Southampton Strangler

by Hope Callaghan

  “He is.”

  “Does his wife live on board the ship?”

  “She does. She works for Siren of the Seas, as well.”

  “What does she do?” Hilda asked.

  “She’s the assistant cruise director.”

  A man in the group chuckled. “You’re the assistant cruise director, Millie.”

  “I’m also Captain Armati’s wife.”

  Hilda eyed Millie with renewed interest. “You don’t seem the captain’s wife type.”

  “I think you’re an adorable couple,” a woman gushed. “He’s so tall and handsome. I must say that you have the dream life, the dream job, the dream husband.”

  “I am a very blessed woman,” Millie said. “As far as the living arrangements, as you can well imagine, we spend little time here. Most of our meals are squeezed in between our busy schedules. Nic spends most of his time on the bridge. The proximity of our home to the bridge is a necessity.”

  “The poor little pup.” Hilda tsk-tsked. “He’s stuck inside the apartment.”

  “Scout accompanies me to a number of events and when I make my rounds around the ship.”

  “He’s so tiny. Aren’t you afraid he’ll get lost?”

  No matter what she said, she couldn’t win. Millie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Let’s keep moving.”

  She led the group out of the apartment, across the bridge and to the guest services desk, where they started their tour. Millie had radioed ahead, and Donovan was there to meet them and wrap up the tour.

  The group began drifting away until only Hilda and her husband remained.

  “Did you enjoy the tour?”

  Hilda opened her mouth to speak. Bruce was quick to cut her off. “Very much so, Millie. We had no idea you were the captain’s wife. The behind-the-scenes tour was fantastic, and you showed us many areas we never would’ve seen.”

  “What was your favorite?”

  “The engine room.”

  “Mine was the tour of the bridge and a glimpse of your apartment,” Hilda said. “Although I think you should’ve told us up front, you were the captain’s wife.”

  Millie lifted a brow. “Would it have made a difference?”

  “Not at all.” Bruce grasped his wife’s arm. “I’m sure Millie has other events to attend to. Thanks again.”

  “You’re welcome.” As they walked off, Millie couldn’t help but feel a smidgen sorry for Hilda’s husband.

  With the tour out of the way, Millie headed to the pool bar to meet with the Cruise Clue participants, the ship’s adult scavenger hunt. Cruise Clue was one of Millie’s favorites, and even more so since Andy had given her free rein to pick the clues.

  She’d added several new—and trickier—ones. While the group dashed out to begin their hunt, Millie sipped an iced tea and chatted with the bar staff.

  The timed event flew by and when all groups were accounted for, she tallied the total, tickled to discover none of the groups had found all the items. She finished awarding the prizes when her radio went off. “Millie, do you copy?”

  “Go ahead, Sharky.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Near the pool deck bar. I just finished my scavenger hunt. Why? What’s up?”

  “I’m taking the PRV out for a test run.”

  “With Donovan’s permission?” Millie asked.

  “Of course. Your hubby, the captain, even slowed the ship for us.”

  Millie had noticed the ship was barely moving, and briefly wondered if something had happened. “I’m up for a break.”

  “Cool. Meet me on crew deck zero.”

  “Aye. Aye. I’m on my way.” Millie scrambled down the stairs, stopping when she reached the galley.

  Annette was inside and standing near the counter. “Hey, Millie. Don’t tell me you have another VIP tour.”

  “Nope. Sharky’s getting ready to launch his PRV and invited me to check it out.”

  “This oughta be good.” Annette wiped her hands. “Hey, Amit.”

  Amit, who was near the dessert prep area, hustled across the galley. “Yes?”

  “You wanna take a quick break with Millie and me and check out Sharky’s new toy?”

  “His PRV?”

  “Yep. He’s getting ready to launch it.”

  “It sounds very exciting. I am ready.”

  On the way down, Millie radioed Danielle and invited her to join them.

  When they arrived, they found a large crowd of the ship’s crewmembers had already gathered. Not only was the maintenance staff on hand, Donovan, Dave Patterson and Doctor Gundervan were also there.

  Millie bounced on the tips of her toes, watching as the crewmember on the right pressed a round, red button. The inflatable ramp she’d seen the previous day began filling with air. As it filled, it unfolded and slowly lowered into the water.

  A horn honked, and the crowd parted, making way for Sharky and his Quadski. He was grinning from ear to ear as he sat atop the PRV. He revved the engine as he drew closer, forcing Donovan to give him a warning shake of the head.

  Millie was too far away to hear what he said, but Sharky cooled his jets and the vehicle slowed. He stopped near the top of the ramp and then hopped off.

  The vehicle reminded Millie of a smaller version of an ATV four-wheeler. The fiberglass frame was bright yellow. A black box was attached to the back.

  Donovan cleared his throat. “I know you’re all curious about this new rescue vehicle. It’s a Quadski or, as Sharky likes to call it, a PRV, personal rescue vehicle.” He explained to the group they would use it for not only water rescues, but to reach shore in tendering ports in the event of an emergency. “This is a first for Majestic Cruise Lines and something which will be rolled out to the rest of the fleet if it works well for Siren of the Seas.”

  “It’s history in the making.” Sharky finished his inspection and climbed back on. He pulled on a pair of goggles before giving everyone a thumbs up.

  Wah. Wah. Millie covered her ears as Sharky revved up the motor. The PRV crept forward. It jostled back and forth as it made its way down the inflatable ramp.

  “I wonder how they’ll handle a night rescue,” Millie said aloud.

  Reef, who was standing nearby, pointed to a set of double floodlights hanging near the hatch. “We installed a set on each side. One light is pointed down at the ramp and another out into the water.”

  “You guys thought of everything,” Annette said.

  “Sharky. He’s gonna do a little more tweaking with Donovan’s permission, of course.” Reef tapped the side of his forehead. “As soon as Sharky found out the PRV was on order, he started researching it. I don’t think he even slept last night.”

  “Where’s Finn?” Millie glanced around, looking for Sharky’s sidekick, the stray cat she had rescued from Halbert’s warehouse.

  “He’s in the office,” Reef said. “He’s kinda skittish around the PRV. Besides, Sharky has to add Finn’s basket and Donovan hasn’t given him the approval yet.”

  Reef nodded toward the hatch door. “There he goes.”

  Millie craned her neck, watching as Sharky gunned the PRV and shot off the end of the ramp. A tail of water flew behind him as he leaned in and spun in a wide circle. He jumped his wake, gunning the engine and spraying the men who were standing in the doorway.

  “Jerk!” one of them yelled as he swiped at his face.

  Sharky did another pass by and Millie noticed the PRV’s tires were turned on their side. She nudged Annette. “Check out the tires.”

  “I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life.”

  Donovan whistled and motioned to Sharky, waving him back to the ship.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “It’s time for you to stage a rescue,” Donovan said.

  “I need a volunteer.” Sharky shoved his goggles up.

  Half a dozen of the crewmembers raised their hands.

  Millie shrank back.

  But it was too late. “I pick Millie.�
�

  “No.” She shook her head. “I’m not dressed for the water.”

  Donovan chuckled. “I think you should try it, Millie.”

  “My uniform will get ruined.”

  Sharky snapped his fingers. “Reef, go grab the new waterproof suit.”

  Reef ran down the hall and returned holding a rubber yellow suit. “This came with the Quadski. It’s waterproof and even has a hood to keep your hair dry.”

  “No.” Millie began backing away as she shook her head.

  “C’mon Millie,” Sharky said. “It’ll be fun.”

  “Yeah,” Danielle laughed. “Go for it, Millie.”

  “I’m with Danielle,” Annette said. “It’ll be a blast.”

  “Millie. Millie,” Sharky chanted, and soon the others joined in until it was a loud chorus of “Millie.”

  “All right, but I’m holding you personally responsible if this test run goes south.” Millie reluctantly took the wetsuit from Reef and began pulling it on. A plastic zipper ran up the center and elastic cuffs circled both wrists and ankles.

  She slid the hoodie on and tucked her hair inside before securing it with the Velcro chin strap. Millie slipped on the lifejacket Reef handed her, adding a puffy layer of bright orange that contrasted the yellow. “I’m a yellow duck in a lifejacket.”

  “I gotta get a picture of this.” Annette snatched her cell phone from her pocket, aiming it at Millie. “Smile.”

  “No.”

  “Okay, then look cranky,” Annette joked.

  “You look cute.” Danielle tugged on the safety strap. “Yellow is your color. I think we should post a picture of you and Sharky on the employee bulletin board.”

  Millie stuck her tongue out. “Very funny.”

  “Daylight is burning.” Donovan propelled Millie toward the inflatable ramp.

  She hovered near the edge, waiting for Sharky to coast to the side of the ship.

  He spun the PRV in a half circle and then patted the back. “Hop on.”

  “How do I get myself into these things,” she muttered under her breath. Grasping the safety bar, Millie backed down the ladder and took a tentative step onto the sideboard.

  With a foot planted on each side, she gingerly perched on the back corner and then scooched forward until she reached the seat. All the while, Annette held her phone up, a wide smile on her face.

  “Someone call up to the bridge so the captain can watch!” Sharky yelled.

  “Already done.” Donovan waved his radio in the air. “He’s on the outboard bridge wing watching.”

  “Watching me humiliate myself.” Millie shaded her eyes. A crowd had gathered along the bridge’s railing. Nic, along with several of the ship’s officers, stood watching. “Great. We have an audience.”

  “This is exciting.” Sharky rubbed his hands together. “Just think, Millie. We’re entertaining not only the passengers, but the crew too.”

  “I like entertaining people, but not like this.” Millie placed both arms around Sharky’s waist. “Let’s make this a slow and easy ride, do a couple of circles and then take me back to home port.”

  “You mean like this?” Sharky squeezed the throttle, catapulting the PRV across the open water and flinging her backward. “Hang on.”

  “Now you tell me.” Millie tightened her grip. She gritted her teeth as Sharky swung them around in a tight circle.

  Eyeing the wave he had just created, he let out a whoop of joy as they rode the crest, becoming airborne for a moment before landing on the other side.

  “Isn’t this a blast?” Sharky shouted.

  “No, it’s terrifying. You’re supposed to be part of a rescue team, not a crisis creator.”

  “Right. You’re right. We need to create a staged emergency.” Sharky let off the throttle. “Fall in the water so I can rescue you.”

  “Fall in the water,” Millie repeated.

  “You know. Up and over.” Sharky made a diving motion.

  “You want me in the water.”

  Sharky shifted. “How can I rescue you if you’re on the back of the PRV?”

  Millie’s eyes slid in the direction of the ship, slowly lifting her gaze. Passengers and crewmembers lined the railing. Several waved, and she reluctantly waved back.

  Although the bridge was a good distance away, she didn’t have to see Nic’s face to know he was enjoying the show.

  Sharky noticed too. “We gotta prove the PRV is a worthwhile investment. Heave ho.” He gave Millie a firm shove, pushing her off the back and into the ocean.

  Chapter 7

  Millie hit the water face first, almost instantaneously resurfacing in her overinflated lifejacket. “Sharky Kiveski,” she sputtered. “What did you do that for?”

  “I need to rescue you. Start flailing around in the water, like you’re drowning or something. Maybe even pretend a shark is circling you.”

  “A shark?” Millie spun in a circle, her eyes frantically scanning the deep water.

  “Hang tight. Start acting like you’re in imminent danger, try screaming or getting my attention, like this is for real.” Sharky eased the throttle down, coasting a safe distance away before nailing it. He headed toward the floating ramp, leaving Millie alone in the vast ocean.

  She frantically waved her arms. “Sharky! This isn’t funny! Come back and get me right now!” Millie kept one eye on the water and the other on the ship. The waves seemed as if they were building, swiftly carrying her even farther away from Siren of the Seas. Either the ship was drifting, or she was, or maybe it was a little of both.

  Sharky hit the gas and sped across the open water at a rapid rate. He drew closer, creating a wall of towering waves.

  Millie squeezed her eyes shut as she turned her head to avoid a direct hit. “Hurry,” she sputtered. “I’m taking in water.”

  “I’m workin’ on it. I’m mapping out my strategy.” Sharky and the PRV circled her. “Pretend you’re injured.”

  “Why don’t you pretend you’re injured, because if you don’t get me out of this water pronto, I’m going to hurt you.”

  “Testy, testy. If you didn’t want to volunteer, you should’ve said something.”

  “Said something?” Millie shrieked. Remembering they had a rather large audience, she lowered her voice. “I told you to pick someone else, but no…you had to pick me.”

  “Let’s not forget how important this drill is.” Sharky slowly circled Millie a second time. “What we’re doing right now has the potential to save someone’s life.”

  “I get it. I’m trying to do my part but you’re making it nearly impossible.”

  “I have an idea. Flip onto your stomach and do the dead man’s float.”

  “I’m not good at holding my breath.”

  “This won’t take long. I promise, I won’t let you drown.”

  “Fine. Make it quick.” Millie flipped over so that she was face down, her arms and legs extended.

  Sharky unclipped a bright orange rescue board from the side of the watercraft. Swinging his leg over the seat, he knelt on the footrest before grabbing Millie’s lifejacket and flipping her back over. “Hold still.”

  “I am,” she gritted out. “It’s the ocean that’s moving.”

  “Okay. Okay. Let’s just calm down. We’re both new at this rescue thing. There’s always a learning curve.” He pulled her close and eased the rescue board under her. “We’re doing good. Hang in there.”

  “I’m hanging.”

  Sharky unstrapped a bungee cord attached to the side of the PRV and then wrapped it around her before securing it.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Securing you to the rescue board so I can pull you to safety.”

  Millie’s head shot up. “You’re towing me back to the boat?”

  “Yeah,” Sharky snickered. “That’s an excellent analogy. I’m towing you to safety.”

  “Great. Remember, you need to take it slow and easy.” Millie gripped the sides of the rescue board, watchi
ng as Sharky resumed his position at the helm of the PRV. “Ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be.” Millie clenched the sides of the board, bracing herself as they skimmed over the waves. They drew closer to the ship, and Millie could hear the crowd cheering.

  Sharky, reveling in the attention, did a victory lap, waving to the crowds as Millie squeezed her eyes shut. “You got your moment of fame. I’m water-logged and the motion of the ocean is making me nauseous.”

  “Party pooper.” Sharky executed a final turn and dragged Millie alongside the inflatable ramp before slowly climbing it.

  She hit the base with a small thud before she and the board were being pulled up and onto the deck.

  “Well done, Millie.” Donovan clapped his hands. “It was a superb performance, a flawlessly executed rescue mission.”

  Sharky hopped off the PRV and unhooked Millie from the rescue board. “Millie did a great job. She got a little testy at one point but came through like a real trooper in the end.”

  “Because you left me in the middle of the ocean, bobbing in the water and floundering like a fish.”

  Sharky gave her a hand up. “Don’t be so dramatic. You knew I was coming back for you.”

  “You both did an outstanding job.” Donovan gave Sharky a hearty whack on the back. “Now, if you can do that under extreme duress and in the dark, I think corporate will easily approve of PRV purchases for the rest of the fleet.”

  Annette hurried over. “I got some amazing video footage.”

  “Goody.” Millie hung the lifejacket on the PRV handle and then unzipped the wetsuit before peeling it off. She ran a light hand over her arms. “The wetsuit is a keeper. I’m dry except for my face, feet and hands.”

  “And the suit is also insulated,” Donovan said.

  “I need to get back to work.” Several of the crewmembers high-fived Millie on her way past. Now that it was over, she grudgingly admitted it hadn’t been horrible.

  If taking part in a rescue drill could help save a life or lives, Millie was all for it. And Sharky had been careful transporting her back to the ship, which was important in the event whoever was being rescued might also be injured.