Page 75 of The Cruise

‘I thought you were hooking up with Dicky?’ Jane stopped and, closing her fan, thrust her hands into the pockets of colourful harem trousers.

‘He’s got rehearsals until after lunch, then we’re meeting by the pool bar.’

‘I’m going to put my feet up before I go to the ukulele session,’ Kath said.

But Jane suddenly beamed. Selwyn was walking towards them. ‘I’m going to spend time with my lover,’ she announced.

‘Hello, ladies.’ Selwyn held his arms wide to embrace Jane. He was dressed in swimming shorts, a T-shirt and sliders and a damp towel was draped over his shoulder.

‘Did you enjoy your swim?’ Kath asked.

‘The water was beautiful,’ he replied, staring lovingly into Jane’s eyes.

Jane snuggled in close and kissed Selwyn’s cheek. His skin was warm, and she trailed her fingers over his chest.

‘Look out,’ Anne announced. ‘Here’s Usain Bolt and his trainer.’

Everyone turned to see Harold jogging towards them, wearing the tiniest trunks and trainers. Puffing and panting, he stopped and placed his hands on his hips. He bent double to catch his breath Several metres behind, Nancy rode a motorised scooter. She wore a billowing kaftan and held a stopwatch in her hand.

‘Hello again,’ Nancy said as the scooter stopped and she addressed the group. ‘I was saying to Harold that his run is getting quicker. We both like to keep fit.’

Eyes fell to the scooter, brows raised.

Harold was still catching his breath. ‘Nancy rides when I run,’ he explained.

‘Harold is going to cool off with Armani’s water aerobics. Are any of you going to join him?’ Nancy asked.

But before anyone could reply, they heard footsteps hurrying towards them. It was Diwa, and her face expressed concern. ‘Is Mr Alleyne here?’ she asked.

‘Yes, I’m here.’ Selwyn stepped forward.

‘Bridgette Howarth is asking for you,’ Diwa said. She lowered her voice and touched Selwyn’s arm. ‘She’s in the penthouse suite and wonders if you would join her.’

‘In the penthouse?’ Selwyn questioned.

‘Yes, it is rather urgent.’

‘Shall we come with you?’ Jane gripped Selwyn’s arm.

‘It may be better if Mr Alleyne goes alone,’ Diwa replied.

‘We’ll come, but will wait outside,’ Jane said.

Nancy revved her scooter and was about to follow the group disappearing towards the lifts, but Harold reached out and, turning the key, cut the engine.

‘Settle yourself, Nancy,’ he said. ‘This isn’t a party, we’ll wait down here.’

* * *

Diwa led Selwyn into the Captain’s suite and quietly closed the door. In the lounge, Bridgette sat on a sofa, her head bowed as she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

‘Bridgette?’ Selwyn said and padded softly across the carpet until he came to her side. Crouching down, he took hold of one of her hands. ‘What is it? What has happened?’ Selwyn spoke softly, but already he feared the worst. ‘Is it the Captain?’

‘T-thank you for coming, y-yes,’ Bridgette sobbed. ‘I’m afraid it is.’

Selwyn wasn’t sure how to phrase his next question. He glanced at Diwa, who nodded, then turned back to Bridgette. ‘I’m so sorry,’ Selwyn whispered, accepting the inevitable.

‘I c-came to w-wake him,’ Bridgette’s voice was muffled, ‘but he d-didn’t move, his eyes were closed, and I touched his f-face. It was so cold.’

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