THREE
“I’d rather arrive in Miami early and spend an hour offshore waiting to dock than arrive late,” Swain said to Jockey as they entered the narrow internal passageway flanked by rooms that included his new cook’s cabin.
Swain knew she shouldn’t be his first thought. But, of their own volition, his eyes sought her door. The scents emanating from further down the ship distracted his thoughts from what might be going on behind that door during this voyage.
“Smells like she’s doing good,” Jockey said, giving Swain a shove to hurry him up.
Jockey had been his second in command since he started out. Swain owed a lot to the old man; he was more of a mentor and a father-figure than a colleague. But his first-mate always followed orders without complaint. Sure, he might tell him he was talki
