Page 104 of Angel

“I killed a man.” I sob, unable to get past that and he whispers, “No, you didn’t.”

“Of course I did.”

His low voice soothes as he says steadily, “Emilio committed suicide. When you left with him, he attacked you and you fought back. I saw everything and came to your defense, and he threatened us both with a gun. When we heard the commotion, we took our chance and ran from the room and the only way to save ourselves was to jump overboard to escape him. He must have gone to the cabin, locked himself inside and taken the easy way out. It will be linked to his mental health, lifestyle and anything else we can think of.”

“We?”

“Yes, we, Sophie. You see, you are not on your own. Yes, you killed a man in self-defense. I don’t know the details, but I do know you. There was obviously no way out of the situation, and you did what you could to survive. That’s what happens in the jungle. You will never forget what happened back there, but over time you will accept it.”

I can’t stop shaking and he pulls me in tighter and his tone is soft, comforting and reassuring.

“You came from that life, Sophie. Your father was the same as Martinez. Your mother paid the price, and I am guessing you were next. They don’t operate by the same rules as most of us. They make up their own. How many people’s lives do you think Martinez ruined, ended or destroyed? I’m guessing the list is endless. I doubt he gave them one minute’s contrition. He doesn’t deserve yours.”

I’m not sure how he does it. His words have patched the wound, and I breathe in slow and deep. My mind pushing away emotion and refocusing on the future.

“I’ll leave you to clean up and arrange a stiff drink, a warm one even, and some food. You must eat and sleep and tomorrow we will decide what happens next.”

He pulls away and I reach for his hand.

“Please don’t leave me.”

“I will never leave you, princess.”

He smiles. “If it makes you feel safer, lock the door behind me. I’ll give you an hour and then I’ll come and escort you upstairs, unless you are ready earlier and come and find me. The only people on this boat are me, you, Gosia, and the crew. You are safe here and always will be.”

“Thank you.”

Grateful tears spill over my cheeks, and he shakes his head.

“Don’t thank me. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

He smiles and turns, and when he closes the door, I lock it behind him, my heart less fearful than before.

It appears he has it all figured out. I’m grateful for that and as I wander into his huge bathroom, I don’t waste any time and step into the hot steamy shower and attempt to get warm.

CHAPTER 42

ANGEL

Before I even shower, I message Gabriel, detailing everything for him to deal with. I’m confident that by the time we dock, the entire mess will be cleaned up and all that will be required of us is a statement to the cops.

Sophie may take a long time to come to terms with what she did, but I will make sure she has all the help she needs.

I also text the committee, calling a meeting first thing on Monday morning. I outline what happened, confident they will give me all the information I require when we meet.

All that is left is to shower in one of the generous state rooms, pull on a soft robe and head out on deck where my crew has laid out coffee, brandy, and pastries.

Marcus, my chief steward, is waiting, and I hold out my hand.

“Thanks, man. I appreciate the rescue.”

He says nothing, merely raises his eyes.

“It’s a good way to christen your new toy, I guess. I’ve never seen such a dramatic entrance in all my years of sailing.”

I chuckle as I sit on the comfortable couch overlooking the ocean.

He hands me a glass of whiskey. “Welcome on board The Princess, Mr. Prince.”