CHAPTER 13 – SABOTAGE, FOOT MASSAGE AND BETRAYAL

DAY 19 [2 DAYS BEFORE PITCH] – EARLY MORNING

BUSINESS CENTRE, BUSINESS ROOM 1

CYNTHIA

I got here earlier because quite frankly I wanted to top up my tan!  For the last five days, we’ve been working flat out. When I saw the outtake from the nightclub shoot, I just thought it was adorable, especially when they were in a little world of their own.

But the one fly in the ointment has been poor Gus getting sick.  He ate something that really didn’t agree with him and has been in the infirmary for the last three days.  Brian is really worrying, but the family knowing how important this pitch is, have rallied around him. He’s been FaceTiming with him so that has made things a bit easier. Gus has been asking for Rhubarb and Custard but they’re not allowed in there, so he’s been a miserable little boy.

He doesn’t know I’m here and the times he’s run full pelt into my office when he’s come to Kinnetic always carrying a flower, I think it’s only fair that I repay the favour.

INFIRMARY

DEBS

Thank God that Gus is a lot better now!  Everyone in the Kids Club sent him cards and have been FaceTiming with him while he’s been in bed. So sweet; that’s kept him happy,

But sadly, the one thing that has devastated him above all else is that he’s lost Leather Bear.  We tore the suites apart trying to find him but we can’t. Brian has promised to get him another bear, but we all know it’s not the same.

“Now where’s my flower Gus?”  Cynthia’s voice has him looking up in surprise and he almost launches himself from the bed.

“Cyn!  Cyn!”  He shouts, holding her tightly as she had to run to catch him. “I’m so happy to see you!”

“I’m happy to see you too G-Man.  How you feeling?”

“I lost Leather Bear.”  He sighs sadly.  “Daddy said he’s gonna get me a new one but he knowed all my secrets.  You don’t think he’d tell anyone, do you?”

“Oh honey no.  Leather Bear will never betray you. He will keep quiet.”

For the first time since he lost him, he smiles.  “No Leather Bear wouldn’t do that.”

LILAH’S BAR

MICHAEL

I can’t believe I haven’t fucking seen Brian for the last five fucking days!  And everyone on this fucking boat has seen him but me, his best friend!

“Mr Novotny, how are you?”  Gold’s voice grates on my nerves.

“What do you want?”  I sneer.

“I was merely making polite conversation. Did you enjoy the shoots?”  He asks. “I loved being in the winery one.  Although, it took a long longer than we thought it would but we got to eat afterwards. The food his friend Emmett prepared was exquisite. Oh excuse me, I have to see to my passenger.”  He smirks and walks off.

Before I can retort, he’s gone.  But then Ted and Emmett come in and go to our table.  So I join them.

“Hi Michael, how have you been?”  Ted asks.

“Fine.  Where’s Brian? Is he finally finished?”  I demand.

“Strung out.  Between the pitch of his life and Gus being poorly, he’s knackered.  But at least Gus is out today.  That’s one load off his mind.  And…”

“Em-Ems, Teddy!  You’re needed!”  Some random guy interrupts and they are gone.

DAY 20 – EARLY AFTERNOON

BUSINESS SUITE, BOARDROOM 1

BELLA

Silence. Complete and utter silence. Brian looks gut shot.  Veri is carefully picking her way through the debris of the boardroom.  Ted and Cyn are trying to see what they can salvage.

Franc comes in absolutely incandescent!  “Gold.  Gold did this!”

“Honey, slow ya roll!  We need to fix this first!”  Veri halts the fireball that is her daughter.  “Is anything salvageable?”

“No.”  Brian whispers.

“Hey-hey are we all…what the fuck happened?!”  Emmy screams.

“Emmy!  What’s wrong?!”  Justin runs in and stops cold.  “What…”

“It’s fucking over!  We can’t save this!  It’s fucking over!”  Brian shouts.

“Brian…”  Justin starts.

“Can you just go with the videos if I explain?”  Veri tries.

“No!  We need the boards.  The videos aren’t enough and your husband knows that!”

“Brian, calm down.”  Ted’s voice is firm and he takes a couple of breaths.  “At least let her try.”

“Brian…”  Justin tries again.

“But they were fucking perfect!  We spent hours getting them just right and that fucker just comes in…”

“Less talk; more fixing!”  Cyn tells him firmly.  “There must be something, anything that we can do to recreate them?”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LISTEN!”  Justin yells, silencing the room.

“What can you possibly say that is going to fix this?”  Brian looks near tears.

“I have duplicates of the boards in my quarters. I thought it might be a good idea to do another set. So I did one when you finally said yes.  All we need to do is set up somewhere else, like the wine gallery.”

First, there was silence before the room erupts in screams and shouts of relief.

BRIAN

I can’t believe it.  It’s still on.  “Everyone quiet!”  I yell and breathe again.  “Cyn, Bella go with Justin to get the boards. Ted, Emmy and Franc, go set up the wine gallery.  Veri, can you handle the board.  A-and…”  I can feel the tears clogging my throat but I swallow them down.  “And I’ll see you in the gallery in a few minutes.”

I watch them leave as the door closes I sink my head into my hands and take steadying breaths.  “You got this.  Because of him, you got this.”  I clear my throat and crick my neck.

When I turn around, I’m surprised to find Vic in the doorway.  “Ted called, said you need a hug.”  I just nod and he pulls me into his arms.

BRIAN’S SUITE – EARLY EVENING

BRIAN

I am bone tired.  But we’ve been over the pitch four times and it’s perfect.  All I want to do is lie down and sleep for about a year!

I open the door and Debs is bustling around the lounge.  “Uh Debs.”

“Shut up and sit.”  She orders.

“Look Debs, I need…”  I begin.

“I have the one thing you need.”  She tells me and opens the connecting door.

“Daddy!”  Gus screams. I just about open my arms in time as his full weight knocks me onto the sofa.

“Gus!  Look at you!  You look so much better!”  I almost blubber like the mother of the bride!

“Yes, so much and guessed what?!”  He cries almost strangling me.

He can have that one mispronunciation!

“What?”  I manage to gasp out.

“I found Leather Bear!  Momma, can you bring Leather Bear!”

“Yes I’m coming, I’m coming!”  Mel laughs.

“Thank you momma. Oh wait, momma, you said that earlier to Miss Leda. What were you bringing her?”  Gus asks as the room goes dead silent and Mel and Leda go bright red.

Wow!

“Momma?  What were you bringing her?”  Gus asks again hugging Leather Bear.

“Yes Mel, want to explain that one away?”  I smirk as she doesn’t say a word.

“Gus, sweetie, um…”  Emmy Lou tries.

“Well uh…”  Debs attempts.

“Gus.”  Carl gets down on his haunches.  “You’re too young to know the answer to that question. Just know that it made momma happy and leave it there.  Okay?”

Gus thinks for a few minutes before looking at Mel. “You were happy, momma?”

“Yes Gus, I was.”  Mel grins

“Okay then.” He smiles. “Now daddy, tell me how you think your bitch is going to go?  And do you need Leather Bear for good luck?”

The room rocks with laughter.

Yeah, he can have that one too!

PITCH DAY – WINE GALLERY – LATE MORNING

TED

Here comes the Board.  Brian clears his throat and grins.

“Good morning gentlemen. My name is Brian Kinney, this is my CFO, Ted Schmidt and COO, Cynthia Moore. And we’re going to introduce Seabird Cruises to the world…”

For the next four hours, Brian works his magic and I watch in awe.  It’s not often I get to sit in with him and do a pitch but he’s a force to be reckoned with.  Yesterday when we thought we had lost everything because of Ethan Gold, he was so broken. It’s not that we needed the business because we’re set for life. It’s just that he wanted it so badly.

Ems has come into his own.  Between him and Franc, they have created such incredible food. When we had a break for lunch, the board could not stop raving.

We watch them watch the videos; the boards Justin did impressed them to no end!  The fishing video has Ray bug-eyed and squirming. But most of all, we’re watching his dad. The nightclub video has his father’s head bopping. Veri and Ben in the gallery has him slowly nodding. The Kids Club has him with, as Brian would say it, a sappy expression on his face but it’s the reaction to the videos with Franc that surprise me.  He looks so proud.

We’re about to show him the beach deck video when he holds up a hand. “Mr Kinney, you say you can increase our market share by 15% within 3 years?”

“Yes, we can.”

“Raymond, what do you think?”  He asks his son.

“It’s great. It really is but to be honest... I really prefer what Gardner has done for us. Yes, the market share isn’t there right now, but it will be. He’s got new ideas…”

He leans back and nods.

Fuck!

“Rupert. Vance has been promising us that for years. You had to threaten to pull his contract to get him to do the competition. And that was Franc’s idea! You can’t seriously…”

“Veri, darling.” Raymond drawls. “This is business and you’re not on the board. You had your chance to be but you declined. So although you get a say, you don’t get a vote.”

“Raymond, adjust your tone.” Rupert’s cold eyes rest on his son. “And your outlook. Mr Kinney, well done. Has someone got a pen?”

A pen!

“Dad! You can’t be serious?” Raymond gasps.

“Yes I am.” He replies, signing with a flourish. “And since you and Vance are such good buddies, you get to soothe his ruffled ego when you hand him the termination notice. Now be quiet for the rest of this conversation!”

He stands up and strides towards us. “15%. You’ve got some balls!  Look forward to working with you, Mr Kinney!”

“Brian. Please call me Brian.” He is holding onto his professional demeanour for all he’s worth.

“Brian it is.” He grins at him. “And I can call you Ted and Cynthia. Cynthia, will you be joining us on the island?”

“RUPERT!”  “DAD!”  Veri and Franc shout together.

Rupert goes bright red. “Ah.  You said not to say anything until the day after the pitch and after Veri had told them, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.”  Veri sighs.  “What am I going to do with you?”  She grouses with a smile.

“Sorry darling.  But you might as well tell them about the…”

“Rupert, one more word and I’m never doing that thing you like ever again!”

“I shall let Veri tell you the rest in her own time.”

“Thank you darling.”

“So, are we done?”  Franc smirks and then grabs Brian in for a hug.  “I knew you could do it!  I knew it!”

“Bella, can you come in please?”  Veri calls out and smiles as her friend enters.

“Well?”  She demands but then bursts into tears when she sees our faces.  “You did it?!  You did it, didn’t you?!”

“Yes!”  I shout.  “We did it!”

When we’ve all calmed down, Franc clears her throat.  “Right now, we have to deal with the other problem that presented itself yesterday.  The vandalism.”

“Vandalism? What vandalism?” Rupert asks.

“It seems that Ethan Gold came in to the business centre last night and trashed the boards for the presentation.”

“Ethan?!  Ethan wouldn’t do that.”  Ray defends his boy.

“Didn’t you hear me say seems?”  Franc growls. “I’ve been looking through his records and I found some interesting things…”

“Like?”  Brian demands.

“Well it’s what I didn’t find. The band violation wasn’t there.  Nor was the other write-up that I know he had. So it leads me to ask a question?” She takes a deep breath and rubs her temple before turning to Ray.  “Does Ethan have your code?”

“Ethan wouldn’t…”  Ray blusters.

“Yes or no?  Does he have it?!”  She shouts.

“Yes.”

“Jesus, Ray!”  She retorts.  “Seriously, is he that good of a fuck?!  Oh wait!  He’s not fucked you!”

“Franc.”  Rupert admonishes her.  “Calm yourself.  What are you saying?”

“By having the code, he can change the records.” Bella sighs. “Which goes some way to explaining why he’s still here!”

“But like I said, I did find something interesting. He also has a swipe card and a band.”  Franc is still glowering at Ray.

“Franc.  Focus on me.”  She turns to her mother.  “What does that mean?”

“Only senior staff members have a card and a band. He’s been using his band since he issued himself one, but he’s not wearing it, as that would’ve been picked up in seconds.  So why use his card to get in here to trash the boardroom? It doesn’t make fucking sense. As loathed as I am to say this, I think someone has his card and used it to set him up.”

“Are you kidding me?!”  I gasp and she shakes her head.

“The only person that wants him onboard this ship is Ray.” Franc glares again at her stepbrother. “Ethan is arrogant and mouthy. Unfortunately, he also has Ray wrapped around his little finger, which he uses to lord over everyone. So we are looking at a lot of people.”

“Does anyone else on board know about what happened in the business centre?” Rupert asks.

“No. It would’ve been around the ship in seconds if they had.”  Bella responds and we all look at her. “This has been one of the best cruises ever. If anyone else knew, everyone involved would’ve been in here trying to help.”

“They would?”  Brian looks confused.  “Why?”

“Because they like you.”  Bella giggles.

“Oh.”  He looks so pleased and humbled.

“Let’s keep it that way.” Rupert orders before turning to his son. “You are an idiot and have compromised the integrity of this ship.  Franc, lock him out of the system.”

“Dad!”  Ray objects.

“Be quiet! We will discuss what else happens to you when we get back home.”

“I just don’t know who would do this. Are you sure it’s not him?” Brian asks. “I mean, he must have been pretty pissed after that flea in his ear?”

“I’m sure. He’s pissed but he’s not stupid. He’s done everything with his records to stay on the ship. I don’t know who did it, but I’m sure as fuck going to find out. And when I do, I will destroy them!”  Franc growls.  “Nobody hurts my friends.”

BRIAN’S SUITE – AN HOUR LATER

LOUNGE

MICHAEL

We’re waiting for Brian to come back. It’s been ages! Although we’re still not back to where we were before I upset Gus, we have at least started to talk more. But only because I said sorry to Gus. I’m so glad this pitch thing is over so we can get back to being on holiday again.

As they come through the door, Gus runs to him.  “Daddy! How did it go?”

He sighs and then clears his throat. “That double kiss from you and Leather Bear must have done the trick because they said yes.”

“Oh kiddo! I am so pleased!” Ma yells and before anyone else can get to them, she crushes both him and Gus in a hug.

“Sis!  For goodness sake, let them breathe!”  Uncle Vic laughs and pries her arms off of them.

“Thanks Vic!”  Brian gasps.

“I’m so proud of you son. I really am.” Uncle Vic tells him and then turns to Emmett.  “Any leftovers?”

“But of course!”  Emmett replies after he wrestles himself out of Ma’s arms. “Tyler is bringing them up but first, libations!”

“Hey Brian. I’m really pleased for you.” I tell him as I get to him. “You must be so relieved, you know after what…”

“Yeah. Thanks. It’s been a rough few days.  But it’s done.” He sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “It’s done.”

“And we can get back to being on holiday now!”  I tell him smiling.

“Mmmm.” He takes the glass of Beam from Emmett and knocks it back in one go. “We get a few days respite before the real work begins.”

What?!

“What do you mean?” I’m really trying hard not to be snippy. “You’ve got the contract. What more needs to be done?”

“Um, legal needs to look at it and stuff like that. But like I said, we’ve got some free time and that won’t happen until we get back from the island.”

“What island?”  I ask.

“Oh something Franc’s mom has organised. Think it’s part of the prize.  I almost…”

“Daddy look!”  Gus tugs on his pants and I want to scream in frustration at the interruption.

“What is it Sonny Boy?”  He kneels down in front of Gus.

“My feet, look at my feet!”  He jumps up and down.

“Gus, I can’t look at your feet if you don’t keep still.” Brian laughs and Gus stops bouncing and puts his foot out.  “Oh now, that’s interesting. When did that happen?”

“Today in Kids Club. Chandra said that she got it done in the spa and I asked Mr Justin if I could get mine done. He said that I couldn’t go to the spa but he could paint them for me.  Then the whole class wanted them done and we all have pretty toenails.”  Now everyone is looking at Gus’s toes. “But Mr Justin only did mine.”  He looks so proud.

I think a word with Mr Justin needs to be had I won’t have my future stepson’s toenails painted!

“He did? Well I think I should go and thank Mr Justin for that, but not before we take a picture of them.  Now put Leather Bear between your feet.”

My eyes almost roll to the back of my head when picture after picture is taken. There’s a knock at the door and Tyler comes in with the most delicious looking food; I start to help myself...at least Brian’s here now so we can chat properly later.

BRIAN

I sink back into the sofa and smile somewhat tiredly at Ted, who looks as wrung out as I do.

“Listen guys, you carry on. I’ve got to speak to someone and then I’m going to have a nap.”

“Sure kiddo.” Debs smiles and gives me another kiss. “Okay people, let’s take this next door!  You want me to set you up a plate and leave it in the fridge?” I nod and haul my ass up off the sofa. “Go do what you need to do. I’ll hang the sign on your door… you need sleep!”

“Thanks.”

QUARTERDECK F, SUITE A

JUSTIN

I’m pacing. I just want to know what happened. When the door knocks, I almost rip the door off its hinges before pulling him inside.

“Well?!”  I demand.

“You painted my son’s toes?”  He tilts his head to one side.

“BRIAN!”  I yell.

“Calm down little kitten.  We got it.”

“You did!  Seriously, you did!”  I scream and fling my arms around his neck, wrapping my legs around his waist, immediately peppering his face with kisses. But then, I take a good look at him.  “You look beat.”

“Thanks. You’re the second person to say this in the space of less than an hour.” He grumps.

“Walk us to the sofa.”  I order and he plops me down before sitting next to me.

“Lilah’s?” He asks, looking around the room. I frown and then realise he’s asking about Rhubarb and Custard so I nod.

“Don’t move from there but take off your shoes and socks.”

He does as he’s told and watches as I fill a bowl full of water. I go to the cabinet to get something else.  

“What are you doing?”

“Getting what I need.”  I call back and 5 minutes later, I’m back and start rolling up his trousers.

Although he frowns, he doesn’t stop me. “Put your feet in.”  I order and start adding the oils.

“Smells nice.”  He tries to peer at the bottles.  “What’s in there?  Smells like mint.”

“That’s one of them, now sit back.”  He does so with a huffing breath. “Do you have ticklish feet?”

“No.  Why do you need to…oh.”  He groans as I start to massage the back of his calf.

I repeat the massaging action on his other calf and apply some oil.

BRIAN

Holy fuck that feels so good!

He’s scrubbed my feet. He actually scrubbed my feet! They feel so smooth! Then he dried them with a big fluffy towel and gave me a pedicure! Now he’s pressing my feet and when he does, I feel tingles in another part of my body.

“What are you…oooh….doing?”  I gasp as the base of my spine feels funny…in a good way.

“Reflexology.  They say that certain places on your feet, if pressed and manipulated just right…”

“Oh God!”  I moan.

“Release tension in other parts of the body. For example, if I press here, like that, it’s supposed to help the headache I saw in your eyes.”

He presses firmly and it may be psychosomatic but I do feel my headache slipping away.  For the next hour, I am squirming on the sofa as he does wonderful things with my feet.

“Justin, Justin stop!”  I beg as whatever he’s pressing on is making me cross-eyed!

He giggles and I want to kiss the hell out of him! He takes the stuff away, giving me some respite so I can take in some air.

“You okay?”  He grins when he comes back and sits next to me. I snicker and then yawn hugely.

“I better get going. I really do need to sleep.”  I admit.

“Yeah you do.  Come on.”

He pulls me to my feet and I frown.  “Justin, I need my shoes and socks.”  I point out.

“No you don’t.”  He leads me to his bedroom and pulls back the quilt.  “Sit down…”

“Justin.”  I protest but don’t stop him from unbuttoning my shirt and taking it off.

“Lie down.”  He orders and I just flopped backwards.  “Nice boxers.”  He giggles.

“Shut up.”  I mumble sleepily.

“Swing in.” He swats my legs gently and once I’m settled under the quilt on my side, he kisses the side of my head.  “Now sleep.”

“Not without you.  Come on, get in.  I’m too tired to take advantage of you.”

He strips down but keeps his boxers on. As he slides in next to me, I’m reminded of the fishing trip and pull him back tighter to me.

“Justin?”

“Hmm?”

“Apparently, we’re going to an island as part of the prize. Will you come with us?  Not only because you earned it but... because I want you to?”

He turns to face me.  “You do?”

“Yeah.  So you’ll come?”

“Yes.”

“And, can you paint my toenails as a surprise for Gus, so we match?”  I yawn again.

“Yes.  Now come on, sleep.”

“Yes sir.”  I mumble and snuggle into the pillow while he snuggles into my chest.

Before I finally go to sleep, I hear the door open then close. Then I feel a thump and hear the purr that could only be Custard.

DAY 22 – LATE MORNING

JUSTIN’S QUARTERS

BRIAN

The first thing I realise is that whoever is lying next to me it is not Justin. He’s much too hairy!

I open my eyes and it’s Custard. He blinks slowly at me. “Morning.” I get a head bump in return.

The second thing I realise is the time, it’s gone eleven!  I sit up and look around the room. I mean, really look. His artwork is incredible! He has drawn Rhubarb and Custard and they look so life like. I spot one when they were kittens and the awww is out before I can stop it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot my phone is flashing. But when I see it’s a message from Michael, I ignore it. I head to the kitchen to make some coffee. They really look after their staff here so I can see why Gold would want to stay. Padding to the bathroom, I smile when I spot the toothbrush he left out.

Once I inhale the coffee, I search for my clothes. He had hung them up. My phone ringing causes my heart to sink but it’s Ted so I hit speaker.

“Hey what’s up?”

“You okay Bri?  I’m outside your door.”

“I’m not in there.” I pause. “I slept, and I do mean slept, at Justin’s last night. I woke up about half an hour ago.”

“You too!  I slept in Blake’s and judging by that grin…hey Ems…Ems was with Ben.  Don’t do coy with me; I know you too well!  Do you want me to get Tyler to let me in so I can pack a bag and get him to bring it down?"

I sink back down on the bed and think for a bit.

“Bri?”

“Yeah, but I need the Seabird documents and stuff too. So just a pair of jeans…in fact, let me to talk to Emmy.”

When I finish with him, I send a text to Justin and then burrow back under the quilt.

TWO HOURS LATER

JUSTIN

I open the door and let Gus in.  Brian is at the desk, working on something.

“Daddy!”  Gus gasps and runs to him. “What are you doing here? Mr Justin said he had a surprise for me…”  He turns to face me. “Mr Justin, I get to see my daddy every day. He’s not that big a surprise.”

“Thanks, I think, Sonny Boy.”  He ruffles his hair smiling. He looks so much better.

“You made yourself at home, I see.” I tease him, nodding at his change of clothes and he pokes his tongue out.

“Daddy, why are you here?”  Gus looks up from petting Rhubarb.

“Do you like your toenails?” Brian asks him.

“Yes!  I love them!  I wish Leather Bear had toenails so he could have them too.”

“What about if I have mine done and you help Mr Justin?”  He asks.

“We’d have the same pictures on our toes, daddy?” He looks delighted when Brian nods.  “Yes!  Yes!  Now Rhubarb, you and Leather Bear sit right here.  And daddy, you have to keep very still, doesn’t he Mr Justin?”

“Yes he does. What will happen is that I will do one toe and you copy as best you can.  Okay?”

Gus nods enthusiastically and for the next 90 minutes, we carefully paint his toenails while he works.

GUS – FOUR HOURS LATER

I have loved today! We had Kids Club and then we came here and painted daddy’s toes, but it was when I woke up from my nap that I was so happy!  Daddy and Mr Justin were kissing!  I knowed that daddy kisses Unca Mikey but he’s been kissing Mr Justin, like forever! And daddy doesn’t push Mr Justin away when he stops kissing him like he does to Unca Mikey.  And he’s smiling! I love it when my daddy smiles. And he has a really smiley face for Mr Justin!

Uncle Teddy and Uncle Blake came down to have dinner with us, so he and daddy could talk about stuff. After another lot of kisses with Mr Justin... well I’m thinking that’s what happened because I had to wait outside with Uncle Ted and Uncle Blake, we’re all going back to our rooms now.

“Daddy.  I really liked today, did you?”

“Yes Gus, I did. It was just what I needed.”

“What was what you needed?”  I ask him, skipping with Leather Bear.

“I have been very busy with work and worrying about you when you were poorly.  I got a little stressed out.  But now everything is better.”

“Good.  Can I press the button daddy?”

“Yes, you can press the button to our floor.”

When we get inside, I ask Uncle Teddy to hold Leather Bear while I press the button but when we get to the suite Uncle Teddy wants to keep Leather Bear.

“Just for a few minutes, I need to speak to your daddy about him and I will give him straight back.  I promise.”

I nod and go to my room.  I believe Uncle Ted because he holds Leather Bear properly unlike Unca Mikey.

BRIAN’S LOUNGE

TED

I make sure the door is closed and then hand Brian Leather Bear.  “What?”  He frowns

“Look in the pocket.”

As he looks in he sees what I saw.  A swipe card.  “Are you saying that Justin…”

“God no! Bri, he likes you too much to do that!”  I exhort.  “But whoever found Leather Bear put that card in the pocket. We need to call Franc.”

Twenty minutes later, Franc is in with her machine. “Well that’s odd. It’s Michael’s card.”  She balls her fists.  “Okay we need to talk to your wee man.”

GUS’S ROOM

BRIAN

Gus was just putting Leather Bear in his corner when we came in.

“Gus, where did you find Leather Bear?”  I ask him.

“I didn’t.  I came back from the hospital and he was there on my bed.”  He replies.

“When was that?”

“The day before your bit…I mean pitch.”  He giggles.

“And when on that day, did you come back here?”  Ted asks him calmly.

Gus frowns and thinks. “Well grandma and everyone came to get me and then we were waiting for you.”

“Who’s everyone?” I want to scream but now, I have to go carefully.

“Uncle Vic, Uncle Rodney, Uncle Carl, Momma and Miss Leda.”

“Great thank you Gus. You’ve done very well.”  I kiss him on his head and he snuggles down under his blankets.

We head back to the lounge having gotten nowhere.

BRIAN’S LOUNGE

BRIAN

“So much for…”

“Daddy.” Gus comes in. “I remembered something. Unca Mikey was here too.”

“Thanks Sonny Boy.” I smile at him and as he turns to leave. Just then, I have a thought.  “Gus?  When you say here, do you mean at the infirmary or in this suite?”

“No here daddy. Mr Tyler was here too. Grandma asked him to set up the dinner.  Remember?”

“Yes Gus, I remember.  Now go back to bed Sonny Boy.”

When the door is closed, I shake my head.  “There’s no way that…”

The door opens again and Gus pokes his head through the door. “And daddy. He told me about Leather Bear, which I thought was nice of him. Good night.”

As the door shuts, we all look at each other and I swallow hard.  

“Brian, you can’t seriously think that Michael would do that?”  Ted gasps.

“I hope not Ted, but I remember something. When we got the Seabird account, he started to say something about you know after… but then Gus interrupted him.”

Franc paces before turning to us. “Before we jump anywhere, let me check some things. Give me an hour.”

With that, she’s gone.

“Brian, Michael wouldn’t do that.”  Ted tries to reassure me but I can see the uncertainty in his eyes.

AN HOUR LATER

BRIAN

I open the door to Franc and she has Tyler with her.  This can’t be good.

“Tell him.” She orders quietly.

“When I got to the room to plate up, Mr Novotny wasn’t there. But when I was setting up the room, he came in with Leather Bear.”

“Maybe someone found him and gave it to him to give back to Gus.”  Ted tries.

“Maybe. But when they were leaving to go and get Gus, Debs said he should come with them. He said he didn’t want to.”

“Nice.  And?  What are you trying to say?”  I’m starting to get pissed.

“Do you remember me saying that Ethan issued himself with a band?” Franc asks and I nod.  “Well, he had that set to the same settings as the card, which has ship wide access. The records show that he was here when Tyler was but we know he wasn’t.”

“So if it wasn’t Michael, then how did he get in to put Leather Bear back?!”  Ted snarls.

“Internal doors unlock automatically when we get within a foot with a steward card because normally, we’re loaded down with stuff.” Tyler explains. “We have to swipe/band again to override it. And Ethan would know that.”

“And I checked the other records for the night before.” Franc sighs. “He was most definitely not in the centre. He checked himself back out from one suite and back into his quarters with his band.”

“But if that’s Michael’s card with Leather Bear, how the hell is he getting around?” Ted growls.

“He’s got Ethan’s card and has been using it. Most likely he doesn’t know that.”  Franc takes another breath. “And Ethan has been on lockdown for the last two hours but according to this... he’s in the lift.”

OUTSIDE THE LIFT

BRIAN

Franc is so icy calm, it’s scary.

“It had better be Ethan because if it’s Michael, I shall kill him!”  I snap.

“And I’ll help you bury the body!”  Ted says.

“Hey guys!” Michael beams and steps out but he’s sent sprawling backwards when Ted punches him in face.

“Teddy!” Emmy Lou cries out. “What on earth are you doing?!”

“Breaking my fingers!” He yelps, clutching his hand to his chest.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!”  Michael yells, clutching his eye.

“You with me, now!”  I snarl and grab the front of his shirt then haul him stumbling after me.

“Brian! What are you doing?!”  Debs yells.

“Open the door!” I yell.

“How can I open the door?!”  Michael yells back.

“Use your card!” I order.

“My card won’t work on your door!”

“Try!”  Franc shouts at him and steps towards him, fury in her eyes.

“Franc! Step back!”

After a tense minute she steps back, taking a couple of calming breaths.

“Who the fuck are you?!”  Debs demands.

“Rupert Charles-Prince the owner of Seabird Enterprises and very proud father of this little fireball.” He turns back to Michael and I. “Now Mr Novotny, please use your card on the door.”

“This is ridiculous!” Michael snaps but takes his card out and the door opens.

“Can you explain, Mr Novotny, how this card opens this door?”

“Everyone in. Now!  And take a seat!”  Emmy Lou orders.

BRIAN’S LOUNGE

RUPERT

“Mr Novotny, can you answer my question please?”

“I don’t know.” He glares at me, well as much as he can with one eye rapidly swelling.

“What the hell is going on?” A woman comes through the connecting door. “You’re going to wake Gus!”

“I’m not sure Mel.” The redhead tells her. “But I can’t wait to find out why Ted hit my son!”

“Ted hit…”

“Because the card he has belongs to Ethan Gold.” Franc growls. “And that card was used to get into the business centre the night before the pitch when the boards were completely destroyed.” Everyone gasps in shock.

I clear my throat hard and she sits back down.

“How did this card come into your possession?” I ask him.

“Ask Gold. He most probably planted it on me!” He protests. “We’ve had a couple of run-ins.”

“So, you should have two cards then? Where’s the second card, Michael?” Mel asks.

“I don’t…”

“Can you get Leather Bear for me Mel?”  Brian asks and in less than a minute, she’s back.

“Check the pocket.” Brian tells her and she pulls out another card. “Gus told me that Uncle Mikey told him Leather Bear was back. And this…” he turns to Mr Novotny.  “Is your card.”

“Care to explain that?”  Franc demands.

“Uh…”

“Let me put it another way. How come Gold’s card has been used for the last couple of days and yours hasn’t?” Franc is calm-before-the-storm calm and I nod at the stewards.

“Like I said he planted it on me!”

“How did he plant it on you and get out of the wherever he was?” Franc demands. “Every steward needs to swipe in and out.”

Silence.

“Michael?”  The redhead asks. “Tell me you didn’t do this?”

“Michael?”  Emmy Lou asks.  “Please, tell us you didn’t do this?”

“I was drunk....” He begins. “I didn’t mean….aaah fuck!” He yells as a fist connects with his face.

“Franc!”  I snap.

“What?” She retorts. “Seriously, if I hit him, would he be living?”

I turn around to see Cynthia clutching her hand. “I’ve been waiting years to do that!”

“Brian, let me explain!”  He tries again.  “I was drunk and…”

“Get out!”  Brian snarls.  “Go anywhere but here!”

“Is there any way we can get him off this ship?”  Mel asks.

“What?!  Come on guys, I made a stupid mistake!”

“Yes.” I reply. “We can take him to nearest island…”

“Wait, you’re not serious!  Brian I’m…”

“Quiet!” He hisses and then turns to Mel. “Can you wake Gus for me?”

“Sure.”

“Brian?” The redhead asks.

“One second Debs. I just need to ask Gus something.”

Gus comes in with Mel, rubbing his eyes. He’s the image of Brian. He crawls into Brian’s lap.

“Hey Sonny Boy, sorry to wake you but can you answer a question for me?” Gus nods sleepily and rests his head on Brian’s shoulder. “Did Uncle Mikey say sorry to you for scaring you with his cartoon books?”

“No daddy.”  He mumbles.

“Thanks Sonny Boy. Now you go back to bed and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay daddy.” Mel takes him back to his room and he waits for her to rejoin us.

“Where’s the nearest airport to where we are now?”  Brian asks.

“Leeward Islands.” I reply.

“Can you arrange transportation for him?” He sighs and I nod. “Good, can whoever it is liaise with Bella or Cyn to arrange that?  Cyn, get him back to the Pitts, in economy.”

“Yes not a problem.”  I reply.

“With pleasure.”  Cynthia growls.

“Brian! Just…”

“This is the last thing I do for you.” He spits at him before turning to me. “Thank you Rupert.”

He strides out the suite and then all hell breaks loose!

JUSTIN’S QUARTERS

JUSTIN

I’m working on the portrait when the door knocks, and I break into a grin when I see Brian, but he doesn’t return it.  I step aside and he comes in sitting down without a word.

“Brian?”

“Michael destroyed the boards. He said he was drunk but I don’t believe that because he also lied about apologising to Gus about the comic books.”

I just shake my head in disbelief and after a while, I brush the hair off his forehead.  “Want to go to bed and talk?”

“Yeah.”

I take his hand and lead him to the bedroom.