“Must be something to be on a ship like this. Out in the middle of nowhere, with only water as far as the eye can see, for an entire week.”
Oh goodness.I did not need to hear that.
“And ice.”
“Yeah, can’t forget about the ice.” He chuckles. “Let me get the luggage so she doesn’t run late.” With that, he disappears to the back of the shuttle.
I pivot on a heel. “This way, Miss Opal.” I wave her over.
This should be a simple drop-off. I just need to wait for James to arrive. Once he’s collected her, I’ll hop in the shuttle and return to the city. Ten, fifteen minutes at most.
Miss Opal clutches her purse and the folder as she scoots across the seat. Reaching out, she holds on to me for support as she takes a careful step down.
The driver appears with one of her suitcases and my backpack. The ring at the end of the long strap makes a hollow sound as it drags along.
“Oops.” He holds the pack higher then sets both items on the ground. “Be sure to have your documents. You’ll hit immigration as soon as you go in.” He goes to grab her second case.
Miss Opal glances in her purse then brings her fingers to her lips.
“I had the passport in my hand.” She turns to check the seat, her expression a mix of both concern and insecurity.
I should have had her put the passport with the paperwork. “I’ll go check. You probably dropped it when we went around the SUV.”
“Thank you, dear.” I move away as she tilts her head to admire the ship.
Will she feel as tiny as I do in the shadow of theIce Maiden?
The driver shuts the doors and comes around from behind the shuttle.
“Crap.” The suitcase lands with a thud, and he takes off at a run, his eyes wide.
“Ooh.”
The sound of surprise comes from behind me. I swing around to find Miss Opal is halfway to the ground when he reaches her.
“Oh my God.” I rush back, my stomach in a knot as he sets her down on one knee. “What happened?”
Miss Opal’s normally fair cheeks turn red, despite the grimace.
“I looked up, and it made me a bit dizzy.” She tightens her hold on the driver’s arm.
“I’ve got you,” he assures her.
I loop an arm around her so she can brace herself against both of us as she rights herself.
“I must have caught my heel on something.”
I glare at the offending piece of plastic on my backpack.
“Oh, Miss Opal. I’m so sorry.” Guilt washes over me.
I’d planned on visiting the original Starbucks and grabbing a cup of coffee. I figured I could do some homework while I waited for check-in time at the new hotel.
Miss Opal flexes her foot, her grimace worrying me instantly. “I think I need to sit down.”
The area around her ankle is swelling and taking on an angry color.
“Of course.” We turn, heading to the shuttle.