Page 2 of Waylaid in Whittier

“I have no idea. She mentioned maybe traveling to Alaska this summer to learn about gold mining. Next thing I know, she’s sending me cryptic messages. I’m beginning to think she’s here.”

“Here on board Siren of the Seas?” Millie asked.

“Here in Alaska. I got the first message about three days ago. It said something along the lines of her having a golden opportunity to strike it rich, and then she sent me a text with a picture of herself standing on top of a pile of rocks and holding a pickax.”

“Let me see.”

Sharky handed Millie his phone.

She slipped her reading glasses on and studied the photo. Sure enough, Elvira stood on a small mound, a bright yellow hard hat atop her head and grinning from ear to ear. “This could most definitely have been taken here in Alaska.”

“There are more.” Sharky scrolled through the screen, showing them picture after picture of Elvira, all with cryptic captions. “I don’t know if she’s bored or what. We’ve talked a few times. Whenever I try to pin her down to find out exactly where she is, she cuts me off and says she’s gotta go.”

“I would nip this in the bud if Elvira is bothering you,” Annette said. “Tell her you’re not a fan of guessing games.”

“I’ve been racking my brain, trying to figure out what her angle is. All I can come up with is she’s onto something, some sort of find, and doesn’t want to spill the beans.”

“Meaning gold?” Millie asked.

“Maybe.”

“Elvira is one of those people that you need to be blunt and to the point with,” she said. “It’s possible you’re not being firm enough with her.”

“I guess I’m looking for female input seeing how I’m a little rusty in the relationship department. I was hoping you could give me some tips.”

“I’m with Millie,” Annette said. “You need to be firm but kind.”

“Ditto for me,” Cat said. “Take control of the situation.”

“Firm but suave.” Sharky smoothed his hair back. “I think I can handle it.”

Dee…doo…dum ditty…doo.

“It looks like you can handle it right now.” Millie made a move to head toward the door. “We’ll give you some privacy.”

“If you need moral support, we’ll be in the hall.” Annette followed suit.

Sharky stopped them. “Don’t leave. I might need you as my witnesses to verify I treated her with the utmost respect.”

“Are you sure?” Cat hesitated.

“Positive.” Sharky motioned for his friends to hang tight. He snatched his phone off the desk. “Hello, Elvira.” He promptly put the call on speaker and pressed a finger to his lips.

“Hey, Sharky. Did you get my last text and picture?”

“The one with you holding a pickax? You’re looking good, like maybe you lost a little weight,” he complimented.

Millie winked and gave him a thumbs up.

“Thanks. Yeah.” Elvira cleared her throat. “I’m getting plenty of exercise up here.”

“Where exactly is up here?”

“I might as well let the cat out of the bag. I’m in Whittier.”

He made a choking sound. “Whittier, Alaska?”

“Yep. Remember the television producer I mentioned contacting a while back? He invited me to check out the gold mining operations. I’ve learned a lot.”

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