Rosie D'Antonio reflects that, despite the death threats from chemicals billionaire Vasiliy Karpin, the day has improved because she is once again in the middle of danger and excitement. Rosie admits that she should probably have kept Karpin's identity secret, but boredom pushed Rosie to stir things up, and that impulse has now put Rosie in a speedboat with Amy, helping a fugitive investigate a murder.

As the boat races toward the mainland, Rosie thinks about her earlier life of celebrity, scandal, romance, parties, and constant public attention. Although age and time have quieted some of that chaos, Rosie still values the fame and stimulation that once defined her life. Because of that, Rosie feels unexpectedly pleased that she is still capable of stepping into trouble and adventure.

In the present, Amy squats in the leaking boat and bails water while Rosie stays outwardly confident. When Amy asks why Rosie owns a speedboat that leaks, Rosie explains that she bought it with early book money and kept it for sentimental reasons, just as she once bought a racehorse that met a bad end. Rosie turns the boat's condition into a life philosophy: people take on water, and survival depends on continuing forward.

Rosie recognizes that Amy has no choice but to keep moving, especially because someone is trying to kill Amy and someone may also be trying to kill Rosie. Their immediate goal is to reach the mainland and visit Sheriff Justin Scroggie, who was at the crime scene and may have useful information or theories. Rosie believes that, with her celebrity and money, she may be able to persuade the sheriff to help, and when the leaking worsens, Rosie calmly proposes swimming the final stretch while Amy carries Rosie's case.