Lethal Voyage: A Mike Stoneman Thriller by Kevin G. Chapman

Author:Kevin G. Chapman [Chapman, Kevin G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-11-21T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24 – Heart to Heart

DESPITE THE GLOOMY WEATHER, Michelle suggested that they spend some more time out on the island, just because they could. The group of four walked through the Maritime Museum, which included exhibits depicting the origins of the island country and the many, many ships that were wrecked on the surrounding coral reefs. They marveled at the huge mural depicting island life in a colorful, happy display. After standing on the parapet of the fortification and looking out over the angry waves of the Atlantic, they adjourned back to the ship.

As they cleared through the security and identity check, they speculated about whether Max Bloom would sail north with them the next afternoon. Mike bet Jason a Zacapa 23 on Max bolting; Jason thought he was not creative enough, even if he was guilty. Half an hour later, while the women attended a sushi-making class that the men chose to skip, Mike and Jason sat at the bar in Shangri-La watching April pour them their fine aged rum. They decided that, since they were both on the unlimited drink plan, there was no point waiting for Sunday to settle up.

The international feed of ESPN was running on the television above the bar. Jason glanced up when he saw a headline and a photo: “New York Quarterback Jimmy Rydell Arrested.”

“Hey, Mike, look. There’s your favorite quarterback.” He pointed at the screen.

Mike dropped his head. “Oh, Lord, what did the idiot do this time?”

“I don’t know. We have no volume. I’m sure it’s not any worse than when he shot himself in the leg in that Manhattan nightclub. You guys picked a real winner there.” Jason jabbed Mike in the arm good-naturedly.

“Jimmy Freaking Rydell,” Mike muttered. “Biggest mistake the team ever made. Damn, I thought we could get away from him out here in the middle of the Atlantic.”

As they sipped and looked out at the still-gloomy water, Jason uncharacteristically initiated the conversation. “What do you think of Rachel?” he asked with no lead-in.

“What do you mean?” Mike said, being immediately careful with such a question.

“I mean, do you like her?”

“Sure. She’s fun, she’s upbeat, she seems pretty smart, and she’s beautiful. What’s not to like?”

“I’m serious, Mike. I really like her, but I’m not sure I know her that well. I’m interested in your assessment. Am I making a big mistake getting so into her? I mean, I know you’re no expert on relationships, but I’d like to know what you think.”

Mike stared at his partner as he slowly took a sip of the smooth, black rum. “Is this going to be a serious talk? Maybe we should get some good scotch.”

Jason reached out and pushed against Mike’s shoulder softly, knocking him slightly off balance. “We have this,” he said, holding up his Zacapa. “I don’t think I need to get drunk to have this conversation. I see you and Michelle, and you have a pretty good thing going. But you’re both, well, older. It’s not like

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