Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Nah. He didn’t know a thing.
Chapter Fifteen
It had been a long time since he’d had someone who understood computers well enough to make a suggestion for how he could improve something. The algorithm had been an insightful idea. He should have thought of it.
Diving into the mechanics, Magnus tuned out the majority of the sweet giggles and entertaining music as the Littles enjoyed the movie he’d downloaded for them. He monitored their safety and enjoyment while diving into Juni’s suggestion.
Plugging in all the information they knew, along with the area's geography, he watched the computer churn for a few seconds before returning a report. He pushed back his chair as he saw the results before him. Searching through the schedule of resort guest offerings, he discovered that Caesar was currently on a break from scuba experiences.
Magnus picked up the phone and called him. “Caesar, where are you?”
“The crew and I are cruising the coastline, looking for any hint of caves. Some of these guys have lived in the area all their lives. They remember hearing tales passed down through their families. We’ve found a few places along the coastline that look deeper than others but nothing that screams cave,” Caesar reported.
“Got time to head to these coordinates?” Magnus asked, rattling off some numbers.
“We’re close to that last one. I’m changing course to see what we find.”
“Call me when you get there,” Magnus said.
“Will do.”
Magnus kept working, trying to improve the computer’s suggestions. He felt the women at his back before he turned. “Little girls? Why aren’t you watching the movie?”
“When we have our own pirates’ treasure here? Who can concentrate on a dancing cat?” Celeste said.
“We can finish watching it later,” Zara suggested.
“Has Caesar found anything?” Juniper asked before pointing to a dark area on the map the computer had produced. “What’s that?”
“Maybe nothing. Caesar’s heading there to investigate,” Magnus said. As a few minutes passed by, he watched the trio become restless. “Want to pull up chairs to join me, or would you rather go back to your movie, and I’ll let you know if something happens?”
Immediately, the Littles darted to the table to tug their dinner chairs up to the computers. Magnus stood and helped them move into place to his left so he could still maneuver. A picture filled the screen as Caesar filmed the coast.
Magnus could hear each Little’s breath catch in their throats as they waited to see what he found. Juni crossed her fingers, and the other two quickly followed. As he searched, Magnus saw Juni stand and lean forward, pointing to one section of the land.
“There, by that pile of rock,” she urged.
Quickly, he magnified the picture before him and typed a message to Caesar.
Focus on the stony formation at the tip of the land.
The camera dipped down to show a darker section of water below the waterline. The picture bobbled, and Caesar came into view as he approached the vessel's railing.
“He’s passed the camera to someone else. What’s he doing?” Zara asked.
A moment later, Caesar pulled his T-shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Swinging the gate open on the railing, he dove smoothly into the water as gasps filled the room. He disappeared under the surface of the water.
Feeling the tension grow in the room as seconds passed by without any sign of Caesar resurfacing, Magnus assured the Littles, “He’s part dolphin. He’s trained to stay under the water for a long time.”
“Even dolphins have to breathe,” Celeste said as she stood, pushing her chair back.
“Trust Caesar. He knows his limits,” Magnus told them as he felt Juni’s hand slide over his on the keyboard.
Caesar's head emerged without a single droplet being disturbed on the surface of the water. He gave them a thumbs up and swam with strong, controlled strokes that ate up the distance. Hauling himself back onto the deck, he wiped the water from his face and held his hand out for the phone.
Pressing a few buttons, Caesar connected with them on audio. “There’s a tunnel down there. I would bet my favorite swim fins that it’s open and easily accessible at low tide.”
“I recognize that place, Caesar. There’s a big rock pillar several dozen feet from the opening,” Juni said.
Caesar nodded. “It’s the same one then. I swam a loop around that.”
Juniper jumped to her feet and turned to Celeste. The two Littles hugged and were quickly squeezed by Zara as she embraced them both. “I remembered right!”
Caesar grinned into the camera before disconnecting completely. Magnus knew that his enjoyment of the Littles was offset by his desire to find his own. He found himself crossing his fingers that each team member would end up with their perfect Little. Squeals of happiness drew his attention back to focus on the celebration.
“Good job, Little girl,” Magnus praised. Juni’s answering smile did something to his insides. She’s my heart. Already, she had shown him more about living life to the fullest than he’d ever experienced.