A horn beeps, urging Lucca to stop holding up traffic. I hold my phone up, indicating I’ll text him.

Wayne smiles wide. He’s wearing sunglasses and a gray shirt with the outline of palm fronds all over it. Compared to what he’s worn in the past, this Hawaiian print is subtle. His shorts are a darker shade of the same color gray, and his brown leather shoes have a leather shoestring that ties. I’ve not seen shoes quite like those.

“Thanks for the offer. A boat ride sounds magnificent.”

He gives me a quick hug and a kiss on one cheek.

“Yeah, I’ve been burning the candle on both ends. Needed to get outta the office. Away from the desk. You know what I mean?” He rubs his jaw as he smiles, and his gaze runs down my body.

“Am I dressed okay?” I’m in a loose, long skirt, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. A cloth tote bag hangs off one shoulder with a note pad and my phone that I’ll use as a recorder if he lets me.

“Whatchu got in there?”

“Just stuff for work.”

He shakes his head and turns his attention to the gate where he punches in a code. “You’re as bad as me. Can’t get away from it, can ya?”

“Well, I’m just an assistant professor. I’ve got to prove myself.” My hope is this angle will help him to open up with me if he sees what he shares might help me produce a more impressive piece for publishing.

“Jack told me what happened to you.” One of Wayne’s funny shoes points in the direction we’re headed. He’s ready to go, but he’s gracious enough to take this moment to address the event on campus. “I wish all of this mess could be behind us.” His warm tenor is welcoming, and I find myself looking into his eyes, which are directed at my feet. “I can only imagine how scary that must have been for you.”

He's uncomfortable talking to me about a potentially emotional situation. Many people are uncomfortable discussing tough topics. I put on a brave smile and shrug.

“It wasn’t fun, but…I survived.”

He brightens and cocks his head to the side. He can tell I’m not on the verge of breaking down into tears or asking to rehash it.

“Yes, you did. You’re a trouper.” He’s got such a personable smile. It’s easy to see how he rose to the top in a corporation. “Let’s take the captain for a spin.” He sets the pace along the boardwalk, seemingly relieved to have that uncomfortable bit behind us. “Sunshine does wonders, especially in crazy times.”

Wayne waves to a man on the dock and gestures for me to follow along.

“So, are you still working on the case? Is that why you came on out to chat with me?”

A seagull swoops down nearby, disappears in the murky depths, then pops up with a flapping fish.

“Whoa, did you see that?” I point, but Wayne doesn’t appear amused. His pace slows, and one hand falls on his hip. “Ah, no, I’m not really working the case. Since we countered the ransom, I’m hoping there will be some appetite for a case study in an academic journal.”