Page 33 of Terminal Voyage

“What meds?”

“You told me your doctor had prescribed something for anxiety and depression.”

“No. I stopped. They made me feel weird. I was just a zombie on those things.”

“You can’t just stop taking them cold turkey. You have to taper. No wonder you had an episode.”

“I didn’t have an episode.”

Vanessa gave me a flat look, then sighed. “It’s obvious. The medication withdrawal mixed with too much alcohol. Trouble.”

Maybe she was right.

“Why don’t you go put on a bikini and meet me on the sky deck? We’ll lay out andsipdaiquiris. A little hair of the dog.”

“I’ll lay out with you, but I’ll sip electrolytes.”

She smiled. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

Vanessa rushed across the deck to join Declan, who was talking to Luciano and Sophia.

I left and walked back to my stateroom. Along the way, I crossed paths with Pete. He smiled as he passed.

I thought about keeping my mouth shut, then I stopped and turned back. “Pete, can I ask you a question?”

He paused and looked back at me. “Certainly.“

“Do you know anyone aboard the boat named Kate?”

15

With a polite smile, Pete said, “No, I don’t.”

“Are you sure?”

He nodded. “I’m positive.”

I cringed. “You heard about last night, didn’t you?”

He winced in sympathy. “Yeah, everybody did.”

My face fell into my hands, embarrassed.

“Don’t worry. I’ve seen some pretty wild things happen on this boat.”

“I know I didn’t imagine an entire conversation with that woman, did I?”

“Like I said, I’ve seen some pretty wild things.”

“How long have you been working here?”

“Eight months. We chase the seasons, and the boat is always on the move.”

“You like it?”

“I do. It’s a lot of work. But I don’t have any rent or bills. I’m saving everything I can. We’re always somewhere beautiful, and I think it’s one of those experiences I’ll look back on fondly.”

“I’m sure.”