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head out of the water to search for Ashley, he saw her far ahead, a good 50 feet away. She was waving wildly, beckoning them, mouthing the word “Hurry!” but not shouting it.
    Jack and Forrest and Olivia swam toward her, wondering what she’d found. When they reached her, Ashley whispered, “There’s a sea turtle swimming around down here. Not like the one we saw in Hawaii, Jack.
    This is a different kind. Different colors.”
    It was as if the turtle had been waiting for them to arrive to admire it. Moving leisurely through the clear water, it waved its long front legs effortlessly, while the Landons and Forrest glided behind. For what must have been ten minutes, they played follow-the-leader with the turtle. Then it disappeared into a haze of algae.
    â€œWasn’t that fantastic?” Ashley sputtered, trying to get the words out before she removed her mouthpiece. Jack and Forrest agreed, but Olivia frowned.
    â€œDidn’t you like it, Mom?” Ashley asked.
    â€œOf course. Seeing the turtle was wonderful, Ashley. Thanks for calling us. That one was a hawksbill, and as I’ve told you, they’re becoming rare. But I’m really upset about the condition of the reef right beneath us. Didn’t you notice? It’s all broken up.”
    No, Jack hadn’t noticed. He’d been too intent on following the turtle.
    â€œThat’s from boat groundings—boats pulling up here where they’re not supposed to,” Olivia told them. “And then they cause even more damage when they lower their anchors. From the amount of destruction to the reef right here, I’d say a lot of anchors have been dropped, and I don’t know why. This isn’t a place where any boat owner would want to tie up.”
    Jack dove down for a closer look. It was just as his mother had said: The reef beneath him lay crumbled like smashed concrete, uneven and lifeless.
    â€œWhat time is it, Jack?” his mother asked when he came up.
    He looked at his waterproof wristwatch. “It’s almost noon, straight up.”
    â€œWe’ve got to go. Anyway, you kids have had enough sun for one day, especially you, Jack.”
    His mother was right. Jack was the fairest-skinned of them all, but his arms didn’t look too red.
    â€œWow! You ought to see your back,” Ashley exclaimed. “I can see every spot where you missed putting sunscreen. You’re as splotchy as that pufferfish we saw.”
    Forrest laughed. Jack scowled.

CHAPTER FIVE
    T hey returned to Park Headquarters in time for Olivia’s one o’clock meeting—but just barely. It had been hard to leave Jumbie Bay and all the beautiful underwater creatures.
    Denise waited for them at the visitor center, an open-air building with large windows that allowed the ocean breeze to drift through. She looked up from behind her desk and smiled. “Hello to all. Mr. Landon left to get more film for his camera. He’ll be right back, and then he wants to go to the meeting with you, Dr. Landon. I’ll take care of the children.”
    â€œThank you so much—” Olivia began, but Denise waved her off. “You go to your meeting. Hurry, now.”
    When the door had shut behind Olivia, Forrest stepped up and rested his elbows on the countertop, saying, “Did Mr. Landon contact my parents?”
    â€œHe didn’t say. I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it when he gets back. Ready for your tour of St. John?” After pushing some papers into a neat stack, Denise stood up. “The first thing we’re going to do is pay a visit to Miss Amelia.”
    â€œMiss Amelia? Who’s that?” Ashley asked.
    â€œA woman as old as the island. She weaves baskets and tells her stories for our classes. To meet Miss Amelia is to understand who we were and who we are.”
    Forrest’s face seemed to juggle several emotions. “Does she know all the people on St.