Page 69 of Love Overboard
“Can you imagine being locked up right next to a dead body?” She shivered. “A horrific price to pay for a few scribbles, but we can’t make exceptions. Young or old, the person responsible will suffer big-time.”
“Too bad. I’d rather spend my vacation at the pool than in the brig.”
“Oh well.” Lacey shook her head. “It’s probably too late for her now.”
“Poor lady.” He copied her head movement and adopted a morose expression.
The girl in line squeaked, “Mom, I don’t need to go anymore.”
Jon watched her out of the corner of his eye.
“I’ll be at the table.” She ducked out of line and pulled the hood of her jacket over her head.
He marveled at Lacey, but she wasn’t finished. She spun as the preteen attempted to pass by, blocking her way.
“Oh, excuse me.” She drilled the preteen with her gaze. “I hope you enjoy your vacation—without any problems.”
“Yeah, thanks,” the girl muttered and scurried away.
The corners of Lacey’s mouth lifted. She stuck her chin out and gave a curt nod at the girl’s retreating back. “I bet she doesn’t use this bathroom for the rest of the cruise.”
Jon shuddered. “You could put frost on an ice cube. Is this how you’re going to be with our ch … cherished younger passengers?” He bit the inside of his lip.
Almost slipped that time.
“Young or old, we have to keep them in line.” Lacey’s eyebrow rose. “And speaking of which …” She walked forward to where Althea and Daisy lingered. “Fancy meeting you two here. How are you ladies doing?”
Daisy’s hands cuddled her petite frame. “I’m afraid I’m feeling indisposed.”
Althea looped her arm around Daisy’s waist, supporting her. “She’s seasick again.”
The suspicious look dropped off Lacey in an instant. “I’m sorry. Can I get you anything, Mrs. Masterson?”
“You wouldn’t happen to have some ground anywhere that doesn’t rock, would you?” Daisy said.
Jon stepped up. “My mother used to suffer from the same problem and spent many an ocean voyage huddled on the bathroom floor. Then a housemaid suggested mixing a dash of green tea with ginger ale, and it worked wonders. Should I have the bartender re-create the concoction?”
Althea jiggled her friend. “Give it a try, baby.”
Daisy gave one regal nod as if she were bestowing an honor on him. “Anything would be better than this Tilt-A-Whirl inside of me.”
“I’ll ask the bartender to mix it and meet you at your table.” Jon placed a hand on Lacey’s shoulder. “If you ladies will excuse us, Lacey and I have to discuss something important.”
Althea giggled. “Don’t mind at all. Discuss away.”
Jon stopped to speak with the bartender about the ginger ale for Daisy, then led Lacey to a deserted balcony outside the dining room.
The wind blew silky strands from her neat, upswept hairstyle, and she tucked them behind her ears. “My break is ending. Tonight, I’m passing out confetti poppers at the evening show. I can imagine the disruptions when impatient—”
“Lacey.” He laid one finger on her lips. “I didn’t invite you out here for stargazing. It’s important.”
She stared at him. “Okay.”
He lowered his finger. Now that he’d gained her attention, he wasn’t sure where to start. “There’s a reason I became cruise director for the MSBuckingham.”
“You mean it wasn’t your overwhelming charm that got you the job?” She quirked her head to the side and grinned.
Jon sucked air between his teeth and scratched his head. “My charisma didn’t hurt.” He grew serious. “But an unhappy circumstance led to the vacancy. I’m here because Dexter Newberg, the former cruise director, drowned.”
