Page 60 of Mail Order Splash

“I want to have security check the place out, see if there are easy ways to get in. Plus, make sure its empty when you come back.”

“Do you really think people will want to get in an old building?”

“Anything for a story, so I expect anything.”

He delivered us to the yacht, which had two ways in. Both were blocked. Another black SUV pulled up with a large burly-looking man. Between the two of them, the crowd moved out. The burly one pulled our car door open.

“Dr. Schaffer, Charlie’s the name. I’m head of security.” He put his hand out to help me exit the car. “Stay with me, they won’t come closer.”

“What about my friend, Josh?”

“He looks capable, but Bobby will escort him. It’s you they want.”

Once inside the yacht, I found myself standing in the center of the room doing absolutely nothing. All I wanted to do at that moment was get in my boat and go way out where no one would be. I wanted a rescue that needed me.

What am I thinking? I never “want” a rescue. That’s messed up.

“Hello, I’m Captain Ben. Mr. Hawthorne called ahead. Allow me to show you to your rooms.”

“Hello, Captain. I don’t believe we’ll be staying.”

“I was informed of that, but Mr. Hawthorne wanted you to have a room to relax in before dinner.”

By the time I got to the room that was fancier than anything I’d ever been in, my bags were already placed on a side table. Captain Ben had asked if I wanted a drink or a snack, but all I remembered responding was a shake of my head. I could hear Josh talking somewhere close so I went in search of him.

“Hey. Oh, wow, your room is nice, too.” I ran a hand over the soft decorative pillows on the couch. “Does this feel weird to you?”

“Sure, it’s weird. Have you ever felt sheets like this?”

“Josh, why did you mess up the bed? We can’t stay here.”

“Hey, the captain said we could relax. Maybe I want a nap.” He jumped on the bed and stretched out. “Look, they even have eye covers.”

“Put that back. We need to talk about where we can stay.”

“Honestly, Kleine, I don’t see the big deal with staying here. I mean, he stayed at the seaquarium with us in a cot right next to you.”

“We weren’t engaged at that time. We didn’t have a million eyes on us.” I stood by the window, looking out over the water. “I wonder if we could sneak back to the boat and go for a cruise.”

“Bobby locked it all up already.”

“We know how to get it back out. It is my place; no one can tell me not to.”

“I beg to differ with you there. That dude, Charlie, looks terrifying.” He yawned. “I’m not planning on going against him.”

“He looked like a giant teddy bear. Never mind, take your fancy nap.” I stormed out of the room unnecessarily.

“Is everything to your liking, ma’am?” The captain came around the corner.

“Yes, thank you. I needed fresh air. Would it be alright to take a swim?”

“Everything on this ship is at your disposal, ma’am, and might I say congratulations on the engagement. Mr. Hawthorne is a lucky man.”

“That’s kind of you to say. I feel the lucky one today.”

“Push the button by the bed if you need anything. Would you care for a drink at the pool?”

“Is lemonade possible?”

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