Page 37 of The Cruise Club

Ruskin was aware that there had been a commotion on the viewing deck.

News of a passenger collapsing swept through the ship like wildfire, igniting speculation as guests gathered in groups, exchanging fragments of what they’d heard.

As the whispers built, some said that Sid was struck by molten lava from the volcano and would need to be airlifted to hospital on the mainland, while others muttered that a giant seabird had crashed against his head, rendering him senseless.

Sitting on a steamer bed by the side of the pool, Ruskin wondered if a body would be removed from the ship at their next port of call in Ibiza.

Deaths on cruise lines, he knew, were not something a company openly reported.

However, given the average age of the passengers on the Diamond Star , Ruskin thought such an incident would inevitably occur, and it was a plot he might use in his novel.

With his pen poised and notebook open, Ruskin couldn’t help but think about the ailing passenger.

No one wanted their holiday to be marred by illness, especially on a cruise, which was a dream come true for many.

But despite the commotion on the viewing deck, he felt that the atmosphere onboard that day was leisurely, and a sea day was the opportunity to relax beside the pool, sip a cocktail in an outdoor bar, and enjoy casual conversations.

Ruskin was hosting a workshop that afternoon but had decided to use his free time to think about Peter’s dilemma.

Missing jewellery was a delicate matter, and Ruskin thought that without any concrete evidence, the items may simply have been misplaced or accidentally overlooked.

Peter had given him the names of the passengers who’d lost items, and now, to Peter’s despair, one more missing item was added to the list. Neeta had reported that she couldn’t find her silver and emerald earrings.

Taking his pen, Ruskin jotted down his preliminary thoughts.

When was their last sighting of the piece and had the jewellery been lost on a shore excursion?

He knew that Peter was having the public rooms checked again in case anything had been left behind, but so far there was no sign of the missing jewellery.

The situation required diplomacy to avoid panic amongst the passengers and as his thoughts formed, he caught glimpses of the calming turquoise waters stretching out to the horizon.

‘I shall enjoy this investigation,’ he mused, as an occasional fishing boat sailed by and a cruise ship could be seen on the horizon.

He decided to make a start by discreetly speaking to those who’d suffered a loss.

A steward approached, and Ruskin ordered a beer.

As the ice-cold nectar refreshed his thirst, his thoughts returned to the earlier session with Carmen.

Ruskin was aware that he’d been too tough with her.

Foolishly pacing in his suite like a caged lion as they worked, he was aware that he was overly critical and that tearing apart each chapter of her book was unnecessary.

But whatever he threw at her, Carmen seemed to soak it up.

She was like a sponge, keen to improve, never buckling under the weight of his harsh comments.

He couldn’t help but admire her resilience when every cutting suggestion was met with a quiet nod of acceptance.

But in his heart, Ruskin knew there was more to it all.

When Carmen entered his suite, he felt like a light had been turned on.

Senses that had been dormant for years suddenly woke up, and he saw past the eager student to the woman stealing his heart.

As she hesitantly took her place at his desk, he’d noted her features softened by the frame of perfectly styled hair.

A faint blush coloured her cheeks as she tilted her head to avoid his gaze.

Carmen had a quiet allure that drew him in, and when she looked up to listen to his harsh critique, her eyes held a hundred unspoken thoughts. What was she thinking?

He wondered if she hated him for how he’d treated her that morning. No one had to put up with rudeness but perhaps by overlooking it she was using him to achieve her goal?

Ruskin was battling with his feelings. Venetia had deadened his longing and lust, but Carmen’s vulnerability stirred it, despite his decision to lead a solitary life free from the demands of romance.

‘Sort yourself out, man,’ Ruskin told himself. He mustn’t let a longing for Carmen take control or complicate his life.

Draining his glass, he lay back and, enjoying the tranquillity, closed his eyes to nap. A little while later, voices from the side of the pool suggested that Kyle was about to start a Senior Splashdown session and as Ruskin slowly roused himself, he realised that someone was hovering by his bed.

‘What on earth are you doing?’ Ruskin asked as he opened his eyes and stared at the crouched figure of Dicky Delaney, who was flailing his hand beneath Ruskin’s bed.

‘Er… sorry mate, I thought you were asleep and didn’t mean to disturb you, but I often sit in this section, and I’m looking for an item I’ve misplaced.’

Ruskin was about to tell Dicky that he wasn’t his mate but realised that this was an opportunity to speak to the comedian.

‘Don’t worry, you haven’t disturbed me. Do you fancy a beer?’

Dicky shuffled back, and Ruskin noted his look of surprise. The pair didn’t get on, but Ruskin knew he needed to mend the situation if he were to question Dicky about his missing chain.

Dicky, ever eager for free booze, nodded his head.

Ruskin caught a steward’s attention and ordered two beers. ‘Have a seat,’ he said to Dicky.

Comfortable with a cold drink, they watched the group of passengers by the side of the pool. Kyle was handing out noodle flotation aides and encouraging everyone to enter the water.

‘Did you say you’d lost something?’ Ruskin casually asked. He focused on a man with a Yorkshire accent almost pulling his partner into the pool.

‘Yes, a chunky gold chain.’

‘A chain that you wear around your neck?’

‘Yes, mad, really. It weighs a ton, and I feel like a heavy-weight champion when I wear it, so I can’t understand how I might have misplaced it.’

‘You’ve searched your room?’

‘My broom cupboard, you mean.’ Dicky sighed. ‘Yes, many times and it’s not there.’

‘Is it likely to have fallen off when you’ve gone ashore?’

‘Nah, I don’t think so, I’m sure I would have noticed.’

Ruskin thought that a heavy, weighty chain would be a noticeable loss unless the comedian was preoccupied.

‘Was the clasp inadequate?’

‘I wouldn’t have thought so.’

‘At least you’ll have it insured; that must be some comfort.’ Ruskin turned to Dicky, but noticing the look of horror on the comedian’s face, realised that the chain wasn’t insured.

‘Well, not exactly…’ Dicky was hesitant. ‘It was a gift, and the person who gave it to me will be apoplectic when she finds out.’

‘Ah, I see.’

Ruskin did indeed see. Whoever had gifted the chain would want to show off their trophy companion, bedecked with their expensive gift.

The two men were distracted by a commotion in the pool, where Kyle had grabbed a flotation aid and jumped in, dragging a woman to the surface.

‘Never let go of your noodle!’ Kyle shouted.

Red-faced and spluttering, the woman was assisted to the steps by Kyle and the Yorkshire man, who spoke loudly, berating Kyle. ‘A couple of Yorkshire puddings would be more buoyant than your noodles,’ he growled. ‘I told you my missus can hardly swim.’

‘That’s Debbie and her husband Don,’ Dicky mused as he saw Debbie’s arms flapping like a freshly caught fish as she shrugged off Kyle and Don and, steadying herself on the steps, waddled away like a penguin.

Ruskin remembered Peter’s list of passengers who’d misplaced jewellery and realised that Debbie was included. ‘Do you know her?’ he asked.

‘Er, sort of.’ Dicky was evasive. ‘Well no, not really,’ he added and looked away.

A couple, hand in hand, wandered past, and when they saw Dicky, they both smiled and waved.

‘Morning Colin, Neeta,’ Dicky called out.

‘You must get to know everyone,’ Ruskin said. He stared as the couple moved away, remembering that Peter had told him that Neeta had lost her valuable earrings.

‘It’s a small ship, and I must entertain,’ Dicky continued. ‘As a crew member, it’s part of my job to be friendly.’

‘Of course.’

‘Well, thanks for the drink, but I need to get on. Rehearsals are calling.’ Dicky stood.

‘I hope you find your chain,’ Ruskin said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as Dicky walked away.

‘Any room for two tiddlers?’ the Yorkshire man called out and approached the vacant chairs beside Ruskin.

‘Help yourself,’ Ruskin said. He winced as the man shook his hair and droplets of water sprayed everywhere.

‘You’re that writer,’ the man said. ‘We’re Don and Debbie,’ he continued and sat down.

‘Have a towel.’ Ruskin reached out, handing Debbie a large fluffy towel. ‘You appeared to have got into a bit of trouble in the pool.’

‘Nowt to worry about,’ Don said, ‘Debbie likes to think she’s a mermaid but keeps forgetting she hasn’t got fins.’

From beneath the towel, Ruskin heard Debbie groan. Emerging with wet hair plastered over her face, she shot Don a withering look.

‘Can I get you both a drink?’ Ruskin asked.

‘Aye, a couple of beers would refresh our parts.’ Don settled back, his face turned to the sun.

Their drinks arrived, and Debbie dug into a dish of peanuts as she sipped her beer.

‘Dicky was telling me that he’s lost a gold chain,’ Ruskin began, ‘he’s quite upset about it.’

Don sat up, and Debbie began to fidget in her chair. ‘Not as upset as I am,’ Don looked angry. ‘Debbie misplaced a diamond droplet necklace that cost me a fortune, and Peter, that useless purser, is doing nothing about it.’

‘Oh dear, I am sorry, Debbie. Do you know where you lost it?’

Don rolled his eyes and interjected, ‘If she knew where she lost it, we’d have found it by now.’

Don’s face was red, and as Debbie stretched out her foot and kicked his ankles, Ruskin decided that if Debbie wasn’t going to speak for herself, it was time for him to move away.

‘Well, it’s been pleasant meeting you, but I have a workshop to prepare.’ Grabbing his bag and placing his notebook deep in the folds, Ruskin slipped into his sandals and stood up. ‘I hope you find the misplaced jewellery.’ He gave a courteous nod.

As Ruskin walked away, he heard Don angrily say to Debbie, ‘The only thing misplaced around here, is your necklace and my patience!’