Chapter 17 Captain Clarke

Westly’s phone rang while he was changing into his swimming trunks. He picked it up and walked to the bathroom, not wanting Luka to hear what he was saying if he returned.

“Captain Clarke speaking.”

“My name is Eduardo Mendez. I’m Luka’s attorney.”

“Yes, how can I help you, Mr. Mendez?”

“The court has discharged Luka Batista’s case so you can release him from his one-year contract with you. He’s free to go home to California. He got off on the same technicality as his boyfriend, Maleko did. I want you to end your contract with him, send it to me, and let him go.”

“And what technicality was that?”

“Both were arrested without being given their Miranda rights and waited in the holding cell without access to an attorney for over twenty-four hours. Both parties were suing the police department, so the police made a deal and closed the case to avoid the publicity. The judge threw the cases out because both of them dropped the charges.”

“Thank you. I’ll inform Luka, and he’ll make the final decision if he wants to leave.” Westly punched the wall. How the fuck can shit like this happen?

“I’m sure he’ll want to leave and return home where he belongs. He lives on the beach and surfs all day with his friends.”

“I’m sure he misses his friends, but he’s learning a new trade so he can be independent of his parents. He’s made some friends here too. He’s doing excellent work here.”

“Really. Make sure it’s his decision, not yours.”

“Don’t worry. It will be his decision alone. I’ll tell him the good news now.” Westly almost choked on his own words. No way is this good news. That motherfucker Maleko is out after what he did?

“I’d appreciate that. Have a good day!”

Westly put his phone away and left the bathroom. There’s no way I’m going to lose Luka. Hopefully, his attorney doesn’t call him for any reason. How the hell did they let Maleko out after what he did? I want Maleko to pay. He breaks into a home and burns it down. How the fuck is he walking free?

Luka came in wearing his colorful trunks. So delicious looking.

“You look stunning!” Westly said, knowing Luka was a free man. It was wrong of him not to tell him, but he wasn’t ready to lose the first man that made him feel. He didn’t have to lock him in anymore, but would Luka sense something was off? He had to be careful about how he made any changes.

“I forgot to tie up my hair. I’ll be right back.” Luka put his phone down on the bar top and left.

As soon as he was on the other side, Westly picked up Luka’s phone and went through his contacts. He found Luka’s attorney, blocked his number, deleted him as a contact, then set the phone back down. Hopefully, he never hears from him again. Luka still has that bastard Maleko as a favorite, with hearts all over his name. Why are those hearts still there? He can’t still be in love with that man after all he put him through.

Luka walked side by side with Westly to the pool. He pushed open the glass doors leading to the officer’s pool deck, a wave of chlorine-tinged air washing over them. The pool area was a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling cruise ship. White lounge chairs dotted the edge of the pool, a few occupied by officers relaxing with friends or phones and a few reading paperback novels. Lush potted plants provided bursts of green, and upbeat music drifted from hidden speakers. Westly took a deep breath, the air thick with the sweet scent of blooming hibiscus flowers.

“Race you to the other end, Luka!” Captain Clarke boomed, a playful smile tugging at his lips. He wasn’t known for his swimming prowess, but a little competition hurt no one. He figured Luka was a bold swimmer who was at home in the water like a fish.

Luka grinned, a flash of white against his tanned face. “You’re on, Captain!” he yelled back. “Ready for your defeat?”

Westly raised a hand. “Alright, on your mark…” He stole a glance at Luka, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Get set…” A beat of silence. “Go!”

Westly and Luka dove into the cool water with a mighty splash, the shock momentarily chasing away the evening heat. Kicking his legs into a steady rhythm, he focused on chasing Luka’s fleeing form. Luka had a natural talent for swimming. His strokes were powerful and efficient. Well, the boy surfed every day. What did he expect?

Westly pushed himself harder, a familiar competitive fire igniting in his chest. Despite his best efforts, a wave of cool water crashed over his head as Luka’s hand slapped the finish wall, then his head surfaced, a triumphant grin plastered across his face. Westly surfaced a few seconds later, a light cough escaping as he sputtered out the remaining pool water.

“Looks like those fancy captain’s quarters have done little for your swimming, sir,” Luka teased, his chest heaving slightly.

“Alright, alright,” he conceded. “You win this round, Luka.”

Luka beamed, a look of pure joy lighting up his features. “I used to be on the swim team back in high school.”

“Of course you were.”

“You did pretty good too, for someone your age.”

“My age? How old do you think I am?”

“Forty-two. I read it in an article.”

Westly chuckled, a touch of pride warming his chest from Luka reading an article about him. It was refreshing to see such youthful enthusiasm from Luka, who had entered his ship with deep sadness.

“Well, you certainly haven’t lost any skills from high school,” he admitted. “Next time, I’ll have to resort to some…less conventional tactics.”

Luka’s eyes widened. “Oh yeah? And what might those tactics be, Captain?” Luka splashed Westly’s face.

Caught off guard, Westly, sputtering and feigning offense, wiped the water from his eyes.

Westly winked. “That, my friend, remains a secret.” He splashed back at Luka, who dodged to avoid it. Luka’s too damn fast.

“Clearly, I underestimated your water skills. Years at sea make a man a bit…less streamlined,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But hey, at least I can still navigate a ship through a hurricane.”

Luka laughed. “No arguments there. You’re the best captain this ship could ask for. But next time, a little less doggy paddling might help you keep up with me.”

As they climbed out of the pool, the easy banter continued. A deep sense of satisfaction settled over Westly. Sure, he’d lost the race, but in that moment, surrounded by the endless ocean and Luka’s laughter, he felt a contentment he hadn’t known in a long time. The pride wasn’t just in his ship; it was spending time with Luka, his infectious enthusiasm a vital part of it. A part of him felt guilty for not giving him the good news. He was sure if he told him, he’d be on the next plane to California. He wasn’t about to let him go. He wanted Luka to spend their full time together.

They dried off and sat on the lounges beside each other.

“How come you’re allowing me out of the cabin?”

“I’ve done some research and decided you shouldn’t be too isolated because that usually causes integration problems when people are freed.”

“I used to surf and swim for hours every day. I miss all of it. My life is so different now.”

“Do you enjoy working on my ship?” When Luka had described his life as so different, it didn’t sound like it had changed in a good way. He was still longing to return home, away from him and the ship. He had to make him want to stay when he had the choice. He prayed no one would tell him he was free.

“If I had a better job, I would.”

“Start at the bottom and work your way up.”

“Did you?”

“I was in the Marines. Of course, I worked my way up.”

“Do you have any family?”

“My parents retired in Florida. I see them when I can.”

“Do they know you’re gay?”

“Yes.”

“And were they okay with it?”

“No. My father doesn’t speak to me when I visit. He disappears, so I visit with my mother and sister Lauren.”

“Wow! I’m glad my parents are okay with me as I am. I’d be depressed forever if they weren’t.”

Westly’s phone rang.

“What’s going on?”

“They need you on Code two twenty.”

“Be right there.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I have to take care of a problem. You’ll have to return to the cabin. You can stay on my side if you want.” Westly handed him his cabin key.

“I remember how to get back. Don’t worry.”