Somewhere behind me a guest set down a glass very carefully, as though the wrong sound might set off something worse.

Chapter 15 — The Eviction

The harbor police stepped forward, their utility belts clinking in the quiet.

“Mr.

Whitcombe,” the lead officer said to Winston, “we need to clear the vessel.

Vantage Capital has assumed operational control.

The crew has been instructed to bring her in to the public pier for inventory.”

“Inventory?” Theodora’s voice climbed an octave.