Page 13 of The Situation Ship
“Yes, we’re coming. I’m so sorry for the delay.”
She looked over her shoulder as she boarded to see Joshua enter the car. Isaiah glanced at her, and Poppy realised he probably thought she was heartbroken about being dumped. If only he knew. Without Joshua, there was nothing to fear onboard, and the prospect of a holiday to reset was even more appealing.
Her ego faltered at being dumped in front of a crowd, but it was better than being killed.
Following Poppy on board, Isaiah found it hard to picture the petite five-foot-something killing anyone. Then again, looks could be deceiving. If beauty could lure a man to his death, then her deep blue eyes would sink him deep beneath the surface before he even realised he was drowning.
He admired her composure, considering that her boyfriend had brutally dumped her only minutes ago. No doubt a life spent in the limelight meant she had an excellent poker face.
“Welcome to theMidas. My name is Patrice, and I’ll be your personal butler for your time onboard. If you would please follow me, I’ll escort you to your suite,” said the woman in a perfectly pressed navy uniform, smiling brightly. Isaiah appreciated how she ignored the scene she had just witnessed.
It was easy to be distracted by the ship’s interior. He admired the dark wooden floors, marble beams connecting each level,and the faint scent of jasmine that greeted every guest who boarded. He could see why it was called theMidas, with its golden chandeliers, wooden finishes, and plush carpets. The ship’s opulence was overwhelming, making him wonder about the kind of people who could afford such luxury.
He deftly stepped aside to avoid a porter pushing a gold trolley filled with designer luggage. Following the porter was a woman decked out in an overwhelming amount of jewels, a tiny dog tucked under her arm. He noted that all the staff wore the same navy uniform with a gold trident embroidered on the breast pocket.
“Sir? If you’d please follow us,” Patrice called. Isaiah frowned, realising he had missed what she said.
“Sorry, I was taking in all the extravagance,” he replied, returning to reality.
“No apologies needed. TheMidastends to make most first-timers speechless,” Patrice said, walking around a desk in the heart of the foyer, which was cluttered with guests. “Please take these smartwatches and always keep them on your person. They act as your room keys and track your purchases. You can book restaurants, spas, and everything you’ll need while on board, since we don’t allow money or phones.”
“You want us to give up our phones?” Isaiah asked.
“Given the exclusivity of our clientele, we are required to guarantee absolute privacy and relaxation while on board. If you need to make a call, you can use the phone in your room or come to the front desk here, and we will accommodate any need you may have.” Patrice outstretched her hand for their devices. All three of them hesitated. “Don’t worry; they will be secured in your private safe and returned to you when we reach the end of our voyage at the Isle of Tranquillity.”
“Two weeks of no doom-scrolling sounds good.” Mina shrugged, exchanging her phone for the watch. Poppy and Isaiahfollowed her lead, and he watched as their devices were secured in one of the many small safes behind the desk.
Patrice beamed. “I’ll take you down to your suite.” She guided them to a glass lift with gold doors, listing the ship’s amenities as they went. Isaiah pretended not to notice Poppy sneaking glances at him as the lift descended to the third floor.
“Thank you for what you did out there,” she said to him suddenly, while Mina chatted to Patrice. “Joshua has always had a flair for the dramatic. You helped de-escalate the situation before we became the laughing stock of the whole ship.” She didn’t say it as bitterly as he’d expected.
“No need to thank me; it’s my job to help you however I can. Even if that wasn’t the case, no man should ever put his hands on a woman.”
“I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of that in your line of work, but I wasn’t expecting it from my boyfriend,” Poppy said, remaining by his side while the others walked ahead.
“More than I would like. In my experience, those closest to us inflict the most damage.”
There was a flash of something in her expression: sorrow and guilt. She promptly concealed it with a small smile.
“Are we below sea level?” she called down the narrow hallway to Patrice.
“Yes, all our finest suites are below sea level– and thanks to our state-of-the-art lighting, you’ll have a sea view,” Patrice said.
The idea of sleeping underwater wasn’t too comforting; Isaiah didn’t want to wake up to find a Great White staring at him through the window.He also would have preferred something closer to the lift, but the access door to the emergency stairs opposite their rooms would do nicely if they needed to escape quickly from any danger on board.
“Mina and Isaiah, both of your rooms adjoin Ms Roe’s suite, and your watches will give you access to all three rooms. It’sprotocol for those with security,” Patrice said. “All you have to do is place your hand on the handle, and it should open.” She demonstrated, and they followed her inside. “Mr Eckells has arranged the Empress suite for you – our best. The large floor-to-ceiling glass window allows for breathtaking views once we enter clear waters. Your bags have been placed in your allocated rooms.” Patrice indicated the pile of Poppy’s bags by a wardrobe.I don’t know why one person needs so much luggage for two weeks at sea.Still, Isaiah was relieved the staff hadn’t unpacked for them. He didn’t want anyone to find the case files or gun in his suitcase.
He inspected his room, relieved to find it was closest to Poppy’s and the emergency exit. It wouldn’t be hard if he needed to get to her in a hurry.
“If you need any assistance, please ask for me when you dial the main desk. I’m here to cater to all your needs,” Patrice said before leaving them.
“Thank you for your help; we’ll let you know if we need anything,” Poppy said, walking her to the door.
“This suite is insane. The bathroom is bigger than my apartment. Do you know the sink is real gold?” Mina exclaimed, sliding over the back of the cream couch and hugging a shell-shaped cushion to her chest.
“I’m not surprised. I don’t think any expense has been spared,” Poppy chuckled, picking up a bottle of chilled champagne from the dining table. “How about a glass to celebrate the start of our journey? And cheers to new friends,” she added.
Mina handed her three champagne flutes from the bar by the door to her room. Poppy popped the bottle of champagne between her thighs –clearly not her first time – and started to pour.
