Chapter 299

[Cordelia]

We make a brief stop in San Diego for some supplies. Tilly plans to modify a dress to fit over her very expansive belly and has us pick up a sewing machine as well.

We offer to wait and have it altered, but she shakes her head. "I wouldn't trust anyone else to do this properly. Besides, I'm quick. We can keep sailing and I can have it done before we make dock in Ensenada."

Stopping in Mexico had not been part of the original plan. Atlas and Clark spend much of the morning making phone calls and getting things ready for our arrival. By the time we're back on the boat, it is midday. Lunch is waiting in the gallery room, a fancy dining space with panoramic views of the ocean.

Atlas' face is red as he puffs angrily in response to whatever bad news he is receiving. Closing his phone he slams it down on the table, rattling the glassware and making us all jump.

"Magnus is spreading rumors again in the press," he announces. "He's blaming us for blowing up his facility. Saying it'