Page 35 of Tiki Hut Tragedy

“Sometimes, like now,” Millie teased.

Her brows furrowed. “It’s all a part of my natural charm and demeanor.”

“Speaking of charm, how’s it going with Jose Juan Carlos?”

“Pffft.”

“Uh-oh. Not good?” Millie wasn’t a huge fan of Annette’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, namely because he struck her as being possessive, keeping tabs on what she did and who she spent time with and…he didn’t like her friends.

“He seems determined to micromanage me, so I told him our relationship wasn’t working out.”

“I think.” Millie abruptly stopped.

“You didn’t like him,” Annette guessed.

“No, for all the reasons you gave, plus he doesn’t have the best track record.”

“I can’t dump all the blame on him. I’m pretty set in my ways. My life is great. Adding a man only complicates things.”

“We love you the way you are.” Felix gave her a peck on the cheek. “Never change. We love you, bossy boss lady.”

“And on that note.” Annette handed them both a sheet of paper. “Here’s a copy of the scavenger hunt list you came up with.”

Millie slipped her reading glasses on. She scanned the sheet and burst out laughing. “Are you sure these gals will be able to find the items on this list?”

“Yep. Every single one of them but they’ll need a sharp eye.” Felix tapped the side of his forehead. “And be able to think outside the box.”

“Out of the box, behind the bar, in the spa.” She began rattling off the items:

-Dippin’ Dots.

-Orange peel.

-Coffee scrub.

-Maraschino cherry.

-Pickle juice.

-French cheese.

-Grey Poupon.

And the list went on, with a number of unique as well as common cruise ship condiments and foods.

“The contestants should be here any moment. We’ll need more copies.”

“Already printed.” Annette waved a stack of papers in the air. “I hear them coming now.”

Muffled voices grew louder. Astrid and the Belly Busters strolled into the galley. “Sorry we’re late.”

“Actually, you’re right on time,” Millie said. “I’m not sure if you remember Felix LaGrece from the food fight eating exercise. Felix is one of our entertainers. He came up with the items for your scavenger hunt.”

A polite round of applause ensued.

Felix took a bow. “Thank you. Thank you.” He explained the short and sweet game rules and then started the timer, giving the participants two hours to find as many of the items on the list as possible. “Ready…set…go.”

Grabbing a list, they dashed out the door at breakneck speed. Everyone except for Astrid.