Claire Gulliver #04 - Cruisin' for a Bruisin' Read online

  Millie told them about attending the interment of Nate’s ashes, concluding with, “It was very sad, but I think she was relieved to have it done. I think it was haunting her.”

  “What did you do, Sean?” Claire asked.

  “This morning we went on a tour of the town and out to Dyea, at least where Dyea used to be. This afternoon I took the train. In fact, I joined your friends. It was a lovely trip. We saw mountain goats, a moose and several eagles as well as stunning scenery.” He looked around. “Where are they? I expected to see them here.”

  “Don’t worry, they’ll show up. It’s cocktail time,” Millie said with a smile.

  Claire looked at Ian. “Didn’t you go on the train?”

  He shook his head. “No, too tame. I felt I needed something a little more strenuous. I went out with a group of rock climbers. It was only a short trip, but fun. And it got some of the kinks out.” He flexed his shoulders.

  Millie shook her head in wonderment. “You’re so energetic, Ian.”

  “Now that I’m retired, I have the time to pursue all those activities I used to hear about and wish I could try. Now I feel I need to try them all.”

  Lucy and Ruth joined them with a burst of chatter. “Millie, come on, we need to move into the theatre for the show. Don’t you remember?”

  Millie started. “Oh, that’s right.” She glanced at her watch. “My church friends took this cruise in the spring and told us not to miss this show. This guy lives here in Skagway, year round, and he does these shows about the Klondike times for some of the cruise lines. He will do two and then get off before the ship sails. We need to go if we’re going to get a good seat.” Then correctly interpreting the dismayed looks on the brothers faces, “Don’t worry, you can order cocktails in the show.”

  “You know who this is, don’t you?” Ruth asked. Then seeing the blank faces she told them, “Daisy’s brother. Remember, she said he manages the tour company and lives here year-around? Well, he is also the director of the show and the theatre they have in town. I saw his picture when we stopped there. Judging by the spiel Daisy gave, I expect this to be good.” They moved into the vast theatre to find choice seats.

  * * *

  Claire was shocked at Mrs. Bernbaum’s appearance when she sat down next to her at dinner. She realized that although she had originally thought Mrs. Bernbaum was ancient, as she got to know her, she had ceased noticing her age. But tonight Mrs. Bernbaum’s eyes were dull instead of snapping with interest, her smile gone, her lips were compressed in a narrow grim line, and her crepe paper skin was now very grayish in color. The total effect was alarming.

  “Mrs. Bernbaum, how are you doing?” She reached over and gently laid her hand on Mrs. Bernbaum’s where it rested on the table.

  “I’m fine, dear. Really!” Mrs. Bernbaum sighed. Then tried to answer Claire’s obvious concern. “Just tired. It’s the memories you see. All those memories just fill your head and exhaust you. I truly appreciated you and Millie coming to the cemetery. It was very kind of you and somehow it made the task a little easier.” Her attempted smile was pitiful.

  “Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” Antonio stood near Lucy, beaming at the entire table. “I invite you to join me for a champagne toast this evening. It’s a wonderful way to start your dinner.” He gestured grandly and Pedro and Juan set out graceful tulip shaped champagne flutes and one of the sommelier’s assistants brought three bottles of champagne. Antonio popped the cork on the first bottle and filled Lucy’s glass, then each of the ladies’ glasses while Pedro popped the cork on the second bottle and filled the men’s glasses. Then Antonio, with a flourish, lifted a glass of his own. “Here’s to another delightful dinner with congenial friends. Thank you all for joining our cruise.” And everyone responded with, “Hear, Hear” and sipped their wine.

  Antonio smiled happily at everyone, bent over and whispered something in Lucy’s ear and then left them to enjoy their champagne, shrugging off their thanks for his generosity.

  “I love the way the bubbles tickle my nose, don’t you?” Mrs. Bernbaum whispered to Claire. “I know it sounds kind of strange, but I think this is just what I needed to finalize today’s ceremony.” She took a generous swallow. “Somehow it makes me feel better.”

  Claire took another sip and nodded. It was a nice way to start the meal. And she noticed how merry the others seemed.

  Richard chatted with his aunt in a relaxed manner. Harold and her mother were discussing something, while Pearl laughed with Ian and Sean. Ruth whispered to Lucy and, even though Claire couldn’t hear what they said, she was positive it was something about Antonio. She could tell from Lucy’s pink face. It was a congenial group, almost as if they had become family. Everyday they were all off doing a variety of activities, but every night they gathered together and shared their adventures, enjoying each others experiences, enriching their own experiences. No wonder people raved about cruising. It was truly a wonderful way to travel.

  Ruth tried to explain to Pearl and Harold about the show they had seen before dinner.

  “It reminded me of a show I’ve seen in Wales,” Lucy added, then leaning forward she called down the table to Claire. “Claire, didn’t the show tonight remind you of that variety show you saw in Wales?”

  Claire nodded, smiling. “Yes, now that I think of it. Of course, that one had a variety of skits, one after another; still this one was as much fun, certainly. The man is very talented and fun, don’t you agree?”

  The others nodded and tried to explain to those who had missed it why it was so good. “You should have heard this man, Richard. He played the guitar and sang ditties and somehow managed to play the harmonica at the same time.” Sean laughed. The noise level at the table increased exponentially with their enthusiasm, or perhaps it was with their sips of champagne.

  The meal proceeded in a leisurely fashion. Sometimes the conversation was global including all ten of them, sometimes it split up, multiple concurrent conversations going on at once. But Claire watched Richard keep an eye on his aunt. Obviously he, too, was concerned about her energy tonight.

  When the sommelier poured the last of the champagne, Ian ordered two more bottles. “Can’t let the table go dry, now can we? Lucy, I hope you let Antonio know how much we appreciate his attentions. We realize who he is trying to impress, but truly he has impressed us all with his cooking and his generosity, heh?” He looked around the table for agreement.

  Lucy smiled, taking the ribbing good-naturedly.

  “We were talking to a couple on the shore excursion today,” Harold added. “They said Antonio hasn’t even stopped by their table.”

  Pearl giggled. “You should have seen the look on their face when we told them about the special starter he had served us.”

  “Yes, I think we can thank our lucky stars that we were seated at Lucy’s table. And I don’t mean just because my wife is a fan of hers.” Harold’s droll comment made everyone laugh.

  “I’m stuffed. Everyday I promise myself to skip desert, but I never do.” Pearl put down her napkin and got ready to get up from the table. Her husband hurried to stand and hold her chair for her. “I think we need to go and get our exercise. Anyone want to join us?”

  She laughed at the surprised expressions turned her way. “I get my exercise feeding coins to the slot machines. It helps me work off dinner.” She giggled as she left.

  Everyone took that as the signal to disband and Claire asked Mrs. Bernbaum if she needed an escort back to her cabin.

  “No, dear, thank you. Dickie will take me.” Richard helped his aunt stand up and then, holding her arm, he guided her through the jumble of empty tables and chairs.

  “She looks awful,” Claire couldn’t help saying.

  Millie nodded. “It’s like she aged twenty years.”

  “Yeah, and that would make her well over a hundred and ten. Isn’t she feeling well? Did you ask her, Claire?” Ruth was concerned.

  Claire nodded as she moved towards the
exit. “She said she was fine, just tired.”

  “It was probably harder than she expected to bury Nate,” was Millie’s opinion.

  “Oh, that’s what she said. She told me the memories were very tiring. I hope she’s okay.”

  “Well, fortunately she has her physician with her,” Lucy reminded them. “Let’s check out the casino for a while. I’m feeling lucky tonight.”

  “I thought you’d want to go dancing.” Ruth’s sly reference was ignored by Lucy.

  “Later. Are you coming, Ian?”

  “Yes, I think I might play a little blackjack.”

  “What about you Claire? I think I hear that Slotto machine calling to you again?” Ruth was excited. She loved the casino almost as much as she loved playing cards.

  “No, I’ll come, but I think I’ll just watch, or maybe I’ll play one of those nickel machines.”

  “Millie, I’ll show you the machine I told you about.” Sean bent toward Millie as they walked. “I think you’ll like it.”

  * * *

  The pianist was finishing his last set in the dim cozy piano bar. The few patrons still up clapped politely as if it was too late to get up much enthusiasm.

  “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for hours,” Kim hissed, annoyed. “Sorry, it’s hard to get away.” He ordered a drink. She shook her head at the waiter’s inquiry.

  “Is everything okay?” she whispered. With the music gone the lounge seemed too quiet.

  He grinned. “Everything is great. I think tomorrow is the day. After we leave Ketchikan...” He fell silent as the waiter placed his drink in front of him and gave him his card and receipt back. Then he raised his glass to her. “Thanks to you, it’s working perfectly.” He took a sip of the drink and sighed, relaxing.

  The piano lounge was very clubby in appearance. It was tucked away on the far side of the casino. The walls were paneled in dark wood, the fireplace was always lit, and the air conditioning guaranteed the right temperature was maintained. Leather club chairs and big sofas were scattered in conversation groups. It was a cozy comfortable haven and it was a favorite spot for them to meet late in the evening.

  Kim drained her drink. She felt edgy, nervous, and she was feeling deprived, which she blamed on him. “Well, it can’t be over too soon for me. I’m sick and tired of skulking around. I’m tired of watching other people have fun. I want to dress up in my pretty clothes and join the party. I want to show off my dance skills the way I see that couple does. You know, the woman who wears all the hats to match her outfits. They’re at all the dances taking up more than their share of the dance floor with their elaborate dance routines.”

  Her voice was sour, her jealousy obvious. “After this trip you’re going to owe me plenty.” She glared at him, truly angry. This had not been an enjoyable cruise for her, maybe because she couldn’t really take advantage of the amenities, nor mingle with the other passengers. She needed to be invisible, so she spent her time on the outside, observing the fun others were having, while she waited for her time with him. She had suggested she leave the ship after completing her role in the scheme, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said it might direct attention towards her and their whole plan was to divert attention and suspicion.

  So she tried to fill her hours, but only in activities where she didn’t need to participate with other passengers, and therefore, become known to them. She couldn’t play trivia, which she was especially good at, because she would be part of a team. She couldn’t play card games as each table of players developed an intimacy between them. She could and did play Bingo as there she was just another face in the huge audience. She could swim and workout at the gym, which she did every day, careful not to nod or make eye contact with any of the others who might make a friendly overture. She saw most of the movies and went to all the theatre productions. She ate in the buffet set up every night for those who didn’t want a formal dinner so the people assigned to her table never even saw her. She went to many of the lectures, but two she attended she found to be too intimate, so she didn’t stay. The whole environment of the cruise seemed to foster involvement and lean toward creating friendships; she had to do the opposite without anyone noticing. That was the only way she could remain anonymous.

  He looked at her appraisingly. He didn’t want her to be upset. He appreciated her willingness to take care of Anita when it became apparent that Anita’s presence would interfere with their success. And he was truly amazed at how skillfully she dispatched her. He had never imagined she would be good at it. He remembered how excited she had been afterwards. That disturbed him a little, but he shrugged it off deciding to think about that later. Now he needed to reassure her. He needed to keep her happy for a few more days until they arrived back in San Francisco.

  “Kim, you’re the best. I appreciate everything you’ve done. I know it’s been hard, but wait, you’ll see, it will have been worth it. I promise you that. And maybe after everything is settled, we’ll go off on a cruise of our own. Maybe to the Caribbean? You’d like that. Sun and fun with lots of partying, with a younger group of passengers and no one will care who we are. And we won’t care if they notice us or not.” He smiled, coaxing an answering smile from her. He put his empty glass on the little side table and got up. Holding out his hand to her, he escorted her back to her cabin for some physical reassurance.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “About time you got back.” Lucy was ready. “I almost decided to come up and find you, but I thought I’d probably miss you. You are either very slow on the computer or they’re missing you at the book shop.”

  “Both, I am a little slow this morning. I think I stayed up way too late last night. And I know you did, although I didn’t even hear you come in.”

  “I was pretty quiet,” Lucy said with a grin. “When you come in that late you don’t like to call attention to it by making noise.”

  Claire laughed. “True. And I appreciate your stealth. How do you suppose Antonio keeps up with the pace? He has to work every day.”

  “Practice, I imagine,” was Lucy’s droll response. “Are you ready to go out? Did you notice the weather?”

  “I’m ready.” Claire pulled out her scarf and jacket. “It’s cold and cloudy. Dress warmly. How about we find a cup of coffee first thing? I’m feeling the need for more caffeine. And don’t forget your ticket for the DUCK Tour.”

  “Yes, mother. I’ve got it right here. Let’s go, coffee sounds good to me.”

  The friends made their way down the corridor to the door on their deck where the disembarkation was going on today. Millie and Ruth had left very early to join the Gallagher Brothers on shore today. They planned to hire a local to take them on their own special tour after deciding that none of the offered excursions were quite what they wanted. Ian had complained they wanted to do everything, see everything at this last port in Alaska and the tours offered were too restrictive. They decided to pool their money and hire a local so they could do just the things they wanted to do and stay as long as they wanted at each place. They figured it still would be cheaper than the excursions the cruise line offered.

  Claire, on the other hand, wanted a lazy day. She needed to spend some time catching up on her emails. After all, she still had a business to attend to. Besides, after Sitka and Skagway, she wasn’t ready to spend another busy day on shore. Lucy, battling sleep deprivation from her late nights with Antonio, was in agreement with her. They decided to explore the town at leisure late in the morning, signing up for the DUCK tour to make sure they saw something of the town with minimal effort on their part.

  After their coffee and a pastry in lieu of breakfast for Lucy, they wandered the town ending up in the picturesque area of Creek Street. There Ketchikan’s former infamous red light district clung precariously over the creek. The old wooden buildings now housed shops catering to tourists. It was hard to imagine now, how it had been then, in spite of the one house which had been turned into a museum of that time. The intent of the mu
seum was to maintain the house as if it was still in use. The docents agreeably dressing the part in feathers, ruffles and heavy make-up didn’t fool the visitors for a minute. Still they enjoyed their visit even though they dawdled too long and had to hurry back to the dock to catch their DUCK.

  “Oh, look at that. Some of my customers told me about taking one of these in Boston, but somehow I didn’t imagine it so big, and awkward.”

  The big amphibious vehicle was painted a bright, garish yellow. It looked like a barge, on wheels, sitting in the middle of the street. The driver had let down a ladder like contraption that people were already struggling up to gain access. Claire and Lucy waited their turn and then held on to the rope guide while they ascended. Inside was like a big bus with a canvas top. All the windows were closed against the weather today, but it still wasn’t really cozy inside.

  They selected seats and Lucy generously waved Claire into the window seat. After all, she had a camera and would be trying to get pictures of everything. The driver’s seat was separated from the passengers. It looked like he would be sitting in a little hole. Beside him was a place for his assistant. Soon the passengers were in place and counted, the driver settled in his niche and the assistant pulled up and secured the ladder. They were ready to go.

  “Boy, I’m glad I’m not driving this thing. It would be like driving a Hummer in those little lanes in Cornwall. What a behemoth!”

  Claire agreed, holding her breath as the driver somehow got them through the streets around the Creek Street area. It wasn’t a long tour. After all, Ketchikan was a rather small town, and the DUCK quickly made it seem smaller. Since much of the town was built up the side of the mountain, many of the streets were too steep or too narrow to allow the DUCK access. Then after going through the warehouse district near the waterfront, the driver paused and with a great grinding sound coming from the front, he drove into the water and they were floating. It was a very strange sensation. Soon however, it was apparent that the DUCK was much more comfortable in its role of a water-going vehicle. There it seemed to be more graceful, more responsive. They made their way cautiously through the harbor while the tour director told them about the huge canning capacity the town had, and of the colorful fishing history of the town.