Page 32 of Waylaid in Whittier

Patterson snatched the duct tape off the table. “What in the world did you plan to do with this?”

Sharky shrugged. “It’s a versatile, multi-purpose tool used for a variety of purposes.”

“As I said before, you know the rules,” Patterson lectured. “I could throw all these items in the trash.”

“It’s Siren of the Seas’ property. I’m not sure you want to do that.”

Patterson placed a light hand on the back of his neck, and Millie figured he was silently counting to ten. “I’m going to let it slide, but you need to promise me you won’t leave the ship again with company property.”

“Not even one more time when Millie and I head back out?”

She held her breath at the thunderous expression on Patterson’s face. “Not even one more time,” he gritted out. “If you do, I’ll write you up.”

“Fine.” Sharky began placing the items back inside. “I doubt we’ll need vice grips or the hacksaw, anyway. But I am okay with the duct tape, right? I mean, it’s not a weapon.”

“I have to agree,” Millie chimed in. “Duct tape isn’t on the contraband list.”

“Fine. Take the duct tape,” Patterson said. “But leave the rest here.”

“Aye, aye.” Sharky shoved the water back in the bag and snapped to attention, giving him a mock salute. “Your wish is my command.”

“Don’t press your luck.” Patterson strode off, looking back once before he stepped into an elevator.

Sharky waited until the doors closed. He swiped his hand across his forehead. “I have to say, it was touch and go there for a moment.”

“I wouldn’t risk it,” Millie warned. “Something tells me if you get flagged again, he’ll keep his promise.”

“No doubt.” Sharky slung the backpack over his shoulder. “See you at quarter past.”

“See you then.” To save time, Millie made a beeline for the center set of stairs, a straight climb to the atrium where Danielle told her she would be waiting. She made it with two minutes to spare before the tour was scheduled to start.

Danielle spotted her. She gave Millie a quick wave and hurried over. “Thank you for getting back here so fast.”

“You’re welcome. What’s going on? I thought the new passenger’s embarkation went off without a hitch.”

“It has until a few minutes ago. The leader of the cruise group who booked the behind-the-scenes tour isn’t happy.”

Millie frowned. “Not happy about what?”

“Here he comes now.” Danielle grew silent, waiting for the man to approach. “Hello, Mr. Zevron. I would like to introduce you to Millie Armati, our cruise director.”

“So good of you to deem our group worthy of your time,” he said sarcastically.

Millie, in no mood for rudeness, snapped back. “Every passenger on board this ship is worthy of my time. You are the reason I’m here.”

“It seems you may have forgotten that, at least momentarily,” he replied.

“I haven’t forgotten anything.” Millie forced a smile. “My job is to ensure each and every one of the people on board this ship has fun, enjoys their vacation and loves it so much they can’t wait to cruise with us again.”

“You’ve got your work cut out to convince me.”

“Please explain to me exactly what is making you so unhappy.”

“I signed our group up for a behind-the-scenes tour,” Zevron explained. “Specifically requesting at the time I made the reservation that you be the guide.”

“An emergency came up.” Millie motioned to Danielle. “Danielle has done dozens, if not hundreds, of tours. She knows this ship inside and out. Rest assured your tour will be topnotch.”

“As I’m sure you’re aware, these tours aren’t cheap. We requested and expected you.”

---