“When I turned ten, he decided I could start training, so he took me on a five- kilometre run.”
“No.” Gretchen’s disbelief made him glance at her.
“Yeah. I guess army drills were the only way he knew to communicate.”
Jordan got up and moved around the table. “I’m sorry your dad was horrible.” He hugged Arthur.
That this child should offer him comfort after just having had his own heart broken killed Arthur. He hugged him back. “I’m sorry about your dad, too.”
The boy hiccup-laughed. “It’s all right. You turned out great, so I should be OK.”
Oh, the child was something else. He made Arthur feel like some kind of superhero. He hugged him again. “You’re already amazing.”
When Jordan headed back to his seat, Arthur glanced at Gretchen. Her eyes glistened, and she dabbed at them with her fingertips. A rush of warm feelings filled him. She was incredible. He wanted to hear everything she’d been through, especially the stuff that wasn’t fit for Jordan’s ears. She’d raised such a wonderful son.
They did the dishes together and then Jordan went to watch TV. Arthur handed Gretchen her phone. “He sent another message while you were with Jordan.”
Her face paled as she read it. “I need to call Dot.”
He nodded. “I can walk Jordan to and from school.”
“What about the boat?”
“I spoke to Sam. He doesn’t need me, and I can protect Jordan.”
The relief and gratitude on her face made him feel unworthy. “Thank you.” She made the call and Arthur shifted closer to the television to give her a measure of privacy, and to make sure Jordan wasn’t eavesdropping.
Jordan was watching a show about shipwreck hunters. At least spending his days at home would give Arthur a chance to investigate the extra names. He’d have to get Tess’s number from Sam and ask if she’d tracked down the passenger list.
Though he wanted to tell Jordan about the discovery, it would only expose him to further risk.
Jordan glanced at him. “These guys should investigate the Retribution, don’t you think?”
“It seems like they’re searching for undiscovered shipwrecks,” Arthur said. “Everyone knows where the Retribution is.”
“Maybe there’s another one out there,” Jordan insisted.
“Maybe. There have been a lot of shipwrecks off the coast over the years.”
Jordan looked past him. “Who’s Mum talking to?”
“She rang Dot.”
Jordan tilted his head. “Sergeant Campbell?”
“Yeah.” Though he wasn’t sure Gretchen would appreciate him telling Jordan, the boy had a right to know. “Your dad made a threat.”
Jordan shifted to face Arthur. “What kind of threat?”
“He didn’t like your mum hanging up on him.”
“Will he hurt her?” The fear on Jordan’s face made Arthur move around the couch and sit next to him.
“We don’t know if he’ll try, but we’re doing everything we can to protect her. She’ll be safe at work. Sam’s ex-army and it’s unlikely your dad will follow them out to sea.”
“What about after work?”
“We’re still working that out, but I’ll walk you and Cody home from school.”
