Page 98 of The Admiral's Daughter

River might be one of his sailors, but he’s way over the line this time. River shouldnotbe in the firing line, not when there are so many other troubling things happening on this ship, under the nose of the officers and captain.

“This way,” she says softly. I practically march in the direction of one of the many buildings which make up the naval base.

We enter a conference room and Kit pulls out a chair.

“You shouldn’t have to wait long. It’s been lovely to meet you, Cleo, and for what it’s worth I hope you can figure it out with River.”

Tears sting my eyes, but I keep them from falling. “Look after her, okay?”

“I will,” she says, smiling.

“And Kit…tell her I’m not giving up.”

Her smile gets wider. “Aye aye.”

Nearly an hour passes before I see another person. Captain Morley enters the room and sits opposite me.

“Where is my father?” I ask.

She looks uncomfortable because I’m guessing she knows exactly where he is and with whom.

“He’ll be along shortly.”

I nod, but don’t let her continue. “You’re going to want to read this.” I pull out a pile of paper which makes up my findings. It’s been a while since I had to write everything out by hand. I’ve probably got carpal tunnel now.

“What is it?” she asks, retrieving her reading glasses from her shirt pocket.

“Read and see. We’ll discuss once you’ve finished.”

I’ve always explained things better in writing, and I need her to grasp the full weight of the situation.

Maybe half an hour passes before she places the last piece of paper on the conference room table. Her face is ashen, and she’s yet to look at me. I think I got my point across.

She’s reading about her own ship. About the culture she’s created, even if unintentionally. About the crew members who are suffering under her command. About the officers she trusted who are abusing their power.

This is her failure, and she knows it.

She swallows hard. “Do you intend to publish this?”

I roll my eyes. “That’s not what this is about. I have no intentions of dragging you or your ship through the court of public opinion. I’m showing you this because things have got to change. You owe it to your crew to stop Benson and Hardman.”

“I had no idea,” she says quietly.

“Because the culture of the ship is designed to be that way.”

Finally, she lifts her eyes. “I have a good crew, Cleo.”

“I know you do, which is why they deserve better. River deserves better. I know we broke the rules, and I understand you need to discipline her, but please don’t let what happened between her and me distract from the bigger issue.”

“I need to talk to the admiral.”

“You are the captain!”

The door opens and my father steps in with a severe look on his face. I think he was expecting me to look sheepish. He’s in for a shock because I am the opposite of that.

Sitting back in my chair, I look him in the eye and wait. It’s Captain Morley who breaks the silence.

“Sir. I have an urgent issue that requires my immediate attention.” She then turns to me. “May I make a copy of this?”