Cindy

We just got back from our kayaking excursion. My arms are burning from so much paddling and working arm muscles I never knew I had. I stepped into the steaming hot water of my shower, hoping to ease the ache in my arms.

The glass-bottom kayaks were incredible. I got so distracted by the colorful fish and coral that I lagged behind the group on more than one occasion. Sam would notice me falling behind and come to get my attention. We had to paddle hard to catch back up. Poor Sam; I wonder if his arms feel like mine from the extra work he had to do to keep me with the group.

When we reached El Arco, our guide told us that the tip of the arch rock formation is called Land's End. It's here on the top of Baja that the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. On the Pacific side is Amor (Lover's Beach), and on the Sea of Cortez side is Divorcio (Divorce Beach.) They say that married lovers enter through the side of Lovers Beach for good luck in their marriage. If they come through the side of Divorce Beach, their relationship will sadly end.

We were able to observe and photograph a large colony of sea lions. They were extremely loud and a bit smelly. While snorkeling near Pelican Rock, I got amazing photos of the beautiful tropical fish and our group snorkeling. I was happy that Millie talked me into purchasing several waterproof disposable cameras. I was having a blast splashing and swimming so close to Sam. While the water was warm, it felt downright steamy anytime our bare skin came into contact with one another.

The tour finished with kayaking back past the hidden beach of Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach). It's a secluded beach with a sandy cavern on the uninhabited Marista Island, where El Arco is. We didn't go onto the beach because the waves were crashing hard, and the guide said it wasn't unsafe.

After rinsing my hair, I exit the shower. I had showered before Millie because I wanted to check to see if the women who spoke about their friends missing were in their stateroom. I wrapped a fluffy towel around my warm body and left the bathroom accessible for Millie.

Millie was sitting out on our balcony. I peeked out of the sliding glass door. "Your turn."

Pete was on the guys' balcony laughing at something Millie must have said. I see Sam pop his head out to tell Pete the shower is clear. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of his wet, messy hair and muscular chest that I had enjoyed the view of all morning. His towel hung low on his hips, and my eyes wandered to his perfect V. Sam cleared his throat, and my eyes immediately went to his. He winked and raised his brows with a smirk. Heat worked its way up my neck and settled on my cheeks, forgetting I was also in a towel. I smile and slowly retreat into my room.

I hear Sam chuckling as Millie enters our room. "Pete and I will have lunch at the American Diner on Deck 17. We both are hungry for burgers and fries. Then we're heading to the pool."

"Sam and I talked about trying out Le Bistro. French cuisine sounded good to us," I reply.

"We can meet up at the pool," Millie adds.

"Sounds good," I reply before Millie shuts the bathroom door. I quickly dress, moisturize my face, and leave it without makeup. I pull my damp hair into a high ponytail and leave the stateroom.

I make my way down the long corridor till I reach room 8740. I knock twice and wait for someone to come to the door.

The door cracks open, and I see the brunette from yesterday. "Hello?"

"Hello, I know that you don't know me. My name is Cindy Powell. Yesterday, I was in the hallway when I overheard you talking about two friends you had not seen since the first night. I was concerned to hear that and wondered if you've seen them yet?" I hope she'll let me in as I see tears forming in her eyes.

She just slowly shakes her head, and my heart breaks for her. I see her roommate appear behind her.

I introduce myself again. "Hi, my name is Cindy Powell. I told your friend I overheard your discussion regarding your two missing friends. Did you contact any of the ship's staff members yet?"

The blonde woman who just came to the door responded, "We have, but they told us we should not be worried this early on the cruise."

"Who did you speak to, if you don't mind me asking?" I inquired.

They open the door wider. "We went to Guest Services and spoke to a purser. I think his name was Will Grant."

"I do a lot of investigative work along with my friend, Sam, who's a detective for the San Diego Police Department. We'd love to sit down and talk to you. Maybe we can help figure out what happened to your friends," I say with a genuine smile.

"Wow, you and your friend would do that?" asked the brunette who initially opened the door for me.

"Of course, we're having lunch at Le Bistro; please join us."

The women looked at each other, and both nodded in agreement. "We would appreciate that."

"Great! I'll see if he's ready, and we'll meet you back here. Can you be ready in five minutes?"

They nod. "Yes, thank you!"

"You're welcome..."

It's then we realize that they never gave me their names.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm Debbie, and this is Ruth."

"I hope that we can help. See you in five." I give them a little wave before going to get my beach bag and check on Sam.

I enter my stateroom, take several minutes to gather everything I need for the pool, and throw a notepad and pen into my beach bag; then I hear the shower turn off.

I knock on the bathroom door before speaking to Millie through the door. "Sam and I are heading out. See you at the pool."

"Okay, see you then," Millie responds.

I open my door, close it, and knock on Sam's door. He quickly answers the door and steps out.

"So?"

I smile. "Well, the brunette is Debbie, and the blonde is Ruth. They did go to Guest Services and reported their missing friends, but the purser just told them that it's too early in the cruise to make a claim."

Sam furrows his brows. "Really? That's surprising."

"I know. That's what I thought. I introduced myself and told the women about you. Do you mind having two more ladies join us for lunch?" I ask, and Sam takes my hand.

"I don't mind; I was hoping they would." He gives me a wink and squeezes my hand.

While Sam and I were on the excursion today, we planned this entire scenario, which worked like a charm.

*****