The Necklace VI: Snow on the Mountain

By Linda S Rice

The year is 2017 and Susan’s lifelong dream to be with James has finally come true; they both see nothing but marital bliss in their future years together.
That is...until Diego, Conte di La Spezia, decides he wants Susan as his new Contessa and his evil brother, Vicente, identifies Susan’s ballerina necklace as the one stolen from the family 200 years in the past. While Diego plots to capture Susan, Vicente schemes to retrieve the necklace. Playing against Susan’s jealous tendency, a plan is enacted to capture both Susan and the coveted necklace and destroy James’s and Susan’s marriage. Will it succeed, however? Or, will Diego relent when he realizes Susan’s love for James is unshakable?
As the future unfolds time moves into the 2020s, and Sherry, James’s young daughter from his second marriage, decides to pursue a career in dance. When Nygel, a principal dancer from a prestigious company in Holland comes to London to choose who will be selected for roles in a production of “Giselle,” Sherry finds herself the target of his sexual advances, while her roommate, Carmen, falls in love with the heartless womanizer.
The years advance quickly on James and Susan as they find the need to cope with aging minds and bodies. As their love story comes to an end in the year 2037, they find peace and contentment in a relationship that has stood the test of time through time-travel and the obstacles that prevented the past from being changed.
And, the necklace that bound them together from the beginning, keeps them bound together to the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda S Rice
• Release date: Mar 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9781520732299

Linda S Rice

As a child, I was mesmerized by story tellers and my mother always made sure I had a supply of books close at hand while I was growing up. Sitting on her lap and listening to her read to me is one of my earliest memories. I remember drawing pictures and then making up stories to go with them, and as I got older, my stories became longer and more fanciful. At age ten, I began to write them down, and when I was twelve, I wrote my first "book," all handwritten. I wrote during rainy days in gym class when we all had to stay in the locker room and sit on benches. I had a small cult following of friends who waited for me to finish each page which I would then pass down the row. When I got a typewriter for my thirteenth birthday, I typed up my "masterpiece" and put it in a 3-ring binder then hid it away. The story was actually quite silly. Having a typewriter, however, made it possible for me to write even more, which I did on almost a daily basis.But, as happens to many young, aspiring writers, reality grabbed me and when I graduated from high school and headed to college then into the workforce, the dream of becoming an author washed away. It wasn't until I turned 62 and experienced my 3rd job layoff, that I decided to try and make my writing dream come true.Writing has since become an addiction to me, and I'm finding that ideas for numerous scenarios and characters keep flooding my brain, with the characters screaming, "Write about me! Write about me!"And, that's what I intend to do.

Book preview

Linda S. Rice

The Necklace VI

Snow on the Mountain

After Susan and Michelle return in despair from their time-travel journey back to 1999, Michelle resigns herself to a life of loneliness, and Susan accepts the fact that she’s lost James forever.

James, a former member of the most famous band of all time, and Susan, the woman who’s loved him for over fifty years, were to be married in a double ceremony on Christmas Day, 1999 with Thomas, James’s son, and Michelle, Susan’s daughter. It was not meant to be, however, when a gold-digging ex-courtesan, determined to have James for her own, exposes Susan as already being married.

It’s now August 2016 when Thomas is preparing for a move from London to Los Angeles and discovers the mobile phone Susan left behind. The mysterious object, as he thought of it seventeen years earlier, is at the bottom of a box in his closet that he’d packed up with Michelle’s things shortly after she and her mother vanished.

When Brett, Thomas’s friend who works for Apple, examines the phone, telling him it’s an iPhone6 and there’s no way he could have had it for seventeen years, both men are puzzled.

Will the mystery of the phone be solved, and will it lead Thomas back to Michelle? And, if Michelle and Thomas are reunited, is it possible that Susan and James will once again find themselves in each other’s arms? After all, we know from Susan’s previous forays into the past that history could not be changed, but what about the future?  Will there finally be a Happily Ever After for James and Susan?

Contents

About The Necklace VI * Acknowledgments

Prologue

Part I

Chapter 1 * Chapter 2 * Chapter 3 * Chapter 4 * Chapter 5 * Chapter 6 * Chapter 7 * Chapter 8 * Chapter 9 * Chapter 10 * Chapter 11 * Chapter 12 * Chapter 13 * Chapter 14 * Chapter 15 * Chapter 16 * Chapter 17 * Chapter 18 * Chapter 19 * Chapter 20 * Chapter 21 * Chapter 22

Part II

Chapter 1 * Chapter 2 * Chapter 3 * Chapter 4 * Chapter 5 * Chapter 6 * Chapter 7

Part III

Chapter 1 * Chapter 2 * Chapter 3 * Chapter 4 * Chapter 5

Epilogue

Excerpt from The Necklace VII * Other Books by Linda S. Rice * About the Author * Copyright

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to friends, acquaintances, and relatives, who encouraged me to move forward with publishing The Necklace – The Dusky Club, June 1962, the first book in the series, the sequels, The Necklace II – Back to Brighton, November 1962, The Necklace III – London, 1967,  The Necklace IV – Brighton, December 1999, The Necklace V – Strawberries & Wine. and now this sixth and final book of the series that continues the romance between James, a member of the most famous band of all time and Susan, the woman who has loved him since she was 12-years old.

Special thanks to my sister-in-law, Nancy Flood, for her editing help and to my numerous friends on social media for their encouragement and time spent previewing this work

Lastly, and most importantly, I’d like to thank my husband, Michael, for his patience while I wrote, re-wrote, revised, and edited over the many months it took me to complete all six of these books.

And make sure not to miss the sequel series that will carry James and Susan back into their prior lives during an even earlier place in time…the Regency era…

To contact the author, e-mail Linda at [e-mail]

Prologue – July 2017

The Conte di La Spezia paced impatiently in the library of his Palazzo on the eastern coast of Italy, a frown marring his handsome and aristocratic face. He brushed a lock of his hair, as dark as a raven’s wing, from his forehead, his expresso-brown eyes piercing the room.

The woman would be his…one way or another…along with the silver ballerina necklace that had been stolen from his family over two hundred years ago in London by a conniving member of the British nobility.

It had taken him almost twenty years to research the history of the theft and cost him many lires and later euros to discover the whereabouts of the necklace that his ancestor claimed to have magical powers. Whether that was true or not, he didn’t know, but what he did know is that the time spent researching had resulted in the discovery of the very beautiful and desirable donna who now possessed it.

He’d first learned of the woman a year previous and set his agents to the task of following her and finding out as much about her as he could. Over the months, he’d been sent numerous photos of her, showing her wearing the necklace, and after a period of time, he began to feel a yearning in his heart more for the woman who wore it than for the necklace itself.

The fact that she was now re-married after the loss of her husband didn’t worry him. But, knowing who she was now married to presented somewhat of a problem. James, a former member of the most famous band of all time and now a rock icon, was constantly surrounded by security and had a team of people who tracked his every move…as well as that of his new bride, Susan.

Ah yes…Susan, the beautiful, emerald-eyed siren who had begun to invade his dreams and his heart more frequently after he saw her in person at a performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic just last month in June.

Vicente, his younger brother, had been the one to initially find Susan after seeing a newspaper photo of her wearing the stolen necklace. After that, his agents had been called upon to track her and her attorney daughter, Michelle. Discovering that Michelle’s fiancé, Thomas, was a concert pianist in Los Angeles., it had been easy to trail them. The Conte had flown to California intending to arrange an encounter with Susan, but all he’d been able to do was observe her through opera glasses at the all-Tchaikovsky concert at the Los Angeles Center for Performing Arts.

He’d been enthralled…captivated…and believed he’d fallen in love. The necklace itself became only an afterthought. And, although at age 61, he knew he was five years younger than she, it didn’t signify. She didn’t appear to be a day over fifty, and her mature beauty only made her lovelier in his eyes.

After the concert, he’d worked his way from the private balcony down into the audience, but he was too late. Susan and her daughter had vanished, and his agents who had gone with him to L.A. hadn’t been able to discover where she’d gone.

Diego! Vicente shouted, entering the library. Credo di aver trovato di nuovo la donna Susan…I believe to have found the Susan woman once again!

The Conte stopped his pacing, eyebrows raised.

She and this James person…her new husband… arrived in London two days ago. The news is all over of their marriage. It is supposed they have just returned from a honeymoon.

Diego’s face became a mask as he contemplated the fact that the woman he loved and wanted had been in the arms of another man for the past several weeks. He pounded his fist into his hand.

Accidenti! he yelled. Cosa faccio adesso?! What do I do now?

Do not worry, my brother, responded Vicente. I will think of a plan...

Part I

July 2017 – December 2017

Chapter 1

The Las Caletas Villa

They were two days into the cruise when James’s security told him that news of his wedding and the ship he and Susan were on had reached the press and paparazzi. A crew member had most likely leaked the news. Tomorrow the ship would be arriving in Puerto Vallarta, and it was more than likely the dock would be swarming with reporters, fans, and lookie-lous. James was annoyed, having made plans to take a shore excursion to tour the city and hoping if he wore a disguise, no one would recognize him. But now, that was out of the question. Even venturing out into the public areas of the ship would be a circus of passengers gawking at him and his new bride. He knew Susan would likely be upset and nervous. Other plans needed to be made.

When the ship docked a little after 8:00 the next morning, James and Susan, disguised as crew members, exited the ship from the crew gangway and slipped into a nondescript SUV with tinted windows. The dock was swimming with the press and paparazzi, just as James’s security had expected, but no one noticed the couple’s quick exit and escape.

Where are we going, James? asked Susan, her hand tightly gripping his.

He could feel her trembling and squeezed her fingers. "I’ve arranged for a Mexican villa to be rented. It’s on the sea coast near Las Caletas.

What’s Las Caletas?

It’s a resort, but we’re not going there. The villa is a couple of miles north, and it can only be reached by boat. Two of my security team have been sent ahead, and they’ll be staying there with us to ensure privacy.

"A villa?

You think I’d take you to a dump on our honeymoon? Yes, a villa…private and right on the sea. My team also arranged for a cook and two maids. They were cleared by security this morning.

When he saw Susan’s face scrunch up at the mention of a cook and maids, he squeezed her hand again. Now, don’t go making a fuss about having hired help. I don’t want you spending time sweating over pots and pans in the kitchen or scrubbing floors. I want you to spend your time with me.

She raised her chin in the air. Maybe I won’t like what the cook makes…maybe it will be too hot or spicy…maybe it won’t be vegetarian…maybe…

Susan! Quit the maybes. My team knows we’re vegetarians! Do you think they’d hire a cook who didn’t know that?! Now, behave yourself…if you want to consult with Maria regarding a menu, you can do that when we get to the villa.

Why can’t we just go to England? Or back to San Diego to Darian? Or even to my mountain house? No one would ever find us there.

Because we’re on our honeymoon, that’s why! Honeymoons are supposed to be special…

He let go of her hands and gathered her in his arms, giving her a quick kiss.

And now that you’re finally mine, I want to explore a new and special place with you. You never know, maybe we’ll fall in love with the villa and want to buy it. It could be another private and romantic love nest for us…

Exactly how many love nests do you think we need, James? We have Auntie Annabelle’s cottage and the house in Darian, and…

We can have as many as we want. I’m not exactly a pauper, you know.

I realize that…but you know very well that I don’t care about your money and all the things it can buy. You are what’s important to me, not lavish things!

You’ve made that perfectly clear, you know. But, I didn’t see you complaining about the penthouse suite on the ship.

That was different…

How was it different?

It was a cruise ship.

And we had the most lavish and expensive room on the ship.

Okay, okay…I’ll admit I liked it…a lot. I’ve been on a lot of cruises and mostly in tiny cabins.

So, you see…you sometimes do like lavish things.

Just sometimes…so don’t rub it in…

James tilted his head back and laughed. I aim to spoil you rotten, you know…

Good luck. I’m still buying my underwear at Wal-Mart.

We’ll see about that…but speaking of undergarments… He slid a hand up under the skirt of her dress, tickling her thigh. Maybe you should take these off…maybe you shouldn’t wear any undergarments at all while we’re on our honeymoon…hmmm?

She tried to push his hand away, but he gripped her thigh tighter and moved his hand up to the leg band of her panties, and tugged.

Take them off, Susan, he whispered in her ear.

I will not! she hissed back.

If you don’t, I’ll push you down on the seat and do it for you…

You wouldn’t!

But, before she could say anything else, he grasped her upper arms and pressed her onto her back. Quickly reaching up under her dress, he soon had her panties off. As she struggled to sit back up, he lowered the window and tossed them out. Looking back at her, he could see the stunned outrage on her face.

James! she whispered loudly, What can our driver and your security guy in the front seat be thinking?! You’re embarrassing me!

He pulled her the rest of the way up and into his arms. They’ll be thinking we’re on our honeymoon, that’s what they’ll be thinking…

And with those words, he leaned in and captured her mouth in a deep and lingering kiss.

Thomas, Michelle, and the wedding party watched from the deck of James’s and Susan’s suite on the ship as they exited the crew gangway below. Everyone was holding their breath, worried about the mob on the pier and waiting to see if they’d make their escape. A moment later, they all sighed in relief as they saw the SUV slip away.

I wonder who blew our cover, mused Michelle before turning and going back into the suite with the others.

I don’t know, responded Thomas. But, Dad was right pissed about it. I’m not so happy myself.

Neither am I. I think we’re pretty much stuck on the ship and in our suite for the rest of the cruise unless we want to get gawked at and harassed.

I can’t go on the zip line now? asked Sherry. Dad said I could go on the zip line in the jungle when we got to our first stop in Mexico.

Sorry, said Carrie. I think that’s out for now. Maybe we can come back to Puerto Vallarta another time and go on the zip line.

Why can’t we go be with Susan and my dad? Sherry persisted. Dad said they were going to a secret hideaway with a beach. I’d like to go to a secret hideaway.

Because they’re on their honeymoon and want to be alone, said Carrie.

Why do people always need to be alone when they’re on a honeymoon? Besides, they’ve been alone for the past two days. This morning was the first time I got to see Dad since the wedding. He told me goodbye and to behave myself, and then he and Susan were gone.

You’ll understand later when you’re older, Thomas assured her.

What if Joy and I take Sherry on the zip line? asked Alice. Nobody knows who we are, and we can disguise Sherry good enough so that she won’t be recognized.

And two of Dad’s security guys can go with you posing as your husbands or boyfriends, maybe? suggested Thomas.

That should work, added Carrie.

Are you sure it’s safe? questioned Michelle. If someone were to recognize her, it could be dangerous.

It won’t be a problem, responded Thomas. Dad’s security people are the best there are. Which reminds me…Dad is taking two of them to the villa he’s renting. He asked me to have a few more fly in today to be with us on the ship. I’d better go do that right away…

Does that mean I can go zip-lining then? asked Sherry excitedly.

Yes, answered Joy. Let’s take you to Alice’s and my cabin and work on a disguise right now.

And I’ll go down to the shore excursion desk and see if there’s room for more on the zip line tour, added Alice.

An hour later, Sherry, Joy, Alice, and two of James’s security men exited the ship and were on a bus on their way to the jungle and the zip line.

So, Michelle Ma Belle, asked Thomas as everyone filed out of James’s and Susan’s penthouse suite. What would you like to do for the rest of the day, seeing as though we’re stuck here?

Do you really have to ask, Thomas? she responded, winking at him. I think we should go back to our suite and continue to enjoy our honeymoon…

When James and Susan arrived at the Mexican villa, the smell of cooking was wafting out of the kitchen onto the veranda that stretched the length of the building.

Something smells good, remarked James.

It smells like something frying…probably something greasy and not healthy… replied Susan, sniffing the air.

James shot her a disapproving look. Let’s not start on that again, he warned. I’ll have no argument about having a cook…and I mean it…

Is that so?

She huffed and quickly walked ahead of him, through an archway and towards where the aroma of food came from. Going through another archway, she entered a large kitchen and saw a middle-aged woman with jet black hair standing in front of an island that contained a gas grill. There were what appeared to be kabobs on the grill.

This must be Maria, she thought as she watched the woman deftly turn the kabobs before dipping her hand into a bowl of dough, working some of it into a ball, then flattening it out before putting it on the grill. Must be corn masa in the bowl, and she’s making tortillas.

When the woman looked up from cooking, a large grin spread across her face. She nodded cheerily at Susan.

Hola, Senora! she beamed. Bienvenido a la Villa de Las Caletas. Welcome to the Villa of Las Caletas. I hope you are hungry!

James came into the kitchen behind Susan. Something smells wonderful! And, yes, I’m very hungry.

It does smell good, agreed Susan, lowering herself into a tall chair on the other side of the island from the grill. James joined her, sitting down in a chair next to hers.

And, it looks quite healthy, he added, smirking at Susan as if to say, I told you so…

She harrumphed.

Zucchini, onion, sweet pepper, and potato in my sauce especial, said Maria proudly. All will be ready in un momento.

Saying that, she turned the kabobs and tortillas then went to a counter behind her where she picked up two plates, silverware, and napkins. She set them out in front of James and Susan.

¿Qué puedo traerte de beber? she asked, looking at James.

To drink? he responded. ¿Tiene leche?

Milk?! You want milk? asked Susan.

James looked over at her. What’s so strange about that? You know I like milk.

Yeah, but with Mexican food?! You wouldn’t rather have a good Mexican beer?

You can have a beer. I want milk.

Leche, no problema, said Maria, placing two kabobs on each plate before going to a large built-in refrigerator to get a carton of milk. She set the carton and glass in front of James.

Cerveza, Senora? La Lupulosa is best. You would like to try?

Susan nodded, and Maria went back to the refrigerator returning with the beer and a frosty glass.

Delicious! declared James, pulling the veggies off the skewer, wrapping them in a hot tortilla, and taking a bite.

Maria, will you teach me how to make fresh tortillas? And, also your special marinade? asked Susan, taking a bite of her veggie tortilla.

James kicked her foot. She looked at him. What?

Si…yes, responded Maria. It would be my pleasure, Senora.

You don’t need to be cooking while we’re here, warned James. Remember our discussion?

I didn’t say I was going to be cooking. I just want to learn how to make the masa and the sauce. You have a problem with that?

His mouth formed into a straight line, but after a moment, he sighed heavily.

No, Susan, I don’t have a problem with it. Do what pleases you…and I know how much you love to cook. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. I want you to be happy…you know that.

I do…and, thank you. I love you, James…you know that, right?

I’ve always known that, Susan…

Chapter 2

The Plot to Capture Susan

Diego, Conte di La Spezia, stared intently at the wedding photos of James and Susan that his contact at the cruise line had been able to obtain for him.

Dannazione! he shouted into the silent room. Why hadn’t he planned sooner and more carefully? There had been no indication that Susan would be married to James on the cruise. He’d been told that her daughter, Michelle, and James’s son, Thomas, were to be married on board but not Susan. He was greatly annoyed.

It had been easy to supplant one of his agents on the ship before it sailed from San Pedro, California, on July 9th. Surprisingly enough, it had also been easy to position Piero as part of the wait staff for the two penthouse suites. The handsome and quite charming Italian had quickly caught the attention of the female photographer who had taken the wedding photos. Thus Diego had digital copies of all of them.

Seeing Susan looking adoringly at James made his blood boil. He hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind since he saw her at the symphony in June. His opera glasses had been focused on her during the entire performance, watching her melt into the music. The thought of her melting into him rather than the music made his loins ache. If there was one thing about Diego that ruled all else, it was his passionate nature. And he’d definitely felt passion for Susan that was now impossible to shake after seeing her in person.

When he’d seen her tears during The Sleeping Beauty Waltz, his impulse was to leave his private box and rush down to her to find out what had made her cry. Was it the power of the music or something else? But it would have created a commotion and likely startled or scared her, so he decided to wait until after the concert.

By then, it was too late, however. She and her daughter had vanished into the crowd, and two of his agents, who had been waiting outside the front of the performing arts center, had been unable to see where they had gone.

Arriving back in Italy a few days after the concert, he called his brother, Vicente, who assured him that with careful and thoughtful planning, Susan would be in his arms within two months, if not sooner…along with the coveted necklace.

After eating, Maria led James and Susan to their suite of rooms on the second floor of the villa. French doors opened onto a large balcony overlooking the private beach and ocean. Two maids were unpacking their suitcases and putting things away in a large walk-in closet with built-in dressers and shoe racks.

These are all your cases, Senora? asked the younger of the two maids, whose name was also Maria.

Yes, why? asked Susan.

There are only four pairs of shoes, she responded. Did you forget the rest of your shoes?

No. And, I have a pair of sandals on right now, so that makes five pairs of shoes. Why would I need more than five pairs of shoes? I’ll probably be going barefoot most of the time here anyway…

But a woman of your importance should have more shoes…and more clothes as well. She looked over at James, who was talking to the other maid, then leaned in and whispered, Is your husband what they call a tightwad?

Susan laughed. No! He’s not a tightwad! I’m just not that interested in clothes or having dozens of pairs of shoes. He’s always trying to get me to buy things, but I’m happy enough with what I have.

You are very unusual, Senora. Most women would want beautiful and expensive clothes and many pairs of shoes, especially if she were married to a wealthy man.

Well, not me…And I have to say that I’m happy to have you here even though I’m not so sure why I need a maid. I’m used to doing things myself.

But, Senora, you’re on your honeymoon! You should be pampered on your honeymoon!

That’s exactly what I’ve been telling her, interjected James, coming to stand behind Susan. And I intend to have her pampered.

Susan rolled her eyes.

I saw that, you know, he said, pulling her into his arms for a kiss. He winked at her. What do you say we take a siesta, hmmm?

Maria and the other maid, Rosie, smiled knowingly and moved towards the door. Maria pointed to a bell-rope in the corner of the room near the bed.

Just pull the rope if you need anything, she said before both ladies exited the room.

A siesta sounds good to me, Susan purred into James’s ear. Let me use the loo, then change into something more comfortable.

Pushing away from him, she walked towards the bathroom, kicking off her sandals on the way. When she came back out, she picked them up, went into the giant closet, and began opening and closing drawers to see where her things had been put away.

One of those nightie things I bought you might be nice for our siesta, James called out from the bedroom.

Susan peeked out the closet at him and saw that he’d taken all his clothes off except for his boxer shorts and was lying back on the bed pillows, hands propped behind his head.

Are you implying that our siesta isn’t going to include much sleeping? she asked coyly.

That’s exactly what I’m implying.

She gave a lustful smile before going back into the closet.

James! she exclaimed a minute later, peeking back out of the closet again. All of my panties are missing! I’ve checked all the drawers and can’t find them!

She saw him look away before turning his head and looking back at her, a chagrined look on his face.

Are they?

Yes…I have a drawer with my bras in them, but no panties… A sudden thought struck her as she recalled him taking off her panties on the ride to the boat then tossing them out the window. She put her hands on her hips. What did you do with my panties?!

I didn’t do anything with your panties.

Well, where did they go then? I know they were packed before we left the ship along with everything else.

I don’t like them.

I don’t care whether you like them or not! What did you do with them?

He saw that she was getting angry and thought he needed to diffuse the situation so as not to ruin their siesta. Getting off the bed, he came towards her, brushed past her into the closet, opened a drawer, and took out a scanty, lacy, and near-transparent nightie with a pair of matching thong panties.

Just put these on, Susan, he said, tossing them at her and going back to the bed.

She caught both before they hit the floor.

You didn’t answer me, James, she said, staring him down.

I don’t intend to. You don’t need to be wearing those ugly panties on our honeymoon…plus, it will make you more accessible without them…

He smirked at her.

She felt the heat come into her face, partly from anger and partly from the thought of being accessible. Biting her tongue, she went back into the closet, took off her dress and bra then slipped into the scraps of lace that comprised the nightie.

She paused in the doorway of the closet and turned in a slow circle, allowing time for James to look at her near nakedness. She smiled when she saw a bulge growing in his shorts.

You like? she asked seductively.

He didn’t respond, just crooking his finger at her.

She grinned wickedly. Maybe I just want to stand here and pose for you, hmmmm? She turned her back to him, displaying a nearly bare bottom. Turning back to face him, she reached up and unclipped her hair. It cascaded down over her shoulders and arms.

Maybe I’ll just stay right here taunting you…until you tell me where my panties are…

James reached down and adjusted the bulge in his shorts. Come here, Susan.

She shook her head at him. First, tell me where my panties are.

Don’t make me come get you.

I’m not going to let you get me.

Is that so? He sat up, moving his legs over the edge of the bed.

When he stood up and started pacing towards her, she darted to the left, trying to dodge him, but he anticipated her move and grabbed her arm.

She squealed. Let me go!

He began to drag her towards the bed. I think not…

And, before she knew it, she was sprawled on her back with James on top of her.

Joy, Alice, and Sherry got back to the ship from the zip line tour an hour before the ship was due to set sail. Sherry was bubbling with excitement. Joy was limping; Alice was holding her back.

I’m too old for zip lining, moaned Joy. Landing at the end of the zip line isn’t as easy as they made it out to be.

Tell me about it, added Alice. I never thought we’d get down the five lines. I almost changed my mind, but after we were dropped off at the top, there was no other way down.

I thought it was wonderful! squealed Sherry. The best fun ever! Can we go do it more when the ship stops again?

You mean in Mazatlán? queried Joy. I’m sure they have zip lines there too, but you can count me out! Maybe you could ask Michelle or Thomas.

Dad said they’re not allowed off the ship. And Michelle is expecting a baby, so she couldn’t go anyway.

Yeah, said Alice. That would be a bad idea, plus the dock is still packed with curious on-lookers…hoping to get a glance of James and Susan, most likely. But they also know that his sons and daughter are on here. Kind of crummy for them.

I heard that Thomas and Michelle might try to get off in Mazatlán, commented Joy. They were talking about going to England and that cottage that belongs to James…the one that used to belong to an auntie or something.

Oh!  Auntie Annabelle’s cottage! exclaimed Lynn, walking into James’s and Susan’s vacated suite. Why would they want to go there? It’s not very big.

Because it’s romantic, maybe? said Carrie, coming in behind Lynn. And no one in the press knows anything about it. It’s been kept a secret forever. Nobody would think Dad would go to a place like that with all his money.

Well, you’re all wrong as to where we’re going, said Michelle, who’d been standing by a window in the suite next to Thomas. Yes, we are getting off in two days in Mazatlán, but we’re going to my mom’s mountain house. No one knows about it, plus Mom is worried about her cats.

My Buttons kitty is with her cats, right Michelle? interrupted Sherry. Maybe I can come with you so I can be with Buttons?

Michelle looked over at Thomas. What do you think? I know we’re still honeymooning, but maybe we can take another one later…one more private…

Or, I could whisk you off to a Mexican villa like Dad did with your mum…

You could, I suppose. But, I’m feeling nervous about the baby. I’m supposed to have the ultrasound in two weeks. I want to know everything is okay. I won’t be able to relax until we know for sure.

Carrie laid her hand on Michelle’s arm. I know you’re worried about the possibility of Down syndrome after that last test you took, but I think your baby is going to be fine and healthy just like you and Thomas are.

We hope so, responded Thomas. But we’ll deal with it either way…

Michelle smiled up into Thomas’s face. Yes, we will, won’t we? So, Thomas, what do you say we take Sherry with us when we get off at Mazatlán? Unless, of course, she wants to stay on the cruise, and maybe Carrie can take her on another zip line excursion.

I’d rather be with Buttons again, said Sherry. And maybe there are zip lines in San Diego, and you can take me, Thomas.

Thomas laughed. I’m not so sure I’m ready to brave a zip line, but yes, you can come with us back to San Diego. I’ll firm up the arrangements right now. We’re going to have to sneak off the ship like Dad and Susan did, though. I imagine the press and paparazzi will be tracking the ship to Mazatlán, and it will be chaos there on the dock like it was here. No one knows that they escaped. I’m sure most people think they’re still on the ship.

Unless the spy who leaked the news of the wedding knows they’re gone, added Michelle. I wonder who it was…"

You’re always so suspicious of people, Michelle, commented Thomas. It might have just been the captain who let something slip in front of one of the crew members.

Michelle looked thoughtful. I don’t know…I just have this gut feeling…

He pulled her into his side for a quick hug. Let’s just not be concerned about it anymore. We’ll be off the ship in two days, and everyone else can enjoy the rest of the cruise.

Does that mean I’m coming to San Diego with you for sure? beamed Sherry.

Thomas reached over to tussle her hair. Yes, Sherry, it means you’ll be coming with us…and we might even be able to find a zip line in San Diego.

When the ship docked in Mazatlán, Thomas, Michelle, and Sherry, disguised as crew members, left via the crew gangway in the same way as James and Susan had and were soon on a plane headed to San Diego. The crowd that had gathered on the dock in eager anticipation of catching a glimpse of James were once again disappointed.

Dono sono andate? Where have they gone, Vicente? Diego asked, swirling the remnants of a deep red wine in his cut crystal glass. Piero reported that they just seemed to vanish into thin air in Puerto Vallarta! E pazzesco…It is crazy!

I do not know, Fratello. But, it will not matter in the end. James’s website shows he is due in London at Cherry Studios to work on a new album in mid-August, and there is also news of him embarking on another concert tour in November. There will be much opportunity to catch Susan alone.

But the security…

"You saw how easy it was to overcome that problem