"There wasn't anyone left to care one way or the other except Gregoir. At the time all I saw was his judgment because it so mirrored my own. It's only later in my career that I've come to understand his point of view and that there was likely far less contempt than I imagined and far more concern." He glanced at her. "I think it would have been stupid given the alternative."

He leaned against the mast, twisting one boot toe this way and that in a flex of ankle and calf muscles. "I'll always be grateful to Meredith for believing in me when I couldn't. Despite difficulties she has been a good mentor. A friend in a place I expected none."