CHAPTER 36

The table seemed to break up without another word as Mark, Maddy, Myra, Garius, Heidi and Jasmine all dispersed around the pool or inside the buildings to make calls.

Mark called Sam first and told him what was going on. His reaction at first was disbelief, but then as Mark talked some more it made sense to him, and the imminent announcement to the press gave it all credibility.

Mark glanced around to make sure everyone was out of earshot and then told him about Maddy and Myra. There was a startled silence on the other end of the line, and then eventually Sam began to laugh.

"That's a brutal hand to get dealt, bro," Sam told him.

"You know I couldn't have known, right?"

"I know, man. Listen, your secret's safe with me, okay?"

"Thanks, Sam. I knew I could rely on you, buddy," Mark said, relief evident in his tone. "But here's the thing. I need a favour."

"Whatever