The Cruise

By Arnold M. Pine

A cruise on the luxury liner Norway, for a Mutt and Jeff couple turned into a romance between George Swensen, from Wisconsin and Julia Robins, from Brooklyn. George, a National Collegiate Wrestling Champion at 135 pounds, now the owner of a very successful farm consulting business, was only 5'3" tall. Julia, a pathologist for New York City, was almost 6' tall, was divorced from a wealthy Philadelphia lawyer. She vowed never to marry out of her religion again.

While at sea in a bar, George and Julia were accosted by a very large handsome gigolo, who bullied George to get Julia. In a very short time, George overpowered Vinny Costa, the bully, and stripped him naked, then threw his clothes overboard. Later, they became fast friends, and George hired Vinny as a chauffeur. After the cruise, George went home with Julia to meet her family, to see if he could convert to her religion. While there, George, Vinny, and Julia walked into the Robins home and observed two armed Russian Mafia men, threatening to kill Arthur, Julia's addict brother, a pusher for the mob, for skimming a large amount of money. George wrote a check for the amount then roughed up the Mafia boss. After they left, George had to devise a plan to hide Arthur immediately to avoid instant retaliation from the mob and its nationwide Mafia connections. He hid Arthur on his father's farm, where Arthur kicked the dope addiction and became a gifted farmer.

Months later, two assassins from the Mafia caught up George, Julia, and Arthur, but the surprise ending will hold you to the last page of the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499069075

Arnold M. Pine

Arnold M. Pine is a veteran of twenty years on the New York City Police Department, where he served as a very active "Street Cop". His experiences with the criminal element on the street and in the department itself enabled him to create memorable characters in thrilling situation. Enough to complete and publish five novels on the subject. Mr. Pine attended Brooklyn College before and after his two year stint on a Navy Destroyer, U.S.S. Higbee, during World War Two. He lettered in Wrestling and Boxing, which prepared him for the battles he encountered on the streets of New York City. Upon retirement from the Department, Mr. Pine spent many years as the CEO of a water engineering business, before he engaged in writing as a full-time endeavor. He published Cop On The Run in 2004, followed by the sequel to this book A Cop’s Remorse in 2008. The third book in this series is Women Are Heroes in 2010. The last book in this series, Fighting Fools and Demons in 2011. The Bitter End, in 2012, was about a retired Detective fighting the Mafia.

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Copyright © 2014 by Arnold M. Pine.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-4990-6908-2

                eBook           978-1-4990-6907-5

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

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 11/18/2014

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Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter One: Day One

Chapter Two: Day Two

Chapter Three: Day Three

Chapter Four: Day Four

Chapter Five: Day Five

Chapter Six: Day Six

Chapter Seven: Day Seven

Chapter Eight: Day Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Three Months Later

Same Day In Milwaukee

Back At The Farm

Back In Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Epilogue: Nine Months Later

Epilogue Two: Five Days Later

Acknowledgments

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To my wife Charlotte, who worked so hard on this project, editing and whose input was so helpful, in the completion of this book. Her love and encouragement and fabulous patience was so important in keeping me focused.

To Doctor Aubrey J. Sher, my long time mentor, whose advice and suggestions were so important in the completion of this book.

Chapter One

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Day One

T his is what George dreaded. Sitting down at a table with nine strangers made him very self-conscious. He shouldn’t have come late, because now nine sets of eyes were focused on his short stature and he could read pity in all of them. Sitting down, he didn’t seem so small. This was the first day of his long awaited Caribbean cruise aboard the liner Norway and he was traveling alone. There were four couples in conversation at the table and an empty chair next to a very beautiful blonde woman who seemed to be alone. He sat down and introduced himself.

My name is George Swensen and I’m from Wisconsin, he said in a firm deep voice with a mid-western twang.

Introductions were made all around, and as George suspected, the beautiful blonde to his right was the only other unattached person besides himself at the table. She extended her hand to him and shook his hand with an extremely firm grip. He felt an instant embarrassment that his grip was limp in comparison. It was his custom not to show off when shaking hands with a female, for he really had a powerful grip that belied his size.

I’m Julia Robins and I’m from New York City, she said, her smile lighting up her stunning face. Conversation was labored as strangers tried to break the ice with topics they thought would be interesting to all. George studied his fellow diners and tried to put them in categories. Dave and Louise were on their honeymoon and were the butt of some crude attempts at humor. Louise blushed easily. She must have been less than twenty years old, easily the baby at the table. Dave wore wrist bands, To prevent sea sickness, he said. This brought on a flurry of advice and more crude humor regarding the honeymoon. Frank and Hedy were a middle-aged couple on their first vacation since Frank retired from the fire department in Chicago. They seemed genuinely fond of each other. During conversation, George learned they were married for thirty years. It gave him a warm feeling. Harry and Mary were constantly flirting with one another. George felt they weren’t married. There was a great disparity in their ages. Harry was easily in his fifties and Mary barely in her thirties. Besides, on Harry’s left hand was an imprint of what could have come from a wedding ring, removed for this trip. The last couple, Frederick and Frieda, both in their forties, revealed very little information about themselves. Both spoke in heavily accented English and rarely participated in the conversation.

George was taken with Julia Robins. She spoke in a soft, cultured voice and seemed well-informed on every topic that was discussed. She looked George right in the eyes when she spoke directly to him and gave George the feeling that she was an honest, no-nonsense gal with both feet on the ground. She made the first meal on the ship very enjoyable for George, and she seemed to be at ease with him. This gave George the courage to ask her to accompany him on a stroll around the deck before the ten o’clock show. She readily agreed and volunteered to be his companion at the show. George felt like shouting Yes a la Marv Albert, but managed to curb his enthusiasm. He settled for a smile. Then Julia stood up. George’s mouth dropped open in surprise. Julia was BIG! There was no way that he was going to stand next to her. Aren’t you coming? Julia asked as she extended her hand to George.

Jesus, how tall are you? George whispered.

Five ten and a half in my stocking feet. But I’m wearing heels tonight. If it bothers you I can stop at my cabin and change to flats.

I’m five feet four in my stocking feet. Doesn’t that bother you?

Not really. I judge a man by the size of his brain more than anything else. It’s your intelligence that I find attractive. Don’t chicken out on me now. I don’t know a soul on this ship. Before dinner, I was cursing the fact that I went on this cruise alone. Everyone, I asked at work to go with me, declined.

I find that hard to believe. Where do you work in an insane asylum?

Worse. The City Morgue. I’m a pathologist.

Ha, George laughed. That explains it. Next to some of the stiffs you work on, I might look good. Okay, let’s go. You don’t have to change your shoes. If it doesn’t bother you, I can live with it. But you know everyone on board this ship will be looking at us and laughing. `Mutt and Jeff.’ You know.

They strolled leisurely around the deck of the Norway. It was almost a mile all the way around. This ship is a converted ocean liner and the largest ship afloat. When they started, it was a very warm moonlit night. A strong wind began to blow and clouds covered the moon. Julia shivered a little and snuggled closer to George, putting her hand around his arm. George noticed this immediately, and his mind turned like a kaleidoscope. Was she a con artist that are known to inhabit these ships looking for a rich mark? George thought. Why else would such a statuesque beauty like Julia be cuddling up to him? In all his thirty-five years, women didn’t give him a tumble. His only sexual encounters were with paid call girls, and he never paid any mind to their lies. But Julia seemed to be coming on to him. Why? She said she was a medical doctor. He had no way of checking her story.

It was almost ten o’clock and a lot of people were heading in the direction of the theater to watch a Broadway Review. The Norway was famous for it’s shows. The help were busily setting up for the midnight buffet that the Norway was also famous for. But George and Julia, at Julia’s insistence, headed for lounge chairs on the fantail, where they could watch the beautiful white wake that the ship made in the deep blue water.

Do you mind terribly, missing the show? Julia asked, as she kicked off her shoes and pointed her toes toward the wake. Her legs that showed below her skirt, were long, very long and very shapely.

Not at all, George answered. Somehow, I feel like I’m dreaming this, and I’m afraid I’ll wake up any moment.

George maneuvered his lounge alongside Julia’s, and their faces were no more than ten inches apart as they lay there talking.

Why do you say that? Julia snapped.

Because you’re so beautiful, and must have a choice of hundreds of beaus. I can’t believe you’re lying next to me. To me, some little squirt.

Bullshit, Julia exploded. You’re the first man I’ve had a meaningful conversation with in seven years. That’s the truth. Why do you keep running yourself down? Don’t you have any self-confidence?"

Ha. That’s part of my problem. Too much self-confidence. It turns people off. I never had a close friend in my entire life, male or female.

Would you tell me a little about yourself? I’d really like to know you better. You’re different from any man I ever knew. Please?

What would you like to know?

Anything you’d care to share with me.

Okay. But what time do you want me to wake you up? I’m sure I’ll put you to sleep with my exciting history.

Aren’t you being a bit presumptuous? I’m not ready to sleep with you or next to you. Go on.

Very funny. Okay, you asked for it. I grew up on a dairy farm in Northern Wisconsin. Very early on, I had to lead a very disciplined life. I had to get up at three-thirty every morning, seven days a week, to do my chores. Had to be at the bus stop by seven-thirty. In high school, our housekeeper would pick me up at five-thirty and drive me home. My mother was in a wheelchair. She had M.S. I was on the wrestling team and practiced every day after school. There was no late school bus. Then I had my late chores, homework and early to bed. Exciting, huh?

Wrestling? Why wrestling?

Because that was the only sport a little guy like me could participate in. In high school, I wrestled at 121 pounds. I was good, too. Won the State’s in my Junior and Senior years. Got a scholarship to Iowa State, for my wrestling, and won the National’s twice at 135 pounds. But most important of all, I was able to get a good college education. My folks wouldn’t have been able to send me to college. They barely make a living on that farm. I took my Master’s and Doctorate at the University of Wisconsin. I now own my own consulting firm and have the largest farms in the country as clients. We own several patents also. You see, wrestling really paid off for me.

Ever been married? Julia asked.

You have to be kidding. Since I started my own business, I’ve been working eighteen hours a day, seven days a week. You know, my farm ethic.

How come you’re on this cruise?

Doctor’s orders. Almost had a nervous breakdown. He told me to take a cruise, get layed, and leave my laptop and cell phone at home.

Sounds like good advice. I wish you luck.

How about you? Mind telling me about yourself? George asked.

There was a long pause in the conversation before Julia answered. No, she whispered. I’m not ready to talk about myself just yet. It’s very hard for me, she said as her voice cracked, maybe some other time."

Julia got to her feet and extended her hand to George. Let’s see what the midnight buffet has to offer. You game?

Sure, George answered, but he was disappointed when Julia refused to reveal any of her past. She had her reasons and he respected her privacy.

They wandered through the caverns laden with lush mouth-watering delicacies, but picked at very few. Both claimed they were still full from the huge dinner they put away.

Keeping my weight down is a daily battle with me, Julia confessed. I’ll have to work out an extra half hour to get rid of all the calories I had today.

You work out? George asked.

At least three times a week.

Would you meet me at the Gym tomorrow? We could work out together, George said.

What time?

Say, eight o’clock?

No way. This is my first vacation in ten years. I’m sleeping in.

I still get up before dawn. Eight-thirty, Okay?

You never mentioned you had a sadistic streak in you. Okay, okay. Walk me back to my cabin. It’s an inside cabin, third deck from the bottom. It was all I could afford.

When they reached Julia’s cabin, George unlocked the door, and entered. He inhaled sharply when he saw the cabin. Jesus, he thought, my closet is bigger than this. Julia politely pushed him out, as George tried to kiss her. But his lips were almost a foot lower than Julia’s, and Julia stood tall to avoid him. His lips brushed her blouse just above her breast.

This could be a problem, he muttered.

Get out, you wolf, see you in the gym at eight-thirty.

Chapter Two

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Day Two

I t was a long tough night for George Swenson. When he returned to his suite after leaving Julia, he felt a twinge of guilt when he looked around his large and luxurious quarters. The rewards of many years of dedication to his quest– to be the best in his field and gain the respect of his peers. He wanted to be judged a giant even though his appearance often evoked snickers and jokes. He sought and attained power, but it was often a hollow feeling when he had no one to share it with. The trouble was that he never found anyone he was really attracted to. Someone whose affection he truly wanted to win. Many times he tossed and turned in bed, analyzing the subject. Many times he came up with the answer that he was incapable of love. He felt loyalty to his parents, but he didn’t admire them. They lived just above the poverty level all their lives, never improving their lot. They refused every attempt of his, to aid them financially. All cash gifts were returned politely. They never seemed to pay attention when he told them of his accomplishments. His visits were now reduced to two or three times a year, and his calls to once every two weeks.

Tonight was different. This woman, Julia Robins, was different. He was drawn to her. Her beauty thrilled him. Her personality pleased him and for the first time in his life he felt disappointment when she avoided his kiss. He was watching the clock, impatient for morning when he would be with her again. He knew he would be exaggerating his short stature being seen with her. She was an Amazon, a beautiful, statuesque Amazon. Why was he so anxious to put himself in such a position for ridicule? He hardly knew anything about her. Was it because she seemed to enjoy being with him? Was he flattered by her attention? Was she a con artist, an idea that crossed his mind earlier? Did she know about his wealth? Could she be a gold digger? Why is she driving him crazy? Why is morning so far away?

George Swensen was in the fitness room at eight o’clock, a half hour earlier than she agreed to. It was always his policy to be well prepared. He picked out a corner of the large room that was free of people, and threw his sweat shirt on the next universal machine to reserve it for Julia. George was dressed in a pair of swim trunks and nothing else. He didn’t mind showing off his muscular body that brought him such fame in the amateur wrestling world. He still toyed with the idea of trying out for the Olympics, the one goal he never attained. George believed that being fit physically contributed to a sharp mind. So, he always scheduled a workout sometime in his busy day.

At eight-thirty sharp, Julia entered the fitness room. She looked around and spotted George in the corner. She waved, then smiled at George as she approached him. George swore that the room brightened considerably when she smiled, and his chest felt a constriction. He was vain enough to feel that she approved of what she saw. He noticed her eyebrow lift when she saw his muscles bulge as he pumped iron. George replaced the weight in it’s place and got up to greet Julia, hoping for a kiss. She extended her hand. Julia wore a loose sweatshirt that covered her torso, but her tight shorts revealed the longest most shapely legs that George had ever seen.

You’re not going to work out in that heavy sweatshirt, are you? George asked.

Julia smiled, knowingly, and replied; Of course. It helps me sweat off a few pounds, and after last night’s dinner, I need to.

That’s not fair. You’re going to see my bulging muscles when I pump iron, I should be allowed to see yours. Right?

I don’t want to disappoint you but I only pump enough to keep fit, not to develop bulging muscles. I don’t think it’s very feminine, do you?

Hah. I think you’re just being diplomatic.

What do you mean?

You don’t want to show up your male escort by pumping more iron than he can do.

Well, nobody ever accused my mother’s daughter of being dumb. Are you going to work or not? I know of better smelling places to talk if that’s all you intend to do.

Were you ever a drill sergeant in a previous life? George grunted, as he pressed a weight twenty pounds heavier than his body weight.

After they worked out for forty-five minutes, Julia said she was going back to her cabin to shower. George looked dejected, because he had hoped they’d shower in the gym and go to breakfast together. He was reluctant to ask her to go with him for fear of being rejected. But Julia seemed very sure of herself, when she casually asked George to meet her at the dining room at nine fort-five.

George was there ten minutes early. He never had a girlfriend before. He felt like a teenager. He wasn’t sure he liked the feeling or not. For thirty-five years he really only thought of himself. All of his hopes, plans and dreams were always in the singular. He was sure of himself, brimming with self confidence. He never had to prove anything to anyone but himself and he was damn hard to please. As he dressed, after his shower, he worried whether the outfit he chose to wear was color coordinated. He even brushed his teeth twice. For the first time, he noticed his hair line had receded considerably. Why did he listen to his doctor? This cruise was making him a nervous wreck

Julia took her time showering. She needed the time to evaluate her own feelings. There was no doubt she liked the little fellow. She was drawn to him like iron filings to a magnet. He was bright. Wonderful company. Had a great bod. She felt herself blushing at her last thought. After all she was a pathologist by trade, whose job was to cut up bodies every day. Why did she blush? She thought she buried all sexual feelings when she signed the divorce papers eight years ago. But she was thirty years old… the height of a woman’s sexuality. Last night in bed, the thought actually crossed her mind of what it might be like with George, but then she remembered his remark about Mutt and Jeff and she had to laugh. This morning, she didn’t find it funny.

The deck leading to the dining room was crowded with people walking in both directions. Some were leaving the dining room and hurrying to their next activity while the rest were rushing to the dining room before it closed for breakfast. Julia felt a twinge in her chest when she spotted George leaning against the wall, his eyes searching for her. Damn, he’s a handsome little devil, she whispered to herself. She couldn’t believe how happy she felt seeing him after an absence of less than a half hour.

George’s face broke into a wide smile when he spotted her, and he held out a hand to her. Julia took his hand, then bent down and kissed his cheek. She immediately questioned herself, Why the hell did I do that? Because it felt so natural, she answered herself, silently.

Arm in arm they walked to their table. Only Dave and Louise, the honeymooners were at the table. All the seats had dirty napkins and crumbs in front of them. The other three couples were obviously early risers. George and Julia took their places. Then George greeted the couple with a dumb question.

Have a good night? he asked. Julia kicked him in the shins.

Louise blushed and Dave laughed nervously. We didn’t get much sleep, Dave stuttered.

You’re not supposed to. You’re here to have fun, George smirked.

Louise looked at Julia and asked, Did you two have fun last night?

We only met here at the table last night, Julia remarked.

George wondered if there was an apologetic note in her voice. Further thought along these lines were dismissed with the arrival of their waiter, Ramon. George suddenly felt ravenous and ordered a huge breakfast. Julia ordered only eggs and coffee.

If the ocean gets rough, you’ll be sorry, ordering all that greasy stuff, Julia warned.

George laughed. I never get sick. But if I do, hell, you’re a doctor, you’ll take care of me.

Think again, Julia said soberly, I’m on vacation, remember?

Julia was sorry as soon as the words passed her lips. She saw the result on George’s face. Pain.

I’m sorry George, I didn’t mean it.

Julia reached for his hand and squeezed it. Now it was her turn to blush.

The mood changed at the table. Dave and Louise left and George concentrated on finishing his food. He was subdued. As if to make amends, Julia suggested they take a stroll around the promenade after breakfast. George merely nodded.

You’re really a moody guy, George, Julia remarked. I never saw such a rapid mood swing. I said I was sorry, can’t you let it go?

I’m not mad at you, Julia, just myself. After college, I made sure I would never put myself in a position to get hurt. I’m not sure why I let my guard down with you.

Please don’t talk like that. I find your sensitivity appealing. It’s like you had a key that opened the door to my psyche. I’m usually a very private person and discourage any friendly overtures. But with you, it’s different. I feel very comfortable with you. I shouldn’t tell you this, but I didn’t get much sleep last night. I was clock-watching all night. The anticipation of seeing you again excited me. I resent you putting a damper on that.

George’s sour countenance sweetened. Somehow, she pushed the right buttons.

How about a swim and then the Jacuzzi instead of a walk. I’m dying to see you in a bikini, he said.

Julia’s brow furrowed a bit, then she quickly responded. This morning’s workout was my first in quite a while. I’m a little tired. A walk, then a snooze in a lounge chair would hit the spot. Do you mind?

Well, yes and no. The `yes’ is I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy, and the `no’ is I’m disappointed I won’t see you in a bikini.

What is your obsession with seeing me in a bathing suit?

Don’t you know how beautiful you are?

Nobody mentioned it for a long time. Remember, all of my patients are dead.

Now you have a whole week to throw your inhibitions to the wind. Whoop and hollar and be merry.

That was the prescription from your doctor. My prescription was for complete rest.

You’ve got a lousy doctor. I’ll let you share my prescription.

After breakfast, they strolled the promenade arm in arm like two teenagers. They chatted incessantly. George’s jaws were starting to ache from smiling so much. He smiled more in the past hour than he had in the past year.

How about finding two lounges on the fantail, and ordering two tall cool tropical drinks? Julia asked. It’s getting really hot and I’m starting to perspire. Very unladylike.

Sounds good, but it would sound better if we retired to my private patio that my suite comes with. That way I wouldn’t have to share you with five hundred nosey people on lounges all around us. What do you say?

I’d feel safer with five hundred people around me.

But you’re bigger than I am. Who’s going to protect me?

You’re the wrestler and a bit of a snob, I might add. I don’t think I have any advantage at all. Okay, I’ll go. I’m a bit of a snob, too.

When George opened the door to his suite, he gently pushed Julia inside. After a few steps, she stopped short.

My God, she exclaimed, Look at the size of this place.

With that she took a quick tour of the suite, opening and closing doors, murmuring to herself.

What are you jabbering about? I can’t understand a word you’re saying, George said.

King-size bed, sitting room, a full size bathroom with tub and shower, your Goddamn closet is bigger than my whole cabin. How much does this place cost?

George shrugged his shoulders. I have no idea. My secretary made all the arrangements.

Uh-oh. What’s that hum? There’s a slight vibration too, Julia said, cocking her head to one side.