AllFreeNovel
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She goes on to describe how she spent her youth kayaking, boating, and exploring the numerous islands. During the winter months, when other kids were sledding and cross-country skiing, she remained indoors and read cozy mysteries.
For a woman who despises the cold as much as she does, she survived the harshest Arctic conditions with barely a complaint.
She has no idea how fucking tough she is.
As the marina grows closer, so do the people. The crowds, the noise, the sheer vibrancy of it all—everything is an unfamiliar and new experience. I’ve only read about places like this, seen them in movies, but witnessing it firsthand is something else entirely.
Monty maneuvers the yacht into its berth with expert precision, and I feel a twinge of envy at how effortlessly he handles everything.
With freedom like this, you can have anything you want.
Once we’re docked, she tells him her plan to stay behind.
Unlike me, he doesn’t bat an eye. He simply paces off toward the security guards to work out the logistics.
Kody starts arguing with her, and I leave him to it, knowing he won’t get anywhere.
When I reach Monty’s side, he’s midway through his instructions to the guards.
“She doesn’t leave your sight. When she uses the lavatory, you wait outside the door. She doesn’t step off the yacht. No one boards except Dr. Howell. If anyone is with him, deny entry and call me.” He directs a finger at his chest. “If she tries to leave, stay with her and call me. If anything feels off or suspicious…”
“We’ll call you, Mr. Novak.”
She walks with us to the port side as Monty gives her the same instructions he gave the guards.
Leaving her behind feels like I’m ripping out a vital organ. It’s not natural. But this short separation will be a good test for the three of us. Kody and I need to know we can handle this new world without her always by our sides.
“We won’t be long.” Monty steps off the yacht without another word.
“Have fun.” She rests her hands on her hips and hardens her voice. “No fighting.”
“No promises.” I cast one last glance at her, my gut twisting.
Kody lingers, his dark eyes glued to her.
“Come on.” I bump his shoulder with mine, propelling him into motion.
Monty leads the way through the maze of docks and onto the coastal road. The town buzzes with activity. People mill about, their chatter and laughter filling the air.
Every time a car zooms by, I flinch and reach for the rifle that’s not there. Kody burrows into his hunched shoulders, trying and failing to block out the sudden bursts of noise.
I catch myself staring at everyone and everything, especially at the children and the dogs on leashes.
When a family with wailing kids hurries by, Monty pauses, his voice low. “Have you ever seen a child?”
“Wolf, I guess.” I crane my neck, watching the adults wrestle their screaming toddlers. “Twenty years ago.”
“What about a dog?”
“Only wolves.” Kody stands stiffly, hands shoved in his jean pockets.
“Yeah, these pampered pets aren’t wolves.” Monty laughs.
It’s disorienting and surreal. Kody feels it, too. His eyes dart around, taking in the chaos with cautious curiosity.
“I usually have Kai drive me.” Monty studies us too closely. “But I thought it would be nice to walk since it’s not raining. Do you want to keep going?”
Kody and I nod. It takes a helluva lot more than kids and dogs to spook us.
