Page 112 of Hearts Aweigh
Emily set the tip of her cane on each step as she carefully climbed to the stage. “Will it work, Seamus?”
“You can be sure of it.” The sprightly redhead vaulted up beside her and clapped his hands. “People give magicians far too little respect. We can put that tendency to our favor in this instance.”
“You’re a dear to play along.”
“Think nothing of it. I figure I might like having the Shippers owe me a favor.” He wiggled his eyebrows at Gerry. “Especially the tall, beautiful one.”
Gerry turned up her nose, but Emily noted the quick swipe of the woman’s fingers to fix a stray hair. They should do something about poor Seamus. He was funny, clever, and an avid reader. All the qualities their dear bookworm, Gerry, shoulddesire in a man. If they could just get their friend past her ridiculous height prejudice. Everyone deserved a chance at love, no matter their age or stature.
“We brought him!” Althea shouted from the entrance.
She and Daisy propelled Barney over the threshold, their arms linked around his. His shirt was untucked on one side, and bewilderment covered his round face.
“What’s going on?” he squeaked. “I was about to get some shut-eye.”
Emily squinted through the bright light. “Barney, thank heavens you’re here. We need your help.”
His chubby cheeks bunched in a grin. “Anything.”
“Wonderful. I knew I could count on you.”
He and the other two Shippers passed rows of navy-blue couches as they made their way to the front and joined the others onstage. Daisy and Althea released Barney and stood with Gerry on the right side of the red box. Everyone formed a half circle around the magic prop.
Gerry checked her wristwatch. “It’s almost time. I’ll stand guard outside and inform you when he’s coming.”
“When who’s coming?” Barney asked.
Seamus scurried to Gerry’s side. “I’ll come with you, m’darlin’. Wouldn’t want you to encounter the brute alone.”
“What brute?” Barney’s body constricted.
Emily laid a hand on his forearm. “Were you aware”—she lowered her voice—“there’s a blackmailer on board the MSBuckingham?”
His cheerful countenance drooped, and his brow furrowed. “A … a blackmailer?”
She leaned forward. “Some scoundrel has been extorting passengers by threatening to reveal their shameful indiscretions.”
He laughed. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Windsor, but that … that sounds unbelievable.”
“Doesn’t mean it’s not true. We’ve done our research. Someone has been leaving note cards for people. Demanding that they pay five thousand dollars or else he’ll reveal their”—she grimaced—“indiscretions.”
Daisy rubbed her eyes with trembling fingers. “He threatened to make my marital infidelity public.”
“That’s harsh.” Barney picked at the thinning hair on the side of his head. “Who do you think is behind it?”
Emily sniffed. “I don’t have to think. I’m certain. It’s—”
“This plan worries me.” Daisy fanned herself. “Suppose he’s dangerous.”
Althea smacked her lips. “The man’s a blackmailer. Of course he’s dangerous.”
“Who?” Barney asked again.
She grabbed his arm. “Baby, have you got a gun?”
He jerked and tried to shake her off. “A gun?”
“Yes.” She kept a firm hold. “For protection.”
