Chapter 2
2
The pale light of the rising moon reflected off the calm waters. McKay leaned against the upper deck railing of the cruise ship, enjoying his favorite time of night. The pools and hot tubs were closed until sunrise. Most passengers had taken to the bars, casinos, or rooms. Lights flickered along the departing coastline, stretching into the distance. Tomorrow would be the final at sea day before reaching the port of Southampton. His radio crackled to life, jerking him from his reverie.
McKay tensed, waiting for the call that would send him running to break up a fight or deal with an over-indulged passenger. The radio sputtered again and fell silent. Even after five years working ship security, he never quite got used to the way trouble could shatter these peaceful moments.
As Deputy Security Officer, he wasn’t on duty for the night shift, but as long as he was in uniform in a public area, he kept his radio on.
McKay’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out to see his sister’s name flashing on the screen. Most nights Jen called so her daughter Gracie could say good night to her uncle McKay. With no one around, he answered the call. He felt the corners of his mouth lift into a smile.
“How are my favorite ladies?” he asked, holding the phone out so they could get a clear view of his face.
“Uncle Mac! Guess what?” Gracie bounced up and down, moving the phone with her. The boundless energy overflowed through the screen.
McKay couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. “What?”
“I get to go to Robyn’s Place this summer. The doctor said my new heart is a good ticker.” Gracie’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she shared every detail about the theme park. “I get to be a princess for two whole days. I get a special dress and everything!”
McKay’s chest tightened at the mention of her heart. Two years ago, they’d nearly lost her. Now here she was, planning theme park adventures like any other child.
“Wow. That is the new indoor theme park near you, right?” Like everyone in northern Indiana, he’d read dozens of articles about the new park built by billionaire tech mogul Colin Ogilvie’s wife for children with special medical needs.
“No, it is far away. We have to drive a long time. Longer than going to school.” Above all else, Gracie hated being strapped in a car seat even for a short fifteen-minute ride. The new park was only seventy miles away.
“But it is still in Indiana, which is close.”
“You only say that because you are on the other side of the world.” Behind her thick glasses, Gracie rolled her eyes.
Jen chimed in. “See how dark it is there? It is time for Uncle Mac to go to bed and we have swimming class in the morning.”
“But I am too excited.” Gracie’s lower lip jutted out, signaling the onset of a tough night for his sister.
Jen widened her eyes and mouthed, “S.O.S.”
“Then you need to listen to the special music playlist I sent you. I listen to it on the ship when I can’t sleep.”
“Can I mom?”
McKay knew what his sister would answer. He’d teamed up with her during his last visit home to make Uncle Mac’s special music playlist full of quiet instrumentals.
Jen turned Gracie in her lap to make eye contact. “If you hurry and brush your teeth.”
A mischievous grin spread across Gracie’s face. “Deal!” She blew him a quick kiss before disappearing off screen.
Jen leaned closer to the camera, a mix of gratitude and exhaustion evident in her eyes. “Thanks. I thought she’d never go to bed tonight. The invitation from Robyn’s Place came in a huge envelope today. I’ve had the email for weeks. I already received permission and have the days off. They put a countdown calendar in it so she won’t have to ask me every day how much longer until she goes.”
“I’m so glad you can go. I wish I could be there.” Once, McKay doubted his niece would live long enough to go on any vacation. The new Robyn’s Place, built especially for children with special medical needs by childhood cancer survivor Candace Ogilvie, was an answer to prayer. The best part is it didn’t cost his sister a single penny.
“I wish you could be here, too. I know you have three months on this contract left. We will take lots of videos.”
“I’ll be home for Gracie and Mom’s birthday, as well as Halloween, this year.” He didn’t mention his next contract would begin before Christmas.
“You better. We miss you.” Jen’s voice softened. “And so does Mom. She hasn’t been herself lately.”
McKay’s brow creased. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing serious,” Jen said quickly. “She just seems tired. She had a doctor appointment today to go over her PET scan. You know how she is about her cancer checkups. Wouldn’t let me drive her, but had the Uber here an hour early.”
McKay nodded. His mother had beaten cancer once before. Doctor appointments made her nervous. “I’ll call her as soon as we hang up.”
“Thanks. Love you.” Jen waved.
McKay ended the call and stared out at the sea. Worry gnawed at his thoughts.
A couple with arms wrapped around each other walked along the deck, slowing to kiss every few steps. McKay watched them long enough to determine that neither seemed incapacitated before exiting the deck through the nearest crew door and making his way below.
As an officer, he had a small but private room, so he never had to worry about what a roommate might be doing like most of the crew did. While his mother didn’t need hearing aids, the background noise of the sea and wind made it difficult for her to hear, and he preferred the privacy of his room for the conversations potentially discussing her health.
Mom picked up on the second ring. She uncharacteristically left her video off.
McKay forced a smile, knowing his mother could still see him. “Hey mom. How are you?”
There was a pause, and then she whispered. “The cancer’s back.”
The words hit with the force of a tsunami. He sank down heavily into his desk chair. “What? No, that can’t be right. There must be some mistake?—”
“No mistake,” she said gently. “He thinks with chemo, I might have another year.”
So little time. McKay struggled too keep his voice even. “When do you start?”
“I need a few more tests. You know how doctors are. Probably in a couple of weeks.”
“What is the prognosis if you don’t do chemo?”
“Before Christmas.”
Less than six months. The realization hit McKay like a punch to the gut. He would be at sea half of that time.
“I wish it were different, but we knew this was a possibility.” A quiet strength resonated in her voice.
Struggling to hold back his emotions, McKay asked, “Does Jen know?”
“Not yet. I’m not sure how to tell her. Gracie’s summer activities and her job are pushing her to her limit.”
“Let me talk to the cruise line and see what I can work out. I’m coming home as soon as I can.”
“Don’t you dare break your contract.” His mother’s voice held a resolve missing earlier in the conversation. “Not until I know my options.”
“What if I ask about my options? I am two-thirds of the way through this contract. And I’ve been with them for five years. I am sure I can work something out.”
“It is summer, you know it is busy season.”
“This is only a job. You are more important.” Tears welled up in McKay’s eyes. He had experienced the pain of being away from his family when his father passed, unable to get home in time. He refused to let history repeat itself. He would be there for his mother.