"Clear the deck! All unauthorized occupants must disembark immediately and present government-issued identification to federal officers on the pier!"
Chapter IV: The Eviction on the Pier
The gala guests scrambled off the yacht in utter humiliation, clutching their champagne flutes and designer handbags as they were funneled into a security line for formal questioning.
Captain Frederick turned back to Victoria, who stood trembling on the dock, her face completely pale.
"Mr. Mercer happens to be a retired Navy commander and a licensed master captain whose vessel is under active reserve auxiliary assignment," Frederick said, handing David the official master logbook. "You didn't just trespass on a private boat, ma'am. You committed a federal felony on a registered national asset."
As federal agents served Victoria with a summons for grand theft and reckless endangerment, David walked up the gangway of the Lucky Escape, started the twin inboard diesel engines with a throaty, satisfying roar, and cast off the lines into the midnight waters—leaving the disgraced socialite facing the full, crushing weight of maritime justice.