A French number lit up on Averie's phone, its ringing cutting through the widow's stifled cries.
Using it as an excuse, the clever man distanced himself from the women gathered around Julia.
He picked up the call. It was from Yoko Roy.
"Hey, so, I was supposed to board the cruise like an hour ago. What's going on? What's taking you guys so long?"
Averie explained to her the intricacies of a large vessel and the workings of a busy port in surprising detail.
"Oh, and there was a murder at the pool. That could add to the delay."
A scream erupted from the other end.
"What?"
"Yeah, so, Julia Kim's husband is dead. Murdered. Stabbed through the heart, apparently."
The news left Yoko shocked.
"Okay, so there was an announcement. We will be boarding in an hour. See you then."
Averie glanced at the women and beckoned Hyerin, who happened to catch his gaze.
"She will cry herself to dehydration. Take her to her room, would you?"
