“Only Liz needs designer luggage,” Gloria grinned.
“I think it’s nice,” Lucy said. “It looks like real leather.”
“Italian leather.” Liz went into a long spiel about the brand all the way to deck eleven.
Exiting into the lobby, Millie escorted them down the hall to the cluster of suites and began passing out keycards. “Gloria and Liz are in 11215. Dot and Ruth are in the suite across the hall, which leaves Margaret and Lucy in the third one at the end. I’m sorry to see Andrea didn’t make it.”
“She wanted to. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out,” Gloria said. “Those twins keep her and Brian on their toes.”
Millie tapped the top of her radio. “I need to run back down to the gangway. Drop your bags off, grab a bite to eat, and I’ll catch up with you at three for a tour around the ship.”
“We don’t want to take up too much of your time,” Gloria said.
“Although I’m hosting certain events, I’ve managed to rearrange my schedule and will be sneaking in a partial vacation.”
“It will be an epic week,” Ruth predicted. “I can’t wait to check out Bimini.”
“You’re in for a real treat. Bimini’s main beach is gorgeous.”
“Our plans are for nothing but smooth sailing.”
“You know it.” Ruth gave Lucy a high five. “Sun, seas, sumptuous meals with days in port to explore. What more could we ask for?”
“No flooding, no chaos, just pure R&R,” Gloria said.
“Unlike what we’ve gone through these past few hours.”
Dot sobered. “Something bad happened?”
“A crew member, who is no longer on board the ship, caused some chaos.” Millie briefly filled them in about the emptied hot tubs, stolen booze, weird announcements and, finally, the call to abandon ship.
Gloria’s eyes grew as round as saucers. “I bet the passengers freaked out.”
“Unfortunately, a number of them refused to return to their cabins and stayed on the outer decks until the ship docked this morning.”
Liz placed a light hand on Millie’s arm. “I wasn’t going to mention it, but I noticed dark circles under your eyes. I have the perfect ageless lotion to clear it up.”
“I appreciate the offer, but a good night’s rest will get rid of them. As I said, the troublemaker has been removed from the ship so I don’t anticipate any additional incidents.”
Little did Millie know that within hours, turmoil and destruction would not only arrive, but be welcomed on board.
Chapter 3
Millie glanced at her cousin’s cell phone. “I’m thrilled to see you downloaded the Siren of the Seas’ app.”
Liz quickly covered the screen. “Yes. I, uh, have been adding activities to my list.”
“Let me guess…bingo,” Gloria said.
“Bingo?”
“Liz has become a regular at the American Legion.”
“You’re in luck. We have bingo games galore.”
“I’ve added five so far.”
Gloria turned, giving her sister her full attention. “Wouldn’t you like to try new activities instead of playing bingo all week?”
