The Sky Beneath Her(42)
“Stories are just stories. They don’t scare me.”
A beam of sunlight washed out his face, making it tough to read his expression. “You’re not one who heeds warnings?”
“I have enough to worry about.” Dr. Brooks and I stood side by side at the railing, staring out over the rolling waves.
“Why do you still go to sea?” I asked.
“It’s how I make my living.” A smile nudged the corners of his lips. “I don’t hate the water. But I respect her power. And I’ve accepted she can take me at any moment, as a thousand other things can.”
“Death isn’t the worst fate.”
“Very true indeed.” He shook his head. “Have you practiced putting on your life jacket?”
“No.” I’d seen it hanging in the small closet.
“Practice. And take time to note where all the lifeboats are located. Do this several times a day, because when we panic, we forget what’s not drilled deep into our memories.”
Having a plan calmed some of my worries. “Better to be prepared.”
“Exactly.”
“Very wise, Dr. Brooks.”
He grinned. “You strike me as a woman who’s prepared to succeed.”
“I am.”
“Then you will be just fine.”
The sailors manning the three large navy guns sounded an alarm. One sailor shouted orders as the two others angled their guns toward the north. Dr. Brooks followed the line of the gun barrels and studied the rising and falling ocean waters.
I could see nothing but lurching waves. “What do they see?”
“Hard to say. They’re looking for any sign of a submarine.”
A chill skimmed over my body. If the ship went down, would we all survive the explosions or make it to a lifeboat? The odds felt against us.
“What if we are hit?” I asked.
Dr. Brooks studied the waters. “Chaos will break out. Most will panic and run in circles. If the ship is sinking, you must get to your cabin if you can. Put your life jacket on as fast as you are able. Don’t worry about your belongings. Then rush toward a lifeboat. Stay focused and keep moving, and you’ll be fine.”
An older couple walked arm in arm past us. It seemed impossible they’d lose control, but I’d seen how ruthless humans could be to one another. I gripped the coin tighter. “I will.”
We both stood in silence for several minutes until one of the sailors announced an all clear. My breath remained trapped in my chest until Dr. Brooks’s shoulders eased, and he faced me. The ruthless intensity melted. “See? Nothing to worry about. These moments are nerve racking, but they’re common on voyages like this. We’ll have more.”
He couldn’t make that kind of promise, but hearing it was a comfort. “I’ve enjoyed our conversation, Dr. Brooks.”
“Always a delight, Frau Werner. Will I see you at dinner?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I’ll have more charms and stories to share.”
“Always closing a sale?”
“Of course.”
“How can I resist?”
He saluted. “I’ll be looking for you.”
“Thank you.”
The lifeboats were large and looked as if they could hold a dozen passengers each. The baby stirred inside me.
“This has been lovely, but I must retire,” I said.
“Of course. I will walk you to your cabin.”
I’d journeyed across endless rivers, seas, and now the ocean, alone. “I can find my way.”
“That may be true. But I feel it’s my duty to walk you to your cabin.”
My skin bristled at the order, but I kept my expression neutral. “Thank you.”
We crossed the teak deck, went through the portal, and walked down the interior halls and stairs. When I reached my cabin, I was slightly winded, but a little less worried. I fished a key from my pocket and opened my door. “Thank you, Dr. Brooks.”
“If you need anything, please let me know.”
“I should be fine. Thank you.”
Inside my cabin, I closed the door. I sensed Dr. Brooks standing outside. I held my breath until I heard his footsteps echo down the hallway. He was charming. But Alfred had been pleasant once.
Chapter Fourteen
Tula
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 7:15 a.m.
Kaitlin handed me a coffee. Neither of us had had much to say since I’d arrived at the surf shop and watched the coffeepot gurgle out the magic stuff. I looked as rough as I felt, and she didn’t appear much better.
“I know I slept badly,” I said. “What’s your story?”
“The usual.”
“Which is?”
“Life. The business.”
“Did the camp go well?”
“It was good.”
“So, what’s up with the business?”
“Nothing. It’s great.”
“But?”
She threaded fingers through her hair, and as she secured the golden strands into a bun, she said, “You know I’ve been cleaning houses since I was thirteen.”
“I know.”
“I’m really good at it, and MERmaids has more business than I can handle.”