AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sid could understand Hazel’s frustration. She had worked hard to help put this deal together, and his agreement to sell the park probably seemed like a rash, impulsive decision.
“Don’t worry about stopping them. If the employees really wanted to buy the park, they would have already tried. Ms. Cooper was testing me to see how I would respond.”
Hazel scowled. “That one’s going to be trouble. I'd better keep an eye on her.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to show them some support, though,” Emmaline said. “A gesture like that would go a long way towards building goodwill among the employees.”
Sid considered her suggestion. “Find out how much the park makes in drips,” he said, remembering his conversation with Jayna about the royalty split. “It’s money that should go to the employees anyway, so we can earmark it for them to use towards the purchase. And then when the deadline passes, we can give it to them in cash. Win-win.”
The limo slowed and banked into a leisurely circle above a massive cruise ship docked at a crowded port. The ship was a natural gas-powered mega-ship from the 2030s, likely one of the last to have been built before fusion giga-ships took over the cruise industry.
As the limo circled the ship, Sid found himself watching for the shuttle bus to arrive from Realms of Neptune. Even though the bus would take at least half an hour, and they had only left the park fifteen minutes ago. His disappointment at not seeing the shuttle bus brought home just how strong his attraction to Jayna really was.
Several minutes later, they landed on the roof of the Grand Emirates hotel and exited the limo. Once inside the sky lobby, they all got onto the maglift and Sid thanked Hazel for her help at the park. “I’d like you to go back tomorrow and keep looking for issues you feel should be resolved. Also, set up an aggregator to gather news about the employees’ efforts to raise capital for the purchase. Emmaline’s right. If there’s anything we can do to support them, we should do it.”
Hazel nodded her agreement.
The maglift stopped at Sid’s floor. “Thanks again, Hazel. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Emmaline and Sid left the elevator and walked towards their rooms, which were across the hall from each other. This was their typical setup, as Sid relied heavily on Emmaline as his assistant and liked having her nearby.
They reached their doors, and Emmaline said, “You really want to help support the employees in their purchase of the park, right?”
“Of course.”
“Good. I offered Jayna Cooper a flight to Manutai with us.”
Sid felt a traitorous thrill at the thought of Jayna flying with them, and he quickly pushed it aside. This was a mistake. “How exactly does that help the employees buy the park?”
“She’s scheduled as a plus-one on a corporate shuttle, but I’m concerned her flight is going to get cancelled. She can’t afford airfare to Manutai, especially with the Jubilee this week. We’re already going that way, and you have empty seats.”
The argument made sense. But Jayna was dangerous. How was Sid supposed to keep his distance from her if she was traveling with them? “I’m still not sure about that idea.”
“Giving Jayna a ride is the right thing to do. I know you have concerns, but I need you to trust me.”
Sid bit back his objection. He and Emmaline had worked together for a long time. She had earned his trust, so despite his misgivings he would give her the benefit of the doubt. He could always count on her to have his best interests at heart.
Chapter 8
Jayna woke with a start as her slapfone buzzed on her wrist. She checked the time. Six-thirty? What the shell? It was way too early for a theme park mermaid.
Her annoyance at being awakened quickly turned into concern when she heard her boyfriend’s voice outside her door.
“Good morning. Are you up?”
Toren never came by before nine, even though he was employed by a company in Europe and typically started working before dawn. Worry filled her mind as she pulled herself out of bed.
“I am now. Give me a minute.” Trying to keep her growing anxiety in check, she pulled on a white sundress, donned a Realms of Neptune cap, and popped a mint in her mouth. She checked herself one last time in the mirror before opening the door.
Toren was tall and lean with a shock of unruly sandy blond hair and sky-blue eyes. They had only been a couple for a few months, but they had been friends for years and being with him usually filled her with a peaceful warmth.
But the nervous smile on his handsome face only increased her sense of foreboding.
She immediately thought back to her strong, unwelcome attraction to Obsidian Hayes the night before and felt a twinge of guilt. She tried to smother that guilt by stretching onto her toes and giving him a quick peck on the lips. “What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to keep her voice light.
He held up a couple of paper bags with the SAPP Café logo on them. “I brought breakfast. Let’s go on deck and see the sunrise.”
Toren’s unusual suggestion did nothing to ease her concern, but she gave him what she hoped was a convincing smile. “Okay.” She took one of the bags, then laced her fingers through his and followed him down the corridor.
