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“Possibly But islands can disappear Your island ht have sunk into the sea after a volcanic eruption, an earthquake, or a flood There is historical precedent: the island Tuanah supposedly sank with its inhabitants And there are other reported cases on record It could be a reef or rock below the surface now, and even a satellite wouldn’t pick it up You’d have to get in for a close look”

“Where do we start?” Zavala asked

“A lot of this stuff is online,” Beth replied “The British Library has the biggest collection of Ado there first, and then I’ll take a look at the UK’s National Archives If I have to go to the Royal Geographical Society or the Maritiht take a while When do you need this information?”

“Yesterday,” Zavala said “Lives may depend on e find”

“Are you joking, Joe?”

“I wish I were”

After a brief pause at the other end of the line, Beth said, “Like I told you, I love a challenge”

Zavala wondered if he had been too dire and tried to lighten the mood

“Are you ed, Beth?”

“No Why?’

“In that case I would like to buy you dinner to show my appreciation”

“Wow! Who says you can’t o ’Bye”

Zavala clicked the phone off and made his way to the NUMA helipad The helicopter was fitted out with pontoons that allowed it to land on water Zavala gazed at the helicopter lost in thought, then went back to the ship’s bridge

“I’ve got another favor to ask,” he said

“We’ll do whatever we can to help,” Captain Campbell said