Page 24 of The Admiral's Daughter

I’ve been Navy adjacent my entire life, but this is the first time I’m witnessing it in all its glory. Dad always spoke of his time on board, but I was either too young or too pissed off to really understand what he was talking about.

The camaraderie is palpable as the sailors work in unison, checking equipment and running tests. Officers bark orders as I slip through the ship, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. It’s important that I see this, though. The real Royal Navy, and not just what I’m fed through my father and his office. He wants an article that will help with recruitment, and I want to see the truth. It’s the only way I can write an honest piece.

A not-so-small part of me wants to understand my dad, too. He chose this over me and mum, time and again. So maybe I can finally understand why. What did this give him that we couldn’t?

I settle on the bridge with Captain Morley. A thrill coils in my stomach as her authoritative voice booms through the room. It’s impressive to watch.She’simpressive.

A junior officer reports a minor equipment malfunction. Captain Morley doesn’t flinch. She asks two questions, makes a decision, and moves on. No panic, no hesitation. Just calm, absolute command.

My mind wanders to River. I’m curious to see her working. Is she the same cocksure sailor I witnessed in the bar last night? Then again, she didn’t look so confident when she caught up with us at the security gate.

Her rounded shoulders and agitated mood spoke of something less than pleasing. Had something happened with the woman she took to the bathroom? Maybe she had a girlfriend and River got caught up in a lover’s quarrel. Maybe the alcohol caught up to her, and she was feeling sick?

No, it was more than that. She could barely look at her crewmates, let alone me.

The exchange in the shower was strange, too. The stubbed toe was a lie. She called out in frustration, not pain.

I wonder if she’s feeling better today?

Why do I care? Why am I spending mental energy analysing River Dawson’s mood when I should be focused on my article?

Shaking my head, I refocus. The ship is finally moving out of port. It’s a bizarre yet exhilarating moment. HMS Queen Elizabeth is a behemoth of a ship. It’s akin to a floating city, and yet Captain Morley is commanding it as if she were on a sailboat. She’s utterly relaxed.

As much as I want to dive right in with interviews, I need to bide my time. The last thing anyone needs is me getting in the way, and as far as I can see, every sailor aboard is busy.

Taking one last look at the horizon, I reach for the camera looped around my neck. Taking some action shots will prove less invasive than asking questions, and it means I can wander around the ship, soaking up the atmosphere.

By the time we are out of the port and sailing towards the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, I’ve racked up a few hundred photos and God knows how many steps. My feet hurt and my eyes feel tired.

Taking advantage of the fact everyone is at work, I slip into the dining hall. There are a few sailors who were on the night shift, now enjoying their breakfast. I settle at a table and bring out my laptop.

Getting lost in photo editing isn’t something I usually do, but I find it therapeutic. Yes, I wish my editor had granted me a photographer, but in lieu of that I think I’ve done a decent job.

The familiar voice of Cheddar cuts through the quiet din. I haven’t seen her since last night. By all accounts her evening went much better than River’s, if her boasting is anything to go by.

“I’m tellin’ ya Rome, she was freaky. The quiet ones always are, I reckon.”

“Glad you had fun, mate,” River replies.

I study her for a moment. Yes, she’s still…off. I might not know her well, but at a guess, I would think she’d normally be hyping up Cheddar’s conquest, getting in on the banter, but she’s not. Her body language is the same as last night, after the club. Subdued.

Kit and Boot trail behind. It’s Kit who notices me and waves. She steers the group in my direction, and I’m not sure if I’m happy about it. I enjoyed my evening with them, and I could see us being friends, but this thing with Riverstill feels like…a thing. The way she was staring at me as I danced with Laura, the flash of irritation I saw cross her face. Something tells me we’re not done with each other. Or should I say, River isn’t done with me.

“Cleo, how’s it going?” Kit asks as they arrive at the table. Boot rounds the table and stares at the photos on my laptop. Cheddar picks up my camera with the enthusiasm of a child at Christmas. River hangs back, her hands go straight to her pockets, and I can see she wants to be anywhere but here.

“Good. How’s your first day back at work?”

Kit shrugs. “Eh, this isn’t anything new. Business as usual.”

“And Cheddar? Hangover, or not?”

Cheddar grins, still fiddling with my camera. “Minor one. If anything, I’m just knackered.”

I give her a knowing smile. “Had fun then?”

She winks. “Just what I needed. I’m set for the next few weeks, unlike this lot.” Hooking a thumb at her friends. “Two months on this tub without the feel of a woman, and they didn’t give themselves some relief beforehand. Rookie move.”

River looks like she’s about to run away.