Then how is it the museum is up and running now?” Beck asked.
I lifted a shoulder. “I watched a lot of YouTube and got friends to help with jobs we could manage. It still has a long way to go. I just hope the hurricane didn’t cause any damage.”
“We’ll find out soon enough,” Cork replied.
“What else needs to be done?” Beck picked up the wine and walked around the table filling our glasses.
“Oh geez, what doesn’t need to be done? A new security system, display cases to keep the artifacts from deteriorating, windows, roof, foundation repairs.” I sighed and shook my head in frustration. “So much it’s overwhelming to think about. FindingSirenawould be the ultimate.”
“That’s quite a story. You’re determined. It’s a damn shame it didn’t work out yesterday.” When he got to me, he paused and I looked up at him.
“There’s something I’d like to do. I don’t have the time to devote to your museum and continued quest for marine artifacts, but I can help in other ways.” He filled my glass, and I looked at him perplexed.
“What do you mean?” I was curious.
He looked down at me, and his expression made my heart quicken.
“I don’t want you to have to worry about fundraising ever again. I’m going to set up a trust fund for the museum so that you can renovate, fix, do whatever you need to do in order to get the building up to snuff and keep it that way. As well, I’d like you to flesh out a proposal to build an infrastructure for future expeditions.”
I was absolutely dumbstruck. I glanced at Cork, then at Robyn, Fletch, and Micki who were all smiling. They must’ve known this was coming. I looked at Beck and stood up.
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this.” I didn’t know what to say. No words could ever express how much this means to me…and would have to my father.
“Believe it, you’re hearing it. Everything should be in order by the time you get back to St. Williams.”
Tears filled my eyes, and I flung my arms around his neck. “Thank you, thank you so much. You have no idea what this means.”
He hugged me back. “Oh, I think I do. And I’d also like to hire you to research yesterday’s dive location.”
My mouth dropped open, unable to grasp what was happening. “Really, this is just so unexpected.” I dropped to my seat, not trusting my legs to hold me up and looked at Cork. “Did you know about this?”
He shook his head. “No, actually, I didn’t. I think it’s a great idea and feel a bit sheepish I hadn’t thought of it. You stole my thunder, man!”
They laughed, but I could only mutter non-coherent words. I cleared my throat and gathered my thoughts.Get it together, girl.
“Wow, just wow. I don’t know what to say except a very, very, profound thank you.”
Beck returned to his seat beside Micki, a satisfied smile on his face.
“I’m glad you’re interested in finding more about the site yesterday. I have a feeling that there could be something to it, and grateful you’re letting me take those papers home.” I clasped Cork’s hand.
