"So this is it," Jelly said.
"This is it," Susanto confirmed. He sounded a little shaky. Cruz didn't say anything; he just nodded.
They were standing on the long metal pier to which the Morning Star was moored. The diesels of the big trawler were already thrumming impatiently in their runup to the imminent journey.
It was all happening a little too fast for Cruz. He'd assumed he'd spend a couple more relatively relaxed days at the villa together with Susanto. But the moment they returned from their very long, very informative walk, they were intercepted by Jelly.
Jelly began by assuring Cruz that his concerns had been addressed, fully. He wouldn't see Maria ever again. It made Cruz a little apprehensive, but then he instantly got something else to get apprehensive about. Jelly said:
"It's all set. You're leaving tomorrow morning, eight ack-emma. The ship is ready. Everything is ready. Make sure you're ready, too."
"Tomorrow!?" cried Susanto.
