Page 115 of Hearts Aweigh
“Hey”—Althea propped her hands on her hips—“you’re talking about my grandson’s birthday present.”
Daisy patted her roommate’s arm. “I’m sure he’ll love it.”
Emily continued. “You also mentioned the black color of the envelopes, which I didn’t specify. Another unintentional slip.”
The beads of sweat on Barney’s forehead grew more pronounced. “I … I … uh …”
“And the most conclusive proof, why would an honest man delete evidence?”
Adrian’s muscular arms crossed in front of his barrel-like chest. “I don’t see why this skit was necessary. We’ve already searched his room and found the blackmail stationery.”
“But a confession cinches the noose tighter.” Gerry stacked her fists and clinched them together.
Barney cringed. He shouldered his way out of the Shippers’ circle. “I-it was just a few times, Sarge. Really. And I never asked for much.”
Everson’s stony appearance matched the granite in his gaze. “You’re a disgrace, Bosko.”
Emily elbowed Gerry. “Get your notebook ready. I’ve got a feeling this guy’s toast.”
CHAPTER 56
SPENCER WISHED YET AGAIN HISmother would use the cell phone he’d purchased. How long would it take to locate her on this floating city? Despite their uneasy history, he didn’t want Daisy to suffer. If someone was threatening to reveal salacious details from her past, it was his job as her son to protect her.
He entered the art gallery and wound his way around the stand-alone displays. Althea had tipped him off that he might find Daisy here. He spotted her staring at a somewhat decent copy of an impressionist painting.
As he approached, she greeted him with a hopeful smile. “Were you looking for me?”
“I was.” His stomach curdled at discussing his mother’s affair again, but it had to be done. “I wanted to address the blackmail problem. When we get back to Galveston, I plan to hire a private detective.”
“That’s kind but unnecessary.” She turned to the painting. “We caught him last night.”
“What? You caught him? How?”
Her voice held a triumphant note. “Don’t underestimate the Shippers. We discovered that a member of the security team was spying on people through the surveillance cameras. He iscurrently in the ship’s brig and will be surrendered to the police once we reach port.”
Spencer ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“How about ‘nice work’?” Although her tone was teasing, her eyes remained guarded.
He lowered his arm. “Nice work, Dai—I mean, nice work, Mom. I’m relieved the man’s been apprehended and you’re safe.”
She relaxed. “Thank you, Spencer. Would”—she toyed with the timepiece hanging from her neck—“would you care to take a stroll?”
He inclined his head. “Yes, thank you.”
They walked side by side to the exit. A balmy breeze met them at the door. The pedestrian traffic grew lighter the farther they walked down the deck. He and Daisy stopped by a railing and stood in silence. Spencer balked at dredging up the past. But something inside his spirit, or perhaps he should say Someone, urged him to be open. Unbidden, the strains of an old song entered his thoughts.
“Do you have a favorite hymn?” he asked.
“Hymn?” Daisy turned. “It may sound unoriginal, but I’ve always been partial to ‘Amazing Grace.’” Her head tilted. “Why do you ask?”
He ran a hand along the railing. “When I was a little boy, hymns seemed stuffy and outdated, but I’ve recently found comfort in the old songs. Especially ‘Just as I Am.’”
His mother sang the first line in a sweet, airy soprano.“Just as I am, without one plea.”She chuckled. “Do you think it appeals to you because of the legal-sounding language?”
“It could be.” Spencer laughed. “But there’s another reason.” He drew a bracing breath of salty air into his lungs. “For so many years, I strived to achieve that elusive image of perfection, and I always fell short. But when I came to God, I realized he takes me just as I am.”
Daisy laid a quivering hand over his. “It’s all my fault. I should have tried harder to protect you.” She wiped her eyes. “I’m so sorry. But I know it’s not enough.”
