Up…up…up he climbed. He reached the top where crew members from the ship’s safety team pulled him on board.
A thunderous round of applause broke out from the upper decks.
Millie placed her hands on her hips and lifted her gaze. “Don’t look now, but we have an audience.”
“Great,” Gloria groaned. “How embarrassing.”
“Nah.” Her cousin waved dismissively. “Passengers love runners, or in our case, climbers. It’s bonus entertainment.”
“Now I know how Jeremy and the others felt when they were being rescued,” Ruth said.
“At least we aren’t on a sinking yacht, not to mention they got to use the lift,” Millie said.
Sharky gazed at the remaining passengers. “Who’s next?”
“I want to make sure Lucy is taken care of,” Gloria said.
“Medical is waiting for her. I agree Lucy should go next.”
Hopping on her uninjured foot, she cautiously reached for the rung.
Sharky stopped her. “How are you feeling?”
“A little lightheaded.”
“I’m thinking we should put a harness on you and lift you up.” He radioed his team, requesting that they lower a safety harness.
Within seconds, it appeared.
“Give me a hand, Millster.”
Working together, Millie and Sharky strapped Lucy into the contraption.
“I think we have it.” He checked the hooks and straps a second time. “Whenever you’re ready.”
“I’m ready.” Lucy tightened her grip on the ropes.
Sharky whistled loudly, jabbing his thumb in an upward motion.
Millie gritted her teeth, silently praying as she watched Lucy’s feet lift off the bottom of the boat. As if in slow motion, inchby inch she rose higher and higher until she was level with the opening.
The rescue team members stood waiting on each side. They grabbed the ropes and gently pulled her to safety.
Another round of spectator applause ensued.
“Ruth.” Gloria nudged her forward. “Your turn. Godspeed, my friend.”
“Time to knock off another bucket list item.”
Gloria made a choking sound. “Climbing the side of a cruise ship was on your bucket list?”
“No, but it sounds good.” Ruth scampered to the ladder and nimbly climbed to the top. She boarded and turned back to give her friends the all-clear signal.
“I suppose it’s my turn to bite the bullet.” Gloria wiped the sweat off her palms and grabbed hold of the ladder with both hands. “I’m thanking my lucky stars I used the restroom.”
“I bet you’ll never get locked in a lighthouse again,” Millie teased.
“Never ever.” Gloria gripped the rungs tightly before placing one foot and then the other on the lower rung. “If I don’t make it out of this alive, you’re the best cousin a woman could ask for, risking life and limb to save our butts.”
