Page 82 of The Cruise Club

The performance ended with a track familiar to all.

‘Islands in the stream…’ Dolly and Kenny sang the final chorus, encouraging the audience to join in, and as the music faded, they took a bow. To everyone’s delight, confetti cannons erupted, showering the crowd with a cascade of paper petals and colourful streamers.

‘That was brilliant!’ Carmen shouted to Theo above the applause as Dolly and Kenny left the stage.

‘A great evening, shall we find somewhere for a nightcap?’ Theo asked. ‘Perhaps the piano bar,’ he suggested and taking Carmen’s arm, led her out of the Neptune Theatre.

Chapter Thirty-Three

In the dimly lit piano bar, the pianist played familiar jazz tunes, his fingers gliding over the smooth keys of the baby grand, where several passengers sat at tables, their conversations blending gently into the music. Carmen’s heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she entered with Theo, and they looked around for a seat. Settling onto a banquette by a window overlooking the moonlit sea, they chose a cocktail.

‘I’ve never tried an Aperol spritz,’ Carmen said as she studied the menu.

Theo was thoughtful. ‘I’m going to have a limoncello; it’s good for digestion,’ he said and sat back. ‘We’re in Cartagena tomorrow and it’s our last day for sightseeing. Do you know anything about the place?’

‘I know there is a Roman theatre, and guest services have a tour there that includes a tapas trail.’

‘That sounds interesting, although, after the meal tonight, I’m not sure that I can eat another thing for at least twenty-four hours.’

Carmen smiled. ‘Nonsense, the whole point of a cruise is to try foods from different countries, although I realise you’ve been doing that for years.’

‘I’m sure I’ll recover for the farewell dinner tomorrow,’ Theo said.

‘This time tomorrow we’ll be preparing to leave the ship,’ Carmen shifted in her chair, ‘I feel sad that the cruise is ending. Are you flying home when we berth in Malaga?’ she asked.

‘I think I might go back to Greece for a little while,’ Theo mused. ‘I’ve nothing to rush to Ireland for and I rather fancy island hopping for a few weeks.’

‘That’s a great idea and you might find solace in the islands.’

‘I was hoping it might ease the pain of returning again, to the house I shared with Ruari.’ Theo was thoughtful. ‘I’ve been thinking about writing my memoir.’

Carmen beamed. ‘Your fans will welcome an account of your fascinating life.’

‘Perhaps, when you have time, in between setting the Rainbow Sleuth off on any more mysteries, you can help me?’

‘Theo, I’d love to.’

As Carmen spoke, she looked around the bar. Suddenly, she realised with a shock, that Ruskin was sitting in the far corner. For a moment, their eyes met, but she quickly looked away and, reaching for her drink, took a large swallow, her hand wobbling as she placed it down.

‘Are you okay?’ Theo asked. ‘You seem flustered.’

‘Ruskin alert at twelve o’clock,’ Carmen whispered.

‘Ah, I see.’ Theo grinned. ‘But he’s no longer at twelve o’clock. In fact, I think he’s about to join us.’

‘Oh hell,’ Carmen breathed. ‘Don’t leave me alone with him,’ she pleaded.

‘Deep breaths…’ Theo replied. ‘You’ve got this.’

Ruskin had spent the earlier part of the evening in his suite, dining on a light chicken salad and a couple of glasses of Ibizkus white, a wine he’d picked up in Ibiza. He’d enjoyed a happy half-hour FaceTiming his granddaughters, and his face lit up as they chattered about their day, both girls giggling with excitement as he promised to bring them each a gift from his cruise. Though miles apart, seeing the little ones eased the ache of missing them. They were growing up too fast.

Deciding to head to the Neptune Theatre and watch the show, Ruskin was entertained by the dancers and enjoyed the Kenny and Dolly gig. Dicky Delaney, he realised, was a versatile artiste, and Ruskin wasn’t surprised that the all-round entertainer was a popular cruise ship act.

Knowing there was only one more day on the cruise before it sailed for Malaga and everyone departed for their flights home, he thought he’d end his evening with a nightcap and decide on his plans for tomorrow when the ship berthed in Cartagena.

Taking a seat in the piano bar, in the corner he favoured, Ruskin ordered a malt and made himself comfortable. He was contemplating a walk the next day, around the modernist buildings in the city, or maybe a boat tour of the bay, when Theo and Carmen appeared. Ruskin traced hisfingers around the rim of his glass and watched as they took a seat and ordered drinks.

Carmen looked elegant and happy as she sat down and studied a cocktail menu, and Ruskin couldn’t tear his eyes away. For the hundredth time, he asked himself why she’d stopped the mentoring sessions. ‘There’s only one way to find out,’ he muttered, knowing that he must go over and join them and somehow instigate the conversation.

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