Chapter 21 — Reef Keeper

The first storm of the season is forecast to make landfall in the region within the next forty-eight hours, bringing gusts of force eight and nine, and heavy rain that will last for days. For longtime seafarers like Mr. Suu, this is the most dangerous time of the year, when the sea becomes the most erratic and unpredictable.

But for Khue and the investigation team, the time before the storm made landfall was the last opportunity to act. Bao Duy received information from a close source that the resort is rushing to complete the blasting process to clear the channel before bad weather forces all activities to be suspended, and before the inauguration ceremony takes place as planned.

"They will take advantage tonight or tomorrow night, before the storm completely hits." Nguyen spoke during the last emergency meeting, his voice tense but decisive. "Strong seas will make patrolling more difficult, which is why they chose this time. We have to be ready."

The provincial inspection team, thanks to the advocacy of Bao Duy and his honest officer friend, quietly moved to a nearby area, stationed in a coastal town not far from Hon Vong Ngu, ready to depart as soon as it received a signal confirming that illegal acts were taking place. The central television station that Bao Duy contacted also sent a group of reporters to secretly stand by, waiting for the opportunity to report the news.

"Everything is ready on our side." Bao Duy spoke on the phone to Nguyen, his voice was both nervous and determined. "As long as we send a confirmation signal with clear images, the inspection team will depart within half an hour, with special vehicles, ready to overcome any pressure from the commune or district. This is an opportunity for us to bring the entire chain of events to light, leaving no room for anyone to cover up anymore."

The group was also well aware of the risks of operating in such poor weather conditions. Uncle Tam, with many years of experience at sea, spent an entire session explaining basic safety rules, how to handle when the boat encounters big waves, how to maintain contact in case of signal loss, and most importantly, the signs to retreat immediately to save lives.

That afternoon, the sky over Hon Vong Ngu began to turn gray, dark clouds rolled in from the sea, the wind began to blow stronger, bringing with it strong humidity, signaling that the storm was approaching. The ocean waves also began to be much more intense than usual, white-headed waves pounding hard on the rocks, creating white foam.

Khue stood on Mong Vong, looking out at the violently changing sea, her heart was both worried and determined. She remembered what her father had written in his diary about rough sea nights, about the respect that a true seafarer always has for the power of nature. Tonight, she will face her deepest fear—the angry sea that took her father twelve years ago.

"Are you sure you want to participate?" Nguyen asked, coming to stand next to her, his eyes filled with worry. "This time is actually much more dangerous than previous times, with the weather like this."

"I have to go." Khue replied, her voice was steadfast even though her heart could not avoid the ripples of fear. "This is our last chance to put an end to all of this. I cannot stand by and watch from afar while everyone faces danger."

Nguyen looked at her for a long moment, then nodded, not trying to stop her anymore. He knew clearly that, no matter what he said, Khue's determination would not waver, and perhaps, he also understood that she needed to face this fear, to truly close the circle of pain that had followed her for the past twelve years.

That night, the whole group gathered at the wharf, preparing for the final departure before the storm completely made landfall. There was a tense atmosphere, mixed with strong determination clearly visible on each face. Vu and a group of volunteer fishermen were also present, ready to assist with boats more familiar with these waters than anyone else.

"We know every waterway and every creek around here." Vu said, his voice was firm. "Let us be in charge of navigation and logistical support, the fishermen and Ms. Khue will take care of recording evidence."

The plan was reviewed one last time: Nguyen and Khue's group, along with Uncle Tam and two other fishermen, will approach the Da Bac reef area by high-speed canoe, keeping a safe distance to observe and record. Bao Duy's team will be on duty at a high point on the shore, maintaining direct contact with the inspection team and the group of reporters waiting. Uncle Suu, with his extensive experience, will lead the way on another small boat, helping to determine the exact location of Sau Cong's activities based on what he knows about his old friend's habits.

"If there are any signs of danger, everyone must retreat immediately, human safety always comes first." Nguyen reminded the group one last time before departing, his eyes looking at Khue meaningfully. "We don't trade lives for evidence."

Before boarding the boat, Khue stopped by Mrs. Bay Xuyen's house to say goodbye, although she did not clearly state the real purpose of tonight's trip. Mrs. Bay looked at her, her eyes seemed to have guessed somewhat, she held Khue's hand tightly, and pushed into her hand a small amulet made of red thread that she often wore when going to the beach when she was young.

"Take it, may your child be safe." Mrs. Bay said, her voice trembled but her eyes were full of trust. "She knows you're doing something important, she doesn't stop you, you just hope the ocean loves you like it loved your father, lets you go and return, enough."

Khue hugged her tightly for a moment, then turned away, hiding the tears that were about to overflow. She tucked the small charm into the pocket of her diving suit, right next to her left breast, where she could feel it throughout the journey ahead, a reminder that no matter what happened tonight, she was always loved, waiting to return.

Around nine o'clock in the evening, the whole group quietly departed, the boats turned off their lights, weaving in the dense darkness toward Da Bac reef. The wind began to blow strongly, the waves were much higher than usual, making traveling difficult and challenging. Khue sat on the canoe, her hands clinging tightly to the boat's side, clearly feeling each violent crashing wave, her heart beating fast not only because of excitement over the upcoming mission, but also because of an old obsession that was strongly resurfacing in the stormy night.

Nguyen, sitting next to her, held her hand, squeezing it tightly as a silent reassurance. "I'm here, by your side. We'll get through this night, together."

Khue nodded, took a deep breath, trying to regain composure. She looked ahead, where the thick darkness of the stormy night sea awaited, bringing with it both real dangers and the hope of a truth that would finally be revealed. After everything she's been through — the pain of losing her father, the heartbreaking truth about his death, the threats, the sabotage, and the budding love amid the turmoil — tonight will be the decisive night, the night where she will face directly the very people who caused all that pain.

Uncle Suu's small boat led the way, weaving through the waterways that he knew like the back of his hand from more than thirty years at sea. He no longer looked trembling and scared like the first days of revealing the secret, but instead had the calm and decisive look of a veteran fisherman returning to the right position where he should have stood twelve years ago - next to reason, instead of staying silent behind it.

When the canoe approached the Da Bac reef area, through infrared binoculars, Nguyen detected a glimmer of light from afar - exactly the location that Mr. Suu had predicted, where Sau Cong's ship often anchored to commit illegal acts. Many silhouettes of people were moving on the ship, preparing equipment, seemingly rushing to complete the job before the storm really hit.

"Here we are." Nguyen whispered, his voice as tense as a string. "Get ready, we will approach from the lee direction, keep a distance to record before acting."

Khue tightened her grip on the waterproof camera in her hand, her heart beating rapidly amid the howling wind and the violent crashing waves. Tonight, amid the approaching storm of the first season, the final confrontation she had been waiting for so many months was finally about to take place.