Hardwick glanced at the clock. Six A.M. I may as well get up, he thought. It’s going to be an interesting day. And the weather was even supposed to cooperate. A good omen. Overcast skies were predicted for tonight. As he turned on the shower, the smell of heavily chlorinated water stung his nostrils. How can people who work on this ship stand bathing in this water week in and week out? he thought. The steward. Let’s hope he won’t try to get in the way tonight. By one o’clock in the morning he’d hopefully be passed out at his station, anesthetized by Dr. Jack Daniels. I’ll get past him, do my business and come back down here and wait. For land, freedom and the big payment.

Chapter 48

FOR SOME REASON, I’m jumpy today and worried about Veronica, Regan thought as she and Veronica dressed. They had slept later than usual. Regan had finally fallen asleep after 5 A.M. and Veronica’s perpetual state of motion was beginning to catch up with her. She had decided to skip the Sit-and-Be-Fit class.

“It’s all right, Regan,” Veronica proclaimed. “I really do feel quite well. Today will be a good day for relaxing, regrouping, saying good-bye to our new friends and preparing for the second part of my adventure, which begins tomorrow.”

“What, no seminars at all?” Regan asked.

“I really don’t think I need to hear about financial planning again. Philip has someone taking care of all that for me. As for the psychic, well, I’d rather have a personal session with one in New York. I hear there are several good ones who work in restaurants. They come around to your table. I’ll have to bring my nieces.” Veronica sat down to the breakfast tray. “I’m so glad we decided to order room service today. And after this we can take it easy down on the Lido Deck, as we did the other afternoon.”

“That’s a good idea,” Regan said. There was a knock. She put down her own coffee cup. “Now who might that be?” she asked as she went to open the door.

A nervous-looking Gabby Gavin stood in front of her. “Is everything all right?” he asked. “I was worried when Lady Exner didn’t show up for exercise class this morning.”

“Yes, yes, everything’s fine,” Veronica called from the living room. “Today is a day to unwind. Come in, Mr. Gray.”

As he walked past her Regan thought he seemed to have aged in the last couple of days.

“I’d like to escort you to all the activities today, Lady Exner. It’s such a pleasure being in your company, and this is our last day. Regan, maybe you’d like to be on your own.”

“Thank you, Gavin, but today Veronica and I are just going to relax down on the Lido Deck. Right, Veronica?”