by Diane Rapp
Bodies inched forward, everyone eager to reach the narrow arched doorway and break free from confinement. Houston’s humid heat infiltrated the gangway, seeping into the plane as Natalia stepped across the ribbed threshold. She breathed more freely as space opened around her body and the bag rumbled along vinyl runners toward the airline terminal.
Upon entering the terminal, she surveyed the space to find the nearest restroom and navigated through a stream of passengers to reach the welcome bathroom. She hated using the cramped facilities on an airplane and three hours was a long time to wait. Luckily the line was short.
Jamming her luggage into the small toilet cubicle, she exhaled gratefully. Later, standing in front of the wide mirrors, she loosened the bun that held her hair securely in place and splashed cool water over her face. Garish fluorescent light turned her skin pale, so she applied a film of powdered blush over her high cheekbones and ran a wand of shimmering red gloss over her arched lips. Brushing her long black hair, she twisted a red fabric scrunchie around the glossy strands and shaped a side ponytail that draped over her right shoulder. That was better!
Outside the restroom, she examined a map of the airport and swiftly decided how to reach baggage claim. She merged into the swarm of travelers headed her direction. It felt pleasant to stretch her legs after the long flight from Denver, and she maneuvered with the dexterous expertise of a frequent traveler accustomed to slick corridors, garbled flight announcements, and distraught faces. Soon anxious passengers milled around a rumbling baggage carousel, although no luggage appeared through the chute.
Natalia’s gaze searched for a familiar face—Jason. Which disguise should she anticipate today? Kayla’s boyfriend, Steven, had once told her, “Jason can look like a slob whose clothes never fit or he can be a stylish gent. He’s got a photographic memory, speed-reads lengthy documents in minutes, and later recites technical details from memory.”
Natalia had been skeptical but she’d realized Steven was right after she got to know Jason. When they first met, he worked undercover as a wine steward with gray hair, full mustache, and dressed in a smart pin-stripe suit. While visiting Colorado, he’d shaved the moustache to appear more American and wore chinos, hiking boots, and a baseball cap. Jason melded appearance and dialect with every disguise, like a chameleon changing colors.
She knew that the best part of their relationship stemmed from the fact that she couldn’t visualize Jason’s future when they touched. Ever since her teenage years, Natalia’s psychic abilities had ruined her dating life. She often “saw” how a potential beau looked at age fifty, or that he died a grisly death at twenty. That kind of stuff killed a budding romance on the spot.
Although Jason led a dangerous life as an investigator, Natalia never peeked at his future and the lack of foresight suited her just fine.
*******
Jason slouched against a column and watched the crowd enter the baggage claim area. He spotted Natalia and took a moment to enjoy the sight of her. With style worthy of a fashion model, she floated across the room; her long legs and supple body zigzagging through the mob without touching other people. A feat of pure dexterity.
Other male eyes tracked her progress as well. He wasn’t surprised. Tally looked sophisticated and savvy with a hint of vulnerability that attracted men. Aware that she cultivated an exotic persona for her performances, he also knew that offstage she kept most men at a safe distance and avoided direct contact with them.
Although Jason once believed psychics were clever charlatans, Tally had surprised him with personal revelations about people she’d never met. She eventually convinced Jason that her talent was genuine. Working at her side generated a protective response that intelligence field agents tried to avoid. He’d be fired from Interpol if he fell in love with a partner, so it was good he’d retired and joined the CCL security team.
He saw a muscular goon point at Natalia and make a lewd comment to his friends. The cocky attitude and arrogant sneer on the man’s face spoke volumes about his intentions. Clenching a fist, Jason fought the surge of jealousy that might make him behave like a buffoon.
As the man sauntered toward Natalia, it was time to act. “Oy there, Tally,” Jason’s cheery voice rang across the room.
She turned to see a tanned, slender man dressed in shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flops stride rapidly across the room. His new disguise included a sporty, sun-bleached hairstyle and jaunty attitude, but Jason’s earnest grin and lively hazel eyes proclaimed his true identity. She flashed a megawatt smile that made his heart thump wildly.
He swept Natalia into his arms and enjoyed a lingering kiss. He leaned back, gazed into her dark eyes, and murmured, “Hello, Tally. I’ve missed you ever so much.”
Tally’s musical laugh filled him with pleasure.
“I’ve missed you, too, and I love the new disguise,” she admitted, fingering his blonde spikes. “Is this the result of too much time loitering in the sun or a trip to the salon?”
His lips curled into a lopsided grin. “A good detective never reveals tricks of the trade, my dear.”
“Yeah, but I bet I could tickle the truth out of you.” She turned toward the rumbling luggage carousel just as bags tumbled through the chute. “Let’s find my bag and vamoose.” She balanced on her toes to peer over the crowd and pointed out a scruffy suitcase plastered with labels from all over the world.
“How’d you manage to conjure your bag at will?” he asked, not expecting a reply. Casting a sidelong-glance, he took pleasure in his muscular rival’s scowl, and dashed forward to retrieve her bag. He knew that Natalia was unaware of the signals that had been exchanged between the alpha males.
“Let me stow this ski jacket inside,” she said, stopping near the door to unlatch the bag. She folded the puffy jacket and neatly wedged it into a spot that seemed designed for the garment.
“You’re so organized, my dear. No matter how carefully I pack, the clothes get jumbled and pop out wrinkled. I waste too much dosh on laundry services.”
Natalia shrugged. “As a performer, I’ve learned how to maintain pristine costumes. A ship’s laundry is never reliable, and an effective performance demands spectacular clothes. Now, I seldom need more than a touch-up from the small travel iron I carry.” She pointed to a clear plastic bag that contained pieces of essential travel gear before closing the bag.
“You’re amazing, darling.” As he kissed her cheek, he inhaled her perfume.
“Not here, honey.” She glanced around, suddenly feeling that they were being watched. “Too many gawkers for romantic gestures. Where’s the car parked?”
*******
Jaimie Martin waited at the baggage claim for her mother to disembark from her flight. Two weeks working on the cruise ship as a solo folk dancer allowed her a brief glimpse into a life she’d been longing to live, but knew she’d never be able to break free of her mother’s control.
She longingly watched a gorgeous young woman accept the embrace of her handsome boyfriend. Could she have that with Joseph? The assistant chef appeared devoted when they were together, although he was not very handsome. Their fledgling romance might develop into the real thing if only she had time to spend with him alone.
Spotting Rose striding into the baggage claim area, Jaimie sighed and moved forward to plant a kiss on her cheek. “Hi, Mom. Did you enjoy your vacation in California?”
“Vacation? It was hardly that, my girl. Yes, I did enjoy my trip home. I believe I have everything in the works for our plan to succeed, but let’s not discuss it here. You never know who might arrive to board the ship.” Rose glanced about the cavernous chamber filled with people waiting to collect their baggage.
Jaimie took the hat boxes that her mother shoved into her hands. Rose always carried her custom costume wigs onto the plane rather than trust baggage handlers. Jaimie stood waiting while her mother gathered the rest of the luggage.
A heavy weight pressed onto her chest, one that she prayed might lift when Rose’s
scheme either succeeded or failed. At this point Jaimie didn’t care about the end results; she just wanted the years of searching to end.
*******
Natalia allowed Jason to roll the large suitcase, but out of habit, she retained a firm grip on the carry-on bag that contained important documents and personal items. Muggy air enveloped the couple as they left the air-conditioned terminal and entered the bowels of a parking garage.
Jason pushed the suitcase toward a red Corvette.
“You certainly travel in style!” Natalia exclaimed. “How’d you manage to rent a flashy sports car?”
“I didn’t. My cousin lives in Galveston and he let me drive his precious car with the proviso that I must be ever so careful. We’ll have dinner with Benjamin and his girlfriend tonight.”
“Really? I thought we’d enjoy a romantic dinner on our last night ashore,” she grumbled.
“Sorry, but I had no choice if I wanted to borrow the car, and he’s family.” Jason’s lips curled into a boyish grin. “I guarantee, we’ll book a romantic meal in one of the ship’s specialty restaurants whilst we’re aboard ship. Emily says security duties will be light this trip.”
Natalia felt a shiver travel up her spine. “Don’t count on it, chum. I have a feeling we’ll be up to our ears in mystery from day one.”
“Is this a ‘feeling’ or a ‘prediction’?” he asked in an anxious tone.
She sighed. “The words ‘security duties’ gave me tingles that always mean danger, sorry. Let’s find a nice place for lunch and discuss this job.”
Jason settled her suitcase into the car’s trunk. “I’ve learned to pay attention to your premonitions, Tally.” The engine roared to life, but he drove slowly through corkscrew turns that led to the exit. “Ben advised that we should avoid the heavy congestion around Houston. Traffic will get lighter as we make our way south toward Galveston.”
Traffic crept along as they departed from George Bush International Airport. Jason activated the Google Maps app on his phone and allowed the device to direct him from the Interstate 69 to the Beltway 8. “Benjamin programmed the route for me. The Beltway is a toll road, but he claims it will be much faster than getting embroiled in the turmoil of downtown.”
As they drove, Natalia watched the map on the screen of the phone. The Corvette soon raced along at 70 mph but still traveled slower than other vehicles on the Beltway. In a little over an hour a chipper computer voice told them to exit onto Interstate 45 South toward Galveston.
“Ben works at the Johnson Space Center; he’s literally a rocket scientist. He said we’d find an Italian restaurant and a Red Lobster near an exit for the Space Center. Which do you prefer?” Jason asked.
“Red Lobster’s my favorite. I’m addicted to their cheddar bay biscuits.” Natalia salivated at the thought of the treat.
“That would be my choice as well,” Jason said, grinning. “They serve a cranberry iced tea that is ever so tasty.”
“I thought you Brits always drank your tea hot.”
He chuckled. “I’ll consume an icy beverage if the drink is flavorsome.”
In no time, the Google voice directed them to turn off the freeway and to the entrance for Red Lobster.
“Why did you ask my opinion about a restaurant if you’d already programmed the route?” Natalia said with a huff.
“It would be easy enough to reprogram if you chose the Italian place, but I hoped you’d pick this establishment.” He pulled into a parking space near the door.
A blast of cool air felt refreshing as they entered the dark foyer. A hostess guided them to a booth and took their drink order. Soon they were sipping cranberry iced tea and nibbling cheddar bay biscuits.
Natalia asked, “What’s our assignment and why does the ship dock in Galveston? I’ve never heard of CCL using this port.”
Jason nodded as he sipped tea through a straw. “The Sea Mist was chartered by Genetics Ultra, a company based in Houston. For some time the company has screened DNA to build a national database. It recently launched a national campaign to help locate estranged family members by using DNA profiles. When it arranged to charter the ship, a departure from Galveston was requested.
He paused as a waiter delivered cups of steamy clam chowder. Alone again, he continued, “Last week Genetics Ultra experienced a break-in at its headquarters in Houston. Apparently data regarding participants taking this cruise was accessed. We’re tasked with keeping people safe and to unmask the culprits if we can.”
Natalia sipped a spoon of hot chowder and nibbled on a cheesy biscuit, deep in thought. “The company chartered the entire ship? They must know everyone who’ll be aboard.”
Jason shook his head. “Evidently the company ran a contest last month and awarded cruises as prizes. The winners are meant to attend seminars about DNA testing on sea days. The computer breach contaminated company records, so the winners might not all be genuine.”
“Will we be incognito?” she asked.
“You will perform as the famous psychic and conduct private readings for the group. I will work undercover as a bartender. You know how people get drunk and spill secrets to bartenders. I make a tasty margarita, if I don’t say so myself.”
“Your drinks are potent enough to prompt disclosures,” she teased. “My network of spies on ship can help us glean information about passengers.”
Natalia still felt apprehensive but knew that it did no good to worry. She’d learn what was wrong after they boarded the ship. Perhaps her suspicions were left over from the last time she sailed on the Sea Mist and a ghost caused trouble. Celeste had finally crossed into the spirit world, but paranormal activity might attract less sociable spirits. She prayed that would not be the case.
After lunch they drove toward Galveston with full bellies. “Where are we staying tonight?” Natalia asked.
“I arranged for a room in a delightful bed and breakfast in the Historic District. There’s a high-water plaque on the building from the hurricane of 1900. Thousands died in that storm and surviving buildings mark the flood-plane.”
Natalia shivered at the thought of so many casualties. “News reports during Hurricane Ike mentioned that previous disaster. The seawall prevented as many casualties from the flooding during Hurricane Ike but property damage was extensive. I know most of the island was not habitable for months after that storm.”
“Island residents are brave souls,” Jason stated as they crossed the bridge into the town. They passed Harborside Drive, which led to the cruise docks, and stayed on Highway 45. The road merged with Broadway Avenue J, and the Google voice told them to turn right on 25th Street.
The Historic District was filled with charming Victorian-style houses, including the B&B where they were booked to stay. It was an adorable shingle-sided house painted peach and accented by white gingerbread trim.
They climbed a set of wooden steps to reach a carved mahogany door bordered by elaborate carved molding. To the right of the door, Natalia noticed an ornate brass “1900 High-Water” plaque above the door bell, and realized flood water rose well above the current paved street. The original features of the house probably required costly restorations.
The B&B owner, Mrs. Hepworth, heard the doorbell chimes and welcomed them into the formal foyer. Natalia gathered maps and brochures about Galveston from an antique cherry-wood sideboard.
Mrs. Hepworth explained the breakfast schedule and how to use the entry code after closing time. She guided them up the winding mahogany staircase to their room on the third floor. Lacy white curtains, antique furniture, and flowered wallpaper combined with modern necessities (a television and air-conditioner) created a cozy ambience. A closet had been transformed into a compact bathroom with a stall shower and marble-tile flooring. An antique walnut wardrobe provided enough space to hang clothing.
In the hallway, Mrs. Hepworth demonstrated how they might step through large windows to reach a rooftop balcony where wrought-iron chairs and a matching table were arranged.
“We have a mini-fridge in this pantry.” Mrs. Hepworth opened a six-panel mahogany door to a small room. “We offer a variety of complimentary snacks for guests.”
Natalia inspected the wire basket filled with bags of chips and cookies.
Mrs. Hepworth handed Jason a bulky key ring hanging from a brass fob. “This skeleton key opens your room, and the security key opens the front door after six.”
She headed downstairs saying, “Enjoy your stay, and we’ll see you at breakfast. Blueberry muffins are on the menu with a country omelet and home fries.” She nearly floated down the steep staircase but halted on the next landing and said, “Be sure to close your door or Maggie, our Pug might sneak into your room. She’s very friendly and loves to nuzzle the guests. I’m afraid your room’s previous occupants spoiled her dreadfully.”
Natalia giggled as she caught the little dog trying to sneak into their room. She scooted Maggie outside before closing the door. “We’ve got a few hours before dinner. Should we explore the town?”
Jason’s eyes gleamed as he rubbed the hair at the nape of his neck. “You know me too well, Tally. I’m itching to visit the seawall and see the restored schooner next to the maritime museum.”
“Let me change into cooler clothes. It may only be April, but Galveston’s a lot warmer than Colorado.” Natalia set her bag on a fold-out luggage rack and opened the lid.
“Do you need to hang anything up?” Jason asked as he peered into the cedar-lined wardrobe.
“No. It’s a waste of effort since we leave first thing in the morning.” She found shorts and a lightweight blouse and dressed quickly, slipping on a pair of strappy sandals to complete the ensemble.