by Diane Rapp
“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.
“You look first-rate, darling.” He tried to nuzzle her neck as she ran a pin-brush through her long ponytail.
She pushed him toward the door. “If you nibble my neck, we won’t have time to go site-seeing. Don’t forget that massive key ring.”
They climbed into the Corvette. Natalia unfolded a brochure and pointed out wooden sculptures displayed in several front yards. “Trees that died after Hurricane Ike in 2008 became chain-saw art. A few were carved by property owners but most are the work of a local artist. Let’s follow the map to see more.”
They enjoyed a leisurely drive through streets filled with historic homes. Stopping regularly to admire the clever sculptures, the trip took almost an hour. At a cross-road, Jason asked, “Do we go to the beach or the harbor? We’ve got water in either direction.”
“Let’s visit the seawall first. There’s a pier with carnival rides.” Natalia pointed at the map. “Too bad we’re not staying a few days. Moody Gardens has special nature museums and a separate theme park.”
“Those glass pyramids we saw from the causeway have nature exhibits. We should visit them when the ship returns to port.” Jason turned toward the seawall.
When they reached the ocean, Natalia marveled at the number of restaurants, hotels, and tourists crowding the beach. She shuddered at the sight of the narrow-track roller-coaster and Ferris wheel perched at the end of the pier. Neither appeared very stable.
“Would you like to take a carnival ride?” Jason asked, trying to spot an empty parking place near the pier.
“No, let’s tour the schooner and visit the museum.” Natalia tried to sound enthusiastic, although she preferred to avoid museums and the ghosts they might attract.
Jason parked the Corvette near the Texas Seaport Museum. The lot attendant handed him a ticket and announced, “Get this validated for free parking at any pier business including the museum.”
As they left the parking lot, they noticed schooner masts rising from behind the roof of a nearby restaurant. “That’s not just a schooner, Jason. It’s a tall ship like the ones that sail in New York Harbor.” She felt excited about touring the restored schooner.
The entrance fee to the museum included a self-guided tour of the Elissa, a three-masted barque. Natalia read aloud from a brochure, “The ship was originally launched in Aberdeen, Scotland on October 27, 1877, which makes her one of the oldest tall ships still sailing. Her hull is iron and her pin rail and bright work are all teak. The Texas Seaport Museum bought the Elissa from Greece for $40,000 in the late 1970s. In a 2011 inspection the ship was deemed no longer seaworthy. The historic society subsequently raised over $3 million for hull replacement and a complete restoration. The masts are Douglas fir from Oregon and her nineteen sails were made in Maine. She was deemed seaworthy again in 2014.”
Jason lovingly rubbed the teak railing. “I’d love to sail on her one day,” he murmured in a wistful tone.
“Well, this brochure says they take her out for special events like weddings,” Natalia commented, “so this would be a magnificent place to get married.”
He grinned and hugged her. “Just name the date, sweetheart, and make an honest man of me.”
“I’d never dream of making you completely honest, honey. You may joke, but I’d love to have a wedding on the Elissa. We should check into the cost and what dates are available.”
Jason kissed her soundly and she chuckled.
Touring the museum proved fascinating. They took turns reading signs about the killer hurricane aloud, “The Category 4 storm made landfall on September 8, 1900 with 145 mph winds. A 15-foot storm surge flooded the relatively flat island which stood only 8-feet above sea level. Winds and waves knocked down over 3,600 homes and the death toll was as high as 12,000. This storm is still considered the deadliest single-day event in U.S. history. In an effort to make the island habitable, survivors raised the land-level 17 feet by building a massive seawall. Five years later the wall was tested when a similar storm hit the island and caused $50 million in damage. Only 400 people died during that storm.”
A wave of sadness swept over Natalia. “Let’s return to the B&B, honey. I feel so sorry for those poor people.” She rested her head against Jason’s shoulder.
“It’s been over a hundred years, Tally, and the people on this island are quite resilient. Hurricane Ike caused a great deal of damage in 2008, but you’d never know it today.”
Natalia didn’t mention seeing ghosts float through walls wherever they went, trying to get her attention. Blocking them out took a lot of effort but she couldn’t let them touch her.
*****
Jason’s cousin picked them up at 6:00 p.m. for dinner. Benjamin introduced his wife, Carolyn, as they climbed into a new Ford SUV. He frowned and pointed at the Corvette, parked in the shade of a large tree. “You’d better move my car into the open, cousin. The birds wake at dawn and make a terrible mess of shiny red cars.”
“I had no idea.” Jason jumped out to move the car. As he climbed back inside he said, “I thought the shade might keep the car cool.”
Benjamin shrugged. “Local car wash owners love tourists who park under those trees. The birds migrate north by summer but love to stop here in springtime.” He pulled away from the curb and drove toward the seawall.
Jason asked, “Where do we eat?”
Grinning, Benjamin stated, “We called in a pizza order from Mario’s At the Beach, but we’ll avoid the crowds and take our pizza to the best ocean view in town.”
“Don’t sound so mysterious, Ben,” Carolyn said. “We’re eating dinner on the deck of our new condo, and you really must try Mario’s gourmet pizza. It’s fabulous.”
Jason and Benjamin dashed into the restaurant, returning ten minutes later with two pizza boxes and a bag filled with salad containers. The mouthwatering smell made Natalia’s stomach growl.
Carolyn whispered, “We’re only five minutes from our place.”
Benjamin continued driving past the seawall to a new development of Victorian-style condominiums.
Jason exclaimed, “Ben, you’ve come up in the world since your bachelor days.” As they pulled into an underground garage he asked, “Aren’t you afraid of hurricanes on this lower portion of the island?”
Carolyn shook her head. “This complex was engineered to withstand Cat-5 winds and a storm surge of at least 25 feet. We feel secure living here.”
Climbing an iron staircase from the parking garage, they entered the condo on a level that stood a full story above ground. Ben carried the food into an open-plan kitchen while Carolyn fetched a bottle of Italian Chianti and two bottles of pale ale from the Sub-Zero refrigerator.
She told Natalia, “These Brits love to drink ale, but I prefer a nice glass of red wine with an Italian dinner.”
Natalia grabbed two wine glasses from the counter and followed Carolyn to a deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The setting sun shimmered across water that stretched to the horizon while gentle waves crashed against a rock-strewn seashore. But Natalia knew the serene water could turn somber and turbulent—terrifying and deadly.
A red-checked cloth covered a bistro table already set for dinner. Candles stuck into wax-dripped wine bottles, glazed stoneware, and stainless silverware completed the setting. Benjamin placed pizza on an elevated lazy-Susan in the center of the table. Carolyn lit the candles as Ben fetched individual bowls filled with salad from the kitchen.
“Dig in, mates,” Ben instructed as he set their salads on the table. “Don’t let the salad get hot and the pizza get cold.” He chuckled at his own joke as Jason groaned.
Mario’s gourmet pizza lived up to its reputation: ham, salami, sun-dried tomatoes, ol
ives, mozzarella, and sprigs of fresh basil topped a hand-tossed pizza crust. The antipasto salad contained thinly-sliced prosciutto, marinated olives, red peppers and artichoke hearts with spiced vinegar-and-oil drizzled over everything. Conversation halted while four hungry diners moaned with delight as they chewed, stopping long enough to sip their drinks.
Leaning back in his red vinyl chair, Jason patted his lips with a linen napkin and sighed. “Ben that was almost as good as the meal we devoured in Venice.”
“Memory serves that particular meal was never finished. You dashed off to nab a bank robber before dessert arrived. We have tiramisu and cannoli waiting in the ’fridge so don’t go dashing off this time, mate,” Benjamin added.
Natalia groaned. “I wish you’d warned me about dessert before I ate so much.” She rubbed her full tummy.
Carolyn stood to collect the dirty dishes. “We’ve got all evening, and these lads have loads of stories to share, don’t you?” She tilted her head at Natalia. “Help me clear up, and we’ll get to know each other.”
Rinsing the plates before placing them into the dishwasher, Carolyn asked, “How did you meet Jason?”
“I worked on a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic. He came aboard in the Azores to help catch a gang of smugglers who were out to get our friend, Steven. Disguised as an elegant wine steward, he fooled the bad guys and literally stole my heart.”
Carolyn nodded. “He’s quite an actor, comes from growing up around Ben’s family. Wasn’t an angry ghost on that ship?”
Natalia shuddered at the memory. “Yes, she was desperate to stop her killer from striking again and wreaked havoc. My friend, Kayla helped her cross over after we solved her murder.”
Carolyn leaned against the counter and sipped wine. Natalia leaned closer and whispered, “I think you should switch to a soft drink now you’re pregnant.”
“What?” Carolyn stiffened and set her glass down with a loud clunk. “You think I’m finally pregnant?”
“Yes.” Natalia blushed. “When I touch people, I sometime glimpse their future. While doing dishes my hand brushed against yours, so I decided I’d better tell you.”
Abruptly Carolyn swept Natalia into her arms and hugged. “Ben said you were a psychic, but I thought it was a role that you performed. Is this for real?” She pushed away and stared at Natalia with eyes filled with hope.
“I don’t control the gift and often see things I don’t understand or would prefer to not know. In this case I got a strong vision of you holding a baby and feel sure that you’re pregnant. It’s not safe to drink alcohol now, so I needed to warn you.”
“Should I tell Ben?” She stared at the two men through the window. “We have fervently wished for a baby for years but had almost given up hope.”
Natalia felt uncomfortable. “Get a doctor’s test first. My visions don’t come with a timetable. I believe you’re already pregnant but it might happen later.”
Carolyn wiped tears from her eyes. “I’ll schedule a doctor’s appointment in the morning.” She poured her wine down the sink and filled the glass with soda. She glanced at the men. “Those two are more like brothers than cousins.”
“Jason hasn’t told me much about Ben. How did they grow up together?”
“You knew that Jason’s parents served in the British military? He travelled with them until he reached school age and learned several languages as a small tyke.”
Natalia nodded and Carolyn continued, “Ben’s and Jason’s mothers were sisters, so when the boys were ready for boarding school they attended together. They spent holidays and summers with Ben’s family when Jason’s parents were stationed abroad.”
“Didn’t he spend time with his folks?” Natalia asked.
“Jason saw his parents when they came home on leave, but he got too involved in the theater to travel. You see, Ben’s family are classically trained actors and perform Shakespeare all around England. Ben hated the theater and spent his time making experiments for science fairs, but Jason loved acting. He memorized every role and got cast in summer productions; he once played Puck in Midsummer’s Night Dream. Ben claims Jason could’ve been a famous star by now…but his folks were killed in a terrorist bombing.”
“Oh! He never told me.” Tears welled up as Natalia gazed through the window at the laughing men. “In fact Jason doesn’t talk about his family. He must feel guilty.”
Carolyn sighed. “He avoids the subject, so please don’t mention that I said anything. At the age of eighteen Jason enlisted and eventually served in clandestine operations. With his photographic memory and language skills, it was natural for Interpol to recruit him after he left the military. Ben earned a doctorate in science and works at the Houston Space Center training astronauts. Let him arrange a tour when you return from your cruise.”
“I’d love that.” Natalia saw the two men holding up their forks and pointing toward their mouths. “Can you believe it? They’re ready for dessert.”
Carolyn opened the refrigerator and pulled out plates covered in plastic wrap. “I knew it wouldn’t take long. They may be slim but they eat like linebackers.” She passed a plate to Natalia and they prepared to feed their clever men.
Chapter 2 ~ Boarding the Ship
The next morning Natalia dressed in a navy skirt and white linen blouse with three-quarter sleeves and epaulets across the shoulders. With her hair pinned up, she settled a copper-colored wig over her head and added peachy tones to her makeup. She popped green contacts into her dark eyes. She would examine passengers’ documents prior to boarding and gather information during the process. Dressed in uniform and a wig, she could later perform without people recognizing her.
Jason pinned a CCL emblem onto her collar and kissed her cheek. “I love a girl in uniform,” he murmured.
She placed a blue-brimmed hat over her red hair. CCL initials on a gold badge decorated the front of the jaunty cap. She saluted and clicked the heels of her navy pumps. “At your service, sir.”
“I won’t touch that line, my dear. My girlfriend might find out I’m flirting with a stranger.” He pushed her toward the door and watched to make sure the pug didn’t sneak into their room. The B&B’s dining room was filled with delicious smells; fresh blueberry muffins, freshly brewed coffee, and cheesy eggs.
Upon seeing Natalia, Mrs. Hepworth arched an eyebrow at the transformation. She commented, “I didn’t realize you were part of a ship’s crew, my dear. We usually offer a ten-percent discount on rooms if you mention the fact.”
Jason buttered a blueberry muffin and laughed. “We’re working undercover, but we’ll ask for a discount when we return.”
Natalia tucked a linen napkin into the neck of her blouse and spread it out to prevent stray splatters. “If we’re undercover, you shouldn’t announce the fact aloud, dear.” She emphasized the word “dear” and nodded toward the hallway. Footsteps on the staircase told them that other tenants approached.
Jason nodded sheepishly and asked, “Could you keep the information to yourself, ma’am?”
“I’m the soul of discretion.” Mrs. Hepworth said as she poured coffee from an engraved silver pot into a china cup decorated with pink flowers. “Do you need cream or sugar?”
Natalia nodded, and Mrs. Hepworth fetched a delicate porcelain pitcher and matching sugar bowl from the sideboard. The items were arranged on a silver salver that she set on the tablecloth. Natalia added thick white cream and two spoons of sugar to her coffee which turned light brown.
“Got enough?” Jason asked as he sipped black coffee.
“My father claims I drink coffee-flavored cream and sugar.” Her shapely lips curled into a delicate smile.
With hands covered with puffy yellow oven mitts, Mrs. Hepworth carried two hot plates filled with eggs and home fries from the kitchen.
Jason’s grin widened as he sampled the succulent cuisine. “My dear, Mrs. Hepworth! You are a master at your craft,” he declared.
The good woman blushed and plopped an
extra blueberry muffin onto his bread plate. Natalia squinted at him until he split the muffin with her. A noisy family of four entered the dining room talking about their plans to visit Moody Gardens. Natalia felt relieved that the family would not be departing on the ship today.
During the next half hour, Jason entertained the family with stories about cases he’d worked at Interpol. The kids’ eyes grew round as they shoveled eggs and muffins into their mouths. The six-year-old boy asked, “Do you know James Bond?”
Jason winked at the father and solemnly claimed he had once met the secret agent. The boy’s wide smile revealed two missing teeth.
Soon Natalia patted Jason’s hand and rose from the table. “Sorry, I can’t be late for work, honey.” Her tone did not permit objections, so Jason shoved a last bite of muffin into his mouth and waved good-bye as they left.
Jason planned to drop Natalia at the pier, take their bags to their cabin, and drive to Benjamin’s house. He wasn’t due to report for duty until early afternoon, and last night Carolyn had offered to deliver him to the pier in the Corvette. She had cast a sly glance at her husband and announced, “Ben leaves at the crack of dawn to reach the Space Center, so this might be my only chance to drive our sports car. Of course he didn’t hesitate to let Jason take his Corvette.” Ben had judiciously remained silent.
Parked in a space for personnel, Jason secured a handcart to wheel their bags aboard while Natalia rushed into the boarding terminal. Her shapely legs attracted stares as she waved at him and ran across the tarmac.
A nearby dockhand shouted, “You’re a bloody lucky bloke, Briggs. Can’t figure what a smart looker like ’er sees in yer skinny backside.”
“Me neither, Jones,” he replied with a wink. “Still and I’m not planning to ask her neither. That might just jinx me, and she’d come to her senses right quick.” He sauntered through the crew entrance, dragging the handcart and whistling a jaunty tune. A purser handed him a keycard to their room, and he quickly stowed their gear inside. He emptied his own bags into drawers and the closet but didn’t dare touch Tally’s luggage. Unpacking her belongings would absolutely jinx him, and Jason was no idiot.