I blew out a breath. I wished I was here to kick back and relax, that I didn’t give a shit about the locked doors and couriered packages that I’d begin to receive. Jesus, they’d really think I was dealing drugs when that started.
“And I don’t mean I just wouldn’t get to captain this boat. I would lose my license and my career would be over. The stakes are too high for me to take unnecessary risks.”
I knew that feeling. I was staring at the very real possibility of my business burning to the ground if I didn’t make the next eight weeks count. I’d had Moss thoroughly vetted along with all the crew. His reputation was beyond reproach and was the reason I chose the Athena. He was just showing me the extent of his integrity. “I’m not here to do anything illegal. I’m here to work. Being as successful as I am makes me a target for people who want to know things before I want them public, and I’m taking every precaution,” I explained.
I glanced at Avery, whose whole body seemed to sag with relief, although her expression remained the same. She had a veneer of personable professionalism, but I had a feeling that what lay beneath was worth getting to know.
“I run a financial services business,” I continued. “The regulator would shut me down if I took part in anything illegal.”
“I understand, but I have to take precautions in the same way I’m sure you do.” Captain Moss glanced at Avery. “Rest assured, you’re in trustworthy hands. If you don’t feel comfortable with anyone else, you can completely count on Avery.”
I nodded, understanding Captain Moss’s position, but I no longer believed I could completely count on anyone other than my brother, although I wasn’t about to say that. “I have nothing to hide from you, but I have good reason to need to keep my business affairs private.”
“Perhaps we can reach a solution that works for both of us. As you requested, Avery is the only member of crew permitted on the bedroom floor and the only crew member to have access to keys to the bedrooms. You have my reassurance on that. And Avery’s.”
Avery nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve already informed the rest of the crew that I’m the only one to go down there.”
“You’ve vetted her. You know she’s trustworthy. If the only thing you don’t want her to see is your computer and some papers, I can assure you that she’s not going to be looking at anything like that. When cleaning, she won’t touch anything on your desk and you’ll be able to tell if she does, right?”
Captain Moss seemed reasonable and he was right, everyone on this yacht had been vetted by Landon. I could definitely leave my papers in a way that it was obvious to tell if they’d been disturbed and I really didn’t have anything else to hide. “I want to be clear that she doesn’t touch my desk. At all. Not even to clean it. If anything’s moved then I’ll be extremely disappointed.” I could leave highly sensitive things in my briefcase.
“I won’t touch a thing on your desk, Mr. Wolf. You can be assured of that.”
Her breathy voice and her desperation to please me was too much and I found myself softening. “And I want you to have the key on you at all times. No setting it down where someone else could pick it up,” I said, trying to keep my tone terse.
Avery nodded. “No problem. I always keep it attached to my belt.” She pulled out a jangle of keys from her waist that seemed to be on a retractable key ring.
“Well, that’s agreed then.” I patted the table with my palm before standing. “I don’t want any deviations from this plan without my express permission.”
“Absolutely and thank you for your understanding,” Captain Moss said as he shook my hand.
I liked the loyalty and trust Moss had shown Avery and the mutual respect they clearly had for each other. It seemed genuine, and I knew it was hard to find. That had me taking a risk on them. I hoped this time I was right to trust my instincts and put my faith in Avery Walker.
Seven
Avery
“You expecting it to do a little dance?” Chef Neill asked, lifting his chin toward the boiling kettle.
I’d been staring into space trying to figure out how I was going to make it to shore as often as I could to call my dad. I snapped back to reality, grinned at Neill and poured hot water into the French press. “Clearly taking my time waking up this morning,” I replied.
“Shame our guest doesn’t have the same problem.”
“Right? What time did he come up?” I asked, nodding my head at the door of the galley toward the main deck where Hayden was sitting.