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ChapterThirty-Four

The final day of the cruise began as theDiamond Starsailed into Barbados, and passengers woke to the sound of the ship docking in Bridgetown. In the ship’s foyer, Dicky stood by the curved reception desk and drummed his fingers on the counter.

Diwa sat before him, her fingers tapping on a keyboard as she stared at a screen. ‘I shouldn’t give you access,’ she frowned, ‘but here’s the account.’ Diwa printed off a statement and handed it to Dicky.

Dicky sighed. The amount was far more than he’d anticipated. He dug into his pocket, pulled out a money clip, and then peeled off dollars. ‘I’m adding an extra five hundred,’ he said, remembering the day out that Anne had paid for.

‘But that will put the account in credit?’ Diwa looked puzzled.

‘That’s right.’

‘Then we will credit the passenger’s card when she checks out.’ Diwa took the money and, satisfied that she had the correct amount, handed Dicky a receipt.

As Dicky pocketed the receipt and moved away from the desk, a guest tapped him on the shoulder.

‘We’ve loved your shows,’ Harold said, ‘thanks for being so entertaining.’

Dicky smiled and, taking Harold’s hand, shook it firmly. ‘It’s my pleasure. I’m honoured to be able to entertain you.’

‘In fact,’ Harold continued, ‘I said to Nancy, we should ask Dicky for a couple more copies of his book, they will be great gifts for the neighbours.’

‘That’s very kind.’

‘Can you call by our room a bit later?’ Harold asked.

‘I’m sorry, mate.’ Dicky shook his head. ‘You’ll have to get them in the shop, where I’ve signed several copies.’

Harold was about to protest, but Dicky extracted his hand and, with a smile, turned away. He glanced at his watch and, noting the time, realised that it would be very early in Doncaster. Still, he had a phone call to make, and it was no use putting it off. Whatever the time, the end result would be the same.

Acknowledging greetings from smiling passengers, Dicky made his way to his cabin.

* * *

In Selwyn’s room, Jane was awake as she heard the engines subside and looked out to see the sun rise over the island.

‘Selwyn,’ she whispered. ‘Wake up. I am sure that the Captain will be leaving the ship soon and I’d like to be there to see him off.’

‘Of course.’ Selwyn shook his sleepy head and patted Jane’s rear as she climbed out of bed.

In Hibiscus, Kath was also awake.

‘Anne,’ she whispered. ‘Do you think the authorities will meet the ship early to come for the Captain?’

‘Yep.’ Anne stirred and flung the covers off her bed. ‘They’re bound to.’ She sat up and with a yawn, stretched her arms, tired from lack of sleep.

‘Let’s go, shall we?’ Kath asked. ‘I’d hate to think that no one was there as he’s taken off the ship.’

Bridgette, too, was awake and dressed, ready for the Captain’s departure from theDiamond Star. ‘I hope they look after you,’ she said silently to her dear departed friend as she made her way through the ship.

It was New Year’s Eve and the crew were busy decorating the ship with banners and balloons in preparation for the celebrations. Several stopped, curious to see the activity taking place on the decks where passengers were gathering.

Bridgette stepped onto the main deck and gasped at the sight of so many people. Selwyn and Jane, alongside Kath and Anne, stood with Harold and Nancy. The railings were lined with passengers. Bridgette stared as many of the crew were also present to pay their respects.

A long black hearse pulled up alongside the gangway as the authorities arrived. Everyone stood silent as the Captain’s coffin was wheeled off the ship and lifted into the vehicle.

‘The Captain!’ the crowd called out, their voices echoing along the quayside.

In the absence of flowers, many had picked leaves from the Sago palm trees dotted around the ship, and they threw the foliage onto the water. Bridgette winced and tried not to think of the damage to the plants.