She remembered sitting beside Griff. On the beach, back from a walk, looking out to sea. Calm before the storm, she had thought.

If she was concerned about what would be revealed inside the BOWAK, she did not bring this up. Instead she said. "I want to tell you how happy I am, not just this morning on the beach but whenever we are together."

"That is good, because I wanted to be present when Jack talked to you about the contents of the BOWAK, and I'm not entirely comfortable with what I told him. I mean, it's ok to speak for my intentions, but..."

The beach was empty except for at the other end, where a group of college students were sharing a blanket, beer, and sandwiches.

"Jack is not likely to tell me what you said", Caydance reassured him. The midday sun was warm for October. She reached over and slowly unbuttoned his shirt.