by Diane Rapp
Kayla said, “Steven’s not accustomed to our American sense of humor, Dad. I’d like you to meet our friends, Jason and Natalia. Her friends call her Tally.”
Her mother gave Steven a warm hug before she turned to greet Jason and Natalia. “Kayla told us all about you two,” Julia said. “I hope you consider us friends, so call me Julia. I’m so glad we finally get to meet, Tally.”
Natalia blushed and accepted Julia’s kiss on her cheek. “Yes, Julia. Do call me Tally.”
“You kept that ship from sinking and arrested those smugglers, so I’m pleased to shake your hand!” Clint pumped Jason’s hand enthusiastically and plopped into his chair. “Hope this cruise is a lot less exciting than the last one. Where are your folks, Steven?”
Steven checked his watch. “They’re usually quite punctual. Should I ring their room? I wonder if they overslept.” He cast a worried glance toward the door and sighed with relief. “No worries, here they come.”
Everyone at the table watched the couple approach. Kayla thought Steven’s mother looked like a young Helen Mirren. She had peaches and cream skin, golden brown shoulder-length hair, and sapphire blue eyes like Steven. A slender woman, she might look tall standing next to another man, but her husband, Jonathan literally dwarfed his slim wife. He stood well over six feet with broad shoulders, a square face surrounded by wavy gray hair, brown eyes, and prominent lips. He looked like a mature Martin Clunes, and Kayla liked him right away. The couple walked with confidence, Patricia beaming at her son.
Steven grinned as he introduced his parents. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Jonathan and Patricia Burrows.” As Steven rattled off the names of the people at the table, Kayla noticed that Jonathan’s sharp gaze scrutinized each face. She had no doubt that he’d remember names without trouble, and he’d probably recognize faces even in disguise. His long slender fingers gripped her hand with self-confidence, but a moment later he held out her wrist watch.
“I believe this is yours, my dear.” His brown eyes twinkled as his thick lips curled into a grin.
Steven laughed. “I see you’ve practiced while I’ve been gone, Dad. Don’t mind him, Kayla. An ex-cop won’t steal your jewelry, believe me.”
“I know that you introduced Steven to the world of magic,” Kayla said strapping the watch back on. “He’s always stealing my keys and claims that I lost them.”
Jonathan eyed Steven and smiled. “I’ll tell you what to watch for, and then Steven can’t get away with it again, my dear.”
Steven held up his hands in submission. “I could never fool you, Dad. I couldn’t fool Mum either after you clued her in.” He turned to his friends and said, “Jason will appreciate my Dad’s skills at observation. His sharp eyes survey the activity around him, especially people moving through a crowd. Long years watching for pickpockets and dodgy characters, makes him notice the smallest detail.”
Jason raised his glass to Jonathan. “Perhaps you can give me a few pointers on disguise.”
“Steven exaggerates my abilities,” Jonathan said. “I’m sure you boys know all the tricks of concealment.”
Steven shook his head. “You don’t want to play games with Jonathan, he remembers everything. He once caught a robber because he recognized the roll of his gait.”
Jonathan nodded. “Well, a policeman needs a good memory and sharp eyes, since crooks change their appearance to get away with crime.”
Patricia interrupted, “You promised to avoid police stories, Johnny.” She squeezed his hand and gave Steven a nod. “You too! I’ve spent too many years hearing about crime and I’d rather talk about the wedding, if you don’t mind.”
“Yes, Mum. I’m sure Kayla and Natalia would rather discuss clothes and flowers, too.”
“Now don’t get cheeky with me, son. I can still box your ears.” She cast him a stern look and Steven blushed like a ten-year-old getting a reprimand. “Tell me, Kayla, what color scheme have you chosen for the big day?”
Kayla nearly choked on the gulp of diet drink she’d taken. “We’re dressing in blue, glacier blue to be precise.”
“Shannon sent me an e-mail but I’m not entirely sure what glacier blue is.”
Natalia said, “It’s like a deep sapphire blue. When I first worked the Alaskan cruise season, I couldn’t take enough pictures of the ice. Evidently when ice compresses, blue is the dominant color inside the deepest parts.”
Patricia’s blue eyes twinkled. “Lovely! I’ve always admired the way Steven looks in blue, and now that I meet Kayla, it sounds like the perfect color.”
“Mum! You’re embarrassing my bride, see how she blushes?” Steven smirked and blotted his mouth with a napkin.
Kayla twisted a lock of her golden hair and glared at Steven. “Don’t try to make me blush in front of your parents. I’m perfectly happy to receive a compliment.”
“She’s got the cutest freckles when she blushes, Mum,” Steven said to Patricia in a stage whisper.
She replied, “And I’m sure her cornflower blue eyes can shoot daggers at you when she’s angry. Watch your tongue, boy.” Patricia turned back to Kayla. “You have my permission to box his ears if he needs it.”
Kayla and Natalia both laughed. “We’ll take you up on that one,” they said in unison.
Jonathan raised his glass. “May I offer a toast to our beautiful companions? They will all look ravishing in this glacier blue color. Here, here.” The men all clinked glasses while their women smiled demurely.
Chapter 5
Setting Sail on the Aurora
Steven and Jason worked as greeters on the dock while passengers boarded the Aurora. Their attention wandered across the crowd as each of them watched for anything or anyone who looked suspicious. Last night they assisted the team who brought boxes of valuable paintings on board until Emily nearly collapsed from exhaustion and nerves. The ship’s doctor prescribed a sedative, and Jason made sure his boss got settled in her suite.
“I see Emily is back,” Jason pointed to the booth set up to handle problems.
“She won’t relax until we’re under sail,” Steven said.
“I doubt she’ll relax until this cruise is over. She’s got too many things to worry about.” Jason nodded toward a group of men and women rolling golf clubs down the walkway. “Who brings a set of golf clubs onto a cruise?”
Steven laughed. “I met Carson Allbright, that Texan, at the art exhibition. His group plans to play golf at midnight in Denali.”
“Can they do that? I thought it was a national park or something.”
“The golf course is near the park and advertises midnight golf. Evidently golfers can start a round before sunset and during summer months the sun hardly sets. You wouldn’t catch me hitting a golf ball where bear and moose might take offense.”
“Too right,” Jason said. “Now there’s a perfectly normal piece of luggage.”
Steven turned to see an ornate coffin on a trolley rolling into the baggage hold. “It belongs to Sir Cedric Sinclair, the wealthy owner of that glacier painting on exhibit. Apparently he’s on death’s door and travels everywhere with his custom coffin.”
“Won’t be caught dead without it?” Jason snickered at his own joke.
An old man in a wheelchair erupted in anger, smashing his chair into a porter who tried to direct him into a long boarding line. The young porter fell, and the old man threatened to run him over.
“That’s Sir Cedric in the wheelchair, surrounded by lackeys.” Steven gestured and they watched Emily dash to greet her wealthy passenger. She waved them over and Steven grumbled, “So much for remaining incognito. You stay put, and I’ll attend to the rich tyrant.”
Steven sauntered away from Jason, who seemed to melt back into the crowd. “May I help you, Emily?” he asked.
Sir Cedric glared up at Steven from his wheelchair. “Steven, we’ve got a minor problem here. Sir Cedric and his party wish to board without delay. Can we arrange for an inspector to meet with them privately in a quiet
room?” Emily’s eyes begged for help.
“I’ll see what I can arrange. There’s a VIP lounge just around the corner where you can get away from these bustling crowds.” Steven led the irate lord into a carpeted lounge. “I’ll search out an agent to process you without delay.”
He left the room but a slender young man with somber gray eyes followed him outside. “I’m so sorry for the trouble, but my uncle is a difficult man.” He offered his hand. “I’m Timothy Sinclair, Sir Cedric’s nephew.”
Steven shook the hand and gazed up into the sorrowful expression. “No need to apologize. The wealthy often demand special treatment.”
“I find myself apologizing on a regular basis. You see my uncle is quite ill, probably won’t survive this voyage, and becomes more demanding by the day. Whatever help you can grant will be highly appreciated—at least I’ll be grateful.”
“We’d better move along and get him onboard the ship,” Steven said, trying to cheer up the beleaguered young man. “Here’s just the woman to clear up this mess straight away. Kayla! Can you secure some help with a VIP passenger?”
Kayla flashed an “I’m ready to kill someone” smile and asked, “What can I do to help?”
“Can we arrange a private security clearance in the lounge? Sir Cedric is unwell and can’t abide the jostle of crowds.” Steven rolled his eyes without letting Timothy see and introduced the young man.
Kayla pressed the button on her walkie-talkie and said, “Priority security clearance needed in the guest lounge ASAP.” She listened to the garbled reply and told Timothy, “We’ll have an agent here within ten minutes. Can we arrange for refreshments while Sir Cedric awaits clearance?”
Timothy sighed and nodded. “Tea would be delightful if you can manage it. I’m so sorry for the trouble.”
As Steven disappeared into the teaming crowd waiting to clear security, Kayla guided Timothy back to the VIP lounge. “Sir Cedric is my father’s older brother,” Timothy explained in a low groan. “As the heir he inherited everything, and my family existed by his sufferance after father died. I was raised to obey commands, but his abrasive manner puts people off.”
“Don’t worry, Timothy. I’ve had experience with the gentry before and won’t take unwarranted offense.” She saw a uniformed guard hustling down the corridor. “Ah! Perhaps we won’t need to order tea after all.” She noticed his concerned expression and said, “I’ll arrange for a tray to be waiting in his suite.”
Timothy’s smile lit up his face, erasing the hang-dog expression. “You’re marvelous!”
“Part of the Constellation Cruise Lines’ package of service. Here’s my card. If you need anything special during the cruise, I can help get it for you.” He looked ready to burst into tears, and Kayla averted her gaze.
“Took you long enough!” Sir Cedric barked as they entered the lounge. The security agent examined their passports and gave a cursory look at their baggage and wheelchair before stamping their papers.
Afterwards, Timothy pushed his uncle’s wheelchair to the elevator. Sir Cedric looked gaunt with watery gray eyes and thin shoulder-length hair. Kayla immediately “cast” him as an older Richard Harris in her mental movie. Timothy resembled the young Jimmy Stewart of It’s A Wonderful Life period. Too bad he stayed with such a sour old man.
*****
Kayla stood on the upper deck watching passengers climb the gangplank when Shannon joined her. Shannon huffed, “What’s wrong, Kayla?”
Startled Kayla turned to her friend. “What?”
“You look ready to strangle someone. Is she that platinum blonde heading toward Steven?” Shannon asked, “Looks like she stepped out from the pages of a fashion magazine.”
Kayla ground her teeth. “Cynthia is not who I hoped Steven’s ex-wife would be.” The two friends glared at the woman with a perfect figure, expensive tailored jacket, short skirt, and five-inch designer heels. She strutted up the gangplank like she walked a fashion runway, her bright green eyes riveted on Steven.
“If she means to snag Steven away from his new woman, an icy death is the only solution.” Shannon sounded so serious that Kayla burst into laughter, drawing the attention of both Cynthia and Steven. “Oops, we’re busted.” Shannon waved at Steven and he sprinted up the nearest staircase. Scowling, Cynthia waited for Phillip, who dragged heavy carry-ons up the gangplank.
“You girls are a welcome sight!” Steven said as he kissed Kayla soundly.
“Well played, Steven.” Shannon grinned and waved at the glowering ex-wife. “You do understand why she’s onboard?”
Steven rolled his eyes. “I’d send her packing if she wasn’t with Phillip. Poor sod. He doesn’t know he’s caught a barracuda that’s likely to swallow him whole.” Grinning, he turned to Kayla. “Your dad and mum are waiting at the lounge on the sapphire deck, drinking cocktails. They asked me to fetch you.”
“Good, let’s get some drinks! I’m ready.” Kayla slipped her hand into the crook of Steven’s arm and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Shannon grinned. “Cynthia’s green eyes just shot sparks at you. I’ve got some rearranging to do on the seating chart for the wedding. Do you think she’ll enjoy an outdoor table?” Shannon sauntered off.
Kayla watched her friend, grateful she finally had the sisters she always wanted. Shannon and Tally were closer than family.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Steven said.
Smiling, Kayla pointed her finger at him. “My thoughts are too valuable to sell. You can have them for free once we’re married.”
“A bargain.” He stroked a wayward lock of hair into place and chuckled as the breeze whipped the filmy strand astray once more. “You need a new baseball cap. I hear that wind can be strong in Alaska.”
She nodded. “I’ll dig into my supply before we go see the sights. You want one?”
“Although I’m marrying a Yank, I’ll never lose my fashion sense. Perhaps I’ll go shopping for a new cap in Alaska. They should sell warm head gear.”
“I know, buy a red hunting cap with ear flaps. That way you won’t get shot when we stalk bears.” Kayla smiled as Steven grimaced.
“Red’s not my color, lass. Perhaps a Scottish plaid befitting my northern ancestors.”
“You’re Scottish?”
Steven grinned and his dark blue eyes sparkled. “Can’t you tell? Not all Scotts are fair, some claim swarthy Celtic roots. I have it on good authority my talents come from a line of authentic sorcerers.”
“I believe it!”
They walked into the lounge and found both sets of parents clustered around a table, listening to a soulful singer. The bartender quietly took their orders and Kayla snuggled against Steven in a padded sofa. She studied her parents as they listened to the singer.
Kayla decided long ago that Mel Gibson should play the role of Clint Sanders in her mental movie. A retired builder, he stood at a medium height with a stocky build, graying hair, pale blue eyes, and he wore glasses. Although he appeared dapper in his sports coat and mock turtleneck sweater, he was most comfortable wearing tennis shoes, Levis, and golf shirts. He always walked at a brisk pace, eager to see what was waiting around the corner. His normal attitude was positive, full of life.
Five years before, Clint and Julia sold their construction business to retire early and travel the back roads of America in an RV. A compulsive sightseer with a camera hanging from his neck or tucked into a pocket, Clint felt eager to try fishing for salmon, and see Kodiak bears, whales, and eagles. Kayla knew he’d jump into a helicopter and walk the craggy surface of a glacier without hesitation. She resolved to accompany him on the tours that might frighten Julia.
Julia Sanders, who Kayla cast as Julianne Moore, wore her red hair short, had friendly green eyes, pale skin, and freckles virtually everywhere. Always on a diet, Julia loved to dance and had an artistic nature. For years she worked as office manager in Clint’s construction business, operating computer programs and keeping them organized. Now she enjoyed travel
ing with Clint and wrote a newsletter that she e-mailed to friends. She enjoyed learning about history, native culture, and art. She planned to attend each art auction on the ship and take the tours featuring totems and wildlife. She’d avoid smelly fishing boats or crawling over crumbling glaciers. Julia might enjoy a safe wildlife excursion, where she could view whales and eagles from the safety of a boat, but seeing wild bears would be difficult.
Kayla thought, Maybe Cynthia will get eaten by a bear…Don’t be cruel, Kayla. The poor bear might suffer indigestion.
The singer left the stage and the backup band started playing dance music. Clint and Julia got up to dance, encouraging Patricia and Jonathan to join them. Steven leaned closer and said, “Looks like the folks are getting along.”
Kayla nodded. “Want to dance?”
“Glad you finally asked.” Steven stood and held out his hand. Kayla stepped into his arms and let their bodies move as one to the music. Is this the way it will be when we’ve been married for years? I hope so.
Their dance was interrupted by a ship’s announcement. “Please return to your assigned cabins and prepare for the lifeboat drill.”
Kayla and Steven stepped apart. “Sorry, Luv,” Steven said. “Our dance must wait. By the way, if we’re sharing cabins with Jason and Tally, where do we go?”
Clint stepped up to Kayla and said, “Follow us. Jason gave us your key cards, and you’re down the corridor from us.” Clint grinned as Kayla groaned. “Don’t worry, honey. You’ll have a private suite after the wedding.”
Steven murmured, “We won’t get much time alone until then.”
Kayla nodded and followed her parents.
Chapter 6
First Auction at Sea
After the lifeboat drill ended, the Aurora prepared to pull away from the dock. Excited passengers gathered along the railings and cheered as the ship’s engines rumbled through the steel hull. Kayla and Steven stood with their parents on the Emerald Deck outside their rooms.