Page 42 of The Cruise Club

‘But it’s art!’ Venetia had exclaimed as the press got holdof the story, and Ruskin suffered intense embarrassment when Venetia was ordered by the council to take it all down.

Ruskin glanced at his watch, and as the pianist played his final tune for the evening, he decided to go to his suite. He’d have a nightcap and rid his mind of women. His notes needed contemplation as he planned Detective Inspector Blake’s escapades while visiting Crete the following day.

Romance, Ruskin vowed as he left the bar, must be the last thing on his mind.

Chapter Eighteen

As dawn broke over the town of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete, a soft mysterious mist slowly rose over the turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay and sun-bleached buildings, many with blue-domed roofs, emerged in the morning light. Awnings of tavernas lining the street were a vibrant splash of colour, fluttering in a breeze that carried the rich scent of wild thyme across the decks of theDiamond Star, now docked at the harbour. The town was slowly waking, and fishermen wrestling with nets set sail as their boats chugged gently to the Aegean Sea.

Leaning on the railing of their balcony, Fran and Sid savoured the moment, as they stared at the craggy mountain summits, softened by the light and standing protectively beyond the town.

‘It feels like the place is welcoming us,’ Fran said, her silk kimono flapping in the warm wind as she watched the palm trees sway along the quay. ‘As though it’s inviting us to enjoy this special place.’

‘I could get used to this life,’ Sid nodded, ‘there’s somethingdreamlike about waking up to a different destination every day.’

‘Exactly,’ Fran agreed, ‘cruising is so relaxing with no rush or stress.’

Sid placed his arm around Fran’s shoulder. ‘Standing on this balcony, soaking it all up, feels like time is slowing down.’

‘Aren’t we lucky…’ Fran turned to Sid, her eyes softening. ‘Some folk our age never experience anything like this,’ she said. ‘Growing older can feel like watching your life shrink, when health and mobility go… But here we both are, and fortunately fighting fit.’

Sid gazed at the mountains. ‘Aye, seeing the remaining years grow shorter is a reality check. Makes you realise what’s important before it all fades away.’

‘You are what matters to me, my precious.’ Fran smiled at Sid.

‘Ah, my Blackpool Belle, as the song says, “You to me are everything.”’

‘Oh, now don’t get all soppy.’ Fran held Sid’s face and pulled him into a tender kiss.

As the sun warmed their skin, the couple closed their eyes, lost in the moment’s happiness. Coming up for air and pulling away, Sid said, ‘This cruise has made all the hard graft at the restaurant worthwhile. We should do this every year.’

‘For as long as we can,’ Fran agreed as she sat down. ‘So, what’s the plan for today?’

Sid picked up theDiamond Star Daily News, which earlier, had been tucked under their cabin door. Adjustinghis spectacles, he scanned the list of activities. ‘Well,’ he began, ‘there’s several excursions, including a trip to a local market selling artisan goods, wines and olive oil. We could have a wander and see what catches our eye.’

‘I think I did my fair share of shopping yesterday,’ Fran replied, thinking of the hours spent with Carmen as they revamped her entire wardrobe.

Sid lowered the paper. ‘How about a stroll around Lake Voulismeni? It’s in the heart of the town. We could brush up on the area’s history, then stop for a coffee at one of the lakeside cafés.’

‘That sounds more like it,’ Fran agreed. She fished a bottle of pearly pink varnish from a pocket and, resting her foot on Sid’s knee, began to paint her toenails.

‘Or there’s a museum or a monastery?’

‘No thanks.’

‘All right, you don’t fancy those, but there’s a boat trip to Spinalonga Island that includes a walking tour. It used to be a leper colony.’

Fran winced. ‘Oh, those poor people,’ she said softly, ‘what a terrible disease. Thank goodness there’s a cure now.’

‘If you don’t want to do that, we could always go to the beach and have a go at water sports,’ Sid grinned. ‘Do you fancy a spin on a jet-ski?’

‘Now, that sounds like fun!’ Fran sat back to admire her nails, ‘I could top up my tan too.’

‘I’d like to try snorkelling.’ Sid was warming to the idea. ‘I suggest we have breakfast before we set off.’ He folded theDiamond Star Daily News. ‘Pack your towel and tanning cream, and let’s get cracking.’

‘Another free excursion – I’m so glad we’re members of The Cruise Club,’ he said and as Fran stood, he reached out, playfully patting her behind.

Fran giggled and slapped Sid’s hand. ‘Behave yourself, Sidney Cartwright,’ she grinned before disappearing into their room, her kimono fluttering behind her.

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