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“And maybe a few upgrades?” Max asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“Not a bad idea.”
The third painting was a small cubist oil instantly identifiable as a Picasso.
“Beth said this one is available for purchase since it was stolen from an auction.”
“Picassos always make a good investment.” The Corporation already had one in its possession, currently in a bank vault in Monaco. “This one might look good on the walls in here.”
As Juan lifted it up for Max to get a better look, he suddenly understood why Locsin had wanted it back so badly.
He nodded appreciatively and grinned at Max. “I’ll take it.”
EPILOGUE
ONE WEEK LATER
GUAM
Juan found Max in the starboard ballast tank, which also doubled as an Olympic-length lap pool. Juan’s preferred method of exercise was swimming in its dual lanes, but he hadn’t been able to use it since the Kuyog blew a hole in the side of the ship, which was why they were now docked at a maintenance depot.
The hull had since been patched up on the outside, appearing as slipshod as possible of course. On the inside, Max was inspecting the welds, making sure that the new armor plating was seamless.
“When can I go back to doing laps?” Juan asked, his voice echoing off the marble-clad flooring. A week’s worth of algae had been scrubbed away, revealing the gleaming surface.
“When I’m sure that all the damage has been repaired,” Max said. “Should take another hour. Then, remember, we head out for beer and nachos at eighteen hundred.”
“Should I invite Hux?” Juan teased.
Max shot him a look that would melt steel. “Don’t you dare.”
“I was about to talk to Raven. Do you want to be in on the conversation?”
“No, it’s your call. A good one, by the way. You can tell me how it goes at the bar.”
“I’ll meet you on deck.”
Juan left Max muttering to himself and went up to the boardroom, where Raven was waiting.
He took a seat next to her as she put down the Jane Austen book she was reading.
“Persuasion,” Juan said, reading the title. “I haven’t read that one.”
“Everyone thinks I’d want to watch war movies or read about military history,” Raven said. “It’s nice to get away from all that once in a while.”
“I’m glad you’ve been taking advantage of our library. It’s nice that you’ve stuck around during Beth’s recovery.”
“I’ve been there. A familiar face helps you get through it. Besides, the facilities on your ship are incredible, and my little apartment in San Diego isn’t much to look at.”
“You don’t have anyone back in the States?”
“My parents, but I don’t see them all that much.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “I don’t have a boyfriend, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“It was, actually. But not for the reason you’re thinking.”
She tilted her head and gave him an amused look. “I’m listening.”
“Everyone in the Corporation, myself included, was very impressed by your skills and composure in the Philippines. You may not realize how difficult it is to find someone with your set of abilities.”
