Chapter 4
4
The last of the passengers filed in. Of the thousands McKay saw today, Dana Knight stood out. Something about her didn’t quite fit the typical passenger profile. Maybe it was the way she scanned her surroundings. Something was off.
“Worth.” Chief Security Officer Alvaro’s voice crackled through his earpiece. “Office.”
McKay turned over command to the NECs in charge and hurried to the security office. On the far side of the room, the security crew monitored feeds from nearly three hundred CCTV cameras. He found Alvaro alternating between scanning the screens to checking his tablet, a deep frown etched on his face.
“Sir?”
Alvaro held up the tablet. A notification in a blue box with a familiar logo in the corner illuminated the screen:
Hastings Security App Connected: In Use
Hastings Security. The last time he’d heard that name, or seen the blue shield logo, he was a newly minted one-bar security officer on a cruise through the Panama Canal. The private security team had worked with the ship’s crew to protect a high-profile passenger. Although the cruise ended well, there had been some tense moments when both a passenger and a Hastings’s employee disappeared. McKay checked his phone. The same message appeared.
“Have we had any contact with Hastings? Who are they protecting?” Alvaro asked. He’d been on that ship too. The kidnapping of an oil heiress and the most unassuming security personnel McKay had ever seen resulted in a dramatic rescue and headlines which forced the cruise line to upgrade their security on every ship. “They know to contact us if they’re privately hired.”
“Contact with who?” asked Martina from her monitoring station, confusion evident in her voice.
The other crew members monitoring the CCTVs stared at him and Alvaro blankly. Only the highest-ranked officers had received the notification.
McKay felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. At his request the cruise line had shortened his contract by three months. He would be going on leave after this voyage to help his mother. With his brain so full, he didn’t need complications.
Alvaro’s next words came out in his native Portuguese. Far from fluent in the language, McKay recognized the expletives. “Mac, I hate to ask you, but since you were the only other one on that Panama sailing, will you find the source of this? Confirm they are not providing private security. Call their headquarters in Chicago if necessary. Then find out why our app says this.”
“On it.”
“Go now. I don’t want to pull the anchor until we find the source. The captain will not be happy.”
McKay sat at an empty computer terminal and sorted through the passenger list focusing on those who listed home addresses in the greater Chicago area. Forty-three people, including most of the bachelorette party in the Diamond Suite, came up. As did the bride’s parents. Dana Knight’s reservation was also linked to theirs. McKay read her reservation notes again. That’s what had caught his eye when she checked in— originally assigned to the largest suite with the bride, Miss Knight moved three weeks ago to the smallest level of interior rooms on the ship. That was odd. She’d indicated her injury was only a few days old.
After further analysis, three names stood out like buoys in a bay, and one of them belonged to Dana Knight.
Choosing to locate her first had nothing to do with the intelligent gray eyes she’d flashed at him earlier. It was a strategic choice. One, she was the least likely candidate, and Hastings used unlikely bodyguards. Logically, the least likely was the most viable candidate for a Hastings’s employee. Two, her crutches would make her easy to find in the ship’s security feeds. The CCTV coverage showed her entering her room twenty minutes ago.
McKay headed for the nearest service elevator, his mind racing. If she were here on assignment, he needed to know. If she wasn’t... Well, that was a dangerous line of thinking he shouldn’t pursue. He hurried along the corridor of deck 8, wishing it had long straight halls like most of the other decks. He turned a corner, only to collide with the woman in question and her crutches.
The impact sent Miss Knight off balance. Her crutches slipped from beneath her. Panic flashed across her face as she teetered. Acting on instinct, McKay reached out quickly, his hands finding purchase on her waist to steady her. Chestnut hair tumbled around her face in waves, and those startling gray eyes peered up at him from mere inches away. A hint of vanilla filled the space between them.
His breath caught. “I am so, so sorry. Are you okay?”
Miss Knight, her chest rising and falling rapidly, met McKay’s gaze with a mixture of surprise and the hidden exhaustion many jet-lagged passengers had the first day aboard. “I... I’m fine. Thank you for catching me. I should have been more careful with my crutches.”
McKay fought the smile that wanted to answer her as he eased his grip on her waist, making sure she had regained her balance. The brief contact left his hands tingling. He stepped back, reminding himself firmly that she was a passenger or an undercover security officer. Neither option was appropriate for the direction his thoughts wanted to take.
Dana turned sideways in the narrow corridor to allow him to pass. “I’ll let you go. You seem to be going somewhere in a hurry.”
“Can I help you with anything?”
“No, I was just going to get some ice.” Dana scanned the area. “Actually, you’re standing on my ice bag. If you could?”
McKay bent for the baby blue bag, noting its medical-grade design. “I can fill it if you would like.”
“No, I’m almost to the elevator.”
“Why didn’t you call room service?”
“For ice? When everyone is hurrying around getting underway...” She looked away as if embarrassed. “And the room service menu said there would be a charge.”
“If I take this bag through that ‘crew only’ door,” McKay gestured to the door behind her, “I can have it full of ice before you hobble back to your room. And for ice, room service is free.” He wasn’t exactly sure about the free ice or room service charges. He’d add a note to her profile stating that she shouldn’t be charged for ice delivery because of a medical issue.
“How do you know my room—” Dana shook her head. “Never mind. Ship security. You probably know everything about me or would, with a few taps on your phone.”
His phone couldn’t tell him why her independent nature drew him in. Or what her eyes would look like in candlelight. “How did you know my phone could tell me that?”
She blushed. “Ogilvie Inc. designed your security app. They’re the best, so they wouldn’t miss a basic detail like that.”
Suspicion grew. “How do you know that? Do you work for Hastings Security?”
Dana Knight’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask?”
A member of housekeeping stepped out of the crew door. McKay read the name tag and held out the empty ice bag. “Juan, will you please fill this with ice for me?”
“Yes, sir.” Juan disappeared back through the door.
“Miss Knight, let me reframe the question. I’m assuming you are employed by Hastings. Did you use your Hastings app on this ship?”
“Yes.”
“For what purpose?”
“To answer a work-related question.”
Evasive. Not a reason to drag her down to the security office. “Are you here for business or pleasure?”
Dana pointed to her foot. “Do I look like I am here for business?”
The door opened, and Juan handed McKay the ice bag. “Thank you, Juan. Is Miss Knight’s room, 8-1269, one of yours?”
“Yes.”
“Will you leave her a bucket of ice at 9 pm?” McKay looked to Dana for confirmation.
“No problem.”
“Thank you, Juan. That will be very helpful.” Miss Knight graced the steward with a warm smile. How quickly she changed from glaring to kindness. Another red flag.
Juan disappeared back through the crew door.
“Now Miss Knight. I must know, are you on board for business or pleasure?”
“If you must know, I’m here because of my half-sister’s wedding, which is definitely not business and, as of yet, very little pleasure.”
“Is that why you changed your cabin three weeks ago?”
“I learned this morning that it had been changed. Now are we finished with twenty questions so you can go to wherever you were—” Her eyes narrowed. “You were rushing to find me. Did the Hastings App cause a problem with the ship’s security?”
“Not precisely. We received an alert about its use. The chief security officer and I need to be sure you are not working while on board. Last time we ran into—” Unwilling to say more, McKay’s voice trailed off.
“This isn’t the same ship that was on the Panama cruise was it?”
“No, this one is bigger.”
“If it will set your mind at ease, when I used the app earlier and ZoElle Hastings saw my stateroom, she had flashbacks, too. I reassure you, Officer Worth. I am not working. If I were working, your cruise line would have received a call from my employer.”
“ZoElle still works for Hastings?” How could he forget such an unusual name?
“Yes.” Miss Knight adjusted her grip on her crutches. “Since it made you nervous, I’ll promise to not use the app on board again, but I can’t guarantee they won’t need to contact me.”
“Why would they contact you on vacation?”
“I have a very particular principal, and my substitutes have questions that aren’t easily answered from the files.” She took a hop back. “Well, I’d better get back to my room and ice this ankle.”
“Thank you for your time, Miss Knight. Again, I’m sorry I ran into you.”
“I can’t complain. I got fresh ice and didn’t have to go topside again.” With a practiced movement, Dana spun on her crutches toward her room.
McKay watched her, unable to look away. Either she was very good at pretending, or she was telling the truth. He would tell Alvaro about their conversation so Alvaro could decide if further action was necessary. Should Miss Knight be allowed to continue the cruise? He wouldn’t mind having another spirited exchange with her.
And therein lay the real problem with Miss Knight. He was already thinking about the next time he’d see her, when he should be focusing on security concerns. Five years he’d worked cruise ships without ever being tempted to cross the line with a passenger. What was it about Dana Knight that made him want to risk everything?
The ice bag softened as the cubes melted. Dana adjusted its position, noting her swelling seemed to be going down. Perhaps she should have worn compression socks on the plane, even if they did make her feel like an old lady.
Dana found her thoughts drifting to her encounter with Officer Worth. The way he’d caught her, his hands strong but gentle on her waist… just like that viscount… She shook herself mentally. She was here for Cheyanne’s wedding. Besides, cruise ship security officers probably helped dozens of passengers every day. She was just another passenger to him.
Wasn’t she? No. She was worse. She reminded him of Panama. Bad memories, that is why he sought her out. And he couldn’t fraternize. Seriously she needed to find a new over-the-counter pain med. This one had the side effect of playing cupid.
Someone tapped on the door. One nice thing about the tiny room—Dana didn’t have to get up to reach the doorknob. She looked through the peephole relieved to see her sister.
Cheyanne breezed into Dana’s cramped stateroom, the air around her shimmering with excitement. She waved a piece of pink paper. “You left the pool before I shared this. I’ve got everything planned out for the entire trip!”
Dana took the paper and moved closer to the nightstand lamp to read it in the dim room. There had to be a light switch she hadn’t located yet.
“Wow,” Dana tried to match her sister’s energy. “This looks... fun.”
“Of course, it is!” Cheyanne sat on the end of the bed, her short pink sundress fluttering around her. “It’s my bachelorette cruise. We’re going to have the time of our lives.”
Dana smiled, genuinely happy to see her sister’s excitement. “Agreed.”
“You better take care of yourself too, okay? I want you to enjoy this trip just as much as I will, even if you have to miss some things. Like the hike on the cliffs. Chandler and his groomsmen requested that one. He says I can’t ignore him the entire time.” Cheyanne’s smile faltered slightly.
“Walking like a normal person down the aisle in front of you is my number one goal. Don’t feel bad if I skip some of the excursions or late-night activities and dancing.” Dana held up her phone. “I have a whole Tbr selection of books. I won’t be bored. And I promise to stay out of Sheila’s way so she won’t take it out on you.”
“Speaking of Mom,” Cheyanne tugged at the hem of her dress, “I wanted to apologize for the way she acted on the plane. I can’t believe she moved you to this... tiny stateroom, without asking me.”
Not a surprise that Chey hadn’t known after all. Dana waved off her apology with a wry smile. “No need to apologize, Chey. It’s not like it was your fault. I’ve stayed in worse places.”
“I’m glad you had the miles to fly first class. I hope you got some sleep.”
A suspicion grew. Their mother’s dishonesty reached new depths. At the risk of offending her sister, Dana told the truth. “Actually, I donated most of my miles so Sheila could upgrade you to business. A friend upgraded me.”
“What? Chandler paid for my ticket.”
Dana pursed her lips, determined to hold in the scream boiling up.
Cheyanne paused her exploration of the room. “Mom’s been mean to you over the years. This stinks. I am so sorry.”
“I’ve said it before. It is what it is. You shouldn’t have to worry about her issues with me.”
“I can’t believe Mom moved you to this.” Cheyanne waved around the cramped room and leaned over a wall rack to turn on a light.
“Thanks for finding that light switch. This place was giving off a dungeon vibe.” Dana tried to lighten the mood. Her mind wandered to Officer Worth’s offer to help her get ice. He’d noticed her discomfort before she’d even mentioned it. Stop it, she told herself firmly. Don’t go there.
“Chandler’s cousin isn’t even a bridesmaid. He doesn’t even seem to like her. He barely speaks to her. Carlotta is nice and all but she doesn’t really belong. I guess that is why she is hanging out with Chandler and the guys, which is what probably annoys Chandler. Erin and Renee are upset about the change too. Especially since your injury is going to exclude you from so much. Amy-Kate and Lindie pointed out it is probably better for you anyway since you don’t drink. Which is a stupid thing to get annoyed about. I rarely drink myself, I limit myself to a drink a day. I’m not even sure my mimosa was worth it. But still, we all agree this isn’t right.”
They were not wrong. “Look at the bright side. No one has to feel bad about having fun while I am sitting on the couch with a bag of ice.”
“You don’t even have a couch. Oh, but we do have a private hot tub. If it will help your foot, come use it.”
“I may take you up on that. Today is my last ice day.” Dana pulled out her key card. “I may have to call you though. I bet my card won’t access that area.”
“Just call or text.”
“I need to purchase a shipboard Wi-Fi package. I was counting on the access with the suite. If Mom will pay me the difference, I’ll get it today. I know this room was less than my portion of the Diamond Suite.
Cheyanne’s eyes widened. “Wait. What? You paid for part of the suite and donated your miles?”
“Yes.”
“All the other bridesmaids only paid a thousand for the trip. Daddy covered the rest. This is so wrong.”
“I don’t care.” Or she’d try not to care about the inequity. It was only money. The Ogilvies and their children had taught her money wasn’t as valuable as love. Confronting Sheila was likely to result in no refund and even less love. “You know I would do anything to be here.”
Chey hugged her. “Don’t you dare make me cry. Chandler hates it when I do.”
Dana released her sister. “I know this sounds paranoid, but will you check to make sure I have the right dress?”
“Oh no, if Mom...” Cheyanne clapped a hand to her mouth.
“I hung it in the closet.”
Cheyanne crossed the few feet to the closet and pulled out the sage dress. “It’s perfect.”
“Great,” Dana said with a sigh of relief. “I have this nightmare of Sheila hijacking our emails.”
“Mom is not that tech savvy.” Cheyanne pulled out her phone and started tapping. “Speaking of which...I have a couple thousand in my bridal fund left since Chandler’s family paid for so much. There. Consider that pay back. We both know Mom won’t refund you a penny.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“Seriously? Yes. I vowed not to be a bridezilla and so far I think I’ve done pretty good. There was a moment when...” Cheyanne waved her hand in front of her face, pushing the memory aside. “Mom doesn’t get to play her games at my wedding even if she is being a, what did you call her, Motherzilla?”
“Pretty much?” asked Dana, trying not to smirk.
“A little. I may have wished for a moment they kicked Mom off the plane. She would have missed the ship. At least she and Daddy are in a different part of the boat. She doesn’t have access to my suite either. Daddy said he’d keep her away.” Chey giggled. Unlike Dana, she had a good relationship with Mitchell. His best character feature was that he had been too busy to try to take Dana’s father’s place in her life. When he wasn’t working, Cheyanne was his world, even more so than Sheila.
“Alright, I’ll take your money,” Dana sighed dramatically. “But only because you insist and I am petty too.”
Cheyanne’s phone pinged. “They are serving dinner in the suite. Do you want to come?”
“I’m sure they only have enough portions for the six of you.”
Her sister’s arms dropped to her side. “Probably right.”
“That is okay. I can go to the buffet and have unlimited desserts.”
“As if you would.”
“You never know.” Dana raised a brow to tease her sister. She looked at her pink paper. “It looks like I get to eat with you tomorrow night. Private banquet at the Ocean’s Edge Restaurant.”
“Have you seen the photos of it? I love the ice sculptures and everything. Formal just the way Daddy likes it.” Cheyanne waved and closed the door behind her.
Dana’s stomach rumbled, perhaps she should have two desserts. Using the crutches was bound to burn extra calories. And she could eat away her disappointment in finding a handsome man who was 100% off limits.