Chapter 13 Captain Clarke

Westly called a meeting on the bridge, where all his officers gathered. He wanted all of them regardless of their shift.

“I’ve made some changes in the rules. In officers’ areas, my officers can invite one companion to our dinners. They may visit our facilities if you escort them, and they’re dressed appropriately, not in uniform. If you want to date a crewmember, then this also applies to them. The updated online welcome pamphlet will reflect the changes to some rules. That’s all.”

With Brock by his side, Westly left the bridge, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. They entered their favorite bar and took a seat, greeted by the familiar clinking of glasses, lively chatter, and the smell of alcohol, and freshly squeezed citrus.

Westly ran a weathered hand over the cool, polished wood of the bar counter, the gentle hum of the ship vibrating beneath his palm. The Stargazer Lounge, with its plush teal booths and porthole windows overlooking the endless ocean, was a far cry from the dingy college pubs they used to frequent. Yet, the familiar scent of beer and sound of laughter hanging in the air conjured those memories with a vividness that surprised him.

Westly raised his glass in a silent toast to Brock, his best friend from his college days, who sat across from him. Brock, ever the pragmatist, wore a wry smile.

“Get in touch with Charlie and tell him he can visit Luka at my cabin,” Westly said.

“I’ll send him a text.” Brock pulled out his phone and sent Charlie the message.

“I hope this change doesn’t get out of hand.”

“It will keep the officers from going crazy.”

“But some are married,” Westly said.

“That’s not your problem.”

“I don’t want to contribute to breaking up a marriage.”

“None of the married officers on this cruise are gay. So, no worries.”

“True. Remember that time we challenged ourselves to try every beer on tap at the Rusty Anchor?” Westly chuckled, glancing at Brock across the high stools. His oldest friend, a shade shorter with brown hair and a mischievous glint in his gray eyes, mirrored his grin.

“How could I forget? You spent half the night singing drunken sea shanties, nearly getting us kicked out.”

Westly’s laughter filled the air, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of affection for his best friend as the memory replayed in his mind of when they had joined the Marines together after college graduation. “And you, my friend, attempted to do the Macarena on the bar top. Let’s just say your rhythm was…questionable.”

The bar pulsed with a vibrant energy and rainbow flags were draped across the walls, reflecting the twinkling lights overhead. Drag queens in sparkling costumes flashed between tables, drawing laughter and cheers. It was a world away from their college and Marine days, yet their shared history, the unspoken bond, remained as strong as ever.

“To old times,” Westly said, his voice warm with affection.

“And new beginnings,” Brock replied, clinking his glass against Westly’s.

“I’m glad we talked before. I want a proper relationship with Luka. I just hope it lasts.”

“Our talk helped both of us. I’m happy I can get to know Charlie.”

“I have a toast for us,” Westly said.

Brock lifted his glass and waited for Westly.

“To the journeys we’ve taken, the lessons we’ve learned, and our friendship that has stood the test of time.”

Brock clinked his glass against Westly’s again, his eyes shining. “To us,” he echoed, the sentiment resonating in the cheers and laughter that filled the room.

After they finished their drinks, Brock said, “Did something change with you and Luka after your talk at lunch?”

“Yes.”

“I see. You seem happier. Are you going to tell me what’s going on with Luka and why he’s on this ship?”

“Let’s move to a booth where we can talk privately.”

The bartender asked if they wanted another drink. Both nodded and they moved to a booth.

“So, Luka is a mystery. Even Charlie said something is off between you two. He said you locked him in his cabin. That’s not safe. What if there was a fire?”

“I recently installed an emergency button that will unlock his door. He is never to use it unless there is an emergency though.”

“Why did you lock him up?” Brock scrunched his face like he thought Westly’s behavior was out of bounds and it baffled him.

“It’s very complicated. He was part of a robbery with his boyfriend. Luka helped by being the driver.”

“Luka? I can’t imagine that guy being part of a robbery. I just can’t.”

“Getting to know him, he talks a big game, but he’s insecure and needs love and direction. This was his first boyfriend, who must have preyed on his insecurities and made him feel safe.”

“Where’s his boyfriend?”

“He’s in prison. Luka’s father asked if I would take Luka in lieu of prison, like house arrest. Give him a job. His father gave up a lot to make this deal with the court. Luka doesn’t know all of the deal, only part of it. So, since I didn’t know or trust Luka, I locked him in. As you saw locking him in didn’t work.”

“No one wants to be locked in.”

“He’s with me for a year, then he’s free to do what he wants. He’s from California, and he said he wants to go back there.”

“I see the problem now. It still sounds odd why the father would ask you. How did he find you?”

“From a family friend. He’s from Brazil. He doesn’t live in the US. Luka isn’t a citizen but has been in the US since he was ten. His father said Luka would have been deported if he hadn’t made a deal with me.”

“I feel like something is being left out. I still don’t get how he found you.”

“His father is part of a drug cartel. He sent Luka and his mother to California for safety reasons.”

“So you made a deal with the drug cartel? What if he wants to use the cruise to deliver his drugs?”

“He can’t from where he is.”

“What do you mean he can’t? Where the fuck is he?”

“Luka doesn’t know, and I can’t say anything to anyone. His father made me promise. He doesn’t want Luka to know his whereabouts or contact him.”

“It’s hard to believe Luka comes from a family with criminal ties.”

“Only his father is involved. His mother is a dedicated surgeon who selflessly offers her services around the world.”

“You’re perfect for him. If anyone can straighten him out, you can. You need someone to fix. That’s one of your favorite jobs.”

“He’s a challenge on many levels, but I have leverage which I know frightens him. I can see it in his eyes, he’s afraid I’ll send him to prison. I made a promise to his father regardless of Luka’s shenanigans, I’d keep him. But I didn’t tell Luka that.”

“Wouldn’t you rather he not be afraid of you? I mean, what kind of relationship is based on fear? I still don’t like him being locked up.”

“Ship’s arrest. He broke the law. He must pay for his crime. If not, he’ll do it again. The court has rules for him.”

“You said he drove the car. He didn’t rob anyone.”

“He enabled his boyfriend by being the driver.”

“So what? He didn’t rob the person.”

“No, he didn’t. But he has to learn never to be part of anything like that again. If there are no consequences, he’ll repeat that behavior and end up in prison.”

“When we stop at Sint Maarten, are you going to let him out?”

“Only with me. He’s not supposed to leave the ship. He’s not exactly trustworthy yet. I’d like to spend some quality time with him off the ship. I’m thinking if I could get an ankle bracelet, it would be easier.”

“Do you think he’d run?”

“I don’t know. He seems wild and doesn’t think past the moment.”

“Someone like him could help you relax and enjoy life instead of planning every second of the day.”