• The text "In Deep Water by Jessi Hoff" is set against a deep-water background.
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    “Is that what I think it is?” I lean forward in my chair, squinting at the computer screen. A sharp object protrudes from a piece of the Griffin’s jagged hull, forming a slim V as it tapers into steel. Its stony appearance is a stark contrast to the corroded metal beneath. The ROV zooms in ...
  • Flamingo in the water
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    One morning, I looked out my apartment window and saw the wounded flamingo needed my help. The left wing looked injured, and regardless of why, caring for the bird felt like a necessary act of atonement for my past mistakes. For months I read books and articles on how to care for flamingoes and nursed ...
  • tavern sign of two men walking
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    “Stop the carriage! Georgiana!”  Darcy leaped from the carriage before the driver fully braked. The horses whinnied in protest, and the driver cursed as he attempted to keep them in place. But Darcy paid no mind to what his servants were doing, as he sprinted up the stairs of the Ramsgate home where his sister ...
  • The text "In Deep Water by Jessi Hoff" is set against a deep-water background.
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    “Is this everything?” Xander sorts through the different memory banks set out on the computer lab’s table. Nathan nods, popping a disk into his laptop. “I even double-checked the ROVs.” “Good.” Xander settles into his chair. I dump a bunch of snacks on a neighboring desk and pluck a Fruit-by-the-Foot and a bag of Skittles ...
  • The text "In Deep Water by Jessi Hoff" is set against a deep-water background.
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    “What do you mean, we’re in the past?” Xander’s brows form a deep V between his ice-blue eyes as he stares at the CELNAV crewmember. “I mean, we’ve traveled back in time.” The crewmember squints at the constellation maps on the computer in front of him. “Early fifteen hundreds, I’d say.” “You’re kidding.” Xander barks ...
  • Flamingo in the water
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    Per my instructions, Carlos dug up as much dirt as possible on Mackenzie Billings, which became plentiful. It took two weeks to uncover sufficient evidence to destroy her reputation. We leaked it to rival news outlets. Everyone blamed her for the unethical activities and toxic workplace she created and thrived in. But even that wasn’t ...
  • tavern sign of two men walking
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    Wickham stood at the back door and watched Georgiana read in the garden. She sat on a stone bench with a small book in her hand. Errant curls fluttered in her face and every minute or so, she would push them back into place, only for the wind to disrupt her handiwork. In a moment ...
  • The text "In Deep Water by Jessi Hoff" is set against a deep-water background.
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    “I don’t think I’ll ever get that image out of my head.” I sit in the Hangar control room with a blanket wrapped tightly around my shoulders. The only warmth I feel comes from a steaming cup of tea cradled between my palms on the desk in front of me. Sophie cries softly beside me. ...
  • Flamingo in the water
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    My thoughts swirled inside me as I walked back to the hotel. Miss Billings had lied to me all along about Louis! She manipulated me! But I was the one who chose to betray Louis and Miss Martha, this is my fault too. How could you’ve have been so stupid, Jessica? These thoughts continued until ...
  • Plantation home with long driveway
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    Days went by, and still waiting for word from Thelma. I drove to the farm, hoping to see my Uncle Jeb, but he wasn’t on the grounds. It was unusual for him not to be around. The gnawing tug in my gut grew stronger. But when Ralph, the most unobservant of men, failed to offer ...