Page 74 of Love Overboard
Emily whispered a silent prayer for wisdom. She reached out. After taking one of Lacey’s hands between her own wrinkled fingers, she held on as the poor girl talked.
“Dad doesn’t have a drinking problem. Doesn’t smoke. Never cheated on my mom. You might wonder why I’m so hard on him.”
“You’re exhausted.”
“Yeah.” Lacey laughed bitterly. “Maybe Dad’s illness is catching—not that he’s ever been diagnosed by a doctor. I had a friend in high school with a genuine case of chronic fatigue syndrome. Poor Leah fought to live a normal life. She struggled to keep up in classes and refused to let CFS beat her. But when Dad heard her symptoms”—Lacey rolled her eyes as she shut her lids—“he immediately decided it must be the ailment he had. It was the perfect excuse to keep him from applying for any more jobs. Whenever inconvenient responsibilities arose that he didn’t want to deal with, he had anotherattack.” She yanked her hand from Emily’s.
“What made him that way?”
Lacey snorted. “I have no idea. Some people are just born lazy.” She scrubbed her sleeve over her face, wiping away the traces of her tears. “At least the cruise ends tomorrow. He’ll go home, and I can have peace again.”
Emily studied the disillusioned girl in front of her. She doubted any distance between Lacey and her father would bring complete peace. But this wasn’t the time to mention it. Let her believe whatever gave her relief.
For now.
CHAPTER 33
JON GRABBED A HANDFUL OFvelvet-soft rose petals and spread them around the polished floor of Cloud Nine, the most exclusive dining venue on the ship. It was an intimate location at the top of everything, far away from the noise and bustle below. Plush red benches lined the circular outdoor deck, and a table for two sat in the center. The staff had created a twinkle-light wonderland complete with a sideboard buffet of the most luxurious dishes in the chef’s repertoire. What would his sensible Lacey’s reaction be? Delight or disdain?
“You shouldn’t have.” Collins’s voice intruded.
Jon sprinkled the remaining petals on the floor. “This isn’t for you.”
“Kinda figured.” He plopped on a cushy bench and rested his arms on its back. “So what’s the big news?”
“I got an email from corporate about thirty minutes ago.” Jon straightened and brushed off his hands. “The authorities found another stash of cocaine on one of our ships—the MSRoyal. While it was in the Bermuda port, police arrested a crew member making a deal on the street. They came aboard with the dogs and found more in his cabin locker.”
“What did your bosses say?” Collins leaned forward on his seat.
“They were happy they kept this one out of the news and hope the arrested worker will disclose the whole operation.”
“He probably doesn’t know much. Drug mules do what they’re told for the cash.”
“I’m afraid you’re right.”
“But this arrest might make the smuggling ring switch to a different cruise line, once they realize you’re onto them.”
“Does it sound terrible to say I hope so?” Jon gave a rueful smile. “I want these guys caught, but I also want them far away from Monarch.”
“Perfectly normal.” Collins eyed the fancy spread. “Throwing a little party to celebrate?”
“Not exactly.” Jon grinned. “But I figured one night off wasn’t too much to ask for.”
Lacey admired the bouquet of deep-purple orchids as she climbed the stairs to deliver the flowers to Cloud Nine. Was the couple already there? Lacey hoped she wouldn’t be intruding. She reached the top and knocked on the door before grasping the knob. It swung open, and she stumbled forward. A strong pair of arms caught her.
“Jon!” She sounded too excited even to her own ears.
“Falling for me?” He tugged on a wisp of hair at her ear.
Lacey noted he was out of uniform, wearing a crisp white shirt that stretched across his wide shoulders, along with black trousers and shiny dress shoes. She struggled to remember why she was there. “Oh, the flowers.”
She checked to ensure the orchids weren’t crushed. Fluffing the petals with her fingers, she surveyed Cloud Nine.
Table set. Buffet prepared. Chopin drifting through the sound system. Flawless.
Jon took the bouquet and wandered away.
She did one last spot check. “What time does the couple get here?”
