by Diane Rapp
Waiters arranged white linen tablecloths on round tables in front of the glass windows as the guests danced. The large windows displayed a view of tree-filled land on both sides of the ship, and the calm water made Kayla feel like they were sailing across a smooth lake. Fog hugged the southern shore while the northern shore sparkled under sunshine. The Olympic peninsula often caught rain and fog. Kayla remembered taking a ferry from a drizzly Port Angeles, landing in a sunny Victoria across the bay, and returning to rain that evening. She enjoyed the long summer days of the northwest and knew they’d grow longer as the ship headed up the coast of Alaska. By the time they reached Anchorage, the sun barely set at night.
Resident Alaskans worked hard during the summer months, fishing, hunting, and guiding tourists since long winter nights would keep them inside. Kayla shuddered at the thought. She was a girl who loved sunshine and would never volunteer to spend a winter up here.
Emily Schultz touched Kayla’s elbow. “Why don’t you start the buffet line? People are waiting for you two to go ahead.” Kayla and Steven filled their plates. A few minutes into the dinner, conversations halted as people listened to an announcement over the loudspeakers. “This is Captain Rogers speaking. We’ve spotted a pod of killer whales swimming alongside the ship. Anyone interested should look out along the port side of the ship—that’s the left side when facing the bow.”
Everyone crowded the large picture windows to watch the orcas. Kayla knew that a resident pod of whales lived year-round in the waters near Victoria, but it felt special to see them appear on their first night out. A whale surfaced and blew a spout of water, allowing passengers to glimpse the white oval marking on its side. More black vertical fins skimmed through the waters in an arching seesaw motion that seemed effortless and fun, hardly the dangerous creatures of legend. The slick bodies and stylized black and white colors reminded Kayla of native art. Orcas were often featured on colorful blankets and totems. Suddenly the pod veered off, probably following a school of fish, and guests in the room heaved a collective sigh as they returned to their tables.
The sound of silverware clinking and soft conversations was punctuated by the gentle throb of the ship’s engines. Kayla heard friends discuss the whale sighting. After dinner Kayla and Steven made the rounds, greeting friends and accepting congratulations. Piano music played softly in the background during dinner. An hour later the crowd thinned as guests rushed to catch the nightly show.
The guests of honor felt relieved to enjoy time alone. Kayla and Steven strolled through the center of the ship toward the stern. They cut across the casino, and Kayla noticed a lively group of gamblers at the poker table. “Is that the nephew of the old man in the wheelchair, the one who owns the glacier painting?” Kayla asked Steven.
“Yes, that’s Timothy Sinclair. Doesn’t look like he’s doing very well.” Timothy’s small stack of chips was dwarfed by a large pile in front of the Texan. Steven asked, “Did you meet Carson Allbright?”
“Is he the rich Texan who bought the first fake painting at the auction?”
“Indeed. He invited me to hit golf balls off the stern of the ship tomorrow. I’m actually keen to give it a go.”
“I thought hitting golf balls into the water was illegal. Doesn’t it pollute the ocean?”
Steven nodded. “Standard balls are banned, but these golfers use balls constructed from ground up lobster shells that break apart rapidly—very expensive. Carson explained the process in detail, and he’s very proud of the cost of each ball.”
Kayla laughed. “Couldn’t they just hit balls into a net?”
“Luv, it wouldn’t be sporting. A golfer must prove his prowess by hitting farther than his friends. It’s a gentleman’s challenge.”
“How do they know how far the balls go before they hit the water?”
“There’s a GPS marker on each ball. A special device measures the distance each ball flies before it sinks into the ocean.” Steven rolled his eyes. “You cannot believe how excited these golfers get over their gadgets.”
“Looks like they play poker the same way.” She nodded toward the table where Timothy Sinclair lost the last of his chips. He left the table and headed toward an ATM machine. “I hope his uncle doesn’t find out how much he’s losing.”
“He’s probably counting on his inheritance to pay his gambling debts. It must be difficult to watch a rich relative spend money.”
Kayla and Steven left the casino and walked along the outside deck. It was after nine o’clock but the sun had just set. The horizon glowed and red tinged clouds stretched across the sky above dark water. “I love this time of year,” Kayla said and snuggled against Steven.
“It’s brilliant, much nicer than winter when the sun barely rises. I hear the bars do a splendid business during the dark months, but I couldn’t abide living in a dark place.”
“Want to go back inside?” Kayla shivered and pulled him into the nearest doorway. “I’m not dressed for artic breezes.”
Steven pulled her into his arms. “I can keep you warm.”
“You were right, Jason! We can’t trust them alone,” Natalia’s voice shattered the romantic moment. She grabbed Kayla’s arm and pulled her away from Steven. “Don’t you know it’s forbidden to fraternize until your wedding night?”
Kayla frowned. “You’re taking chaperone duties a bit too seriously.”
“Sorry. We promised your parents and don’t dare disappoint them. It’s only a few days more.”
Jason led them toward the nearest lounge. “Let’s duck in here for a pint and claim we kept track of these two.”
A girl singer with a mellow voice kept the couples entertained until a piano player took over and started a “guess that song” contest. They marked song titles down on a sheet of paper and laughed at their wrong answers. In the end they got more right than wrong but had to share the prize with another group, sharing bubbly all around. At midnight they passed through the casino again as they returned to their cabins. Timothy Sinclair sat at a blackjack table nursing a cocktail with a respectable stack of chips. The attractive young dealer flirted with Timothy. Steven waved and Timothy blushed.
“Guess he’s finally winning,” Kayla said. “I hate to see someone gamble so much.”
Jason agreed, “Reports claim he’s got big debts back home. We’d better keep an eye on him.”
Steven nodded. “Gamblers often take the easy way out. What time do we want to leave for breakfast?” They stood before Kayla and Natalia’s cabin.
“Eight,” said Natalia. “I can’t drag myself out faster than that and the buffet will be open.”
“We’ll knock you up at eight then,” Steven said.
“You really must stop saying that!” Natalia laughed. “The expression has a different meaning in America.”
Steven rolled his eyes and Jason punched his shoulder. “Watch what you say in front of my lady, lad,” Jason said.
“We’ll knock on your door at eight, my dears.” Steven gave them a flourishing bow and sauntered down the hallway. Jason winked at Natalia and followed his friend.
Kayla said, “See you in the morning.”
That night the ship left the smooth waters of Juan De Fuca Strait, and cruised north following the coastline off Vancouver Island until it reached Queen Charlotte Sound. During this part of the journey, rough seas might cause discomfort to passengers with queasy stomachs. By navigating rolling seas at night, most passengers were unaware of the rough water, and doctors passed out motion-sickness medicine freely.
Chapter 8
Day at Sea—Twists and Turns
The next morning the ship slowed its progress and employed stabilizers to prevent rocking. The savvy staff used a wide variety of activities to distract passengers as they motored across Queen Charlotte Sound to reach the calmer seas of the Inside Passage.
Kayla and Steven found their parents at a table near the breakfast buffet. Marked up copies of the ship’s newsletter and schedule were spread acros
s the table. Kayla squeezed into a free spot and glanced at her mother’s papers. “I take it you’re planning the day,” Kayla said.
Julia bubbled with excitement. “There is so much to do. It’s going to be difficult to choose between activities.”
Jason and Natalia sat at a nearby table as Steven joined Kayla. He kissed Patricia’s cheek. “Morning, Mum. Did you compile a grueling itinerary?”
Patricia peered at him over her reading glasses. “Don’t get cheeky with me, son. I recognize that smirk on your face. As a matter of fact, Julia and I have a few interesting events to attend together. I’m sure we’ll see you at the auction this afternoon.”
Steven nodded. “Jason and I will be on duty during the auction, but we plan to hit some golf balls this morning. Those crazy Texans organized a contest at the stern and offered a prize to the winning team.”
Jonathan Burrows’ attention perked up. “What’s the prize, lad? I’ve been known to hit a golf ball.”
“Dad, I was hoping you’d volunteer to join our team. There’s a bottle of expensive Scotch on the line.”
“Sign me up,” Clint Sanders offered. “I’ve been taking lessons as we travel the country. Do we share the bottle of Scotch?”
Jason turned in his chair and leaned in closer. “We all share the prize over dinner tonight.”
Kayla groaned and leaned close to her mother. “They actually believe they’ll win. I can’t believe the overconfidence men display over sporting events.” She turned to Steven and asked, “What happens if you lose?”
Steven shrugged. “We would buy a bottle of booze for the winners. They said they drink some brand of Tequila.”
Kayla said, “You’d better agree which brand before you play. I heard a brand of Pasion Azteca sold for $225,000 per bottle, although a bottle of Gran Patron might only cost $250. Get Seannie to set you straight before you agree to buy something outrageous.”
Steven sat speechless, but Jason said, “Let’s go talk with the bartender right after breakfast. That rich Texan could be having us on.” Clint and Jonathan agreed, and the men left together after they finished their meal.
Julia said, “Glad my daughter is so clever. How did you know about those expensive Tequilas?”
“I read a magazine article during a flight. Steven sleeps while flying, but I can never settle down. I remember the names of those two brands but there are other expensive Tequilas.”
Patricia folded her reading glasses and stowed them into her handbag. “I’m sure that Steven thought Scotch would be the most expensive liquor since he’s British. He heard the word Tequila and decided it would be cheap.”
Natalia moved into an empty chair at the table and sipped her coffee. “Should we all go watch the golf tournament? It might be fun.”
“Only if it doesn’t interfere with my schedule,” Julia said. “I’ll watch until 11:00 but then I plan to see a cooking demonstration.”
“The one that shows how to make salmon mousse and Eggs Benedict?” Patricia asked.
“Yes! We’ll get to sample the results.” Julia grinned and Kayla hugged her mother.
“We’ll make sure you leave in time to see the demonstration. I’m glad you’re having so much fun, Mom.”
“I’m having fun just being here with you but why not experience everything?”
The golfers were already practicing their shots when the girls arrived at the stern. The wives were sitting under colorful umbrellas drinking mimosas and welcomed the newcomers with wide smiles.
The Dolly Parton lookalike was dressed in a crisp white shirt and linen pants. She wore an expensive Indian turquoise necklace and spoke with a thick southern accent. “I’m Becky Allbright and these are my friends Cindy, Tina, and Jody.”
Kayla introduced her friends and soon all the women chatted about hair and fashion. Steven arrived with a bottle of Tequila in hand and negotiated the prize with Carson Allbright. Soon they shook hands and started hitting practice balls.
Becky said, “Oh I’m so glad your young man didn’t fall for Carson’s trick about the bottle of Tequila. You’d never guess how many men think a bottle of Tequila is a cheap drink. Carson never holds them to it, but I’ve seen a few red faces.”
Kayla grinned. “They’ll be embarrassed enough after losing this contest. I’m not sure when any of these guys get a chance to hit a golf ball.”
Cindy said, “If they don’t play a round of golf every day, they’re sure to lose. Our men take their golf serious and have a private golf course at home. I hoped a cruise to Alaska would give us a break from golf but look at them!”
Jody sipped her drink. “I’m just glad they didn’t rope us into playing in this contest. I’d hate to break another nail.” She laughed and wiggled her manicured fingers.
Julia settled back into her deck chair and tilted her face into the sun. “I thought it would be cold in Alaska but this weather feels delightful.”
Kayla said, “We’re not far enough north for the real cold. Just wait until we sail near the glaciers.”
“I bought a new fur coat to wear when we look at the ice. Carson said I’d never get a chance to wear it in Texas, but I don’t care. I’m sure I’ll find us a cold place to visit next winter,” Becky said.
Patricia told the women about the planned wedding on Glacier Bay and all the women offered best wishes to Kayla and Steven. The match was spirited with Jonathan hitting the longest drive for their team. The Texans beat them hands down but offered to share the prize that night at the piano bar. Jason winked at Steven and said, “We could challenge you to a mean game of ‘Name that Tune’ if you want to give us a rematch.”
Carson said, “We’re better at golf. Do you want to join our putting challenge tomorrow?” Steven’s group all said, “No,” in unison and everyone laughed. “I’ll see y’all at the auction later. I’m sure it will be a fun show.”
*****
The Starlight Theater filled up quickly for the afternoon auction. Kayla, Julia, and Patricia searched for empty seats. “Guess that poster of the glacier painting spurred a lot of interest,” Julia said as the three women squeezed into a loveseat meant for two.
Kayla spotted Phillip and Cynthia across the room and felt glad they were at a distance. Carson and his group of Texans were clustered near the stage, laughing and clinking glasses. The two paintings sat on easels on the stage and from this distance, they looked identical except for the frames. Brilliant blue colors shimmered across the ice, up into the sky and down across the water.
“Do the northern lights really look as dramatic as the artist depicted?” Patricia asked.
“I don’t know. They usually appear in the sky during winter months, so I’ve never seen them,” Kayla said. “The artist makes it look like a fantasy. I’m sure someone will pay to own that painting.”
Steven and Jason positioned themselves nearby, watching the crowd for anything amiss. Potential buyers wandered through the rows of other paintings on the floor level, while escorts took buyers to examine the expensive paintings.
Jeffrey Miller climbed onto the stage and tested the microphone. “We’ll be starting the show any minute now, folks. Time to take your seats.” Guests wound past paintings and claimed chairs as the room became quiet. “If you missed the party in Seattle, I’ll introduce myself. I’m Jeffrey Miller, the artist who copied Glacier Blue by Reginald C. Pierpont. As y’all can see, this is a really special painting. Reggie Pierpont studied with the Impressionists in Europe and the Hudson River School in America before he fixed upon his own unique style. You can see his bold colors recreated the northern lights reflecting off a glacier and water. Nobody in his era had seen this phenomenon, but even today his work is unique. This original is insured for over two million pounds, which makes my fake much more affordable.”
The crowd laughed. “Reggie Pierpont was a really talented painter, although nobody realized it until he was long gone. If you’re lucky enough to buy this fake, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of people flo
cking to see it. I feel like a proud daddy showing off one of his kids, so make sure you bid lots of money for my work.” He grinned and handed the microphone to the auctioneer.
The first few rounds of bidding cleared the floor of paintings while spotlights illuminated the prize pieces still to be sold. When Glacier Blue went under the hammer, Kayla felt astounded at the prices being offered. Bids from Carson Allbright and Phillip Portsmouth bounced back and forth, soon eclipsing all other bidders. As the price escalated Phillip’s intense stare and thin lips made Kayla nervous. Could he afford to pay so much for a fake painting? The hammer fell at the final price of $250,000 dollars and a hush spread across the room. Phillip jumped to his feet and hugged Cynthia, excited to claim his prize.
“I can’t believe he’d pay that much for a fake,” Julia whispered to Kayla. “Is there lots of money in the British antique business?”
“Search me. Let’s go find Steven.” The three women snaked through the departing crowd to find Steven discussing the painting with Phillip.
“I want to keep the painting in my cabin to enjoy looking at it during the rest of the cruise. Can’t you deliver it for me?” Phillip asked.
Steven said, “We don’t recommend taking it out of the art storage room until you leave the ship. We can’t maintain security in a passenger cabin.”
“It will be fine. We’re at sea, so where can it go?” Phillip squeezed Cynthia’s waist. “Can we say hello to the artist? Cynthia wants to get his autograph for the display in our shop.”
Julia and Patricia left to find their husbands as Steven stood discussing the logistics of moving the painting with Jason. Kayla watched Phillip and Cynthia climb onto the stage. Jeffrey Miller signed the auction catalog and clasped Cynthia’s hand in both of his for an enthusiastic handshake. Her eyes sparkled and she blushed at his attention.
Phillip rushed to Steven. “Join us for champagne in the piano bar to celebrate the purchase. I’m finally going to launch my new store with a fantastic attraction.”