Alek hadn’t allowed Aanya to visit after he had severed ties with Ivan. While Aanya was never allowed the same freedom she had once to leave the palace grounds, she was by his side prominently during the only celebrations Ivan now allowed—his and his father’s birthday celebrations. During the ensuing years, Aanya was only visible from the palace balcony, waving to those who lined up in a massive crowd to catch sight of her, and on the rare occasion she rode by his side in a car during a parade to wave gaily to those who chanted out her name. Her friends, charities, and the organizations she had supported missed her involvement as the country she had shown such love and care for degenerated into despair. None of the work she had done changed the lives of those mired in the poverty of her country.
“The people I count as true friends would go to any lengths to protect the people they love.” Ginny met her mother’s gaze as the woman lifted her mimosa to her lips. “When they give to a charity, it isn’t quid pro quo. Their gift is made because their hearts are in the right place and they don’t lose sight of whom they are trying to assist.”
“You’re very protective of your … friends, which is an admirable quality. A quality I also share toward my friends.” Allerton placed a comforting hand on Soleil’s hand. “Perhaps it would make your mother more comfortable if we just agree to disagree?”
Ginny nodded. “I apologize, Soleil.” Making it plain who she was apologizing to, Ginny tried to draw her mother into a conversation. “Have you heard any more news from Jasper as to when he will be coming?”
“I haven’t spoken to him,” Soleil answered after receiving a nod of permission from Allerton, “this morning.”
It wasn’t boding well for Gavin and her that the woman made no attempt to hide that she was deferring to Allerton so visibly, making it plain she was just a spectator in this farce.
“When I find out you’ll be the first to know.”
Had Soleil and her father divorced, and were they waiting until they were together to tell her? Ginny didn’t think so. It wasn’t like they were in a typical situation where their children would be hurt by a divorce.
Every time Soleil spoke to her, Ginny could feel the distance separating them. Once again she wondered if she had ever had a loving mother and daughter bond, or if it was never there to begin with? Ginny didn’t know anymore.
“I need to spend some time with my other guests. Please stay until you’re finished.” Allerton placed his napkin on the table, preparing to rise. “A driver is waiting outside to take you to the boat that will deliver you to Clindale.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you?” Soleil spoke up when Allerton remained standing at the table as if to prompt her.
“I’m sure,” Ginny refused. “Thank-you for the offer. I think it’s better if I do this alone with my husband. Gavin?”
“I’m ready.”
Agent Collins gave his plate of crab legs a lingering look before rising.
Ginny was glad she and Gavin were getting a reprieve from being under someone’s constant surveillance. The emotional toll going to the island was going to be tough enough without having to pretend an objectivity that wasn’t there.
The driver drove them in the opposite direction of their bungalow, then went through a forest of imposing palm trees to reach the dock.
As the dock came closer into view, Ginny felt her heart racing at the familiar sight from her childhood. The beauty of the scene of the marina eased some of the tight guilt she had carried within her chest for so long.
Normal-sized boats were docked closer to the island, while the larger yachts were farther out. There were also two mega yachts over eighty meters long. Ginny watched as one person dove off and realized the guests were using the opportunity to go swimming.
As they got out of the Moke, the driver handed Gavin a backpack, explaining it contained lunch, water, and a short-distance radio for him to use when they were ready to return to Sherguevil Island.
Agent Collins remained on the pier as Gavin and she climbed onto the speed boat. The captain started the engine as soon as they sat down on a cream-colored cushioned seat at the rear of the boat. Ginny grabbed Gavin’s arm when the boat sped up and the hull came crashing down over the wave; it was a sensation she remembered.
He moved his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. “Okay?” he probed.
“I think someone just walked over my grave,” she told him half-seriously. Her mind puzzled out it must have been the memory of being in a boat with Hammer after she’d been rescued from the plane.