I can still do something simply because I want to.
Someone had looked at that independence and seen weakness.
That made me furious.
But Claire had seen the danger and responded by quietly surrounding me with another layer of control.
That made me furious too.
“What happens now?”
“Security needs your statement.”
“Fine.”
“The authorities may also speak with you when we dock.”
“Fine.”
Richard nodded.
“And you?”
His expression changed.
“What about me?”
“Was tonight supposed to be your goodbye?”
He looked down.
Less than an hour earlier, we had shared champagne.
“To unexpected second chances,” he had said.
“I was going to tell you.”
I laughed.
“Everyone was going to tell me.”
“That’s fair.”
“When?”
“After we docked.”
“Why not tonight?”
“The operation was still active.”
“There’s always a reason.”
“Yes.”
“Do you understand that reasons don’t automatically make lies easier?”
“Yes.”
At least he kept saying yes.
He didn’t tell me I was overreacting.
He didn’t explain away my anger.
He didn’t tell me I should be grateful.
That helped more than I wanted it to.
A security officer arrived around ten minutes later.
Her name was Elena.
She explained everything again in colder, more official language.
Security had been monitoring three suspected individuals.
Jason had entered my cabin using what they believed was an illegally copied access card.
They expected him to steal valuables.
Instead, he took my entire suitcase.
Richard followed him.
Jason realized he was being watched and ran.
When he attempted to enter another secure part of the ship, an alarm was triggered.
“Was I in danger?” I asked.
Elena paused.
“We had no information suggesting he intended physical harm.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
She met my eyes.
