Dutchess

The Duchess — Admiral John Saltwell's modern flagship: a 36' Downeast luxury motor yacht, immaculate and understated, the boat of a man with nothing to prove. Varnished teak, low sheer, a single graceful line from stem to stern. Official, registered, in plain sight — the dignified opposite of Carleton's gold-plated excess. The name is deliberate: Saltwell declined to christen her 'Saltwell Flagship' and instead resurrected DUCHESS — the name of a ship lost in the golden age, his friend's vessel, sunk long ago. A modern hull carrying an old, grieving name.