Page 24 of Rescuing Mia
Chapter Thirteen
MIA
Taking a deep breath,I square my shoulders and make my way to the kiosk. The man behind the counter looks up as I approach, his eyes tired but kind. He puts on a friendly smile for me.
“Excuse me,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “Could you tell me about that ship over there? TheSerenity?”
“Ah, theSerenity,” he says, his smile widening. “She’s a beauty. Part of the Aggressor fleet, one of the best liveaboard dive ships out there.”
He hands me a glossy brochure; I take it, my curiosity piqued. On the front is a picture of the ship, sleek and white against the blue of the ocean.
“Is she headed to Sydney?”
“That route is a real adventure. It takes you through some of the most beautiful waters in the world.”
Australia.
Exactly where I need to go.
The word echoes in my mind, and for a moment, I’m struck by the sheer coincidence of it all. It feels like fate, as if the universe is finally throwing me a lifeline.
But I’ve learned the hard way that things that seem too good tobe true usually are. I hesitate, my fingers tightening around the strap of my backpack.
I flip through the brochure, taking in the details. Luxurious cabins, a state-of-the-art dive deck, and modern amenities—it sounds like a dream.
But what catches my eye is the mention of the dive platform, situated right at the water level at the back of the ship.
I allow myself to imagine what it would be like to stand on the stern, just a few feet above water level, and how it might feel to watch the world disappear behind me.
“It sounds incredible,” I say softly, more to myself than to him.
He nods, his expression understanding. “It’s a trip of a lifetime, that’s for sure.”
“Are there any cabins left?” I ask, my heart pounding. “Any last-minute openings?”
The man frowns, turning to his computer. He types for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration.
“Actually, we have one cabin left—a last-minute cancellation—but I’m afraid it’s one of our more expensive ones—a suite.”
He names a price that makes my eyes widen. It’s more than I was hoping to spend, more than I should probably risk on a journey with no guaranteed outcome, but the alternative is staying here. Where Lena or someone else from Red Phoenix could find me at any moment.
I take a deep breath, then lean forward, lowering my voice.
“Is there any way you could come down on that price?” I ask, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.
Even with a discount, it’s still a significant amount of money. Money I might need later. I take a deep breath, then lean in closer.
“Look,” I say, keeping my voice low. “If I don’t buy this ticket, who else is going to? The ship is about to leave, and you said it yourself: This is the last cabin.”
His brows knit together briefly, a subtle sign he’s wrestling with my statement. A moment passes—his eyes narrow in deep thought as if he’s turning over my words, examining their edges. His handmoves to his chin, stroking it lightly, the gesture betraying his contemplation.
“What if...” I pause, gauging his reaction. “What if you sold it to me at seventy-five percent off? That way, you’re still making a sale, and I can afford the trip.”
His eyebrows shoot up, and he shakes his head. “Seventy-five? I can’t do that. I’d be giving it away.”
I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant even as my heart races. “It’s better than not selling it at all, isn’t it?”
He looks around as if checking to see if anyone is watching. Then, with a sigh, he pulls at his chin, his expression contemplative.