Page 15 of The Situation Ship
An awkward silence drifted over them, only breaking when the ship’s horn sounded.
“Too late to back out now,” she said as theMidasstarted to move. “Since we’ve got the pleasantries out of the way and you’ve refused to leave my service, could you give me some privacy? I want to change.” She started unzipping the side of her dress.
Isaiah barely had time to turn around before it hit the floor.She was testing him, trying to make him uncomfortable– or checking to see if he would make an advance on her. He’d never cross the line. She was a suspect or, at the very least, a potential witness to multiple homicides.
“I’ll leave you to it.” He opened the door to the adjoining room. It was far larger than he needed, and the crisp white sheets looked all too inviting, even if the never-ending darknessof the ocean made his stomach tighten. Seasickness? He’d never been on a boat, so it hadn’t occurred to him that he would get seasick.
To distract himself from the dark waters, Isaiah grabbed a small jewellery box from his bag on his bed. Holding his insurance policy, he knocked on Poppy’s door.
“Come in, I’m decent,” she called.
He found her wearing a white robe as she went through the exceptionally organised open suitcases on her bed.Either she has a type-A personality, or she hires someone who does.
“I have something for you,” he said.
“What’s that?” Poppy asked, eying the box like it might contain some lethal weapon.
“Since you would prefer I keep my distance, I’m here to offer you a deal.” He opened the box, which contained a silver anchor charm.
“Pretty. Do you buy all your clients gifts?” He could have sworn he saw a smile flirt with the corner of her lips.
He couldn’t resist. “Only the pretty ones.”
Poppy rolled her eyes.
“It’s for your charm bracelet. Mina told Eckells that you never take it off, so I had this made,” he explained.
“Why do I get the feeling it’s not just a charm?” Poppy looked at the dangling charms already on her wrist.
“This anchor will keep me apprised of your location at all times while we’re on board,” he explained, taking out the phone that Levi had given him. “Since they don’t allow phones, this is the best I could do.”
“You want to tag me like a dog?” she asked, staring at him through her long lashes.
“I’ll only check it if there’s an emergency. With this, I can give you all the freedom in the world while still ensuring your safety,” he reasoned, glad he’d asked Levi for the tracker. Sailing intointernational waters with a potential killer was new for him, and he wanted to make sure he didn’t lose track of her.
“If I say no?” Poppy crossed her arms over her chest.
“Then we’ll be best friends by the time we arrive at the island off the coast of Greece in the next fortnight, because I’ll never be further than fifteen feet from you.”
With a grumble, Poppy offered him her wrist, and he tried to shake off a smile. She could take it off anytime – but why would she, if she had nothing to hide?
“Beautiful,” he said, adding the charm. “You wouldn’t even know it’s there.”
“I’ll know,” she said under her breath.
Isaiah’s hand lingered on hers a little longer than necessary. He was surprised she didn’t snatch it away. He was trying to earn her trust, but maybe for her it was another mind game.
“I’m unpacked and ready to relax. Am I interrupting?” Mina asked, lingering in the doorway.
“Not at all. I was just about to ask you if you could give me a hand. I think I’ve overpacked,” Poppy said, fidgeting with her bracelet.
“I’ll leave you to get unpacked and settled. Call if you need me. I’m only a door away.” Isaiah didn’t want to crowd them. He knew they probably wouldn’t talk freely with him there, but as soon as he left the room, he pricked up his ears.
“What happened with Joshua? Why did he leave at the dock? Doesn’t this change everything?” Mina asked.
“Hush! He could be listening,” Poppy whispered, not quietly enough. “Let’s go into the hall.”
Isaiah rushed to get his door on the latch to make out what they were saying without them hearing him open it.
