Page 2 of Escape to the Sun

With the shipping lanes in the Channel negotiated and a course plotted, Louis accepted the offer of a coffee from one of the ship’s porters, Martin, and began the difficult process of relaxing into the sailing.

‘They’re calling it an “Arctic Americano” in the restaurants. All the drinks have seasonal names – did you know they were doing that? It’s a fun idea, already making the passengers laugh. I think we’ve got a lively bunch on board,’ Martin said.

‘To be expected, I suppose,’ Louis said. ‘Lots of people wanting to celebrate Christmas and New Year in style.’

Martin grinned. ‘I can’t quite believe I’m on this trip myself – I’m looking forward to some gorgeous weather after all the gloomy stuff we’ve had lately.’

Louis nodded. The weather in the UK promised a wet and windy festive period – when didn’t it? And he had to admit to himself that the idea of wall-to-wall sunshine and a possible pina colada on a day off did appeal. Not that the captain had an official day off when cruising, but the idea was one that brought a smile to his lips.

‘And we’re almost up to capacity,’ Martin continued. ‘One thousand, three hundred and twenty-four people all desperate to enjoy the islands.’

Louis did a quick mental calculation, then frowned. ‘We’re a passenger short, aren’t we?’

Martin nodded, then glanced around as though he didn’t wish to be overheard. He leant in towards Louis. ‘Strangest thing, actually. I took her luggage up to 70-69 for her – she didn’t say much. Looked a bit shell-shocked if you ask me. So, I’m none the wiser about why she’s alone.’

Louis’ frown deepened, then he grasped the relevance of what Martin was alluding to. He had yet to work out if the cabin number had been specifically chosen, or whether the ‘69’ part of it had been purely the work of chance.

‘She was on her own?’ Louis asked, to give himself a moment.

‘I know.’ Martin’s eyebrows arched. ‘It threw me to begin with, but she didn’t explain, and it’s none of my business why she’s in the honeymoon suite by herself, is it?’ He shrugged. ‘Anyway. Apart from that, every cabin is at capacity.’

As Martin took his leave and Louis sipped at his coffee, habit kept his gaze on the seascape in front of him. But before he could stop himself, his mind slipped away, back to the only time he’d got anywhere close to the idea of wanting to marry anyone – and all over again he was doused by all the accompanying pain and rejection he’d experienced during his subsequent break-up with Annie, all those years ago.

It was also at moments like this that a quote from one of his all-time favourite films made its presence felt. Louis was in that cavern with Indiana Jones, staring at the choice of cups – one of which was the Holy Grail. But which one? And in his mind’s eye, the Grail Knight was adding to the pressure by suggesting Indiana must ‘choose wisely’. Made for a fantastic line in a film. And yet it proved to be magnificently difficult to achieve in real life, certainly where girlfriends were concerned. At least, it seemed that way to Louis.

Maybe choosing wisely had proved too lofty an aim for the lady in 70-69, too. Or maybe it wasn’t anything to do with her ability to pick a partner – perhaps illness or something even worse had befallen whoever should have been her travelling companion.

Whatever the reason for her solo trip, Louis was the captain of this ship, and his role as captain wasn’t a permanent status – he was only in charge until Captain Crowther made a full recovery from his operation – so Louis needed to make the most of the opportunity to prove himself to the Blue Line Cruising bosses.

Louis spun around to catch the porter before he left the bridge.

‘Martin?’

‘Yes, Captain?’

‘Do you think our guest in 70-69 would appreciate an invite to visit the bridge?’

‘I can’t imagine why not.’

‘Could you find me one of those invitation cards and I’ll add a note,’ Louis said, reaching into the chest pocket of his white shirt for a pen.

With the card signed and Martin on his way to suite 70-69 with it in his hand, Louis turned his attention back to the waves, and an update on shipping news from his first officer.

2

Hannah frowned as something shuffled its way beneath the cabin door. The corner of an envelope, by the looks of it. A final shove had it her side of the door.

‘Oh, leave me alone,’ she muttered, flopping back against the pillow and staring at the ceiling.

It wasn’t the most adult of responses to what she supposed could be something important, but it was all she had to offer. With no intention of leaving her cabin, possibly ever, Hannah eventually had to admit to a creeping sense of curiosity. She slid from the bed and padded across to the door to retrieve the envelope.

Peeling back the flap, she tugged out a piece of embossed card, the cruise line’s crest in gold at the top, a printed message beneath which read:

A very warm welcome aboard BLC the Ballygowan. The captain would be delighted to extend to you a personal invitation to tour the bridge at your convenience.

All best – hope you have a wonderful Christmas Caribbean cruise.

Louis King (Capt)