I'm Virtually Yours by Jennifer Bohnet Page B

Joseph had something of a guilty conscience for all these years. Just before he died he made Katy his daughter promise two things. One was to try and make amends financially and the second was to make sure the
Mary-Jane
returned to her home port.”
    â€œWhat I don’t understand is, why didn’t Katy Franklyn simply get in touch with Ben and tell him all this?”
    Will shrugged. “You know what families are like. I gather Katy wasn’t sure of the reception any overtures she made would get, even after all this time. When Daniel volunteered to try and invest anonymously via his company, sail the yacht back and make peace on behalf of his grandfather, she told him to go ahead.”
    â€œIs Ben happy with the way things are turning out? Will he sign the papers this afternoon accepting the money — and Daniel as a partner in the yard?”
    â€œDefinitely,” Will said. “It’s the beginning of a whole new era for Robertsons. Daniel has got lots of ideas for the business. It’s going to be great having someone on the same wavelength as me. Together we’ll drag Robertsons into the 21st century.”
    â€œBeginning to feel sorry for Ben,” Polly said. “With you and Daniel conspiring, what chance does he have?”
    â€œNot a lot,” Will admitted chee rf ully. “Polly, about this party tonight — would you mind if we don’t go?”
    â€œThe one you didn’t mention was actually on board a boat?” Polly said. “You should have told me, Will.”
    â€œI know. And I’m sorry. I thought if you knew you wouldn’t agree to come and I did want to take you.”
    â€œBut now you’re not going anyway?” She shrugged. “No it’s fine. I guess you’ve got lots of other things to do now. Anyway I ought to start packing tonight if I’m to make a reasonably early start tomorrow. I did promise Mum I’d try and be back by mid-afternoon.”
    â€œPacking this evening is not on the agenda — and can’t you possibly stay on longer?
    Polly shook her head regretfully. “I can’t, Will. Mum needs her car.”
    Will gave her a resigned look before continuing. “The thing is, Dan has invited us all over to the
Mary-Jane
tonight for an on-board family champagne celebration. So you’ll still get a party!”
    â€œOh but—” Polly said.
    â€œNo buts,” Will said. “You were fine in the boat this afternoon and it will be fine again tonight. Besides, I want you to come.”
    Polly nodded.”OK.” She’d actually been about to say she didn’t want to intrude in what would clearly be a private family do.
    Will caught hold of her hand and gently pulled her towards him.
    â€œPolly, d’you think…blast.” The office door opened and closed. “Hi Dad, Mum. You’re early.”
    He let go of Polly’s hand and she moved away, wondering what he’d been about to ask her.
    â€œDaniel will be here in a moment,” Ben said. “Have you seen the state-of-the-art navigation gear he’s had installed on the
Mary-Jane
, Will?” I thought we had some technical stuff over here but his stuff has to be seen to be believed. He says it’s
bottom
-of-the-range over there too! Unbelievable.” Ben shook his head in amazement.
    The door opened again and Dan walked in. “Everything ready for the meeting?” he asked, looking at Polly.
    â€œAll the papers are on the desk. The lawyer did three copies of each.”
    â€œThanks. Now before we get down to business, Ben, tell me about these vandalism problems you’ve been having — likely to continue?”
    â€œYou haven’t heard?” Ben said. “The body of one of the people responsible has been fished out of the river. And the other one, Jack Pettyjohn, has been arrested in connection with his death.”
    â€œAny idea of their motive?”
    Ben