“And that’s being incredibly useful!” Chloe said.
“Well, it’s one way!”
“An important way. Not everyone has the resources to help others and you do and that’s wonderful!”
“Thanks. And now we’re here and I’m learning more and more about how to provide for my own safety! You wouldn’t believe how many jerks are out there in the world!” Gina told her seriously, shaking her head in wonder.
“I can only imagine,” Chloe told her.
Oh, yeah, she could imagine. She’d met enough “jerks.” Hers just tended to be criminal and homicidal.
But she imagined that someone as lovely and popular as Gina might have problems—and need all the cybersecurity she might learn about on the voyage.
“Hey, Broderick, brought you a bourbon!” Daniel said, walking toward the table ahead of them.
“Thanks,” Broderick said, rising, as did the man with whom he’d been speaking. “Jonas Milton, you’ve met Gina, this young lady—” he began, indicating Chloe.
“I know who this is! The incredible Chloe Douglas!” the man introduced to her as Milton said. “I think everyone aboard this ship knows who you are—and your husband, of course!” he added, nodding toward Wes as he came to join them at the table.
“Hello, sir!” Wes said, setting the beers down and shaking the man’s hand.
“Enough business!” Broderick murmured. “You know where to find me at all times, Jonas. I think we should get on to the menu tonight! What’s everyone in the mood for? Casual, hamburgers and hot dogs? Fish! With their incredible lobster servings. Then again, there’s some delicious steaks to be had, as well!”
As he spoke, Chloe noted that Edward and George were heading toward the bay; they were out for the predinner social drink, as well.
There was no sign of Sally, which seemed odd to Chloe. The woman was always wherever Edward was now.
Edward was looking around, frowning. Was he looking for Sally?
“Hm. There’s Edward, and he’s solo,” Daniel commented.
“Not exactly solo!” Broderick noted. “As ever, George is with him. He’s a good guy. He was telling me about all the uses the hospitals have for the internet these days, how much security is needed. He worked at a hospital where the records were hacked and there were some real problems because of it!”
Edward didn’t stop at the bar; he had seen them and was walking straight for the table where they were sitting.
“Hey, all,” he said. Chloe thought that Edward already knew Jonas Milton; they greeted one another with a smile.
He’d also met Gina. He gave her a smile and a quick wave before looking at Daniel and saying, “Beauty and the Beast, eh? Gina, great to see you, and Milton, always. And there, by the rail, Jeff and Celia. Still, we seem to be missing a few of the crew who seem to have become dinner buds. Amelia and Sally. Anybody seen either of them?”
“Amelia,” Chloe noted, because Amelia Swenson was just emerging out on deck, looking around, taking in a deep breath of air before opening her eyes, seeing the group and waving to them all.
“But no Sally,” Edward murmured unhappily. “We were together until an hour ago. She wanted to get dressed for dinner. Well, maybe—”
“Ah, sometimes, it can take a lady a while to dress for dinner!” Daniel said lightly.
“We hadn’t decided on a place to go this evening,” Edward said. “But we all know that we meet out here first!”
“Speaking of—I just remembered that there is a special Italian Night at the steakhouse this evening. That’s where we need to go,” Broderick said. “I mean, if everyone agrees,” he added, looking around at the group.
“Italian sounds lovely,” Edward agreed, looking around. Everyone in the group either nodded or shrugged.
Italian it was to be.
“You people go on. Stake out a great table for us. I’ll wait here for Sally,” Edward told them.
“Why don’t we just give her a call and tell her where we’re going to be?” Daniel suggested. He was waving to Celia and Jeff as he spoke, and the couple moved on over to join them.
Greetings went around again.
