"I suppose you're right," Mathias agrees, letting out a soft sigh, as if she's crushed some life-long dream of his. "It looks like the first island circus will have to be the responsibility of someone else."

Setting down what's left of his sandwich, he smiles at Veronica, then tips his head toward the water. "I know you're not supposed to swim for half an hour after eating, but I think I'm willing to risk it if you are."