Chapter 14: Dangerous Waters
447words
"We can leave anytime," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I shook my head. "I need to do this."
Michael greeted us on deck, playing the perfect host. If the setting triggered any guilt about his attempted murder, he showed no sign of it.
"Welcome aboard the Midas Touch," he said, gesturing grandly. "Mia sends her regrets. Last-minute business emergency."
"What a shame," I replied, not bothering to hide my insincerity.
Dinner was an elaborate dance of business discussion and subtle probing. Michael outlined his vision for a joint venture between his company and Jack's tech empire, while Jack feigned interest and I observed.
"Your wife is unusually quiet," Michael noted, refilling my wine glass uninvited. "Not bored with business talk, I hope?"
"On the contrary," I replied smoothly. "I find the psychology of business fascinating. What people will do for power, money… what lines they'll cross."
Something flickered in Michael's eyes—caution, perhaps. "Business is ruthless. Not for the faint-hearted."
"Neither am I," I said, holding his gaze a beat too long.
After dinner, Michael suggested a tour. When we reached the rear deck, I froze. The railing, the dark water below—memories crashed over me like waves.
"Beautiful view, isn't it?" Michael said, standing too close. "Something about the ocean at night… so vast, so… unforgiving."
"Yes," I managed, fighting the urge to push him overboard. "What happens in these waters stays in these waters, I imagine."
Michael's smile faltered momentarily. "More wine?"
When he stepped away to fetch drinks, Jack moved protectively to my side. "You're pale as a ghost."
"I'm fine," I insisted, though my hands trembled. "But I know now. This is where it happened. Right here."
Jack's jaw tightened. "We've seen enough. Let's go."
As we made our excuses to leave, Michael clasped my hand. "I hope to see more of you, Mrs. Thompson. Much more."
"Careful what you wish for," I replied with a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
In the car, the facade crumbled. My body shook with delayed terror and rage.
"He's a monster," I whispered. "Standing there, in the exact spot where he tried to kill me, offering me wine like nothing happened."
Jack pulled over, unbuckled my seatbelt, and pulled me into his arms. "You were incredible. Braver than anyone I've ever known."
In the safety of his embrace, something shifted between us—the comfort evolving into something more urgent. When I looked up, his face was inches from mine, his eyes asking a question.
This time, neither of us pulled away.
