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The water reflected the blue of the sky above. Schools of fish darted about beneath the surface, occasionally leaping out of the water in flashes of silver. On the shore, people strolled along the boardwalk, enjoying the sights and sounds of the marina. They peered into the windows of the shops and restaurants that lined the waterfront, tempted by the delicious smells wafting out and the airbrushed wares and offerings of sunblock and flip-flops. Some stopped to listen to the musicians playing on the corner, their melodies carried on the breeze.
As the day wore on, the activity at the marina would begin to wind down. Boats would begin to return to their slips, their engines rumbling softly as they approached the docks. People would stroll back to their cars, tired but content after a day on the water. The marina would empty out. But, for now, it was a hive of activity, perfect to observe without being seen easily.
Emily appeared, and Ariel’s breath caught. The woman angled toward the marina. "Okay, she's going in," Ariel whispered to Charlie.
"Great, now let's find a good hiding spot so we can keep an eye on her," said Charlie.
They found a spot behind some crates to the side of the docking slips, giving them a clear view of the marina entrance. They watched as Miles's ex-wife approached the dock. She looked down at her phone, and then stopped to talk to some of the workers who were nearby, showing them her screen. They pointed down the row of slips, and Ariel whispered to Charlie, “The end of those slips is where Miles is working on his commissioned restoration.”
Charlie looked uneasy. “What do you want to bet that his ex-wife is not there to just say hi? You think she’s maybe trying to stir up some trouble?”
Ariel shrugged. “I have no way of knowing. He hasn’t answered my texts today, and he was pretty shellshocked that she’d showed up at Leeside. Can we get closer?”
Charlie peered out, her eyes darting as though she was strategizing. “There—another pile of crates halfway down.”
They made a break for it.
In their new hiding spot, they could see that Emily had stopped just two slips down from where Miles’s restoration project boat was docked. Ariel couldn’t see Miles anywhere. Emily walked up to the slip, and the around the front of the boat. She reached out a hand to the hull, touching the freshly restored paint and looking momentarily sad. It was then that Ariel noticed that there was something in Emily’s other hand—an envelope of some sort.
Ariel’s chest tightened.
After another moment, Emily turned and started back down the marina, presumably headed back toward her car. There was a moment, just as she passed their hiding place, where she paused, and Ariel held her breath, sure that they had been caught. She put a hand over her mouth, afraid that even a too deep breath would give her away, and Charlie closed her eyes, staying stock still.
After a few beats, Emily walked on, and Ariel let her breath whoosh out. They waited until she was out of sight before emerging from their hiding spot.
Charlie whispered, "That was close. I cannot believe she almost caught us."
Ariel nodded in agreement, feeling a surge of adrenaline from the close call. "We need to be more careful," she whispered back. “Let’s get back to Leeside before we do get caught," said Ariel.
As they walked along the docks, they tried to act casual, browsing through the various shops and restaurants. But their nerves were on edge, knowing that Emily could be around any corner.
Suddenly, they heard a familiar voice calling out to them. "Ariel!”
Ariel tensed up, her heart racing. Emily had caught them red-handed, and Ariel had no idea how to explain herself. Charlie gripped her arm, and they exchanged glances. Ariel tried to compose herself, forcing a smile and pretending that everything was fine.
Maybe it was—Emily certainly didn’t look upset, or as though she had any idea about their previous actions.
“Emily!” Ariel said as the woman approached them. She forced a smile, even though she was a bundle of nerves inside. “What brings you to the marina?”
“Shopping,” Emily said, holding up a small bag from one of the souvenir shops. “My niece and nephew love it when I bring them little trinkets from my travels.”
“How sweet,” Charlie said.
Emily looked over at Charlie.
“Oh, Emily, this is my sister, Charlie. Charlie, this is Emily. She’s one of the guests staying at Leeside.”
The two women exchanged pleasantries, and Ariel started to relax a bit.
Charlie quickly piped up. "We’re just admiring the beautiful boats! We were thinking about taking up sailing, right Ariel?"
Ariel nodded along, "Yes, we're just getting some inspiration for our future hobby. It looks complicated. And awfully expensive."
Emily rolled her eyes and laughed at the two of them. "Well, you two better be careful, or you might end up buying one of those boats. I admit, I don’t really like sailing. But they are all pretty." With a small wave, Emily added, “Well, I’m off to grab some lunch. Will you two join me?”
“Oh, we can’t,” Ariel cut in—before Charlie could do anything rash like agree. “We have to get back to Leeside and prep for the dinner service at the Seaside.”
As Emily walked away, Ariel let out a sigh of relief.
