Chapter 6 - The Owner's Safe

Vivian went pale.

Not surprised. Afraid.

Maya caught it instantly.

Claire said, "Bridge, lock down the owner's suite. Nobody enters."

Vivian stepped forward. "You cannot lock me out of my own cabin."

"Watch me."

"Captain—"

"The safe was accessed under suspicious circumstances. Until I know what's missing, the room is preserved."

Grant looked at his mother. "What's in the safe?"

"Documents. Jewelry. Nothing that concerns her."

Maya almost laughed at the word her.

Claire walked into the corridor. "Everyone comes with me."

They moved through the yacht in a tight, silent group: Claire first, Maya beside her, Grant behind, Vivian and Brooke last.

Guests watched from the salon. Whispers followed.

At the owner's suite, a crew security officer waited by the sealed door.

Claire opened it with her master key.

The room looked untouched.

The wall safe stood behind a framed abstract painting. Its door was closed.

Claire put on gloves and entered the code from the captain's emergency list.

The safe opened.

Vivian pushed forward.

Inside sat stacks of legal folders, a velvet jewelry tray, two watches, passports, and a black leather document case.

One slot was empty.

Grant stared at it. "What was there?"

His mother said nothing.

"Mom?"

Vivian's eyes remained fixed on the empty space.

Claire removed the inventory card taped inside the safe door.

"Item fourteen," she read. "Blue envelope. Hawthorne Marine Holdings. Original trust amendment."

Maya looked at Grant. "What's that?"

He shook his head.

Vivian moved toward the safe. "This is private family business."

Claire blocked her.

"Not anymore."

Vivian's voice cracked for the first time. "You have no idea what you're doing."

Claire's stare was almost pitying. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

She turned to Maya.

"There's something I should have told you years ago."

Maya frowned. "About what?"

Claire glanced at Vivian.

Vivian whispered, "Don't."

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Claire's face hardened.

"About why the Hawthornes invited you onto this yacht in the first place."