I grabbed a daypack, tossed in a spare shirt and jacket, then pulled out ten thousand dollars from its hiding place in the back of my drawer.
I shoved one of the hundred-dollar bills back into the drawer, keeping the cash under ten grand—to avoid having to declare it to the airline—and leaving as small a trail of my movements as possible.
My phone pinged.
Fuck, is that Karlos? I hope he’s not onto me already.A light sweat broke out on my brow.
DYSON: Hey Kar, I’m flying into Sydney the day after tomorrow at 11 a.m. I need to talk to you. I’ll head to your house after I land.
When he arrived, I’d finally be able to tell him about the whole sorry nightmare that had unfolded since we got off the boat.
I pressed Print, flicked my phone to silent mode, placed it at the back of the drawer, then grabbed the tickets off the printer tray.
After tugging my baseball cap low over my face, sliding my sunglasses on, and slinging my pack over my shoulder, I silently exited the house, and headed to the airport in the Uber.
Ihope Ivy’s home when I get there. I’m not sure I can pull this off again.
***
IVY
Sass was spot on—the spa had been just the remedy I’d needed.
We arrived home, and she threw a cute silver top at me to wear. I finished the final touches on my makeup and checked myself in the mirror.
“It’s on!” Sass said excitedly as I locked the door behind us and we walked to the waiting Uber. “This is one of the hottest clubs in Surfers Paradise.”
She spent the ride telling me about her latest French Netflix binge and her dream of visiting Paris until we arrived and made our way inside.
We ordered drinks and sat for a bit before Sass took my hand, pulling me onto the dance floor. I tried to enjoy myself, but my heart and brain refused to cooperate.
After Sass caught me staring into space (again), she announced it was time to call it a night. “I’m proud of you for giving it a go, Ivy. You’ve done enough today.”
It wasn’t even eleven when the Uber pulled up in front of our house, but I was glad to be home. I needed to clear my head.
“Thanks—have a good night,” Sass told the driver as she got out.
“Thanks, Sass.” I gave her a hug. “Sorry I was lousy company. It was still good to get out, and the spa wasfantastic.”
“One step at a time.” She smiled, letting me go.
“I think I’ll take a walk on the beach.”
“Alright, but don’t stay out too long. I’m going to bed. See you tomorrow lovely.” She started toward the house.
I turned toward the beach, spotting the silhouette of a man in the distance, I hurried down the track onto the sand.
As I breathed in the salty ocean air, a layer of hurt I’d been carrying drifted away.
***
KARSON
I scanned for the driver Dyson had arranged for me, then spotted a solitary black car parked in the airport pickup zone.
As I walked closer to the car, a middle-aged man peered at me through the open window.
“You Karson?” he asked. “I’m Milton.”
