Chapter 5 #2
“Sorry, couldn’t help it. Hey, the whole world loved that movie!” Wes said.
“You love it?”
“I did. I identified with the kid in the bed,” Wes told her.
She laughed. “Not the Dread Pirate Roberts?”
Wes grinned at her and reminded her, “The movie came out in the ’80s!”
He moved close to her, affectionately whispering in her ear, “Okay, dilemma. Do we stay here and make sure that one of that
trio isn’t ready to push one of the others into the sea? Or check on Edward Thompson?”
“Check on Edward Thompson. Nobody is going to pull that one again so quickly. But I’m glad our new friends mentioned the sushi
dinner. I’m going to have a word with our nurse practitioner, George Garcia.”
“Right, great.”
“Lovely beer, by the way.”
“The only nonalcoholic option they had.”
“I don’t think one beer would have killed us.”
“And we may want one later. I don’t want to advertise the fact that we’re avoiding alcohol. I mean, we’re a young couple on
a second honeymoon and we need to look like we’re trying to enjoy ourselves to the fullest!”
“All right! Fun, fun, fun!” Chloe said. “But, of course, we’ve already proven that we’re super cool. Anyway, let’s go see
that man we saved!”
They broke apart and headed in, taking the elaborate elevator to the deck where the hospital, spa and gyms could be found.
They didn’t see Doctor Kilbride, but one of his nurses was at the desk. She waved to them and said, “He’s awake. They’re going
to bring down some dinner for him soon but I’m sure he’d love to see you!”
“Thanks!” Wes called, and they walked into Edward Thompson’s room together.
George Garcia was there, as he said he would be. A hospital chair—the kind that stretched out into a bed—had been brought
in for him. He had a book out and it appeared that he and Edward had been discussing the merits of the book.
George nodded to them. Edward shook his head. “You two! Please, don’t let my clumsiness destroy your whole trip!”
“Oh, no, sir—Edward!” Chloe said. “We’re having a wonderful time, and part of it is because of you.”
“Sorry, not falling off the boat again!” Edward said lightly.
“No, no!” Chloe said, laughing. “Because of these amazing classes you set up! We’re totally enjoying them!”
“Well, that’s great. You know, I’ve talked to the doc and to my nurse, my man Garcia here, and I’m going to go into Montego
Bay for lunch tomorrow. They don’t believe that I should head over to Ocho Rios for the Falls, but it will be super to get
to be a little social again.”
“I told him a little social!” George Garcia said. “And that, whatever kind of a companion I may be, he doesn’t get to ditch me for a minute!”
Edward groaned softly. “Most people who survived a drowning would just be running around again now! And I’m stuck with this
dude. Just kidding. George is great. And we’re both fond of the classics! He brought me a bunch of audiobooks and I’m loving
it!”
“Wow. That’s wonderful. Maybe you’re getting a bit of a break that you really needed!” Wes told him.
“I’ll be up to my classes—with Mr. George Garcia watching over me—for our next day at sea. Tomorrow . . . I’ve always loved
Jamaica. Montego Bay, the mountains and, of course, Ocho Rios.” He made a face. “Kingston? Well, you know, that’s any big
city. But this ship takes us to Montego Bay and offers excursions to the right places. So . . .” He looked expectantly at
Chloe and Wes.
“Dunn’s River Falls,” Chloe told him.
“So beautiful!” Wes said.
“Oh, you’ve both been before, right?”
“We have,” Chloe told him. “And it’s beautiful, but you do need to take of yourself, Edward!”
“Lunch. We’re getting off the ship, finding a cool place, and having lunch!” George assured them. “I will be at his side.”
“It’s so good that you’re here and dedicated to Edward,” Chloe told him.
“Of course. And I’m lucky the company sent me. I’m excited about lunch in Montego Bay myself!”
Wes was glad when the man nodded subtly, assuring him that Edward, at least, would be all right.
And that if the whole thing had been an act and he was still among the suspects . . .
No. It couldn’t have been an act. Unless the man had pitched himself into the sea and was suicidal, which Wes didn’t believe
for a minute. Edward Thompson had nearly drowned; he had stopped breathing.
“So, you children off to enjoy a good dinner tonight?” Edward asked. “A little dancing before heading to your cabin for the
evening?”
“Something like that,” Chloe said, grinning at Wes. “The restaurants on this ship are amazing, all of them, from casual to elegant!”
“Food. Right. That’s what I’m thinking about,” Wes said, arching a brow to Chloe with a smile.
That afforded Edward a great deal of amusement, but he said, “Hey, this cruise line is owned by one of the most excellent
restaurant chains in the business. Of course, the food is going to be good. But you two run along now and have fun! You don’t
need to spend your time babysitting me. I have Mr. George Garcia. And lately, we’ve been dissecting Pride and Prejudice and we’re having a great time comparing literary classics to books being written for the contemporary commercial field.”
“Books! That’s great to hear,” Wes told him. “I mean, you’re all about computers and—”
Thompson interrupted him with a laugh. “Computers! Don’t you know, you can read books on computers these days, too!”
“Right, of course,” Wes murmured. “Well, I guess we should be getting on with dinner, my love. What say you?” he asked Chloe.
George let out a loud sigh. “I’m here, people, go have fun!”
“Wait!” Edward said suddenly.
“Yes?” Wes asked.
“You—you’re afraid for me!” Edward said, as if he’d truly just made such a realization. “You think that someone . . .” His
voice trailed.
“Edward!” Wes assured him. “Yeah, of course, we’re worried about you. You’re an incredible human being who is offering so
much to so many people!”
“It’s because of Jane. Jane Sewell,” Edward murmured.
“Jane Sewell is dead, Edward—”
“But I cared about her. I still can’t believe what happened. I mean, you know, there had been a bigger meeting down in South Florida right before it happened and maybe there’s someone out there who . . . You think someone may try to kill me, too!” Edward said with great alarm.
“Edward, whatever these two think is irrelevant,” George announced quietly. “They’re just a nice couple checking up on you
because they’re grateful for what you’ve done for everyone. And, sir, if you’ve any fears yourself—”
“Oh, yeah! I’ve got fears!” Edward said. “Now . . . now when I think back! There were so many people on deck, but there was
a strange pressure against my back. I leaned forward to let people by behind me and suddenly . . . suddenly I was sailing
overboard! And if it hadn’t been for the two of you . . .”
“I’m here. Always!” George assured him. “You are my sole concern while we’re on this ship. No matter what people think, no
matter what is true and what isn’t, I will let nothing happen to you, I swear it!”
“You’re an amazing nurse, an amazing man!” Chloe said softly.
“George is the best,” Edward assured them. “I feel badly that he doesn’t get to have any fun. I mean, come on, this is a cruise
ship! Never met a guy so dedicated.”
“And I’m here for you,” George reminded him.
“But you should get a chance to get some air, out on the deck—” Wes began.
“Tomorrow we will be going to lunch in Montego Bay. We’ll get him off the ship for that, but . . . Hey, George! You should
take a walk, a quick one, go with these young people for a minute—”
“Not leaving you, sir. The sick bay isn’t full, but Dr. Kilbride is off having lunch. Yes, his nurses are here—”
“Hey! I’m here. George, take a walk with Wes,” Chloe said, beaming. “I’m not a doctor, no, but we do think that Edward is doing fine and you two should take a little walk! It will make your book discussions a little fresher—just like the fresh air!”
Wes glanced at her, managing a grin. It was the right response. But Chloe knew that he was gratified.
Because she knew. She wasn’t sure how she knew, but she did. Wes really wanted to talk to George alone, to find out if anyone
else had been in, if George had a new take on anything . . .
The man was a registered nurse practitioner. But he was also with the Bureau and he might have insight on something that Wes,
in his undercover situation on the cruise, just might not.
“We’ll be five minutes!” Wes said.
“No!” she protested. “Make it ten!”
The two men left.
“Let’s do it!” he said. “Just walk out to the outer spa area on this deck. Chloe was willing to jump into the brine for Edward—she’s
not going to let anything happen to him!”
Chloe smiled and took the seat next to Edward where he lay in the bed as Wes and George headed out for a minute.
She was sure that none of them wanted to look ridiculous or overprotective in any way, so they stopped to chat with Dr. Kilbride’s
nurse for a moment before walking out.
“That really is one great guy,” Edward said, indicating George. “Then again, so is your husband.”
“Thanks! I certainly think so,” Chloe said, smiling.
“But I get the feeling . . .” Edward mused.
“Yes?”
“Well, let’s see, a private nurse from Milestones. Now, I am a vice president, head of continuing education, which is why
I’m the rep on this cruise. But we have four VPs other than me and I’m not the CEO in any way, shape or form. Which makes
me think . . .”
“Think what, Edward?” Chloe asked innocently.
“That Milestones is seriously concerned about my welfare. That someone there thinks that I may be in danger. Lots of people
knew Jane Sewell well. She was a nice person, Chloe. She was bright and sweet and . . . I have a hard time believing that
she could do something so awful. Maybe because I’m lying here, but it’s bothering me more and more. Now I know that the cops
didn’t find anything but everyone dead and Jane with the gun, but there had to be something more!”
“I’m sure that your thoughts have occurred to others, sir. Including law enforcement.”