Slaves of Elysium Read Free

their port side shouted something back then stripped off her T-shirt and waved it defiantly. Rebecca laughed as she unlaced her own bikini top and held it aloft like a banner, exposing her naked breasts to the sun and air. She leant against the rail over the breaking bow wave with her arms spread wide, as though she had been transformed into a living figurehead for the Galatea .
    The low hills of Bermuda shaded through blue and purple as they fell away behind the little fleet, swallowed up by the immensity of the ocean. The sight made Jeni shiver, though she was not sure why. She comforted herself with the thought that at least the morning’s frantic preparations were behind them now.
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    At dawn, before their respective employers had stirred, she and Ash went ashore to prepare for the race. While Ash arranged for the delivery of extra fuel and engineering supplies, Jeni had, on his advice, laid in extra provisions. Though they only expected to be at sea for a day or so Ash would not be able to spend any time in the galley, and if the passage became rough Jeni might have trouble preparing meals. So she bought an assortment of ready-packed food and self-heating rations. Ash did not say so but Jeni suspected he also wanted to top up their supplies in case their engines failed for any reason and they were left stranded. Clearly he was not taking any chances with their safety, which Jeni found reassuring.
    Back on board Ash supervised the stowage of the extra fuel in the lazarette, and then began checking over the engines. Jeni had just finished unpacking the provisions when Rebecca called her.
    Her employer looked hung-over and needed two cups of black coffee before the colour returned to her cheeks. Jeni put her under a cold shower while she tidied the cabin. Devereaux also made his appearance about then, looking even worse than Rebecca. He blinked stupidly at Ash as he worked on the engines, as though surprised by the activity. Jeni supplied him with more coffee while Ash reminded him of the events of the previous night. Ash was evidently hoping he would feel too unwell to see the ill-considered wager through, but Devereaux appeared to pull himself together and managed a smile.
    â€˜Thanks for getting her ready, Brad. Don’t worry, we’ll show them.’
    At eleven-thirty Devereaux piloted the Galatea over to the start of the unofficial race a little way offshore. Several million pounds worth of seagoing luxury bobbed impatiently on the waves as the rival crews made ready. Onlookers in dinghies and motor launches circled round them, calling out encouragement or disparaging remarks according to their loyalties. Rebecca, now apparently completely recovered, appeared on deck. At first she draped herself playfully over Devereaux, but he was conversing urgently with Ash about tactics and courses, so she made her way to the bow where she could best see and be seen.
    Jeni felt very small and insignificant in the midst of such a display of wealth and self-assurance. Imagine having the freedom and the nerve to change your plans in the space of twelve hours and set off on a race across almost half an ocean, she thought.
    Then she was afflicted by a sudden nameless sense of foreboding. What was she doing here? Was this whole venture not simply foolish but dangerous? Well, even if it was it was too late to leave now, and nobody would change their plans for the likes of her. As always she was helplessly following along in the wake of those with more purpose and certainty of spirit than she possessed.
    The seconds ticked away and the starting pistol cracked...
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    An hour passed and the racers gradually spread out across the ocean, due both to the slightly divergent courses they were following and as small differences in speed began to tell. Three of the yachts were falling behind the Galatea while one was slowly pulling ahead. Devereaux remained on the fly bridge while Ash was seated inside at the lower helm monitoring