“Sure.” He leaned back in his chair, a flicker of surprise in his eyes when he noticed Gloria following her in. “Hello.”
“Donovan, this is my cousin, Gloria Kennedy.”
“I remember you.” He sprang to his feet and held out his hand. “Welcome back.”
“Thank you. Millie invited me to hang out with her today.”
“Hopefully you have comfortable sneakers,” he joked.
“We’ve been all over the ship,” Gloria said. “I’ve figured out my cousin’s secret for staying slim.”
Millie playfully flexed her muscles. “Slim, trim and targeted by someone on board.”
“You got hit too?”
“Someone spray-painted my door. Sharky is taking care of it.”
“Along with Scout’s photo and the fitness center.” Donovan told her Patterson was reviewing the camera footage. “It’s only a matter of time before they get caught.”
“The reason I’m here is to find out if you’ve heard of any passenger complaints, someone who might be ticked off enough to vandalize the ship.”
“I met with my staff this morning for our weekly meeting to discuss current issues. There weren’t any.”
“So, no one on board has a score to settle,” Millie said.
“Not that I’m aware of, except for possibly Arturo Bautista whose twin brother could be facing criminal charges for his actions.” Donovan changed the subject. “I heard Gilberto is sick.”
“He’s come down with the flu.” Millie pressed her palms together. “Another reason I stopped by is that I’m hoping you can help me.”
“How?”
“By filling in for the illusionist with your improv but adding a twist.”
“What kind of twist?”
“A musical improv. It’s called Unsinkable Melodies.” Millie shared their idea. “The contestants’ jobs will be to come up with song lyrics. The house band can play along. What do you say?”
“I haven’t hosted improv in months.”
“This would be the perfect opportunity to jump back in. Seriously, the crowd loves your act.”
“I dunno.”
“Please?” Millie pleaded. “You would be doing me a huge favor.”
“I’ll think about it.”
She ran around the desk and impulsively hugged him. “You’re the best. I owe you one.” Millie handed him the format she’d outlined. “We’ll only be doing a seven o’clock show.”
“Hang on.” Donovan laughed. “I said I would think about it.”
“Translation for yes. Meet us backstage at six forty-five.”
“You have a knack for getting your way, Millie.”
“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” She hustled out of Donovan’s office before he could change his mind.
Gloria was hot on her heels, not stopping until they were on the other side of the atrium. “Where to?”
