Chapter 8
Marina walked along the water’s edge after sunrise, carrying her flip-flops and squishing the cool sand beneath her toes. White gulls with broad wingspans and pink legs soared overhead. Terns with carnelian bills dove into the sea, fishing for breakfast, while shorebirds skittered around her pecking at the sand. All around her, the sounds of nature—birdsong and rushing waves—helped calm her nerves. She clutched her phone, waiting for Gwen to answer.
“Marina, I’m so glad you called,” Gwen said.
“I hope you have good news,” Marina said, taking the positive track.
Gwen hesitated. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid it’s not, but you need to know. Your old boss was at the dinner party I was attending.”
Bracing herself, Marina asked Gwen to go on.
“Hal is blaming the downturn in ratings on y
