Chapter 84

Friday came around and everyone was decidedly nervous. Hunter and Denman's meeting was today. Denman was going to buy the photos.

Hunter came into Dr Denman's office, a smirk on his face. Linda was feeling grim but she plastered a fake smile over her expression.

"Mr Tasman, do sit down. My lawyer will be here in a moment,"

Denman's lawyer was one of the best and took the confidentiality part of his services very seriously. Denman knew she could trust him – also he was an old and dear friend.

"Mr Hunter Tasman, this is Mr Pierre Foveaux," The two men shook hands. They quickly got down to business. Foveaux read out the agreement he had drawn up with Denman's supervision. The most significant parts essentially said that Denman now had full proprietorship over the photos and all research that may come from them. Hunter was forbidden of the speaking of, and the sharing of the photos and mermaids, especially in relation to the test subject. The confidentiality agreement meant that he could not bother Jessie in any way in relation to the photos, nor could he sell mermaid pictures to any other scientific interest group, or share or hold onto the photos in question, otherwise he would break the law and Denman could sue him for all his worth. It meant that unless Hunter was incredibly stupid, he would stop pursuing mermaids and Jessie.

Hunter handed over the photos and allowed Foveaux to erase the photos from his camera, phone and laptop hard-drive, and triple check. He assured them the photos were not on any other device; he just wanted his money.

Lewis came to Denman earlier that morning with the ten thousand dollars. The Mako residents had all contributed money; living on an island saved on many expenses, and it was the least they could do for their friend. Also, the photos could endanger their livelihoods as well.

Denman pulled the bag of cash from under her desk and passed it over to Hunter.

"Ten thousand, as you asked," Denman said. "It was a pleasure doing business with you,"

Hunter smirked again. "And you, doctor. Enjoy your research,"

Hunter shook Denman's and Foveaux's hands and left the room.

"That man…" Foveaux began. "He is…slimy," Denman just nodded. She looked down at the photos. She had a USB and the hard copies. What should she do with them now that she had them?

OoOoO

"Hello?" Alan answered his phone.

"Hey, Alan," Denman replied. "The deal was successful," Linda heard her nephew's sigh of relief. "Hunter won't bother you and Jessie again if he knows what's good for him," Denman continued.

"Thanks so so much Linda, I really appreciate it," Alan said gratefully.

"What did you want me to do with the pictures and USB?" she asked him. She could practically hear him thinking.

"Um," Alan began, "Could you delete the pictures - make sure they're irretrievable, and then bring the empty USB and the hard copies to me? I'd like to dispose of them personally, if you don't mind,"

"Not at all," Denman replied. "I'm coming up to the Gold Coast tomorrow to do some beach samples anyway; I'll bring them to you then. Where should I meet you?"

"We wanted to burn the photos together over on Mako – meet us on the beach over there? Being on the island would save prying eyes from seeing the pictures,"

"You want me there for the burning of them?"

"Of course, if it wasn't for you, Hunter would have gone to a scientist happy with exploiting my girlfriend. Thank you for doing the right thing, Linda,"

Denman felt a rush of goodness hit her heart. It felt nice to be appreciated for helping others.

"Yes, well…" she smiled to herself bashfully, "Wait – Mako? Are you sure I'm welcome over on Mako? The last time I was there…" Denman knew that Alan was friends with Lewis, but did he know about the mermaids?

"Oh, right," Alan realised. "How about I talk to the others and then call you back?"

"The others? You know about…?"

"Yeah, I found out and promised to keep their secret before you arrived at my workplace all that time ago…they know about Jessie too,"

"Okay, so all the mermaids will be there for the photo burning too? I know they don't fully trust me and I deserve it but…"

"Linda, I'll call them and see if it's okay – I know I want you to be there," Alan interrupted. "I'll call you back soon,"

OoOoO

Alan was in his office at work when his Aunt had called. He got up and knocked on the door to Lewis' office. Lewis looked up from his computer.

"Hey, Alan. What's up?"

Alan closed the office door behind him and took the empty seat opposite his colleague.

"Linda called and…"

"Oh no, what went wrong?" Lewis interrupted, various assumptions filling his head at Alan's nervous face.

"Nothing! It went smoothly, Linda has possession of the photos and Hunter can't use them again," Alan said quickly.

"Oh good," Lewis smiled. "So why are you looking so nervous?"

"I invited her over to Mako to watch us burn the photos once she gives them to Jess and I…I forgot about your history…"

"Right," Lewis said slowly. "Well, she has kept our secret for well over a year now, and did just save Jessie's pictures from going public…I would be fine with her coming over – to thank her for that. However, I am more forgiving than some – you need to get Rikki's permission specifically, and ask Emma and Cleo. Those three are the ones who have the hardest time trusting Denman, after what she did all those years ago,"

"Okay, are they at Mako now?"

"Emma is – she's on holiday because school has finished for the year. Cleo is probably currently heading back from work now. I'm not sure if Rikki is at the café or at home – she is looking after Fi. Just head over to the village and ask them, I'm sure with some persuasion they'll be fine. What time are you thinking?"

"I was going to ask you guys first – make sure when and if it is okay,"

"I'll call you when I know then," Lewis smiled.

A/N: Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed the chapter and didn't find it too short. Hopefully I'll update again soon. Tell me what you think!

Thanks so much to all you guys for reading and following and favouriting.

I still appreciate every review you give me and they do inspire me to write faster. Thank you!

Thanks especially to YaleAceBella12, CrazyHayniac, MermaidsForever, The Writer Es, Bethy679, zikki 3, Acgisme, secretsmarts1, Starlightdreamer12, KKbobbitt93, and HybridsRose for your lovely reviews.

See you all next time!