Killer

I had heard from the chatter around the ship by the other crew members that the fucking FBI had embarked onto our ship. I knew where they were going, so I found a nice little crevice to hide in and still be able to see the comings and goings into the Employee's Only entrance. I'm hoping to see who got up into my business.

Everything that I've ever done, I've been careful to cover my tracks. The first thing that I do when I arrive on a new ship to fulfill a contract is to check and map every single camera. I have extensively studied the best placements and where blind spots can be on surveillance cameras. I've also learned the ins and outs of the alarm system setup to let security know when someone goes overboard. I've become sufficient in disarming it when needed and rearming it once my dirty deed is complete.

Water. I love water. It's the best at removing any forensic evidence from a body. Cruise ships are great places to get away with murder. Many cruise lines don't report half of the crimes committed on their ships. They have no interest in giving their cruise line a lousy reputation. They usually handle matters independently, primarily by dismissing the crew member at fault, only for them to move on to another cruise line. They only get serious and bring in the FBI if they get heat from the family or, in this case, nosy-ass detectives.

Speaking of the devil, I see the door to the Employee's Only door open. First, I see good ole Dave emerge, and he shakes hands with two passengers, who I'm assuming are the detectives that started this bullshit. Dave disappears behind the door, and I see the two detectives stop and begin to look around. I quickly retreat into my hiding place.

Once they enter the elevator, I rush over to see what floor the elevator stops. I run to the stairs and rapidly descend to deck 16. I arrive just in time to see the couple enter the Garden Cafe. I'm not sure what the hell my plans are, but I want them to pay for bringing the fucking FBI upon my ship!

***

Cindy

Sam and I walk hand in hand into the Garden Cafe to enjoy breakfast before spending the day in port. I'm surprised the Captain allowed passengers to leave the ship to visit Puerto Vallarta. I'm guessing he doesn't want to cause them concern but wants them to feel comfortable enjoying their vacation. None of the staff or crew members are permitted to leave the ship.

My mind drifts back to last night and what Millie confessed to me. While Sam and I were busy working, Pete and Millie got busy in our stateroom. I worry because when Millie falls, she falls hard. Pete strikes me as a player. The last thing I want is my best friend to get heartbroken because she joined me on this cruise. She assures me that neither of them plans on taking their good time off of this ship.

I almost chuckle at how polar opposite Sam and I are from Pete and Millie. We're taking our time getting to know each other, and we both want to see where this goes beyond this ship. I inadvertently squeeze Sam's hand, and he looks down at me. I smile up at him as we find a seat.

He takes my hand in his and clears his throat. His eyes look serious as he looks deep into mine. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but I would feel much better if we, um..." He blushes and looks uncomfortable, making me feel uncomfortable.

"What, Sam?" I ask, confused.

He takes a deep breath before continuing. "I think that we should stay in the same stateroom. For safety's sake, of course." He patiently waits for me to digest what he's saying.

"You want me to move into your stateroom?" Now, it is my turn to blush.

I look down at his strong hands covering mine. He lifts one hand and places it underneath my chin, raising it to look back into his eyes. "I made you a promise, and this is the only way that I can keep it."

He's nervous, and my heart melts. Then something occurs to me. "What about Pete?"

His face turns crimson again, and it's adorable. "I don't think that will be a problem."

I laugh knowingly. "You know what, I think that I would like that. I would feel safer with my full-time bodyguard watching over me twenty-four-seven."

The relief in his eyes makes my heart skip a beat. He leans over and kisses me sweetly as a waitress makes her way over to us. She waits a moment till we finish before taking our orders.

After breakfast, we head down to disembark and enjoy a day of shopping in Puerto Vallarta. As promised, Sam never leaves my side.

***

Later that evening, I packed up my things. Sam and I both sat Pete and Millie down and explained the entire situation to them. I wasn't surprised when they both jumped at the chance to be roommates. I had pulled Pete aside and told him that if he broke Millie's heart that I would hunt his ass down and make him regret the day he was born. I was shocked when he told me how he felt about Millie and that it was her idea to end things between them after the cruise. He also told me that he hoped, like hell, to change her mind. Maybe I was wrong about Pete?

After Pete and I switched cabins, we decided to unpack and change, and all have dinner together in the dining hall. I settle in as Sam paces back and forth nervously.

I can't take it anymore. "Sam! Please stop! What's wrong?"

He sits on his bed. "I'm nervous. I want to respect your privacy, but I'm worried I can't keep my hands off you."

This man! "Awe, Sam. Let's make the most of this time together. I can honestly say that I would not mind at all if your hands can't keep to themselves." I feel the heat in my face.

Sam quickly stands and comes to me. He wraps his arms around me and looks at me with such emotion. "You have to promise me that if I go too far, you'll stop me."

I grin at his chivalry and place my arms around his neck to pull him down to me. "I promise."

I grab my clothes and go into the bathroom, allowing Sam to change in our room. When I'm ready, I knock before I open the bathroom door.

"I'm ready," Sam calls to me.

I come out of the bathroom and see Sam sitting on the edge of his bed dressed in a pair of khaki pants and a tight-fitting, white button-down, short-sleeve shirt, hugging his muscles spectacularly. My breath catches in my throat.

His eyes take me in, too, as he stands. "Wow, you look incredible, Cindy."

I look down and smooth my body-hugging, green satin, sleeveless dress. I slip into my white-heeled sandals and grab my white clutch. I place my new room key, lipstick, and a few tissues inside before taking the arm that Sam is offering.

"You're not going to make this easy on me, are you." Sam's voice is low and sexy as hell.

I smile."Nope!"

He chuckles, opens the door, and sees Pete and Millie waiting for us. The four of us walk down the corridor, laughing and looking forward to the evening ahead. For a while, my thoughts are clear of the possible danger that awaits us.

*****