Page 44 of Too Far To Sea
“Depends on the cruise. European cruises the time difference makes my late night call the right time for bed. Caribbean cruses not so much. My sister uses me for a go to bed bribe. If I can’t because of work, I message her early enough. So, what is your long story?”
“Not that long, really. I asked my mom if she’d check in on Amy-Kate and of course Shelia said no. I don’t think she realizes forcing me to stay onboard to care for her also punishes Cheyanne.”
“I’m sorry you couldn’t go. On the bright side, no hangover tomorrow.”
“I don’t drink. But I wanted to be with my sister and make sure nothing goes wrong. In a group, they aren’t likely to be targeted, but...”
“You’ve seen things?”
“Pretty much.”
“Then you don’t drink so you can be her bodyguard?”
“If only it were that easy.” Dana’s laugh carried a dark tone. “I can’t drink even if I wanted to. I learned in college, to my embarrassment, the second alcohol hits my tongue, my gag reflex takes over. My dad thinks it is psychosomatic.”
McKay searched for a definition of the word and hoped his face didn’t betray his lack of vocabulary.
“When I was about three my Dad was deployed. Mom threw a party. Next morning I woke up, and she was still asleep. I was thirsty and found what I thought was fruit punch like they had at daycare. It wasn’t. I threw up everywhere. Mom and her friend, the ‘daddy’ I didn’t like, were so mad at me.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“Nope. Every time I smelled drinks after that, I lost my lunch, dinner, or whatever. I was about ten when Dad put it all together. It played a role in him finally getting full custody of me.I grew out of the smelling it and reacting phase, but last time I checked, I still can’t drink. Which isn’t a bad thing.”
“I agree to that. I don’t drink onboard because I always want to be alert. On my months off, I may drink a toast at a wedding or something, but not much more.”
“Good to know.”
“What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Find Cheyanne. And have a low-key day sightseeing. Late lunch with her fiancé and likely, her parents.”
McKay’s phone vibrated.
Alvaro: Watching them come from different directions toward the meeting spot. Go down. Send your friend to her room first.
They must have located him talking to Dana on CCTV.
McKay: On my way.
Alvaro: Her first.
Orders were orders. “I need to go. May I escort you down?”
Dana hesitated for a moment before answering, “Sure. That sounds nice.” She stood up and grabbed her phone.
They walked together in comfortable silence to the elevator, only passing one person. When the elevator doors opened, McKay placed his hand in the center of Dana’s back to guide her in. She blushed. He dropped his hand. She stepped away.
McKay took a step back. “Sorry. I shouldn’t?—”
Dana eyed the mirrored elevator ceiling. “The camera is hidden well.”
The doors slid open at her deck and they stepped off. Dana held up her hand. “This is as far as you go. I don’t want you getting into trouble for fraternizing with passengers.”
“I wish I could.”
Her eyes widened. She turned and walked a couple of steps before looking back. “Goodnight McKay. I wish you could too.”
She turned into the corridor, leaving McKay momentarily rooted to the spot. Remembering his duty, he turned into the opposite corridor and entered the crew door. He hoped this worked—he couldn’t send Dana to do this again.
