Page 60 of Below the Deck
‘And we tried going to the press – I used all my contacts,’Mark went on. ‘Every time we spoke to a reporter, someone’s editor shut it down.’
‘Yes, because Rory got to them,’ said Lucy. ‘He must have done – either him, or his lawyers.’ She puffed the air from her cheeks. ‘So you get it, then – why this was my last option? It’s why I wanted to get on this trip – and to tell you the truth, it’s why I didn’t want you coming with me.’
A flash of hurt crossed Mark’s expression. ‘I’m sorry,’ said Lucy. ‘I wanted to find some hard evidence while we were here. I didn’t want you working it out and trying to stop me.’ She wiped a tear off her cheek. ‘Like you’re doing now.’
Mark sighed and pulled her close for a hug. ‘I get it, Luce. But for your own sanity, your mental health – it’s time to let it go. It’s not good for you, holding onto all this anger. And Rory’s a dick, but he’s not stupid. He’ll have been covering his tracks …’
Lucy let out a sigh. ‘I know.’
Maybe he’s right.
Maybe she should face it: her plan had failed. Her idea – not even a very good one in the first place – had come to nothing. And she was suffering, the bitterness eating her insides like poison. ‘Do you think I’ve gone completely mad with all this?’
Mark chuckled. ‘Honestly – maybe a bit? But it’s okay. I get it. I love you, and Alfie.’
Lucy studied him. Now that her eyes had adjusted to the gloom, and with the pale grey light reaching through the windows, she observed the sharp profile of his nose, the soft curve of his mouth, the brightness of his hazel eyes. ‘I know you do,’ she said.
Lucy loved Mark too. But she adored Alfie. He was her little brother, and right now, today – like every other day for the past two years – he was under section in a grimy NHS psych ward surrounded by people who didn’t understand him. This very minute, he would be lonely, and confused, and afraid.
I can’t give up yet.
Just because this plan had failed, it didn’t mean that there wasn’t another way forward – a more drastic one. A more brutal one. She thought for a moment.I could go and find Rory now. I just need to make sure no one sees me.
She swallowed, then coughed loudly. ‘Actually, my throat is really dry – do you think you could go up to the galley and ask someone for a fresh bottle of water?’
‘Yeah, course.’
He kissed her forehead then got up and left the cabin, returning a moment later with two fresh bottles. He pushed the door closed with his foot, walked to the bed and handed her one. ‘Here you go.’
Lucy unscrewed the top and took a sip, then: ‘Anyone else about?’ she asked, as casually as she could.
‘I saw Sam in the passageway when I was coming back down. He was heading upstairs. Eleni and Nick are still sitting in the salon – Eleni said Talia was in the bathroom up there. Maybe she’s feeling sick …’
Lucy nodded.Rory’s alone. With the power out, there’s no CCTV. No one will see where I’m going.
Now’s my chance.
Lucy nodded, twisting her hands in her lap. ‘You know, now that no one’s around, I think I might go and read in the sky lounge for a bit. It’ll be a bit brighter up there, won’t it?’
Mark smiled. ‘That sounds good. I’ll come with you.’
She reached for his hand, squeezed it. She was grateful for him, for all his support.He’s one of the good ones – the best.But still, for this she needed to be alone. ‘I’m so happy things are okay between us, and everything’s out in the open. I’ll never shut you out again, I promise. I just … I think I need a bit of space, on my own, to clear my head.’
He shrugged. ‘Fair enough. Just keep your phone with you – the corridor and salon are well lit, but I dunno about outside …’
He believed her.
And Lucy’s poor, bruised heart squeezed again with guilt that she’d told him yet another lie.
GENDARMERIE MARITIME DE POLYNÉSIE FRANÇAISE
CASE NUMBER: 247849
POLICE EXHIBIT NINE
Excerpt from log of Captain Sophie Taylor, 10/06/26
16:13: Severe squall encountered during passage from Huahine to Raiatea. Winds recorded at 50–55 knots with heavy rain and low visibility. All guests instructed to remain in salon.
