I found the boat right where Cap said it was, and she was something to look at, too: white fiberglass, teak decks, silver rails shining like diamonds in the sun. Half a mil, Cap said. It looked it. The Aubrey Rose and the Miraculous were the two boats on either side of Ayers’s ship of dreams. Neither was anywhere near as big or as jaw dropping. That alone could have bred a certain amount of resentment. Was “boat envy” a thing? Wrought-iron gates closed off the narrow walkways between each vessel. Through the gate, I checked out the other boats, but there didn’t appear to be anyone on board either one. The gate blocked off the narrow paths between slips, barring trespass; only when I tried the gate, it was unlocked. I didn’t question the breech. I wasn’t one to look a “gift lock” in the mouth.

I walked along the side of the Safe Passage, looking for a ramp, a rope, a conveyor belt. I didn’t exactly know how people got on boats this big. Maybe smiling cherubs lifted you up on a big heavenly cloud. I finally found a ladder, grabbed it, and tested it for sturdiness. After a quick check for busybodies or marina security, I slung my bag cross-body over my chest, and then put hands and feet to ladder rungs and started up. Some would call it “trespassing”; I called it “taking advantage of a golden opportunity.” It was all in the perspective. Besides, my intentions were noble. The only thing I hoped to come away with was information. I wasn’t interested in Tim’s valuables.

Up and in, I dusted my hands off and leaned over the side, gauging the distance back down. It was manageable. If I had to jump, I wouldn’t die. Another short ladder led up to the part of the boat where all the steering happened. There was probably a name for it, but I wasn’t nautical, so the term was not at my immediate disposal. I tested that ladder, too, then started up, passing the time by reciting all the seafaring expressions I knew: “shiver me timbers,” “batten down the hatches,” “raise the yardarm,” “man overboard,” “blow me down.” That last one sounded a little kinky.