Jack stood on the quarterdeck watching the Maine coast slowly sink below the horizon. All around him there was hustle and bustle as the crew went about their business but Jack was deep in thought. Natalie’s visit was a surprise, a very pleasant surprise and he wished they’d had more time. But, the tide would not wait, not even for a lonely sailor wishing his wife a good night. Turning, he watched as the crew worked. A young woman caught his eye, her blond hair bright even in the dimming twilight. Joanna. Now, there was a problem. It was obvious she had become enamored of him but thus far he’d been able to maintain a respectable distance. It was quite charming, really, and rather flattering that someone that young would be attracted to one of his maturity. She’ll find someone of her own age soon enough. He looked up as the sheets rustled in the wind. But then again, there was the question of Natalie’s emails.

“Wiley,” Jack caught the attention of the first mate, “the quarterdeck is yours.” With a nod, he quickly stepped down the steps to his cabin.

Firing up his laptop, he opened his Outlook and a few new messages downloaded into his inbox; a few from associates, one from Maximus and the last from Stephen. None from Natalie. Very curious that other messages seem to be coming through without a problem. But then again, he shrugged, Outlook has proven to be a fickle beast in the past. He spent a few minutes organizing his messages, reading the most urgent, laughing at Stephen’s account of a poor sailor who had been bitten by a stowaway lizard and answering Maximus’ email, updating him on the cruise. He filed the less urgent messages and discarded the unneeded and unwanted. Opening his deleted messages file, he scrolled through them for one final review before emptying the box when Natalie’s name popped up. And there again, and then a third time! All three of her messages, all opened as read and sitting in the deleted file.

Jack leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed. Obviously, someone had opened and read his mail. But who? Who would gain from deleting his personal emails? The only name that came to mind was one that he was not willing to accept … Joanna Bennett. Yes, it was evident that she held romantic notions toward him, but she was a young, innocent girl. It surely would never cross her mind to do such an outrageous thing. A sharp knock at the door startled him.

“Dinner, sir. Would you like it here or in the galley?”

“Here, if you please. And no guests, tonight, Samuels.”

“Yes, sir.”

The crewman quietly closed the door and Jack could hear his footsteps down the narrow corridor. Shortly, he returned and set the meal on the table then with a nod left Jack alone to his thoughts.

Joanna … yes, it was possible that she was the culprit, but unlikely. But, he thought as he picked up his fork, a close eye was warranted. The culprit would show themselves soon, no doubt.

***

Natalie’s excitement grew and she followed the winding road up the hillside to their new home. Finally, she pulled into the drive, past the open gate flanked by tall hedges. The drive, lined by young ash trees, curved bringing the large, brick house into view. It was breathtaking … her dream home. At the front door, Kevin met her with the keys.

“Here you are, Nat. Would you like to unlock the door?” He smiled, holding out a plain key ring with two dangling keys.

“Sure!” The door opened without a hitch and she pushed the double stroller over the threshold. The foyer was beautiful; wood beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and on the opposite wall, large windows overlooking the sea. To the left was the formal living room, to the right, the family room, study, dining room and kitchen.

“Let me take you on a tour,” Kevin offered and he held Catherine while Natalie unhooked Chelsea from the stroller.

Later, she didn’t remember much of what Kevin said, the types of wood used, the flagstones laid in the outdoor living area and other things used to make the house so beautiful. What she held in her memory were the small touches here and there that made it home; the few pieces of her furniture from LA and the pieces of Jack’s that he wanted to keep, her treasured piano, Jack’s telescope in his observatory. His vegetable garden outside the kitchen. Her photography studio. All the things that tied them to this place and made it their own. The final touch was a housewarming gift from Kevin and LizBeth … she found it hanging over the fireplace in the master bedroom. It was a painting of a large bouquet of yellow roses.

“It was LizBeth’s idea. She remembered how much you like yellow roses,” he explained when she gasped.

“They were my grandmother’s favorite.” She turned to him, “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

“Well, I should let you and the girls settle in.” He led them downstairs to the front door, cradling a cooing Catherine. “Call me if you need anything.”

“Thanks for everything, Kevin. It’s more than I hoped for.” Natalie hugged him goodbye and kissed his cheek as he handed the baby over. “Tell LizBeth ‘thanks’ and please drive safely home.”

“I will.” He pinched Chelsea’s cheek, much to her annoyance. “Take care of these little ones and I’ll see you soon.” Natalie watched him walk down the path to his car and, with a last wave to her and the girls and drive off.

Closing the door, she kissed each baby’s forehead. “Well, babydolls, looks like we’re finally home.”

***

Three days away from Portland, they were nearly halfway to Horta, their destination in the Azores. Jack kept a sharp eye on everyone in the crew but particularly on Joanna. While her constant glances and overt fawning was becoming more and more unsettling, there was no proof that she entered his cabin unauthorized and tampered with his mail. But, he did discover that she had fallen back to old habits; lazy about reporting to duty, accomplishing her tasks half-heartedly and very sloppily. Much of her work had to be re-done by others, and it was obvious the crew resented her. She was never included in their casual, friendly talk and was shunned whenever possible. The situation brought poor Mr. Hollom to Jack’s mind, yet she seemed oblivious to the tension surrounding her. Jack began to wonder if she was possibly soft in the head and called Wiley into his cabin to discuss the problem.

“Well, sir,” Wiley looked straight at Jack, “may I speak directly?”

“Certainly.”

“It’s your relationship with her, sir. It’s the long-standing rumor on board and while you’ve been discreet, Joanna has not.”

“Relationship?” Jack’s eyebrows rose. “What do you mean, relationship?”

“Uh, well, sir,” Wiley hemmed and hawed, not knowing how to phrase the answer to the Captain’s direct question without risking his wrath.

“Speak up, woman!” Jack commanded. “Has the cat got your tongue?”

“No, sir.”

“Then, out with it.” Jack waved his hand.

“Well, sir, it’s your personal relationship with her that has the crew talking.”

“Personal relationship?” Jack sat back in his chair. “Personal relationship,” he repeated, then his eye widened. “Are you insinuating that Miss Bennett and I have had improper relations?”

“Yes, Captain. That is what Miss Bennett has suggested to the crew and what the crew believes.”

Jack stood abruptly, his chair toppled to the floor with a crack. “Preposterous!” he roared. “There is no such relationship between Miss Bennett and me.”

“Honestly, sir, I don’t believe the rumors. But, she has been here in your cabin at all hours. She’s dropped hints of your impending divorce and marriage to her. Naturally, they think …”

Jack straightened his chair and plopped in the seat. “I have no plans for divorce, Miss Wiley. I love my wife and most certainly wish to keep her. There is no such relationship with Miss Bennett. She is a student only, a protégée, if you will. I have been tutoring her in mathematics, that is all.”

“Hmm, then you have a problem, Captain.”

“I fear it is worse that it appears. I suspect Miss Bennett has been in here unauthorized and has deleted emails to me from my wife. But, I have no proof. Without that, I cannot take action.” Jack sighed. “I have been watching her, but so far cannot prove anything serious enough to put her off ship.”

“You’re right, sir. To take such a drastic action without solid proof would leave you vulnerable.” She thought for a moment, “My suggestion, sir … keep watching, both of us. She’ll give herself away eventually. Women like her always do.”

***

Joanna stood in the back of the group of students gathered on deck. Jack was giving a lesson in astronomy and frankly, it bored her to tears. Sure, the stars were pretty to look at but why did she have to learn about them? They meant nothing to her. Instead, she thought about the next day when they would arrive at Horta. Such a lovely little city, charming. And to spend the few days they had there with Jack. She closed her eyes and could see the harbor, the mountain in the distance, the quaint shops lining the shore and she could see her on Jack’s arm, strolling along the harbor.

The boat rocked a bit, throwing her a little off balance and bringing her back to the present. She bumped into the boy standing next to her and he turned, scowling. “Watch out!” he hissed.

She looked down her nose at him, as if he were a bug to be squished. Uncouth. Why, she might have to shower now after touching him! Now, that’s a thought, she smiled. Showering with Jack. She looked to the bow where he was standing, absorbed in his lecture. Why wait until we land? Why don’t I surprise him now? No one will know; we’ll keep it our secret, just like all the others.

She smiled to herself as she slipped away and down the narrow stairs. Won’t Jack be surprised! She slipped into his cabin, toed off her shoes and pulled her shirt over her head. Why don’t I wait for him in bed, she decided while tugging her shorts and panties down over her hips. She slid into the cool, crisp sheets and waited, giggling at the surprise she had in store for her lover. Soon, she heard the class break up, footsteps overhead and down the stairs. She could make out Jack’s heavy step along the corridor and she gasped when the door swung wide.

“Jack!”

She sat up, letting the blankets slip from her torso and stood, baring herself to him. Jack froze and she came to him, throwing her arms around his neck and leaning up for a kiss.