Page 26 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“Stopped working?” Millie scooted around the desk for a closer inspection. It was identical to the ones used at the specialty coffee shop.
“Yesterday. The light won’t come on. It makes a gurgling sound, but nothing comes out.”
“I know someone who can fix it. Sharky Kiveski, our maintenance supervisor. He can fix almost anything.”
“It appears to be fairly new.” Pastor Haakenson rummaged around in the cabinet. “The box is here somewhere. There it is.” He set the coffee machine inside. “I planned to turn in a repair ticket, but if you’re able to cut through the red tape and get it fixed faster, I would greatly appreciate it.”
“I’ll be happy to try to help. The coffee at the buffet is okay, but these fancy machines make a much better cup.” Millie placed it off to the side, noticing his credenza was empty. A box filled with photos and mementos sat on the floor. “You haven’t unpacked yet?”
“No, I…” His voice faded.
Millie tilted her head, studying the pastor’s face. Her heart plummeted when she realized his eyes were red, as if he’d been crying. “Are you okay?”
“Honestly, I’m still struggling,” he confessed. “I appreciate your words of encouragement, and I’ve been trying hard to adjust, but I’m not sure how much longer I need to give it before…”
The pastor was a nice man. He even prayed with Millie after she found out one of her grandchildren had been involved in a minor accident. He had called her later to check in, showing concern and compassion.
“Packing it in and heading back home?”
“I’m beginning to think I’m not cut out for life on the high seas,” he admitted. “You mentioned it took time for you to feel like you fit in.”
“Close to a year. I can’t tell you what to do because not every situation is the same, but if you want my advice, you need to give it at least six months. Is it missing family or something else, if you don’t mind me asking?”
He removed a framed photo from the box and handed it to her. “This is my wife, Shirley. She passed away last year.”
Sudden tears burned the back of Millie’s eyes. “And you’re still grieving.”
He nodded. “We were married for thirty years. After her death, the house was so empty. I saw the ad for the pastoral position and figured God was trying to shake things up. I thought I was making the right decision, but now I’m not so sure.”
“It’s a big move,” Millie said softly.
“The biggest I’ve ever made. Sundays are the highlight. I’ve met several of the regulars who attend the Sunday service, but during the rest of the week I sit here by myself, twiddling my thumbs trying to figure out how to fit in.”
Her gaze shifted from Pastor Haakenson’s face to the coffee machine sitting in the box. “I was in a similar situation after my husband and I divorced. I saw an ad for assistant cruise director. Like you, thepieces seemed to fall into place. I also had a shaky start. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.”
A glimmer of hope filled the pastor’s eyes. “Fixing the coffee machine so I can offer visitors a drink would be a start.”
An idea began to form in the back of Millie’s mind—a way to help Pastor Haakenson meet people and make new friends. “We’re going to get you into the swing of things,” she vowed. “Starting right now.”
Chapter 11
“Where are you taking me?” Pastor Haakenson hurried to keep up with Millie’s fast pace.
“To one of the most exciting areas of the ship,” she joked.
Reaching deck zero, they made a sharp left and continued down the long hall.
“The recycling center?”
“Close. You would be surprised if you knew what went on behind the scenes and the excitement that takes place down here. The maintenance department, recycling center. We’re not far from the security department, not to mention the holding cells.”
“Ah. I remember touring this deck during my orientation,” he said. “I haven’t been back since.Part of my job requires counseling, not only for crewmembers but for passengers who might need someone to talk to, including those who find themselves behind bars.”
“Which could be a good thing…you steering clear of this deck, I mean,” Millie said. “Having to meet with the head of securityorthe head of the maintenance department on any given day is a sign of trouble.”
Reaching the maintenance office, Millie noticed the lights were on and the door ajar. Peeking her head around the corner, she found Sharky standing off to the side, his radio in hand.
He gave her a quick nod and continued his conversation. “The Quadski is sitting on the ramp, ready to head out at a moment’s notice.”
