Dragon Clan

Chapter 6

Six

Monday, April 18

USS Bougainville

Caribbean Sea

After getting Jose settled in the hold for the night, Eva went to her room to make a call on Sarah’s satellite phone she’d offered Eva to use. Mel answered on the second ring.

“Hello, my girl. Seasick yet? I put some crystalized ginger, a pair of seasick magnets, and a box of Dramamine in that care package. You wear the magnets like a bracelet. And Romina put ginger cookies in there, but you're supposed to share them with Axel.”

Eva had already looked through the care package. In addition to the items Mel had listed, they’d packed her favorite book, by Scott O’Dell—Eva was sure that was Sol’s idea—and both a dragon and a dolphin made out of Legos. There was no question those were from Junior.

“Thanks, Mel, but I feel fine. I’m actually calling with news about Jose. It seems he snuck aboard. He’s fine, and the captain is allowing him to travel with us to Hawai‘i, but I'm sure his mother and Gilberto are frantic. Would you have mamá let them know, please?” It turned out she couldn’t tell her mother herself because she and the kids had gone to visit Clarissa. It relieved Eva, if only a bit, because she knew right now that if she were to talk to her or Sol that she’d be in tears.

Mel chuckled. “That Jose might be quiet, but he’s a crafty one. I’ll tell them as soon as I get off the phone. I’m sure they’ll be relieved. But I don’t understand—he still doesn’t have his paperwork in order. Captain Williams is okay with that?”

“Yes and no. That’s my second favor. The captain says he’ll treat Jose like a guest, but I have to get his clearances straight before we make port in Hawai‘i. That gives us about four weeks. I’m hoping there’s something you can do to help expedite the process. I don’t want him to get in any trouble.”

“Of course. In fact, I already planned to pull some strings. I told you we’re going to try to meet you out there. Romina misses you something fierce already. So do the kids. I was going to bring Jose, but now I’ll just bring his papers. And Rascal, too. He’s staying with us now. Apparently without his buddy Finn to play with, he was baying pitifully and getting in the way of the dolphin education encounters.”

“I do hope you can make it. I miss you all, too. Please tell mamá and the kids that I love them.”

“Will do, my girl. You stay safe.”