Whispers from the Deep

Part 2

A flash of white.

I blinked hard. My hands gripped the helm tightly, the wheel slick beneath my palms. No, not now. I was here. I was here, I told myself firmly, but it was as if my mind refused to listen to me.

The boat rocked again, jerking me fully back to the present. Sahra's voice called something I couldn't hear over the wind. I exhaled slowly and forced the memories back down where they belonged. I wasn't broken anymore. I was in control.

I adjusted our course toward the marina, steadying us against the wind. The storm tested me, but so had life—and I had survived both. My heart thudded inside my chest as I fought to keep my mind clear and my vision focused on the way ahead. Other thoughts now snuck into my mind. I knew convincing Thomas to purchase the boat wouldn't be simple. He could be stubborn at times, but I wouldn't give up. This would be a worthwhile investment for both of us.

"I'm not merely saying this because you wish to buy the boat," Marcel said as we finally docked back at the marina. The boat gently rocked as we secured it, and I felt every muscle relax. "But I think you navigated that exceptionally well. It would be an honour to have you take over this boat."

Pride surged through me at his words. While my heart was already set, I needed to address a few details before moving forward.

"How much do you want for the boat?" I asked.

"Seventy thousand francs," he replied without hesitation. That was about what I had anticipated, which was a relief. The price felt fair, and I nodded slightly, processing the information. A significant portion of my settlement money after the accident remained untouched, waiting for the right opportunity, and this seemed like a good way to use it.

"Look, I've already fallen in love with this boat, but I must call my husband to see if he agrees. Can you give me a moment to ring him?"

Marcel gave a brief nod, stepping back to afford me some space, and I hopped off the deck, my feet landing softly on the docks. I needed privacy for this part of the conversation, particularly regarding how to break the news to Thomas. I realised he was likely waiting for me by now, but I hoped this news would make up for the wait.

I pulled my phone from my pocket. It rang only once before Thomas answered. "Aubrey, where are—"

"Get down to the marina, quickly," I interrupted, not allowing him to finish his sentence. My excitement spilling over in my words. "We're going to buy a boat here in Portalban. I found one. It's so—"

"Are you out of your mind?" Thomas exclaimed. After all these years of marriage, he should have been accustomed to my impulsive decisions by now, yet somehow, I still managed to surprise him occasionally.

"Thomas, please hurry," I said, my voice urgent. To me, this wasn't merely about buying a boat but about beginning a new chapter in our lives together. He exhaled loudly on the other end of the line, and though I could sense the slight annoyance in his sigh, I knew he was coming. It was the same sigh he had given me countless times before—half exasperated, but always understanding.

"Okay," he said after a brief pause. "I'll be right there." There were no words I wanted to hear more than those. I could already feel the weight lifting from my shoulders. Once he saw the boat, it would be easier to persuade him. I quickly ended the call and turned towards Marcel and Sahra, my face lighting up with a smile I couldn't contain.

"He'll be right here," I assured them.

True to his word, Thomas didn't take long to reach the docks. My heart raced as I hurried over to him, feeling like a child on Christmas morning. His blue eyes locked with mine, his expression softening just a little as I eagerly gestured towards the boat waiting nearby. After all these years together, Thomas knew me well enough to understand. He could tell from the look on my face that I was already sold on this boat. Whether he wanted to admit it to himself or not, he probably knew that, for me, that meant he was, too.

"You're going to love it," I promised him. Marcel and Sahra were waiting to greet us, and Marcel immediately began giving Thomas a brief overview of the boat's specifications, ensuring everything was up to our standards. I watched Thomas closely as he listened intently, nodding occasionally, his eyebrows furrowed as he processed the information. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him, my heart pounding wildly.

Deep down, I could already envision it. I could see us both here, on this boat, spending our time together. Now, it was merely a matter of Thomas agreeing.

About an hour of inspection later, Thomas' decision was made as he looked between the three of us. "We need to sleep on it, but we can tell you about our decision by tomorrow."

I nodded, doing my best to hide the flicker of impatience in my chest. I understood. He needed time, but I already knew my answer. This boat wasn't just a purchase—it was a promise. A second chance. A future I could shape on my terms.

As we stepped off the deck and back onto the dock, I cast one final glance at My Sunshine. The lake had calmed, its surface glassy once more, but the echo of the storm still hummed in my bones. I swallowed hard. The adrenaline was fading, but something else stirred—something deeper.

Before I could shake it off, a name drifted into my thoughts—one I hadn't spoken in years. It belonged to a file that still sat, marked in red, at the back of my old case drawer. A body. A lake. A silence that never quite let go. A body was found near a lakeside marina. Unsolved. Unfinished. I exhaled slowly and turned away. It was probably nothing, just an echo of the life I once led.