"You're telling me we aren't leaving?"
"I'm telling you that we should not take unnecessary risks."
Richard laughed bitterly.
"Do you have any idea how much this trip is costing me?"
Marcus answered calmly.
"Yes, sir. But the cost of an accident would be much greater."
For a moment, Richard said nothing.
Then he stepped forward, his voice rising.
"Who do you think you are?"
Marcus held his ground.
"I'm the captain responsible for this vessel."
Richard's face turned red.
"You're an employee. Nothing more."
Marcus looked directly at him.
"And while we're at sea, sir, I am responsible for the safety of everyone aboard."
Richard had not expected that answer.
He pointed toward the yacht.
"You're replaceable. Remember that."
Marcus nodded once.
"I understand, sir."
But he did not withdraw his safety recommendation.
And that was the beginning of Richard Whitmore's worst afternoon.
CHAPTER 2: THE CAPTAIN WHO REFUSED TO BE INTIMIDATED
Richard moved closer to Marcus.
Several people working along the dock began watching the confrontation.
"Do you know how many captains would be grateful to have your position?" Richard demanded.
Marcus remained quiet.
"Do you know how many people would gladly take your place?"
"Probably many, sir."
"Then why are you making this difficult?"
"I'm not trying to make anything difficult. I'm trying to protect the passengers and the vessel."
Richard shook his head.
"You young people have no understanding of how business works."
Marcus looked at him.
"Perhaps we understand different responsibilities."
The answer made Richard even angrier.
He turned toward the dock assistant.
"Get someone else. I don't want this man anywhere near my yacht."
The assistant hesitated.
"Sir, Captain Reed is the registered master of the vessel."
"I don't care what he's registered as!"
Richard pointed toward Marcus.
"Get him off my dock."
Marcus took a slow breath.
"Mr. Whitmore, I will gladly discuss this professionally. But I will not authorize departure while the maintenance concern remains unresolved."
Richard laughed.
"You're refusing an instruction from the owner?"
"I'm refusing to certify that the vessel is ready when I have identified a safety concern."
Richard stepped so close that the two men were nearly face-to-face.
"You're going to regret this."
Marcus did not move.
"That may be so, sir. But I would rather deal with your disappointment than risk the lives of the people aboard."
A young crew member named Daniel watched from the yacht's entrance.
He had worked with Marcus for almost two years.
Daniel knew his captain rarely lost his temper.
He also knew that Marcus had an unusual ability to remain calm when other people became aggressive.
But Richard's behavior was becoming increasingly unacceptable.
"Mr. Whitmore," Daniel interrupted politely, "perhaps we should review the inspection report first."
Richard turned.
"Did I invite you into this conversation?"
Daniel immediately stepped back.
Marcus raised one hand slightly.
"It's all right, Daniel."
Richard looked at both men with contempt.
"Unbelievable. I have an entire crew of people who apparently think they can tell me what to do."
Marcus replied quietly.
"No one is telling you what to do, sir. We are explaining what is safe."
Richard picked up his briefcase.
"Fine. Call the company. I'll have your contract terminated before dinner."
Marcus nodded.
"You are welcome to contact the management office."
Richard walked away, convinced he had won.
But Marcus knew something Richard did not.
The company that managed The Sovereign had recently undergone a major ownership change.
And the person responsible for that change was not Richard Whitmore.
It was Marcus Reed.