Wes was glad when the man nodded subtly, assuring him that Edward, at least, would be all right.
And that if the whole thing had been an act and he was still among the suspects...
No. It couldn’t have been an act. Unless the man had pitched himself into the sea and was suicidal, which Wes didn’t believe for a minute. Edward Thompson had nearly drowned; he had stopped breathing.
“So, you children off to enjoy a good dinner tonight?” Edward asked. “A little dancing before heading to your cabin for the evening?”
“Something like that,” Chloe said, grinning at Wes. “Therestaurants on this ship are amazing, all of them, from casual to elegant!”
“Food. Right. That’s what I’m thinking about,” Wes said, arching a brow to Chloe with a smile.
That afforded Edward a great deal of amusement, but he said, “Hey, this cruise line is owned by one of the most excellent restaurant chains in the business. Of course, the food is going to be good. But you two run along now and have fun! You don’t need to spend your time babysitting me. I have Mr. George Garcia. And lately, we’ve been dissectingPride and Prejudiceand we’re having a great time comparing literary classics to books being written for the contemporary commercial field.”
“Books! That’s great to hear,” Wes told him. “I mean, you’re all about computers and—”
Thompson interrupted him with a laugh. “Computers! Don’t you know, you can read books on computers these days, too!”
“Right, of course,” Wes murmured. “Well, I guess we should be getting on with dinner, my love. What say you?” he asked Chloe.
George let out a loud sigh. “I’m here, people, go have fun!”
“Wait!” Edward said suddenly.
“Yes?” Wes asked.
“You—you’re afraid for me!” Edward said, as if he’d truly just made such a realization. “You think that someone...” His voice trailed.
“Edward!” Wes assured him. “Yeah, of course, we’re worried about you. You’re an incredible human being who is offering so much to so many people!”
“It’s because of Jane. Jane Sewell,” Edward murmured.
“Jane Sewell is dead, Edward—”
“But I cared about her. I still can’t believe what happened.I mean, you know, there had been a bigger meeting down in South Florida right before it happened and maybe there’s someone out there who... You think someone may try to kill me, too!” Edward said with great alarm.
“Edward, whatever these two think is irrelevant,” George announced quietly. “They’re just a nice couple checking up on you because they’re grateful for what you’ve done for everyone. And, sir, if you’ve any fears yourself—”
“Oh, yeah! I’ve got fears!” Edward said. “Now... now when I think back! There were so many people on deck, but there was a strange pressure against my back. I leaned forward to let people by behind me and suddenly... suddenly I was sailing overboard! And if it hadn’t been for the two of you...”
“I’m here. Always!” George assured him. “You are my sole concern while we’re on this ship. No matter what people think, no matter what is true and what isn’t, I will let nothing happen to you, I swear it!”
“You’re an amazing nurse, an amazing man!” Chloe said softly.
“George is the best,” Edward assured them. “I feel badly that he doesn’t get to have any fun. I mean, come on, this is a cruise ship! Never met a guy so dedicated.”
“And I’m here for you,” George reminded him.
“But you should get a chance to get some air, out on the deck—” Wes began.
“Tomorrow we will be going to lunch in Montego Bay. We’ll get him off the ship for that, but... Hey, George! You should take a walk, a quick one, go with these young people for a minute—”
“Not leaving you, sir. The sick bay isn’t full, but Dr. Kilbride is off having lunch. Yes, his nurses are here—”
“Hey! I’m here. George, take a walk with Wes,” Chloe said, beaming. “I’m not a doctor, no, but we do think thatEdward is doing fine and you two should take a little walk! It will make your book discussions a little fresher—just like the fresh air!”
Wes glanced at her, managing a grin. It was the right response. But Chloe knew that he was gratified.
Because she knew. She wasn’t sure how she knew, but she did. Wes really wanted to talk to George alone, to find out if anyone else had been in, if George had a new take on anything...
