The Missing Passenger by Liz Turner

Author:Liz Turner
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2020-07-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Treasure Map

The next morning saw the largest boom of passengers charging off the ghostly ship and into the safety of sunny Puerto Vallarta.

Gabriella had never seen the ship entirely emptied at a single port before. Though this seemed to forebode further disaster for the future of the Fischer cruise line, she relished the tranquility of a morning without additional ghost sightings and supernatural complaints. Perhaps the petty poltergeist would also take a break and venture out into the warmth of the island air too.

“This is eerie,” Sarah commented as she rushed nervously up to Gabriella, obviously afraid to be alone.

Gabriella smiled at her friend. “Well, I’m enjoying every second.”

“But it’s creepy,” Sarah complained, her eyes darting around. “A vacated cruise ship is feeling worse than an empty school or a graveyard in the middle of the night.”

Gabriella chuckled, though she also felt the gloom of the situation and found it hard to shake. “This could ruin us, you know…”

“I know,” Sarah agreed gravely. “But I also know you’re the smartest person on this ship—no offense to Captain Nick. Anyway, if anyone can figure out what’s really going on here, it’s you.”

“Thanks.” Gabriella’s olive skin glowed faint pink from the unexpected compliment. “It means a lot you have so much faith in me. I feel like I’ve lost some of my confidence, to be honest.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “Well,” she breathed out with an air of subject change, “we have two new passengers boarding today.”

“Two? I thought we only had space for one?”

“When Peter Newland’s cabin became available, the slot was booked as soon as it was visible online. I guess someone was desperate to board this cruise.”

Gabriella stared at Sarah in horror. “Was the passenger warned about the potential disaster about to unfold? I’m fairly sure someone will be stampeded to death at disembarkation. And now we have a cruiser staying in a dead person’s cabin.” Gabriella shook her head.

“Regardless,” Sarah continued, “they’re going through baggage check now and will join us shortly. I thought you’d like to join me in welcoming them and perhaps,” she hesitated for a few seconds, “explain to them the… uh… atmosphere we have on the cruise right now…”

Gabriella laughed. “Of course,” she said, wiping a tear from her eye. “I’ll assist with explaining the inexplicable.”

“Great. Billy’s bringing them up now.”

Sarah and Gabriella both fixed expert smiles onto their well-trained faces, hiding their internal distress and unease.

“Good morning,” Gabriella burst excitedly as the two new passengers ranged into view. “Welcome aboard our Fischer cruise line, where we offer a one-of-a kind experience of a lifetime.”

“That’s for sure,” Sarah stammered. It suddenly dawned on her she recognized one of the new passengers. “Sebastian!” she exploded, stepping forward to plant a kiss on his lips before realizing a confused Billy Harlow was watching.

“Surprise!” Sebastian winked at her, extending his arms to receive a hug and then hesitating awkwardly when Sarah didn’t reciprocate it.

All cruise lines, including Fischer Cruises, maintained a strict policy on relationships between staff and passengers.

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