Chapter 32
Sophia read a fashion magazine on the aft deck. She showed Luciano a page. “Doesn’t that dress look fabulous?”
“It does indeed. It would look great on you.”
“Yes, it would,” she said with a smirk. “It would make a great birthday gift,” she said, planting the seed.
“Why wait?”
Sophia smiled. For her, life continued as usual.
The others gathered, and we all took a seat for dinner. Nobody said a word about what happened at the cenote. Nobody except Luciano. After that, I don't think anyone would ever speak of it again.
We watched the lights of Puerto Maya fade away as we sailed into the abyss. I would feel better when we got out of Mexican waters.
The food was excellent as usual, and I had certainly worked up an appetite.
Tonight's dishes were seared ahi tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes, lobster tacos, or Wagyu strip loin with roasted shallots.
I went with the strip loin, and washed it all down with a few glasses of Merlot. Why not? I figured I had earned it.
I said nothing to Vanessa about the writing on the mirror. Not yet. I waited until after dinner.
Hannah looked traumatized. She barely ate and hardly said anything. Sebastian tried to be a comforting presence to her with an occasional hand on her back and a kiss on her cheek.
We were all a little dazed, except Luciano. He was effervescent as usual.
He lifted his glass to toast. "This is a joyous occasion.
We are all still alive. We looked death in the face.
Today was a reminder of how precious every moment is.
Cherish it, and those around you. Waste no time with petty disagreements.
Squander not these precious seconds you've been given.
" He was quite poetic. "We all owe a debt of gratitude to this young lady," he said, nodding to me.
"Indeed," Declan said.
We all clinked our glasses and took sips, even Hannah.
"I must say, you are not at all who I thought you were," Sophia remarked with a slight smirk.
I didn't mind being on their good side. But I still believed somebody on this boat was a murderer. I knew Declan was capable of it.
"I think we've learned something about everyone's character aboard this journey," Luciano said. "We've all bonded in a way. I think we're stronger for it."
I had to admit, for all his failings, Luciano always had a positive attitude.
After dinner, the boys had their usual poker game. I think everybody wanted to go back to normal as soon as possible and forget about the chaos. Getting back into a routine helped.
Hannah retired early. It would take her a little longer to return to normal, if that was even possible.
Sophia joined the gentlemen at the poker table. Vanessa and I hung out at the bar in the sky lounge and sipped wine. Jimmy served drinks. It was just as it was before Puerto Maya ever happened, or at least that's what we wanted to believe.
I debated telling Vanessa, but at this point, she owed me one. I saved her life. What was she going to do? Get mad and throw me off the boat? I could do anything I wanted now. I had a get-out-of-jail-free card. It might only last a day or so. But right now, I was a hero.
"So, look, I’m not going to make a big deal about this,” I said. “I'm not freaked out at all. I don't care. I'm just curious at this point.”
"Curious about what?"
"There was more writing on the mirror when I got out of the shower.”
This time she didn't balk. "What did it say?”
"You're in danger.”
Vanessa frowned. "I think someone's messing with you."
"I know someone's messing with me.”
"It has to be one of the stews. Someone who has access to the room. Do you want me to say something to Declan?"
I shook my head. "No. I don’t want to disturb him. I think we’re finally on good terms."
"After today, you can write your ticket.”
“Do me a favor.”
“Anything,” Vanessa said.