The Cruise

By Daniel Schorsch

Charlette Antoine is afraid for her life after her husband tries to kill her. She stabs him, and thinking he's dead, she seeks refuge and shelter of a cruise ship where she is seated at dinner with a homicide detective, Hugh Waterleigh. After a little bit of cat and mouse, and unable to stand the guilt, she confesses to him. He concludes here husband is not dead. Then they learn Peter Antoine is coming after her, following the ship from port to port, and threatening her. Hugh and Charli leave the ship and fly back to Miami, but Peter comes after them getting closer and closer. As the flee and try to lead him to capture, they learn of his blackmail and prostitution schemes, his acid attacks of his 'girls' and his links to corrupt cops. The final show down is dramatic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Schorsch
• Release date: Jan 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301378043

Daniel Schorsch

About the AuthorDaniel Schorsch is a retired Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Reactor Engineer, and Attorney. He lives with his wife, Ellen, a pianist, and music teacher, in Waynesboro, Virginia. He is the father of two adult children and has two grandsons. In his first career he was involved in the design and construction of the Navy's first two nuclear surface vessels; the guided missile cruiser, USS Long Beach, CGN-9, and the guided missile frigate, USS Bainbridge, DLG(N)25,CLG(N)25. His second career, as an attorney started at the age of 45. He later became a senior partner in his own firm before retiring.

Book preview

Chapter One

The Maître d’ approached Hugh Waterleigh as he sat in ‘The Restaurant’ aboard the cruise ship, ‘Silver Spirit.’ I’m sorry to disturb you, he said, but there is a young lady wishing to dine and the only available seat appears to be the one at this table. Would you have any objection to sharing your table this evening, sir? She is standing in the entranceway awaiting your decision.

Hugh looked toward the entranceway and saw a very lovely women standing there. She caught his gaze and nodded to him with a smile. He judged her to be about 5’7" and maybe 135 pounds. Her auburn hair framed her face, hanging to her shoulders and her black sheath dress, hemmed with lace at the knee, accentuated a very nice figure. That’s all he could see for the moment. He thought she might be in her early to mid-thirties.

Please, tell the young lady that it will be my pleasure to have her join me.

Hugh watched as the Maître d’ made his way back to the entrance and spoke briefly to the woman who shifted her gaze to Hugh, nodding again and smiling.

As she approached the table, Hugh stood and gave her a small bow. I’m Hugh Waterleigh, he said. He did not extend his hand, waiting for her to do so first.

I’m Charlette Antoine, Mr. Waterleigh, she said extending her hand. Thank you for agreeing to let me share your table. Hugh took her hand gently and was surprised by the firmness of her grip. ‘He’s not bad looking,’ she thought, seeing his black hair, dark brown eyes and chiseled features. He was tanned and she could see stress lines in his face. His navy blue blazer, over a light blue shirt, emphasized his fitness, as did his light grey slacks. He was about 6’1" and maybe 200 pounds. She judged his age to be in the late thirties, early forties, maybe. ‘He’s only a little older than me,’ she thought.

The Maître d’ pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit down before pushing it back in.

Hugh also waited until she was seated before resuming his seat, facing her.

At that moment, a waiter appeared, asking what they would like to drink.

May I offer you a cocktail or a glass of wine perhaps, Ms. Antoine? Hugh asked.

I would love a glass of white wine. Would you choose one for me please? she asked looking at him, thinking ‘that was nice of him’.

‘That’s interesting,’ Hugh thought, unable to immediately understand why she hadn’t chosen her own drink. Hugh turned to the waiter and said, "Please bring us a bottle of German Riesling, a ‘Tesch Riesling Spatlese,’ I think, or something similar. And please make sure it is well chilled."

"Have you ever had a German Riesling before, Ms. Antoine?" he asked.

No, she said, not that I recall. Thank you for doing that. ‘He seems attentive,’ she thought.

You’re welcome. Thank you for asking to share my table, I really don’t enjoy eating alone and you are much lovelier than the company I keep when I do.

Ah, she said, with a musical chuckle. Thank you for the compliment.

He nodded just as the waiter returned. "We don’t have the ‘Tesch,’ sir, but we do have this, which is highly recommended," he said handing Hugh a bottle.

Oh, I see, said Hugh, looking at the label. This will be perfect, thank you.

With a great deal of flourish, the waiter wrapped a white towel around the bottle before uncorking it. He handed the cork to Hugh who sniffed it and nodded. The waiter poured a little in Hugh’s glass and waited as Hugh tasted it. Yes indeed, I think this will do nicely. Hugh pronounced.

The waiter poured some wine for Charlette, and then added some to Hugh’s glass, before putting the bottle in the chiller beside the table.

Hugh picked up his glass and raised it to Charlette, saying, May I propose a toast, Ms. Antoine? he asked looking into her eyes which were a light grey, flecked with blue.

Thank you, she said, but only if you call me Charli.

He smiled and nodded. To Charli, a charming dinner companion, he said.

He took a sip and watched her reaction as she took a sip. Oh, Mr. Waterleigh, she said, this is marvelous. It’s so crisp. Thank you, again. Then she added, Would I be mistaken if I suggested that you might have been called ‘Waterlily,’ growing up? He saw merriment in her eyes as she spoke, perhaps a mild teasing.

I’ve been called a lot of things over the years; ‘Waterlily’ was one of them, as was ‘Lily, of course, and Hugh, or Hughie, and Lee. I assume you’re asking me what name you should use if we’re to be on a first name basis. Call me whatever you wish, I won’t mind whatever you choose.

Well, then, I think I’ll call you ‘Lily’ for now. Are you traveling alone, Lily? she asked. I don’t see a ring, but I do see the indentation. Do you mind my curiosity?

To answer all of those questions, in the order asked; yes, I am traveling alone, I’m divorced now, for a number of years, and no, I don’t mind your curiosity.

Are you curious about me? she asked.

Yes. Most definitely. Are you traveling alone? I don’t see a ring, but I do see the indentation.

In the same order then; yes I am, I have very recently ended my marriage, but we are not divorced, and I have removed my ring. She reached for her glass and took another sip. This is so good. What is it? she asked.

He took the bottle from the chiller and showed it to her. I haven’t got the foggiest idea of what that says. Would you read it to me, please?

"‘Schafer Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese, 2007,’" he read from the label.

It sounds just as impressive as it tastes, she said with a musical laugh, although that still means absolutely nothing to me. I must add, though, that you say it beautifully.

He grinned at her. You see right through me don’t you? he said.

I see you for a very nice man I am enjoying getting to know, and who is more humble then he is letting on.

Hugh reddened slightly, and in a very soft voice said, Thank you.

And what do you see, Lily? if I may ask. Am I putting you on the spot? she added.

In reverse order, then; yes, you are putting me on the spot, and, I see a very lovely young lady who is much less sure of herself then she pretends, but who is nonetheless a delightful dinner companion. Oh, and one more thing; despite her marriage, she has no children.

Charli’s face changed the instant he mentioned children. She paled slightly and gave a slight gasp. Hugh, watching for her reaction to his assessment, saw the change. I’m sorry. he said, Forgive me, please. That was clumsy of me.

With visible effort, Charli regained her composure, and looking directly into his eyes, said, You are right of course, I am not as sure of myself as I seem and I am childless. How did you pick up on that?

You asked me to order your drink for you, and you’re traveling alone. I don’t think you would do that if there were children.

That’s remarkably perceptive of you, Hugh, she said, breaking eye contact and looking down.

‘Hugh is it?’ he thought. ‘She’s taking my remark more seriously; Lily for the banter, Hugh for the serious stuff? Interesting,’ he thought, feeling guilty about how she reacted to his comment.

Please, Charli, forgive me. I’ve caused you some distress and I’m very sorry.

Ah, Lily, thank you, but I’m okay, really. The subject would have come up sooner or later I think, so sooner is better. Her use of the name ‘Lily’ reassured him that she was okay with his remark.

The waiter arrived just then and asked if they were ready to order or if they needed more time.

Hugh looked at the waiter, saying, I’m sorry. We were engrossed in our conversation. Would you give us a minute or two more please?

I’ll be back shortly, then, the waiter said.

Their conversation lapsed while they studied the menu. When the waiter returned, Charli ordered assorted canapés for an appetizer, a small Italian tossed salad and a small veal picatta with green beans. Hugh asked to have the canapés, sliced tomatoes, and the prime rib au jus, lean and rare.

Once the waiter was on his way, Hugh asked if Charli would like some more wine. Please, she said. I think it will be wonderful with the canapés.

Hugh, like me, you are on an extended voyage. In my case, I am treating myself to a vacation, a celebration if you will, of the end of my marriage and the end of my job, which I walked away from when I walked out of my marriage. May I ask why you’re travelling, alone?

‘Hugh is it?’ he thought. ‘This is serious for her. She’s also inviting me into her situation. She ended her marriage and her job at the same time. Something happened.’ Of course you may, but what you said contains a good deal more than an inquiry about me.

‘He knows what I’m asking.’ It does, she answered, but let’s talk about you first, and then we can talk about me. Okay?"

Sure, he said, but I think talking about you will be so much more interesting. Anyway, here it is; the short version. I didn’t have someone I wanted to travel with; that’s why I’m alone. Please, don’t feel sorry for me. There are other circumstances, and I’m okay when I’m with myself. I was a police officer for about 20 years. When he said that, Charli blanched. The blood drained from her face and she started to tremble. He watched as she brought herself under control, but it took a visible effort. ‘Is she in some kind of trouble?’ he wondered. ‘Is she running from something? Is that why she’s here?’

I’m sorry, Hugh, I would not have guessed you were a policeman. Your answer startled me. I guess you could see that.

I did notice, he said. Are you okay?

I am. Please continue, I think your story will be much more interesting than you perhaps would have me think.

Well, I graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and was accepted into the Miami P.D. I worked my way through various departments, Patrol, Vice, Robbery, etc. and eventually became a detective. About four months ago, I was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. When I got out of the hospital and rehab, I was assigned to a desk. I couldn’t return to street work. I had my twenty years so I retired. This cruise marks the end of my career, but not yet the start of a new one. Besides, I still have some healing to do. So this is perfect for me.

I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to pry. And I’m sorry too, to hear about your being wounded. I truly hope you will be okay. Thank you for being so candid, but I think that is, indeed, the short version. I think there is much more to Lily then he suggests. Did your marriage end when you became a detective?

Yes, but it was unraveling long before that. My wife wasn’t able to get past the constant terror of not knowing if I would be coming home from a shift or not, the constant demands, on both of us that my job required. She tried very hard, but it was a no go. The promotion was the last straw.

Once again, Hugh, you are giving me a short version. You know that don’t you?

He nodded, looking in her eyes. She returned his look, seeing torment, guilt, unhappiness, regret and pain.

What do you see in my eyes? he asked.

Do you want me to be honest?

I do, please. I don’t think it will come as a surprise to me. Be blunt, I think there is no gentle way to say it, if you see what’s there.

‘That’s interesting. He trusts me and he wants to know what I see.’ Hugh, forgive me, but I see torment. I see guilt, unhappiness, regret and pain.

No sugar coating there. You see what I feel.

Just then the waiter arrived with the appetizers on one plate for them to share.

That was heavy, Lily. Let’s lighten up and enjoy the food. I’m looking forward to the canapés with the wine. We can talk more later.

The wine and the canapés more than met their expectations, as did the salads and the entrées. As they waited for dessert, Charli asked, Are you okay with what I said?

Hugh nodded. I asked. There’s more, as I’m sure you know, but enough of me for a while. It’s your turn.

‘He’s inviting me in,’ she thought. I was twenty-five when I graduated with an advanced degree in Architecture, Charli started to say when she saw the surprise on Hugh’s face. Are you surprised that I’m an architect?

Yes, he said. For some reason I didn’t see you as an architect.

It was her turn to nod. What did you see me as? I’m curious.

I’m not really sure, a professional of some sort, a lawyer, maybe.

I see. Anyway, I got a job with a firm in Miami. It was very rewarding. I started dating one of the architects at the firm and we became serious. We dated for two years or so, and then married. He changed almost immediately. I became nothing more than a piece of property to him. It took me a long time to realize it and longer to understand the devastating effect it was having on me. Oh, dear, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so direct. Forgive me, please.

No apologies necessary. What you said needed to come out, I think. Please tell me the rest of it. I’m a good listener and I’m interested. ‘Something is troubling this girl. It has to do with her marriage. Something happened.’

The change started with verbal abuse which escalated little by little over the years. The effect on me was subtle and slow. By the time the physical abuse started, I thought I didn’t deserve better, that whatever was happening was my fault. It was affecting my work. I felt powerless to change anything. He didn’t want children. I did, but I am so thankful now that I don’t have any. No, that’s not true. I’m thankful there were no children in the environment I lived in then. I regret there are no children now I’m free. No, that’s not altogether true either. Let’s just say my feelings about children are very conflicted, confused, and unresolved. Are you sure you want to hear this, Hugh?

Yes, I do.

I didn’t have the capacity to leave him or my job, so I stayed. My work suffered, my self-esteem was non-existent. I was a zombie. Then one day, I realized the only person in my life who I owed anything to was me. The only person who could affect a change was me. The only person I could rely on was me. I walked out of everything. I closed the door. I’m here. She paused before saying, I’m sorry, I had no intention of saying any of that. If it seems like I’m unloading everything on you, I’m very sorry. It just came out.

Hugh looked at Charli for a long time, without saying anything. He let her words and her emotions as she displayed, them settle in his mind, reading between the lines, over the lines and around the lines. Before he could say anything the waiter arrived to take their dessert order. It was Decadent Double Chocolate Mousse for both of them. When the waiter was gone again, Hugh asked, That’s a hard story to listen to. I’m surprised it came out the way it did. I think something recent precipitated the need. I’m glad I was here to listen. He stopped. I’m sorry,’ I apologize if that was rude. He paused before saying, So how does your freedom feel, Charli?

She looked into his eyes before answering. Honestly? I’m scared to death, Hugh. I don’t know how to do this. I’m like a new-born in some ways. This trip was a way of taking me out of hell and placing me where I could feel safe, but I don’t feel safe. It was a way of limiting the choices I have to make, but I still have to make them. I have a temporary home. I don’t have to look for an apartment, or shop for groceries, or even choose my own wine. At least for the next two weeks. She smiled when she said that. And don’t apologize, I invited you into my life, I’m not sure why, but I guess I needed to. No, that’s not honest. I needed to talk to someone. You’re it.

Hugh nodded. That’s a story that isn’t easy to tell, he said. Thank you for trusting me. I suppose being strangers makes it easier in some respects. I suspect that you haven’t told anyone else what you’ve told me this evening. I think everything you said needed to be said. But even with all that, it couldn’t have been easy. I’m glad I was here to listen.

Again Charli looked into his eyes. There is something about you that made it easier for me. I certainly had no intention of talking about any of it when I sat down. Perhaps it was the wine. Or more likely, it was just you. Thank you, Hugh, she said in a low voice.

The desserts were finished and Hugh signed the check. He stood, walked around behind her and pulled her chair from the table as she stood up. Charli, he started to say, but she put a finger on his lips.

Shhh, she said. Do you dance, Hugh? she asked.

Would you like to dance with me, Ms. Antoine? he asked, thinking about her using ‘Hugh," to indicate this was something more serious than casual.

I was hoping you would ask.

I believe we may be able to dance in the Panorama Lounge. It’s on Deck Nine.

Chapter Two

The Panorama Lounge was on the aft end of Deck Nine. It had a magnificent view of the ocean and gave access to the Panorama Outdoor Deck. The piano music in the Lounge was soft and intimate, made for dancing. The lounge already had some passengers but Hugh and Charli found a table in the aft most section, where they could look out at the ocean. "Lily, would you ask the waiter to bring us another bottle of the Riesling we had down stairs? He looked at her, questioningly. I’m okay, Lily, I’m not looped, she said, yet."

Once the wine was served, Hugh stood, extending his hand in a silent invitation. She took his hand and they walked to the small dance floor. He turned to face her and suddenly she was in his arms, drawing him to her, savoring his warmth and strength. She had one hand on the back of his neck, the other arm around his waist. He put one arm around her waist and the other on her shoulder. She felt good against him. It was a long time since he held a woman. He could smell the delicate aroma of her shampoo and her perfume. ‘Did he feel her trembling?’

He started to dance, gently leading her, guiding her in soft arcs around the dance floor. Her trembling increased and he stopped for a moment. Please, don’t stop, she whispered. Just let me feel safe and warm for the moment. She laid her head against his chest and he brushed his lips against her hair. He knew she felt it by the way her breath caught a brief hitch.

When the piano fell silent, they both turned and acknowledged the pianist who nodded to them with a smile. Neither said anything as they walked back to the table. Hugh poured some wine, and then held up his glass, tapping Charli’s glass. No words were spoken, but a deep look was exchanged. After a minute, they got up and found a door leading to the outside deck, taking their wine glasses with them.

The sun was beginning to set and the sky was an artist’s palette of colors, both vivid and pastel. The air was warm, the ship’s wake behind them luminescent in the softening light. Standing at the rail, watching the sun make its hesitant but relentless way into the sea, Charli put her arm around Hugh and rested her head against his shoulder. Then she turned to face him, as he too turned. Thank you for one of the nicest evenings I can remember, she said, reaching up with her face to give him a very tender kiss. Are we still strangers, Hugh? she asked.

Yes and no, he said. "We’ve only just met, but we’ve shared more this evening than