In the end, despite her mild protests, Avery knew the contract from HAP News provided everything she had asked for, and more. Dwight structured the deal to be front-loaded, and it paid Avery a signing bonus of $3 million. She did two things with the bonus. First, she opened an account at Cainvest Bank and Trust on Grand Cayman in the name of Aaron Holland, with a starting balance of $100,000. It would be enough for Christopher to start his new life. The second thing Avery did was pay for the sailboat. She sent the cashier’s check certified, overnight, and knew it would arrive later today.

Avery looked around the marina. “Better get going, big brother.”

There were no surveillance cameras here and Avery knew no one in the government was interested in her whereabouts any longer—Walt had made sure of that before allowing her to come to Jamaica. Her fame, however, drew the odd paparazzi, and the last thing Avery needed were photos of her and her dead brother showing up in the tabloids. She wasn’t too concerned. This port was off the beaten path and far from the touristy areas of the island. Still, even with no one paying attention to the three Americans standing on the dock, Avery knew if they waited much longer one of them might back out of the plan. They had come too far to get cold feet now.

Christopher nodded. He turned to Walt.

“Thanks for all your help.”

“Sure thing,” Walt said. “You know where I live if you need anything.”

Christopher turned to Avery. She felt him kiss her forehead. He didn’t say anything more. There was nothing left to say. Instead, he climbed onto his new vessel. Avery untied the lines as the engine rumbled to life.

“Stay safe,” she said.

Ten minutes later, Claire-Voyance II was motoring out of the marina. Once it was in the open water, Avery saw the main sail climb the mast and fill with air. The front sail followed and the boat heeled slightly to the left as it took on an eastern tack and headed into the morning sun.

“So,” Walt said. “How long are you staying?”

“I’m off for a week.”

“Then what?”

“You tell me,” Avery said.

Walt took her hand as they walked along the dock. “I was thinking I should start spending some more time in the States.”

Avery looked at him with slivered eyes. “I thought you hated New York.”

“I do. I was thinking California is more my style.”

CHAPTER 78 - Sister Bay, WI Friday, October 29, 2021

CHAPTER 78

Sister Bay, WI Friday, October 29, 2021