Page 17 of Terminal Voyage

Vanessa returned a moment later with the tequila and dealt out the shots. “Bottom’s up!”

She downed the tequila like it was water.

Sophia and I sipped ours.

Vanessa gave us an annoyed look. “Don’t be wussies.”

Sophia smirked. She didn’t seem like the type of woman that could be easily pressured.

“I’m still warming up,” I said. “Pre-season training.”

“You better bring it,” Vanessa said. “You’re in the big leagues now.”

8

Iwent back to my stateroom to freshen up for dinner.

The hinged portlight was open, and a light breeze drifted through the cabin, along with the sounds of the sea.

I never opened the window. But perhaps Julie or a stew had done it. There was no doubt someone had been in my cabin. I didn’t think it unusual or concerning at the time.

I fell onto the bed to relax for just a second and promptly passed out. Thank God I had set an alarm. I would have slept through until the next morning.

I woke up around seven, pulled myself out of bed, and slipped into a slinky black cocktail dress. I didn't know how formal things were for dinner around here. I figured this would work either way without being too much or too little. A little refresh of the makeup and hair, and I was somewhat presentable.

The guests gathered in the dining area. Declan was talking to a good-looking couple when I entered.

Luciano and Sophia had arrived, and wait staff scurried about.

Vanessa was absent.

The aroma wafting from the galley smelled divine. My stomach rumbled, and I couldn't wait to eat. I needed food to soak up the excess tequila that lingered.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" a steward asked.

After a moment’s hesitation, I said, "A glass of Merlot, if you've got it."

“Certainly.”

I figured I should stick with something that had a lower octane level than tequila.

When I approached Declan, he looked me up and down with impressed eyes. "You look smashing!"

"Thank you," I said in a cutesy voice.

"I’d like you to meet my good friend Sebastian and his girlfriend Hannah.”

We exchanged pleasantries.

"It's nice to meet you both," I said.

Sebastian was a handsome man in his early 30s with wavy blond hair, tan skin, a strong jaw, and baby-blue eyes. He had the physique of a surfer and probably was one. He was tall. About 6’1”.

Hannah was a cute strawberry-blonde with a fresh face and a light dusting of freckles. At 21 or 22, she had caramel eyes, wholesome features, and a petite figure.

"Sebastian just sold his app for $1.2 billion," Declan boasted.

Sebastian smiled.