The Reef Read Online Free PDF

turnaround, the quick profit for his efforts. If his grandfather had taken that route, he’d have died a rich man. Instead, he chose to share his discovery and ended up with nothing.”
    â€œThere’s a middle ground,” Tate insisted.
    â€œNot for some. But I believe Buck and I found it. If we find the Isabella or the Santa Marguerite, we’ll apply for a lease, if we’re not outside the limit. Regardless, we’llshare what we salvage with the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a term he agreed to reluctantly.” Ray lifted his glass, eyed the wine. “He agreed to it because we have something he needs.”
    â€œWhat do we have?” Tate wanted to know.
    â€œWe have a strong enough financial base to continue this operation for some time with or without results. We can afford the time, as we agreed you could defer the upcoming fall semester. And if it becomes an issue, we can afford the equipment needed for an extensive salvage operation.”
    â€œSo, they’re using us.” Exasperated, Tate pushed her plate aside. “That’s my point, Dad.”
    â€œIn a partnership, one-half must have use of the other.”
    Far from convinced, Tate rose to pour herself a glass of fresh lemonade. In theory, she wasn’t against partnership. From an early age, she’d been taught the value of teamwork. It was this specific team she worried over. “And what are they bringing into this partnership?”
    â€œIn the first place, they’re professionals. We’re amateurs.” Ray waved a hand as Tate started to protest. “However much I like to dream otherwise, I’ve never discovered a wreck, only explored those found and salvaged by others. Oh, we’ve been lucky a few times.” He picked up Marla’s hand, ran a thumb around the gold ring she wore. “Brought up trinkets others have overlooked. Since my first dive, I’ve dreamed of finding an undiscovered ship.”
    â€œAnd you will,” Marla claimed with undiluted faith.
    â€œThis could be the one.” Tate dragged a hand through her hair. As much as she loved her parents, their lack of practicality baffled her. “Dad, all the research you’ve done, the archives, the manifests, the letters. The way you worked on the records of the storm, the tides, everything. You’ve put so much work into this.”
    â€œI have,” he agreed. “And because of that, I’m very interested that a great deal of Buck’s research aligns with mine. I can learn so much from him. Do you know he worked for three years in the North Atlantic, in depths of five hundred feet and more? Frigid water, dark water. He’ssalvaged in mud, in coral, in the feeding area of shark. Imagine it.”
    Tate could see he was, the way his eyes unfocused, how his lips curved with dreams. With a sigh, she set a hand on his shoulder. “Dad, just because he’s had more experience—”
    â€œA lifetime more.” Ray reached back, patted her hand. “That’s what he brings to us. Experience, perseverance, the mind of a hunter. And something as basic as manpower. Two teams, Tate, are more efficient than one.” He paused. “Tate, it’s important to me that you understand my decision. If you can’t accept it, I’ll tell Buck the deal’s off.”
    And that would cost him, Tate thought, miserably. Pride, because he’d already given his word. Hope, because he was counting on the success of this new team.
    â€œI understand it,” she said, tucking her personal distaste aside. “And I can accept it. Just one more question.”
    â€œAsk away,” Ray invited.
    â€œHow can we be sure that when their team goes down, they won’t keep whatever they find to themselves?”
    â€œBecause we’re splitting the partnership.” He stood to clear the table. “I’ll dive with Buck. You’ll dive with