Danger Cruise

By Derek Hart

Danger Cruise takes place during a one week round trip cruise. The Princess Carla is the setting for a tale of love and intrigue, romance and excitement, with some international criminals thrown in for good measure. Indeed First Officer John Drake is handsome, dashing, and certainly entertaining, but it’s Interpol Agent Raylene Capri who really has the moves,

• Language: English
• Publisher: Derek Hart
• Release date: Jun 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9781458062208

Derek Hart

Derek Hart is the prolific author of 28 action and adventure novels, known for their historical accuracy, while still maintaining a high level of entertainment. Romance is also a vital part of Derek Hart's trademark style and his novels generally appeal to men and women alike. Mr. Hart authored Secret of the Dragon's Eye, his first novel aimed at all age groups, which met with instant success and outstanding reviews. The author has since followed with Secret of the Dragon's Breath, Secret of the Dragon's Claw, Secret of the Dragon's Scales and Secret of the Dragon's Teeth. The final volume of the 6-episode series, Secret of the Dragon's Wings, will be available in November of 2018. He has since started a new series, post-apocalyptic in nature, with Minerva's Shield and Nike's Chariot. The third installment, Apollo's Plague came out in November 2017. Abandoned was published in March 2018 and Game Over premiered in June 2018. List of published books: Secret of the Dragon’s Eye Secret of the Dragon’s Breath Secret of the Dragon’s Claw Secret of the Dragon’s Scales Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth Secret of the Dragon’s Wings Claws of the Raven Danger Cruise Favor for FDR Crooked Cross Factor Tracks of the Predator For Love or Honor Bound Tales of the Yellow Silk Element of Surprise Seas Aflame Ice Flotilla High Altitude Low Opening Tangles of Truth Shadows in Replay Flag of Her Choosing Tidal Trap Dangerous (Poetry) Executive Firepower The CARLA Conspiracy The Wreckchasers Minerva's Shield Nike's Chariot Apollo's Plague Abandoned Game Over Mercury's Wings Before the Dead Walked Books coming soon: The Samuel Clemens Affair Pearl and Topaz By the Moon Darkly Broadmoor Manor Neptune's Trident Operation Sovereign Primary Weapon Saturn's Fire Tails of Thaddeus Enchanted Mesa Eagle Blue Last Guidon Excess Baggage Container Carta Codex Shipwreckers Romeo Tango The 5x5 Gang Desert Salvage

Book preview

Danger Cruise

by

Derek Hart

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Smashwords Edition

Published by

Derek Hart on Smashwords

Danger Cruise

Copyright - 2004 Derek Hart

All rights reserved.No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

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This book is also available as print

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Dedication

This book is dedicated to Carla.

Words can’t begin to explain why.

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Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1 – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Chapter 2 – At Sea

Chapter 3 – Port of Call:Willemstad, Curacao

Chapter 4 – Port of Call:La Guaira, Venezuela

Chapter 5 – Port of Call:Port of Spain, Trinidad

Chapter 6 – Port of Call:Port de France, Martinique

Chapter 7 – Port of Call:St. Thomas & St. John

Chapter 8 – At Sea 200 Miles from San Juan

Epilogue – Outside San Juan, Puerto Rico

About the Author

Notes

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Preface

A proud ship moved with the grace and power of a lioness on the hunt.

The waves parted effortlessly and the winds paid deep respect.

Carla still plies the seas of memory with regal beauty unmatched.

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Acknowledgements

To the Costa Cruise Line: For the wealth of historical information provided about their once premiere ship Princess Carla, also known as MS CarlaCosta.Linda Parrota, Costa Vice President, Marketing, was not only proud of the heritage and history of Costa, but was also especially helpful in answering the author’s questions and volunteering specific details about Carla, which added immensely to the story.

To Cynthia Ossenfort: Perhaps the foremost authority on available careers and actually working on cruise ships.She willingly shared her first-hand experiences as a Purser, Port Lecturer, and Social Hostess with Princess and Celebrity Cruise Lines.Her expertise was greatly appreciated.

To Douglas S. Cramer and Aaron Spelling: Producers of the hit TV show The Love Boat, an episodic comedy-drama series. Each week there were three interlinked stories involving the crew and passengers of the Pacific Princess, a ship where romance abounds.The TV series was created and the first five episodes were written aboard Princess Carla.The author admits watching more than several of the shows, in hopes of enhancing the flavor and romantic interludes of this book.

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Cover art designed by David Burke

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Introduction

Saturday, February 27, 1971

Sunday, March 7, 1971

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Chapter 1

Saturday, February 27, 1971

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The splendid cruise ship towered over her berth, sparkling white from stem to stern.Colorful flags whipped madly in the morning breeze off the ocean, suspended from the dynamically painted single funnel.There, a huge blue C was perfectly centered on a field of brilliant yellow.It was the signature of this opulent luxury craft, docked to receive another parade of wealthy clients and vacationing passengers.

For this elegant ship was the CarlaCosta, or Princess Carla, as she was more commonly referred to by her crew and promotional brochures.She was a grand lady, with an unblemished past, at least as far as Lloyd’s of London was concerned.Today was the first day of yet another peak cruise season, but also the highlight of a recently remodeled and refurbished luxury liner.

Master Captain Pedro Milne stepped lively from his day cabin, pleased at the wonderful weather.In fact, the forecast for the next week was superb and the journey to Curacao should proceed without incident.It was 475 nautical miles, with stops in St. Thomas/St. John, Martinique, Trinidad, and Venezuela, on to Curacao, then returning to San Juan, their home port.Boarding Dock #3 was just beginning to get active, with passengers milling about as luggage was carted aboard.

The Captain grinned, as he surveyed a virtual modeling display of billowing summer dresses.There were always so many beautiful women to entertain and systematically seduce.It was fair pickings, to be sure, as if the beautiful women of the world made a beeline to his ship.He was merely a judge on the runway, eyeing and appraising the potential for pleasure.

Milne sighed and spoke out loud.Ah, such is the life of the captain.He quickly looked around, but he was alone, the crew and staff still involved with pre-boarding activities.

The Captain had not yet seen the final registry, but his ship was capable of berthing 800, though he doubted it would be that full.More likely there would be around 600 on this trip.With a crew of almost 400, they were well prepared to delight any customer.He smiled again, in spite of himself.He was looking forward to the chase and scoring a beautiful young thing to spend his off-hours with in his stateroom.The American girls were always impressed with the size of his bed.This voyage would be different from all the rest, of that he was certain.

Down on the pier, First Officer John Drake was watching the arriving passengers too.He was responsible for every name on his list and he took the job quite seriously.Drake was also aware, without looking up, that Captain Milne was busy surveying the possibilities.The First Officer knew better than to openly suggest that the captain should behave differently, so along with the crew, turned a blind eye.Someday such behavior might cost the veteran captain his job, or worse, might get him in trouble with a jealous husband or boyfriend.So far Milne had been lucky.

Officer Drake was handing out daily programs until Richard Ash arrived.Purser Ash was always late, even if he was expected to be the first crewman on duty.The young man had recently married and his playboy days were supposedly over.Not that Ash complained in any way.His gorgeous wife was oversexed and dumb, just the way Ash liked her.In fact, the Purser had given up his skirt-chasing ways, seemingly quite satisfied to wait until he was back on shore to have sex.

Drake shook his head again.It seemed that 90% of his crewmates had just one thing on their mind.Perhaps that’s why they made cruise ships a career.It certainly wasn’t the pay, which was horrible at best.Drake looked at his watch.The stained cloth band reminded him of his US Navy days and recent tour off Vietnam.That was before his fast patrol boat was struck by Viet Cong rockets below the waterline and sank, with the loss of three of his crew.

Blinking rapidly to clear the horrible images, John forced a smile and greeted an elderly couple from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.It was their 50th Wedding Anniversary and Drake fussed over them, gathering several crewmembers to congratulate the older couple and take photographs with their instamatic.As the pair walked up the gangway, he chuckled with an unexpected giddy excitement.There was something electric in the air.This voyage would be different from all the others.Drake could just feel it.

Welcome to the Carla C, Drake’s voice spoke cheerfully, handing out another packet of programs for the 7-day cruise.The Princess Carla is crewed by 400 of the best staff you will find on any cruise ship.Please follow the deck map to your assigned cabins and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have along the way.

Purser Ash came trotting up, his tie still hanging loose around his collar and a noticeable disheveled appearance about him.

Sorry about this, sir, Ash said, almost out of breath.I had to get enough to hold me for the week, you know.

Do up your tie, Mr. Ash, Drake said sternly, since there weren’t any passengers nearby.The Captain would cut it off if he saw you looking like that.

Ash quickly fashioned a knot, combed his hair, and placed his cap on with a certain jaunty flair.Purser Ash was handsome, in a flashy rogue sort of way.He was dark skinned, dark haired, dark eyed and very Italian.However, even with all that, Drake still liked him a lot.

It was then that a massive armored truck pulled to a stop by the loading gantries. Seven heavily armed guards deployed to cover the transfer of six large canvas zipper-bags to the company payroll safes situated in the lower hold.The delivery went off like clockwork and once the shipment had been safely secured, the guards returned to the truck and it drove away.

Ash couldn’t help but comment.If I was ever tempted to become a thief, that quarterly shipment of cash to the disbursement offices would sure do the trick.

Don’t even think about it, Mr. Ash, Drake barked.

I wasn’t seriously considering it, Mr. Drake, Ash defended himself.I was just kidding.

Okay, you bum, flash that smile and make Carla C proud of you! the First Officer commanded.I’ve got to make sure Staci is okay.

Ash licked his lips.You know, Mr. Drake, sir, I sure wish you wanted Staci as badly as she wants you.She’s hot!Whatta babe!

Drake just playfully shoved Ash to the side.Mind your manners, Purser.Now carry on.

With Ash’s laughter still in his ears, Drake negotiated the ramp leading to the crew entrance.Staci Marks was the Cruise Director, in charge of all the leisure activities on board the Princess Carla.She was in fact very attractive, with sassy blond hair that reached almost to her shoulders.Many of the crew had tried to convince her to model nude for a famous men’s magazine, but she just thought they were acting ridiculous.

Drake liked Staci a lot, but there was no romantic chemistry.Besides, he had never been too interested in the fair-haired type.His preference was for women of Mediterranean blood, Greek or Italian and preferably exotic.John was looking for a woman who was feisty, intelligent, and passionate enough to match his appetites.So far the search had proved fruitless.

Drake pulled off his cap and ran his fingers through his short, dark curly hair while climbing flights of stairs.He took the time to mindlessly scratch his scalp for awhile, more for thinking than itching.Then, with a focused clearing of his throat, he returned the First Officer’s hat on his head and exited onto the Lido Deck.

Staci Marks was smiling brilliantly, explaining many of the games and activities planned for the passengers.Her voice was full of bubbly joy, which usually didn’t need to be faked, for she really enjoyed her job.She waved as soon as she spotted Drake and came up to greet him.

Good morning, John, she said, patting his forearm affectionately.You look like you’re in an especially fine mood.

I do? Drake tried to say with a gruff voice, forcing a frown.

That just made Staci giggle and she gently pushed at his belly, a ritual that Drake had become accustomed to.She really just liked feeling his rock-hard stomach muscles, which he tightened just for her.

Oh, she said with a bit of breathlessness.

Now keep your mind on the passengers, Miss Marks, Drake reminded her.There’s bound to be some stud in the bunch.

She pouted, hands to her hips as he strolled by.I don’t want that, John Drake, and you know it!Then, almost as an afterthought, Staci said to herself, I just know I want you.

He waved and laughed, but suddenly felt guilty that he promoted such behavior with her.Staci was really a very nice girl and did have a killer body.It was Drake who couldn’t act on the situation.He just didn’t like having sex for the sake of it.John wanted so much more, even though a part of him was convinced it would never happen.No matter how hard he tried and no matter how deeply he fell in love, they just kept slipping away.Lately a voice inside had starting questioning his abilities as a man, which led to some nagging doubts that hindered his self-confidence too.

Drake moved on, to check the swimming pools, making sure the water was circulating properly and there were plenty of towels stacked by the bright red deck chairs.Then he headed down a series of stairs to the main deck.As each passenger approached, he lifted off his cap and greeted them with warmth, often taking time to make sure they knew where they were headed.He genuinely smiled broadly, was the consummate gentleman, and refused any attempt at tipping him.

Finally steering clear of any other distractions, Drake opened a bulkhead door and skipped down the metal steps into the depths and bowels of Carla C.Near the main elevator shaft, he stopped to watch the steady march of ship’s stewards taking luggage up to the cabins.

Suddenly one of the suitcases popped open.With the speed of a professional baseball player, Drake caught it in mid-air and prevented any of the contents from spilling to the floor.However, along with every other man nearby, he whistled with male admiration as he discovered what items had been packed inside.

For it was obvious that the suitcase had been filled with an incredible selection of revealing and sexy lingerie, from skimpy thong panties, to gossamer-thin bras and wispy nightgowns.The colors were like the rainbow and even as Drake refolded and carefully arranged the clothing, he felt his face go flush.Re-securing the latches, Drake was also aware that all the stewards were still staring, so the First Officer had to take charge.

Come on you guys, he shouted over the din of engines, hoists, and ship noises.You’ve all seen women’s underwear before.So, let’s get that luggage up to the cabins.

They scrambled to get moving again, though a few of them added some colorful commentary on what they had seen.Drake ignored them, but also never let go of the handle.He carried the big bag to the employee elevator and stepped inside, punching a button for the bridge.That would give him time to read the nametag.As the car slowly climbed upwards, he located the pullout address label.

It read:

Raylene Capri

Fashion Designer

Milan, Naples, Rome, Athens,

Paris, London, New York

Now all it took was a quick check of the ship’s passenger list and he could deliver the suitcase to its owner himself.Just by the cursory glance and quick feel of the material, John decided that this Raylene might have something going for her.He certainly hoped so.Upon reaching the bridge, Drake scanned the list and located the correct room.

However, as the Fates would have it, she was not in her cabin when Drake knocked upon the door.Miss Capri was berthed in the finest First Class section, a palatial water-view stateroom.When no one answered, he used his passkey to unlock the door and stepped inside.He set the piece of luggage near the bed and sighed.Perhaps later John would get a chance to check her out.At least there was no doubt she could afford luxury and also appeared to be traveling alone.So he returned to the job at hand.

Drake’s other duties included responsibility for all onboard safety. He actively took part during the lifeboat drill on sailing day, and also when the crew had its weekly fire and safety exercises. He could be seen walking the decks at all hours to make sure everything was as it should be.

Under direction from the Master Captain, Drake supervised deck and crewmember activities.While at sea, John typically directed preparing a smooth chart of cruise, prepared weather reports and notified the captain of the ship’s location and time of arrival at ports.As First Officer he was in charge of the forecastle in mooring and weighing anchor and in the operation of technical equipment such as Loran, Radar and Fathometers.

He also could perform the duties of deck officer or navigator and supervised all Second Officers and skilled crewmembers.Once in port, Drake assigned the crew to their stations.He saw to all maintenance duties and organized the watch lists, even standing security when required.

First Officer Drake had earned an impressive background in nautical skills. After graduating from college, he served in the US Navy, climbing from ensign to captain in two years.He was given command of a gunboat flotilla that patrolled the inland waterways of Vietnam, involved in combat from his very first day.On his 33rd patrol, Viet Cong sappers ambushed them and his boat, nicknamed Arizona Girl after John’s high school sweetheart, was repeatedly hit by rockets and sunk.Three fellow crewmembers were killed in that action and Drake suddenly decided he was very tired of war.He resigned his commission and joined Costa Cruises as a Second Officer.One year later, he was promoted to First Officer on the Princess Carla, but naturally looked forward to one day becoming Master of his own ship.

In his few leisure hours, Drake enjoyed reading and going to the shipboard movie theatre to watch the latest releases.He was an avid movie buff, but enjoyed swimming, martial arts, and rock climbing too, which were all forms of recreation he actively pursued when ashore.John was on duty four months at a stretch, taking vacation