Page 26 of Murder on the SS Leviathan
When he kissed her like this, he was the only lover she needed. He made her believe that she was everything to him. Pressed close, their shared heat warmed them, but the mist brought with it chiller air.
Maud shivered.
‘We’ve lingered too long.’ Henry frowned, looking through the mist that now surrounded them.
He led her towards the stairs which would return them to the upper deck. Only when they’d reached the top did Maud recall that she’d left her evening bag on the seat below.
‘Wait here.’ A moment later, Henry had disappeared into the veil of white.
She heard his steps, running down, then it was quiet.
From the cabins ranged behind there was no light, nor sound.
How strange the fog was, deadening all around her.
Even the sea seemed far off, the rhythm of the waves against the boat hushed.
‘Henry?’ she called softly from the top of the stairs, peering downwards. The air plumed from her mouth before dissipating in the mist.
She felt the warmth of the stranger’s breath on the nape of her neck before the shove which sent her tumbling.
Her velvet evening cape swaddled her as she rolled, swathing against the hard steps bumping hip and elbow.
At the bottom, she came to rest; motionless, sheathed.
She couldn’t feel anything at all, but for a bitter cramp deep inside.
