Page 13 of Terminal Voyage

"Is this your first time aboard the Vesper?"

I nodded.

"It really is a remarkable vessel. Designed by Rafael Vellori, with interior appointments and furnishings by the famed Italian designer Francesco Castiglione. No expense was spared in the construction of this ship. It really is the finest in its class.”

She led me past the sweeping salon with floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the room with light. There was a full bar stocked with top-shelf liquor. A machine dispensed frozen margaritas and daiquiris. Beyond the salon was a formal dining area.

Julie escorted me through a passageway to a central staircase that spiraled up and down. "The galley is to port. There are three meals a day, and the chef will make you anything in between if you need a snack. Feel free to help yourself anytime, day or night. There are sandwiches in the fridge for late-night snacks. Forward is the VIP master stateroom. There are more staterooms below deck, as well as crew quarters with a separate entrance. The sky lounge on the bridge deck is a great place to relax after dinner, and the sky deck has wonderful sun pads, a full bar, and a Jacuzzi. There are sun pads on the foredeck as well, along with another alfresco dining area. If you feel like exercising, there is a weight room and sauna. Feel free to utilize any of the facilities during your stay.”

I followed her down the main steps toward my quarters at the aft of the ship. We passed another VIP stateroom along the way. A chill ran down my spine, and I shivered.

Julie looked back at me as I stopped in my tracks. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just got cold for some reason.”

“I can adjust the temperature, if you’d like. And you have full climate control in your cabin.”

I smiled. “No. I’m fine, thank you.”

She inserted a key, opened the door, and presented the room. "You have a queen berth with an ocean view. There's a 65-inch flatscreen TV, a private en suite with stone countertops and a full shower, and a walk-in wardrobe locker behind the bed. I hope this meets with your approval."

"This is perfect," I said with a smile. “Thank you.”

Julie handed me the key. "I'll leave you to get settled. As I said, don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Extra pillows, blankets, whatever."

"Thank you."

She darted away, and I stepped into the room. My luggage had already been delivered. Impressive.

I closed the door, took in the opulent appointments.

Voices from the next cabin filtered through the bulkheads.

Curiosity got the best of me. I stepped into the en suite to hear better. The faint murmur seeped through, spilling from the air vent. The content of the argument was indecipherable, but the tone was clear. The two women were at odds.

I decided it was none of my business. I stepped out of the en suite and flopped onto the bed. I stretched out and exhaled, determined to let the past go. This was my fresh start. My cue to let Earl Vernon Maddox fade away. This was the first day of the rest of my life.

That’s what I kept telling myself.

The Universe had other plans.

7

The margaritas were stout. Jet fuel. I had the feeling that Jimmy, the bartender, was going to be my best friend or my worst enemy. I wasn't sure which just yet.

I hung out on the sky deck with Vanessa and Declan as the crew cast off and the pilot navigated us out of the marina. Already, I felt the stress of daily life melting away.

Vanessa lifted her glass to toast. "To wild adventures!"

We clinked beverages and sipped the deadly concoctions. Declan seemed to keep his wits about him and stick to something a little more traditional, like scotch on the rocks. Vanessa and I were heading for sugar-filled hangovers. As if the margaritas weren’t strong enough, she wanted to supplement with tequila shots. Jimmy poured three, and Vanessa doled them out.

"Here, take it," she said.

I shook it off. "No. I need to pace myself."

"For what? Live a little."

"Just one."