Page 1 of Waylaid in Whittier

Chapter 1

“…is of utmost importance.” Gustav Olson, the new safety director, droned on. “Going forward, each department head is responsible for maintaining safety logs, to be turned in weekly to my office. The new form you’ll be required to use has already been uploaded and is online.”

Millie resisted the urge to look at her watch. She and her colleagues had been stuck in Gustav’s self-designated “command center” for almost an hour now, an hour of hashing and rehashing Majestic Cruise Lines’ safety policies.

She nudged Sharky. “You know, this is all your fault, us having to sit through this meeting.”

“She’s right.” Annette wagged her finger at him. “I could think of a bazillion better things to do besides sitting here and having Olson drill into our heads the stuff we already know…including how not to super clean the I-95 corridor with slippery solvent.”

Sharky’s brows furrowed. “It wasn’t the entire corridor, only a small section over by the room where I store confiscated items. How was I to know the sanitizer would turn the hallway into an ice rink?”

Olson stopped talking and pointedly stared in their direction.

Millie scrunched down in her seat. She was already on Olson’s radar after he sprang a surprise inspection of the dressing room area, deeming it unsafe because of the entertainment staff’s blind spot when they came around the corner for costume changes during performances.

Clearly, the man didn’t grasp the fact her staff had to complete the changes in record time, which meant it occasionally created somewhat of a safety hazard.

“I won’t take any more of your time,” he announced.

Cat, who was seated on Millie’s other side, clapped loudly.

The safety director shot her a death look and continued. “Please be advised that I’m increasing my unannounced inspections. I expect to find your areas clean and clear, with safety being an utmost priority.”

Donovan Sweeney, the ship’s purser, stopped Olson, who was making a beeline for the exit.

Millie, with Annette, Cat and Sharky close behind, hurried out the side door, taking a straight shot down to Sharky’s office.

“I’m ready for the donut you promised,” Annette said.

“They’re the best around.” Sharky took the bakery box that was sitting on top of the filing cabinet and placed it on his desk. “Thank you for agreeing to join me here after the meeting. I’ll cut right to the chase. I have a problem.”

Sharky’s cat, Fin, who was curled up and napping on a nearby chair, lifted his head. He slowly stood, arching his back in a long stretch before climbing onto the desk, demanding to be petted.

Millie promptly complied. “There’s my Fin. Are you ready to head home, buddy?”

“I know I am. The Caribbean is calling,” Annette said. “So, what’s up, Sharky?”

“Food first.” Cat chose a chocolate donut with a generous dose of coconut sprinkled on top and passed the box to Millie. “I’m not good at solving crises on an empty stomach, not to mention I’m not a huge fan of early morning meetings.”

“Early morningsafetymeetings,” Annette corrected.

“I’ve already apologized,” Sharky said. “Don’t bust my chops too badly. It’s been a rough week.”

Millie perused the offerings, finally deciding on a good old-fashioned glazed donut. She took a big bite. The donut nearly melted in her mouth. “These are delish. Where did you say you got them?”

“Big Sky Bakery in Juneau. I picked them up before we left.” Sharky waited for Annette to finish choosing her donut. He grabbed a chocolate éclair, shoved half of it in his mouth while reaching for a plain donut with his free hand.

Cat arched her eyebrow. “I thought you were cutting back on sweets.”

“I am,” Sharky mumbled. “Four is my usual.”

Dee…doo…dum ditty…doo.Sharky’s cell phone blasted a catchy tune. “Not again.” He tapped the top to dismiss the call and placed it face down. “I can’t take much more.”

Millie took another bite of her decadent treat. “What major issue is troubling you?”

The phone went off again. With a look of utter exasperation, he turned it over. “Elvira. Elvira is driving me nuts.” He tapped the screen. The phone went silent.

“Maybe you should tell her not to call as often and remind her that you’re working,” Cat suggested. “What does she want?”

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