The lift takes me as far as it can, to A-Deck. The cherub standing at this highest leg of the tidal-wave staircase is even chubbier than the ones below. I climb past nobs in their finery toward the Boat Deck. At a half landing, more divine types loiter, including two angels holding in place an elaborate clock that reads 8:40. The afterlife certainly features prominently in the decorating here. But is a vessel in the middle of the ocean really the place to be constantly reminded of death?
A glass dome spanning the ceiling is a dark crown reflecting the light of the chandeliers. On a side table, a golden mermaid offers a clamshell full of fruit, including a pineapple. I’ve seen pineapples in the markets, though I can’t imagine who would eat a prickly thing like that. I sniff it, detecting a scent that is not at all like a pine tree or an apple, but rounder and sugary.
After pocketing an apple, I pass through a lobby where a pianist churns out a melody. At last, a quarter of an hour after leaving Room 14, I reach theTitanic’s summit, the Boat Deck.
The air places blissfully cool hands on my cheeks. Mum’s hands were always cold, and Jamie and I loved holding them in our too-warm ones.
The sky is freckled with stars, more than I’ve seen in all my days put together. And how those stars beckon, fancier than all the jewels in first class. Like clusters of tiaras, strings of pearls, dripping earbobs, all pinned to a swath of dark velvet.
The benches are empty with few people about, most finding better fun inside the ship. Electric lights cast an eerie glow around the smokestacks. The fourth and farthest one does not smoke. Perhaps it is only for show. The Chinese avoid the number four, but Westerners like even numbers.
The lifeboats stand pale and motionless, ghostly cradles held by skeletal arms. Four in each of four corners. I shiver. This deck is full of bad luck, and I bet Fong would steer clear even if he was allowed up here.
A couple tightly joined at the shoulders nod at me as they pass, leaving a trail of the woman’s amber perfume. I stride more purposefully toward the stern, keeping a careful watch for Jamie.
Wooden chocks raise the boats to eye level. A system of hooks and eyelets secures the canvas covers. I peer more closely. The canvas over the third lifeboat has been partially folded back. I slip over to the boat and whisper, “Jamie?”
The ocean gulps and shushes, drowning my voice. “Jamie?” I say more loudly.
A head lifts. “Cats, Val. What are you doing here?”
“Looking for the mast so I can hoist my white flag. Truce, Brother? I won’t try to persuade you to go to New York, and you’ll button it about London.” I hold out my apple.
The right half of his mouth shrugs. “Truce.” He takes the fruit, then scoots over to make room on the floor where he’s seated, a blanket pulled to his chest.
Peeking around to ensure no one’s watching, I hike up myskirt, then haul myself over the edge, unintentionally stepping on his foot before falling in place beside him. He stifles a curse.
I remove my hat and place my head on the bench.
He glances at me. “So where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“You must have skipped the first class.”
“You didn’t.”
“Why not? The room was empty, and it’s already paid for. Plus, I discovered an ally.”
“A what?”
I give him a brief account of my meeting with April Hart, ignoring his groans as I try to put a more confident spin on it.
He blows out a breath that sounds as heavy as a rain barrel.
I sniff. “I’ve sacrificed a lot to be here.” I spent every penny I had for the ticket from London to Southampton.
“I know, Val.”
“Why didn’t you tell your mates about me?”
“They ask too many questions. Bo and Drummer knew about you.”
That rubs a bit of salve on the wound. I haven’t met this Drummer yet, but expect I may soon.
A whiff of pine mingles with the scent of fresh paint. We might be the first people ever to occupy this vessel. “It’s cozy, if a tad bare. Where are the oars?”
“Dunno. Seems crackers to keep them separate from the boats, but no one asked me.”
Or any women, as April Hart might say.
