Apex

28 | metamorphosis

JULY 23 - 24

DAKOTA

The last time I was on a whale-watching tour was also the last time I'd told Maud that I loved her. That was roughly ten months ago.

I didn't like that this was the first thought that crossed my mind as I walked down the dock towards Pacific King Whale Watching Company, and gritted my teeth. I also didn't like that whispers were emanating around me, accompanied by piercing stares. Even though public opinion was currently in my favor for not being a sociopathic orca killer, the whispering followed me all the same.

Unfortunately, the whispers would continue when the article about Conrad was published in The Seattle Chronicle tomorrow. The only half-decent part about that was I could prepare for the fallout; the truth had blindsided me far too many times this summer. That being said, the truth was like the Hydra from Greek mythology - cutting off one of its nine heads would make two more grow back. The more you tried to cover up the truth, the harder it became to control.

When I reached the oak doors of the Pacific King office, I inhaled one last breath of the dry sea air before going inside. For a reason that I didn't fully comprehend, Gretchen England had insisted that Conrad, Brenna, and I met her here for a whale watching tour. Conrad had told me it was for the cultural experience, but I thought it a waste of time.

The moment I stepped inside, a conversation floated my way.

"Pacific King pledges ten percent of our profits towards conservation efforts," Mr. Nakamura informed Gretchen England, handing her a glossy pamphlet. "Education is a key part of our tours, and we hope to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world."

"Mr. Nakamura is a skilled naturalist and captain, dedicated to making whale watching an experience of a lifetime," Conrad said. "We've been lucky to have his guidance and support throughout the production process."

"Lucky indeed," Gretchen agreed, and finally took note of my presence. Her blue eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. "Nice of you to join us this evening, Dakota."

I conjured my best red carpet smile. "Welcome to Friday Island. I wish it was under better circumstances, but I'm glad that you're here."

"But I shouldn't have to be," Gretchen said coldly, and my smile faltered. Her angular bone structure and sharp gaze only enhanced what the tabloids described as part of her intimidation factor.

"My granddaughter will be captaining the boat this evening," Mr. Nakamura smoothly intervened. "Excuse me while I go inform her of our modified route, and we will be ready to start the tour shortly."

Taking that as a queue to begin migrating outside, I fell in line with Conrad as he resumed speaking to Gretchen.

"Prior to the debacle with Nakamura's former employee, Albert, I instructed Mike and Myles to consult him for additional research," Conrad said, holding the door open for both Gretchen and me. "We have our own team of marine biologists to consult, but Dakota and I wanted to engage with the locals."

Gretchen exhaled a hard breath, squinting into the setting sun. "Well, you've engaged with the locals alright. I wouldn't be surprised if they started to protest outside of the set."

My gaze slid over to Conrad's face just in time to see him tense, a muscle working in his jaw.

"Dakota, you go ahead," he said, sparing me a quick glance. "There's a few additional details regarding Mike's temporary promotion that I need to brief Gretchen on."

"Sure thing," I replied, forcing a smile. At this rate, I suspected that my fake smile count would rival my genuine one before the year was out.

When I climbed aboard the Sea La Vie, I found Brenna and Gretchen England's teenage daughter, Chandler. Chandler's blue eyes snapped up from her phone, but her expression was quick to cloud with disinterest as she acknowledged me with a lazy wave. Growing up on the outskirts of her mother's fame meant that the presence of celebrities didn't amuse her anymore - if it ever had.