Page 13 of Obsessed Heir

There’s silence on the line. “Oh, that’ll work. In fact, I just saw him around here.”

“Good. I may need you to hit him up for me.” As much as I hate to admit it. “While I doubt he’d say no to me, you’d be able to sweet talk him with no effort.”

“Ugh. Fine,” she says in that long-suffering tone. “I’ll be the sacrificial lamb for you. Is there anything else?”

“Yes, go to the Sunset Lounge and find the Smiths, our last-minute guests.” While I doubt there are many people in there at this hour, I give her a general description. “He’s wearing dark jeans and a blue button-down shirt. She’s in a dress. Both have medical-grade masks.”

“Okay,” she replies.

“Put them in my mother’s stateroom,” I instruct.

“That was my backup plan,” she admits. “I’m already heading in that direction.”

“One more thing,” I add as an afterthought. “Don’t change the name on the room registration.”

“Great idea,” she replies without missing a beat. Thankfully, she knows enough not to ask questions I have no intention of answering. “I’ll handle everything on the operational side.”

“Discreetly,” I state, hoping not to raise her curiosity.

“Of course,” she assures me.

“Excellent.” I knew I could count on her to take care of this.

“I’ll reach out to James about tracking down their luggage,” she says.

“They’re traveling light,” I inform her, “just an overnight bag each, which they have with them.”

“That’s even better. Once they’re settled, we’ll get them to try out the ship’s upscale boutiques.” Of course, that would be thefirst thing she’d think about. “Oh, the new lingerie shop would be perfect for newlyweds,” she says with wonder.

“Don’t be pushy,” I warn her, knowing her personality. “Just let them know about the site, in case they prefer to order.” From the sound of it, the idea is not to be seen in public. “Send them whatever they need, billed to the cabin. I’ll take care of it later.”

“I can also arrange for an early morning shopping trip so they have privacy,” she says. Holly is nothing if not perceptive.

Well, at least one good thing came out of this mess.

“Okay. Let me get this done, then I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

Once I put my phone away, I check my watch. We’re getting close to sailing time. I’m about done with waiting in the damn hallway like some unwanted intruder while Abigail is inside with my mother.

The door opens abruptly. Stein appears, that lazy, arrogant grin plastered across his face. “You can come in now,” he announces with a casual wave.

I follow him in, closing the door harder than necessary. This entire situation is trying my patience.

Stein grasps the corner of the monitor, extending the mounting arm so I can get a better view from where I’m standing. He points to the screen, making a circular motion around the center of the image. “As I suspected, it’s not a break, just a sprain.”

“That’s a relief,” I mutter, as if I can make out any meaningful details other than a view of an ankle and foot.

“Yes, it’s a definite relief,” Mother agrees, leaning back into the wheelchair with a weary sigh.

Despite her attempt at being optimistic, she appears utterly drained, and we haven’t even left dock yet.

Since she’s never been one to travel, Holly must have had to push her to agree to come in the first place. The effort of gettingher this far has been more exhausting than anyone could have anticipated.

“I’ll get you settled so you can rest,” I assure her, my tone softening.

“Remember,” Stein cuts in, using his best bedside manner, “you’re to stay completely off that ankle for at least two days.”

“Yes, Doctor,” Mother replies readily.

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