Chapter 3

When Freda pushed open the bedroom door, I was packing my diving suit into my suitcase.

She leaned against the door frame, a hint of relief in her eyes.

"Finally willing to get out and clear your head?"

I zipped up my suitcase and stood.

"Yeah, diving out at an island for about a week."

Freda walked over and took the diving watch from my hand, easy and natural.

"Go on and relax. I'll take care of things at home."

She looked down and carefully checked over the gear I was bringing.

"This watch is still the one I gave you back then."

She ran her fingertip along the scratch on the edge of the dial.

"The waterproof seal looks like it's worn a little. Let me tighten it up for you."

She turned and walked to the desk, taking a special miniature screwdriver out of the drawer.

I stood where I was, watching the side of her face as she bent over it in concentration.

Her slender fingers worked with practiced ease, just like when she'd taught me to dive, hand over hand.

Back then, before every dive, she'd hold my hand tight. "Don't be afraid. I'll always be your safety line."

"There."

Freda handed me the fixed diving watch and slipped it onto my wrist for me.

"Did you check the breathing valve? The currents out there are complicated, so make sure you stay close to your instructor."

As she spoke, she opened my carry-on backpack.

She tucked a box of the stomach medicine I usually take into the inner pocket.

"Too much seafood upsets your stomach, so keep the medicine on you."

Watching her fuss over everything, I said quietly,

"Thank you."

Freda's hands went still, and she looked up at me.

She reached out and straightened my collar.

"Don't be so formal with me. When you get back this time, I'll take you to Iceland to see the northern lights."

Her eyes were full of tenderness.

"You've always wanted to go, haven't you? I've cleared my whole schedule for next month."

"Okay." I nodded.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

Freda took it out and glanced at it, the light from the screen falling across her calm face.

"Something urgent's come up at the company. I have to head out first."

She put the phone back in her pocket.

"The driver's waiting for you downstairs. Let me know you got there safely."

"Go take care of it."

Freda walked to the door, looked back at me once, and then closed it and left.

I picked up my suitcase and walked out of the home where I'd lived for five years.

Before boarding, the sea wind was so strong it was hard to keep my eyes open.

I stood on the deck and called my private lawyer.

"Tomorrow at noon. Proceed as planned."

"Are you sure? Once it starts, all the asset division and notarization will be irreversible." The lawyer's voice was precise.

"I'm sure."

I hung up, pulled out the SIM card, and threw it along with the phone into the churning waves.

The instructor came over and handed me an oxygen tank.

"Mr. Simmons, the undercurrent's a bit strong today, so whatever you do, don't leave the safety line."

"I know."

I pulled on my diving suit and put on the diving watch Freda had checked for me with her own hands.

Bit down on the breathing valve.

I walked to the edge of the ship, my back to the bottomless water.

And tipped backward.

The icy water swallowed every one of my senses in an instant.

At that same moment.

In the VIP room of Southport Private Hospital, Basil was smiling as he laid his hand on Freda's slightly swollen belly.