Honey and Leonard looked at each other in amazement over the scope of the amenities aboard The Sinbad. "Does the doctor live on the ship?" Leonard asked.
"Only when we're at sea, which is about one third of the time," Luther answered. "I and my mobile staff have living quarters in several locations around the world. We are the doctor's only patients. He'll take excellent care of you. I stole him from The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He has the resources of that entire facility at his beck and call."
The tour continued into the dining room, which was open air with glass walls near the stern of the ship. It was large enough to seat at least fifty people but only one large round table was set up with silver place settings and sparkling, crystal glassware on a blue linen tablecloth.
"What do you do if it rains?" Leonard asked.
"We have an automated, retractable roof," Luther said. "Would you like to see how it works?"
"Yes, I would," Leonard said.
Honey intervened, "That won't be necessary. The stars are too beautiful tonight. And look at the lights of St. Tropez. This could not be more perfect."
Waiters appeared. Soup and salad and bread were served and wine and bottled water were poured. Honey and Leonard dug into their food like they hadn't eaten in days.
"Isn't it funny how swimming makes you hungry," Honey observed.
"So does running from a mob and dodging the police," Leonard said.
"You two must be exhausted," Luther said as plates of steak and seafood and vegetables were set before them.
"We're having too much fun to be tired," Honey said. "And look, here's Mr. Maxwell."
"You've asked to see me, Mr. Patrick?"
"Yes, Michael. Glad you could join us. Our guests want to thank you for a job well done. So do I, as a matter of fact."
"Thank you, sir, but I must say, our guests did all the hard work."
Honey jumped up from the table and threw her arms around Michael Maxwell. "Oh, how I love that English accent. You must be related to James Bond. Thank you so much for saving us."
"You almost didn't let me," Maxwell said.
"I did try to jump back in the water," she explained to Luther. "But he was too quick for me. And then he had Leonard out of the water, and off we went before we really knew what was happening."
"Fine work, Maxwell. I've come to expect nothing less from you."
"Thank you, sir. And might I say to our guests that they are even more charming in person than in the press."
"Oh, my, what a perfect gentleman," Honey said.
"Won't you join us for dinner?" Leonard asked. "We've got enough food here for an army."
"No, thank you. I had my dinner earlier," Maxwell said to Leonard. "I really must be on my way." He then turned to Luther and asked, "Will that be all, Mr. Patrick?"
"Yes, but do report to me first thing tomorrow. We need to discuss our plans."
Maxwell left after Honey and Leonard thanked him again. Once he was gone, Leonard turned to Luther and asked, "What plans do you have for us?"
Luther frowned slightly and said, "To be honest, I don't have a plan, which is quite unusual for me. Let's all sleep on it and see what we come up with in the morning."
"I love a man with no plan," Honey laughed. "Particularly one who's not afraid to admit it."
"We'll come up with something," Luther said.
They finished the grand meal and got a quick check up with Luther's physician, Dr. John Laughlin. The doctor was able to provide Honey and Leonard's medications for heart and blood pressure and asthma.
It was after midnight before Luther showed them to their cabin, which was as large and elegant as a suite at the finest hotel. The bed was round and covered with pillows. "Shall I have it turned down for you?" Luther asked.
"Oh, no," Honey said. "We can manage."
Luther left, and Honey and Leonard chased each other around the bed, briefly, as they threw the pillows at each other. They were too tired to keep the slumber party action going for long. Once they figured out how to get under the covers and sheets, they snuggled each other like they had found the sacred womb of love.
Honey fell asleep immediately, but Leonard kept waking her up. He was convinced people were outside the windows, looking in on them. Honey got up again and again to reassure him. Eventually, she gave him two sleeping pills from the doctor so she could get some rest herself.
All night she dreamed of sailing on the sea with Leonard. They were the only two people aboard a very large boat with several sails. Honey kept asking him where he learned how to sail. Leonard kept insisting he had no idea how to sail a boat this size. Each of them became progressively more amazed as the ship made one masterful maneuver after another. Leonard finally concluded, "This ship is sailing itself. Just like life."
Honey awakened to that marvelous thought as morning light began streaming into their cabin. She let Leonard sleep as she explored the wonderful soaps and shampoos and lotions of the master bath.
Dr. Laughlin turned out to be extremely interested in Leonard's mental condition. He spent two hours with Leonard the next day before providing him with an experimental drug called donepezil hydrochloride. "This drug is going through trials," Dr. Laughlin said to Honey. "It's showing good results in treating the symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease. Let's try a moderate dose on Leonard and see how he does."
Fourteen
HONEY SAW A NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT in Leonard after only a few days on his new medication. He wasn't repeating himself as often and his conversational focus seemed to improve. Leonard spent nearly an hour a day with Dr. Laughlin and he was able to share with Honey most of what transpired during his meetings with the physician.
The doctor met with both Honey and Leonard to share his diagnosis that Leonard had Alzheimer's disease. "I know you already know that," Dr. Laughlin said. "I just don't want to give you false hope. This drug I've prescribed for Leonard is not a cure. In fact, I've got to swear you to secrecy because it's not even approved at this point. It has only showed signs of slowing the progression of the disease in its early stages."
"I know there's no cure," Leonard said. "And I know it won't do any good to worry about it. I'm just very grateful for your help, doctor."
"He is having visions of his mother," Honey said. "Occasionally, he forgets where he is and who I am. At first, I thought my love would cure him of all that, but I've been learning the hard way that love does not conquer all."
"Yes, it does, pumpkin. Your love has saved me."
"No, my sweetie, my love for you has saved me."
"The bad news," Dr. Laughlin said, "is that we don't know much about the disease. The good news is everybody's different. People have good and bad days. The chances are good that you and Leonard have a lot more good days ahead. Make sure to give him the sleeping medication every night around 9 p.m. Nighttime can be the worst. Or the best, if he's getting a good night's sleep."
"You seem very interested in this disease," Honey observed.
"I am," Dr. Laughlin said. "I lost my father to Alzheimer's last year after a ten year battle. It was the worst thing I've ever been through. My hero became somebody who didn't even know he was a human being. It almost killed my mother. The only comforting thing about it was knowing he wasn't suffering because he didn't know what was going on."
"I am so sorry," Honey said.
"Yes, it was hard, especially for my mother, who tried to take care of him herself for much too long."
"Am I hard on you, Honey?" Leonard asked.
"No, Leonard, you silly sweetie. My love for you is the best part of me. You keep me young at heart."
"Will you let me know when I get to be too much trouble?"
"We don't have to worry about that now, do we, doctor?"
"No, like I said, you two have many a fine day ahead."
* * *
Life aboard The Sinbad turned into the most outlandish honeymoon pleasure cruise ever designed. Luther was a most attentive host. He was careful
to obtain Honey and Leonard's permission before weighing anchor and leaving St. Tropez. In one swift, nautical move, the entire Mediterranean Sea became their playground. Luther and his captain knew all the best anchor points along the French and Italian Rivieras. He made sure his guests got in plenty of swimming and hiking on secluded beach spots. He accompanied them everywhere they went and introduced them to the finest local cuisine, wine and art.
Luther was so careful to protect their privacy that Honey and Leonard almost forgot they were still the subjects of international inquiry. News of their deaths had been largely replaced by Jack Crumbo's theory in The Chicago Tribune that they were alive and well and still on the run.
One night, back onboard The Sinbad, they saw Crumbo himself being interviewed on French television. Crumbo was saying, through an interpreter, that he had learned Honey and Leonard were excellent swimmers. "The fact that no bodies have been found leads me to believe they swam away and escaped in the confusion of the mob scene on the dock."
When the French reporter asked whether he had any evidence to show Honey and Leonard were still alive, Crumbo had to acknowledge he had nothing to go on but his own theories. The reporter asked, "Where did they go?" Crumbo could only answer, "We have no idea."
The reporter concluded the interview and gave the camera a smirk that said, "There you have it. Another American who doesn't know what he's talking about."
Honey turned to Leonard and Luther and said, "Oh, wouldn't it be fun to bring Jack Crumbo on board and give him the exclusive story of our survival?"
The two men, who had become good friends in a short time, laughed at the suggestion at first. Then Luther said, "You know, that might not be a bad idea."
"Better to let the world think we're dead," Leonard said.
"Unless you want to begin arguing your case in the press," Luther said.
"You mean the case that I'm not mentally gone yet?"
"No, the case that says you are mentally competent and that nobody ever tried to poison you. Dr. Laughlin has enough data to testify already. That's why he's been testing you everyday."
"Oh, my," Honey said. "You do think of everything."
"Not only that," Luther said. "My accountants have found that Leonard's niece, Gretchen, has been using some dangerously creative accounting with regard to Leonard's fortune."
"How could you know that?" Leonard asked.
"Remember those consent forms we had you sign?" Luther asked.
Leonard looked at Honey with a blank expression that said, "No, I do not remember any such thing."
Honey said, "Yes, we remember those forms."
"Those forms allowed us to access Leonard's accounts, and I'm sorry to report it's not a pretty picture."
"What do you mean?" Honey asked.
Luther looked sadly at Leonard before saying, "I'm sorry to say it looks like she's stolen quite a bit of money from you."
"Tell me something I don't already know," Leonard said. * * *
Besides growing up on farms in the Midwest, Luther and Leonard quickly discovered they shared a love of art. This led to many an adventurous outing along the coast to museums, artists' studios and galleries. They bought paintings and sculpture and ceramics like they were art dealers organizing a grand inventory. They never tried to talk an artist down on the price. They gladly paid full retail.
Luther's favorite line was, "Buying art is investing in your soul." He loved to say it as he was acquiring a new painting. And every time he said it he couldn't help but elaborate, "Everybody wants to know how to buy art that will increase in value. How to make art a good investment. I say it's the thrill of the hunt and the joy of being in the presence of great art that make it all worthwhile. Art is not like money. Money is objective. Art is subjective. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Every society has money or some form of exchange. But each society has its own artistic identity. Art defines civilizations. Even the cavemen are celebrated by the drawings on their walls."
Honey loved his attitude and was determined to create a signature line of her own. It took some time and a little help from Leonard but she finally came up with, "No space is any better than the art within it."
"And that includes the space between your ears," Leonard added.
Many a struggling artist had his or her financial year made when Luther and Honey and Leonard strolled into town with their enthusiasm and wit and willingness to invest. Between the three of them, they bought at least twenty pieces per outing. Once each purchase was completed, Luther had Michael Maxwell and his car pick up the art and secure it.
Several artists recognized Honey and Leonard. They never said anything, but Luther could always tell when they'd been spotted. At that point, he took them aside and made them promise to keep the transaction a secret if they hoped for repeat sales.
"I knew you weren't dead," one painter said in English with a midwestern accent. "You couldn't be dead or they would have found your bodies. And now I can see you're alive. This is so far out. And, hey, I'm from Indiana too. I've been following your story since you landed in France. Way to go. Elderly couple from Indiana goes global in France. You guys are so far out. I can't believe you're actually in my studio. I've been painting in Italy for years and you're my first celebrity guests. How about signing my palette?"
"We can't sign anything for obvious reasons," Luther said. "But we do love your work. In fact, I would like to purchase the large painting of the harbor. How much is it?"
"It's $5,000, but I would be willing to give you a great deal."
"That won't be necessary," Luther said. "Will cash be acceptable? I have U.S. dollars."
"Yes. Yes, of course," the artist stammered. "I can't believe I'm selling a painting to Honey and Leonard. I suppose you want me to keep quiet about this?"
"That would be very much appreciated," Luther said.
"I'll take this one of the castle in the moonlight," Leonard said. "I love your purples. How much is it?"
"It's $3,500, but I would be happy to give it to you," the artist said.
"That won't be necessary," Luther said, peeling off more bills. "Your work is some of the best we've seen. It's funny to have the finest art in Italy coming from an Indiana painter."
"I tell everybody back in the states I'm an Italian painter," the artist said.
"I'll bet they eat that up," Leonard said.
"You bet they do."
Once the car picked up the art, Honey and Leonard and Luther continued exploring the town with the Indiana artist as their tour guide. They went straight to a corner bar where the artist proceeded to guzzle down half a bottle of wine, straight from the bottle, in celebration of his recent sales. Luther quickly moved the party to a back room to avoid making too much of a scene.
"What are you guys doing, just traveling around buying art and dodging the law?" the artist asked.
"You might say we enjoy collecting," Luther said.
"I almost feel decadent, buying all this art," Honey said.
"No need," Luther said. "We're supporting the art world. And guess what we'll do with it in the end?"
"Donate it to worthy causes," Leonard answered.
"Perfect," Honey said. "It's the circle of art."
* * *
It didn't take Luther long to realize he had never had such fun in his life as he had with Honey and Leonard. The only problem he had with their love affair was it made him want to have a love of his own. He had resigned himself to living alone until he saw how much fun Honey and Leonard were having.
Leonard and Luther were studying maps and drinking coffee one morning, planning their next adventure. Honey was getting her nails done in the ship salon. Luther said, "You know, I envy you two. Being with you makes me realize I need somebody in my life."
Leonard laughed, "Luther, I'd think a guy like you could get any woman he wanted."
"I could and I have, but that's not what I'm talking about."
"I hear what you're saying," Leonard said. "It can't
be easy when they're all after your money. I'll tell you what. You'll never meet anybody sailing around in this boat. You've got to get out there and start helping people before you'll find someone to love."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, take Honey and me. We met at a Halloween fundraiser dance for the United Way. After my wife died, I was in a bad place until I decided to get out there and get involved in some good causes. That's how I found love, trying to help other people."
"That statement has the ring of truth to it," Luther said. "I do give tremendous amounts of money to several important causes."
"Are you bragging or complaining," Honey said as she breezed in from the salon.
"Luther, here, needs a woman in his life," Leonard said.
"You mean I'm not enough for the both of you?"
"Of course you are," Luther said. "But these past days have been such fun, you've made me see what's missing in my life. I thought I had it all until I met the two of you."
"Oh, my dear, dear boy," Honey said. "The girl of your dreams is already on her way. Don't you see? That's why you met the two of us. So you'll be ready when you meet her."
Luther looked at Honey like he was amazed he understood exactly what she was saying.
* * *
About two weeks into their friendship, Luther introduced Honey and Leonard to his helicopter. Leonard had been asking about it every day. Luther had a Black Hawk helicopter waiting on the ship's forward-deck launch pad with a pilot and a maintenance crew on board and in a constant state of readiness. Leonard wondered out loud why they always took a boat to shore when they could have flown.
"Can you fly that thing?" Leonard asked one morning at breakfast.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, I've heard you talking to the crew, and it sounds like you know about everything there is to know about that helicopter."
Luther paused before answering. There were many aspects of his life he had not revealed to Honey and Leonard. At this moment, however, he decided to let them in on a major part of his background. "Yes, not only can I fly it, but I could do most of the repairs by myself if I had to."
"When did you learn how to fly helicopters?" Leonard asked.
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