ANCHORED

CHAPTER 19

Amrey’s POV

The weight of Jariel's unhappiness pressed down on me, a constant reminder of my inaction. I couldn't keep watching her suffer in silence. A plan, audacious and potentially disastrous, began to form in my mind. It was risky, bordering on insane, but it was the only way I could see to force a confrontation between Jariel and Captain Cobham. I had to lock them in a room together.

The Captain's quarters seemed like the obvious choice – a neutral space where they couldn't easily escape. But pulling it off would require a level of coordination and secrecy I couldn't manage alone. I needed an accomplice, someone discreet, trustworthy, and willing to bend the rules. Only one name came to mind: Mark.

Mark, the ship's ETO, was a quiet observer, a man of few words but sharp insights. I'd always felt a connection with him, a subtle pull that went beyond friendship. Perhaps this was my chance to explore those feelings, to see if the spark I felt was mutual. Besides, he was always willing to help.

Taking a deep breath, I lifted the receiver of the cabin phone and dialed the ETO's number. The line crackled with static, each ring amplifying my anxiety. Finally, he answered, his voice calm and steady. "Mark speaking."

"It's Amrey," I said, trying to keep my voice even. "I need to talk to you. It's important."

There was a pause, a beat of silence that stretched into an eternity. "Of course, Amrey. What's wrong?"

"Can we meet? In your cabin? After your shift?" I glanced at the chronometer. "Say, 2200 hours?"

"Is everything alright?" he asked, his concern evident.

"I'll explain everything later," I said, my voice laced with urgency. "Just... please be there."

"I will," he replied, his voice reassuring. "I'll see you then."

As I hung up the phone, my heart pounded in my chest. The plan was set in motion. Now, all I had to do was convince Mark to help me pull off this crazy scheme. And, if I was lucky, maybe, just maybe, I'd discover if there was something more between us than just friendship. The thought both terrified and excited me. This was it. No turning back now.