Chapter 4

The next morning, I told Owen I had an early meeting.

Instead, I sat in my car beneath my office building and called Rachel Chen, a Seattle divorce attorney recommended by a colleague.

"The boat is registered in my name," I told her. "I bought it before we married."

"Keep the purchase records and the source of the down payment," she said. "We'll also need the loan history and everything spent on improvements during the marriage. Registration alone won't answer every financial question."

"He didn't buy it."

"I understand. I want to know which funds paid for what before we make promises about the outcome."

It was not the answer I wanted. It was the answer I needed.

I told her about the trip, the group messages, and the payments.

"Are you gathering information," she asked, "or preparing to separate?"

"I need a few hours."

I spent them quietly.

I downloaded statements. I redirected future payroll to an individual account. I copied the vessel registration, loan documents, insurance policies, and refit invoices.

I didn't empty our joint account. I left the ordinary household bills funded while Rachel helped me put the separation arrangements in writing.

At lunch, I reserved a furnished apartment for one month.

Then I called Marcus.

"Did you receive an owner authorization for this itinerary?"

"The final form is still unsigned. Owen said you'd send it with the balance."

"I'm not authorizing the departure. Please cancel the voyage and notify everyone on the booking."

He was quiet for a moment.

"There'll be cancellation costs. Some supplies have already been ordered."

"Send me the itemized account. Honor anything I've actually signed for. Don't charge another card without its holder's approval."

I also withdrew the independent boarding permission Owen had requested for Brooke. The marina confirmed she would not be admitted to the vessel without a new authorization.

Owen's existing dockside access was a separate issue. Rachel and I would deal with that in the separation arrangements.

"If they show up anyway?" Marcus asked.

"The children shouldn't be left waiting outside."

He offered the marina's guest lounge and a transfer back into the city. I authorized the charge.

By four, written cancellation notices had gone to Owen, Brooke, the photographer, and the shore-service coordinator.

That evening, Owen confronted me in the kitchen.

"Marcus says you canceled the sailing."

"Yes."

"You could have spoken to me first."

"You could have asked before arranging it."

He tried anger, then reassurance, then the children.

I kept giving the same answer.

The yacht would not leave on Friday.

When he finally walked away to call Brooke, my phone vibrated.

Apartment reservation confirmed. Move-in: August 20.

Rachel's message arrived beneath it.

Are you ready for me to proceed?

I typed yes.