“What if it was something as simple as a faulty switch or something?” I really have no idea what the hell was on fire, let alone if any switches were involved. I’m just projecting my hope the fire was a freak accident and totally fixable without cutting my time with River short.
“I certainly hope that’s the outcome. However, a faulty switch could be indicative of a bigger problem. Plus the brass will want a full debrief, and I hate to say it, but with a certain guest on board, we’ll be under more scrutiny from—”
“My dad.” I sigh. “I didn’t think of that.”
My dad will absolutely want answers when he finds out something went wrong with me on board. He can be a bit bullish when it comes to my safety. He may not have been there all that often, and his behaviour towards my mum was deplorable, but he has always shown a high-levelof protectiveness over me. Plus, it was him who got me involved with the article, so that will play into his guilt and manifest into something over the top.
“Afraid so. Admiral Carter will want to see you face-to-face. I would if my child was in the same situation.”
“Do you have children?”
“I do not. I have a crew of a thousand to look after, and that’s quite a challenge at the best of times.”
“They’re a good bunch. I’ve interviewed enough to see how passionate they are.”
“We have a reliable and solid crew. I’m proud to lead them.”
“Look, I’m sorry if my dad’s going to be in your face.”
She sends a devastating grin my way, that, pre-River, would have had me melting into a puddle.
“Don’t think anything of it. I’ve dealt with meaner men than your dad.”
“Still,” I begin. “I never wanted to make anyone’s life more difficult.”
“Cleo, your presence on the Queen Elizabeth has been nothing but positive as far as I can tell.”
“Really?”
She smiles and nods. “The crew are excited someone is interested in their stories. You’ve made them feel like a part of something bigger.”
“Bigger than this humongous floating city,” I deadpan, causing her to laugh.
“Yes. They’ll be participating in recruiting the next wave of sailors, who could one day be serving with them. It’s exciting.”
“You have a lot of confidence in this article.” I laugh.
“Ms Carter, I’ve read your work, so I have no doubt the article will be top-notch. The admiral seems very invested in this project, and I’m sure your work will be central to it.”
“Well, I’ll cheers to that then.” I laugh.
I’m back in my cabin when the captain announces we will indeed be returning to Portsmouth. I’m sure there are a ton of other ports the Queen Elizabeth could dock, but noneof them have my dad waiting in them. I’ve already had five messages from him asking me to call him as soon as possible.
I reply with a text of my own, confirming I’m absolutely fine and he needs to let me get on with my job. The last thing I want is for him to be overbearing from hundreds of miles away.
Guilt swirls in my gut as I digest the news. If it weren’t for me being on board, I’m certain the captain would’ve proceeded with the planned training. After all, the whole point of this two-month deployment was to train for emergencies.
Worry also swims around my body as I keep thinking of River, and how we’ll be parting ways far sooner than either of us anticipated. Hell, we’re only just getting to the good stuff—and I’m not referring to the sex, which is delicious. I’m talking about the part where we’re finally admitting this thing between us is more serious than either bargained for. I’ve been excited to still have weeks ahead of us to keep exploring the relationship and each other.
Feeling agitated, I slip my camera around my neck and head out of my room, eager to be on deck. I need some fresh air and some time to get my head on straight.
I pass Grey on the way and the look she gives me sends the hairs on the back of my neck tingling. Ignoringwhatever the hell that was, I make my way to the flight deck and smile as the setting sun hits my face.
I wander around taking photos of the crew, which earn me a few smiles and silly poses. I remembered the captain’s earlier comment about the crew being glad I was there, which made me smile even more. It’s nice to feel this welcome, and I can understand how, even in such a small amount of time, the people on the ship can feel like family.
As I circle back toward the hatch which will take me back to my cabin, I spot River hanging about looking…odd. Her body is almost twitchy, and her eyes scan the area with suspicion.
“Hey,” I call as I approach.
