Pierre appeared in the doorway, phone still in hand, frowning in concern as he took in Sophie’s rigid posture, Marcella’s attempt at comfort.Sophie met his warm brown eyes over Marcella’s shoulder.
“I’ll be okay,” Sophie said.For the first time since the missiles fell, it might even be true.“But I need time.”
Marcella let go and patted her shoulder.“Take those kids to that private island you love so much.Get some vitamin sea.”
“A great idea.”Sophie smiled at her friend.
As they walked out of the museum, Pierre’s hand found hers.Sophie squeezed it, welcoming the touch.
Together they walked forward into whatever came next, as yellow and white plumeria blossoms, knocked loose by the wind, cartwheeled across the walkway ahead of them.
31
EPILOGUE
The turquoise watersof Phi Ni Island stretched away into the distance, each wave catching sunlight like scattered diamonds.Sophie lay on a beach lounger beneath a large umbrella, watching Pierre help Momi pat wet sand into turret shapes while Sean gleefully smacked his sand shovel on the watery “moat” surrounding their drip castle construction.
Anubis sat alert beside the children, his pointed ears swiveling, while Ginger dozed in the shade beside Sophie’s lounger, her belly full of bits of the family’s lunch.
They were on their third week of vacationing on Connor’s island—herisland, now, she had to remember.
Everything Connor hadn’t left to charity had come to Sophie in his will: Phi Ni Island and everything on it, including the house and boats, several Swiss bank accounts, the jet, and controlling interest in Security Solutions’ stock.Even in death, Connor had taken care of her; it had been a humbling revelation she’d always be grateful for.
“He’s going to get sunburned,” Armita observed in Thai from the adjacent lounger, nodding toward Pierre’s lean, muscled shoulders.
“At least he’s wearing a hat,” Sophie said in the same language.“And he put sunscreen on with the rest of us.”
Armita snorted.“Men.Like another child to care for,” she said.She’d never made a secret of her opinion of Sophie’s various relationships.
Sophie rolled her eyes, then slanted a teasing glance at Armita.“You’re just annoyed because he’s as good a cook as you are.”
“Pierre’s all right.”This was high praise from Armita.“I want you to be happy.”
“And I am happy,” Sophie said, surprised to find it was true.Though grief for Connor and her mother could still ambush her, the sea and sun of Phi Ni were working their restorative magic.
“Mama, look!”Momi called out in her piping voice.“Uncle Perro helped me make a mermaid!”
Sophie shaded her eyes to admire the sand sculpture.“Beautiful, Little Bean!”
Sean toddled over with a bucket of seashells, presenting them to Sophie.He was all Jake with his high energy, unique brown-with-gray eyes and easy smile.“Thank you, son,” she said, getting off the lounger to sort the shells with him.
“Hard to believe we leave tomorrow,” Armita said.The weeks of rest and relaxation had restored color to her face and erased tension from both of their bodies.
“Back to reality.”Sophie watched a fishing boat pass on the horizon.“School for Momi.Sean starting preschool.New investigations to work on and a company to run.Normal life.”
“Normal,” Armita said.“That’s not a word that’s ever applied to you.”
“True.”Sophie closed her eyes, feeling the weight of all that had brought them to this moment pressing down on her with the tropical heat.
“Go swim,” Armita said, coming around to examine Sean’s shells and take Sophie’s place.“Some people need rest, but you need exercise.”
“Don’t mind if I do.”Sophie reached into her beach bag for a pair of goggles.
Pierre looked over as she slipped on a Lycra swim shirt.“Going in?”
“I need to cool off and get my blood moving.”
“Mind if I join you?I missed doing my laps today.”
