Jason’s forefinger tracked back and forth along his lower lip. A brief silence ensued as he assessed McKenzie’s suggestion. She thought the solution plausible. It would enable him to deny anything the man might say concerning what he had witnessed.
He gave a brief nod of agreement. “We should find out about his background. Make sure he is not some kind of serial killer with a history. I can have Lubinsky’s company source this information. Modesto has a maritime employment history. Gemma?” She welcomed the involvement. It reminded her in certain situations, his control over her made no difference. He treated her as an equal. An easy decision.
“I accept whatever you decide, Jason,” she yawned. “I don’t think he is going to track us across Europe.”
Jason nodded in agreement. “Fire him. We’ll politely refuse to cooperate. I’m sorry, darling, we will depart as soon as possible. You will have to enjoy Dubrovnik another day.”
Gemma, increasingly sleepy, didn’t care about sightseeing. Her priorities had shifted. “Captain McKenzie, you should steer clear of me when you navigate. I attract murderers, stalkers, and other unsavoury people,” She attempted a smile but, deep down, the idea her private life would never be truly her own depressed her.
Jason took her hand, squeezing it. “Gemma, us. This is about us.”
Captain McKenzie sensed his dismissal. “I will ask Lubinsky to do some research and inform the police of your intentions. In a couple of hours, we can depart. You two should rest.”
***
Gemma woke, and her heart, for a few seconds, pounded hard up into her throat.
Where am I?
The bed. Naked on the bed. She tracked her eyes around the room, trying to put out of her mind recently created memories. There was no blood on the sheets or anywhere in sight. Nothing untoward had hap
pened as they slept. However, she couldn’t see Jason. His side of the bed showed where he had laid after they made love, but he had gone.
“He’s with Lubinksy, below.” Maria spoke from the shadows. “Are you all right, señora?”
“We’re moving.” Gemma went to the bow window and saw the open expanse of water. Blue sky with a few wisps of clouds drifting aimlessly. A smooth blue sea and virtually no wind. She reckoned outside the heat would be intense.
“How long have I been asleep?”
“Two hours. You must be hungry. Do you want to eat up here or below?” Maria asked.
“I’ll get dressed and join Jason. Food, yes! Anything. I could eat a horse.”
Gemma stretched her arms high above her head as if to touch the ceiling. She felt reasonably invigorated even though the last twenty-four hours had confused her body clock. Three o’clock in the afternoon and she was about to eat lunch. Sleep and nourishment had become irregular during the cruise. She preferred to eat at sensible times.
She found Jason in the main salon, talking to Lubinsky, Remy, and the captain. He beamed a warm greeting as she approached, and she bent to kiss his lips. His hand looped around her neck, pulling her down, his mouth moist and flavoured by food. He dined on her lips for a few seconds. A surprising display of affection in the company of others.
“How are you?” she asked, wondering if he had slept at all.
“Fine, darling. I slept for an hour or so, and then I heard the sounds of the crew getting ready to depart.”
“Modesto?”
Lubinsky informed her Modesto remained in police custody, awaiting a medical assessment. The police had expressed surprise the victim showed no interested in pursuing a criminal case. Gemma listened carefully as Lubinsky explained the authorities would probably send Modesto back to the Philippines.
“Have you eaten?” asked Jason.
“No. I’m starving!” She patted her stomach.
Esteban appeared with a tray of baguettes. “Here, señora?”
“Please.” She whipped a salami baguette off the platter before Esteban had a chance to set the tray down.
“Sorry, bad manners…but I’m so hungry.” Gemma chomped on a mouthful of food.
After they had been left alone by the other three, her curiosity about the last few days of their cruise surfaced. “Where are we going, Jason?”
“Trieste.”