Rome was sleeping on the top deck again when the weather turned bad. Rain and hail, strong winds. He rolled up his sleeping bag and stood under the canopy, gazing out over the water into the night. That's when he spotted the small boat not too far away. Who would be out in weather like this?
Could be someone in trouble--or up to no good. Rome reached for the binoculars by the helm and took a look. A man sat in the rowboat with his own set of binoculars. He was watching Rome's houseboat, peering into the bedroom below while talking into a cell phone. ... But this was no peeping mariner.
Rome stepped back into the shadows and texted Ziri. Besides making arrangements for this crazy expedition, Ziri would have to keep an eye out for Krisalyn Perry's spying partner. Then again, maybe the man in the rowboat was some unknown party of interest. Either way, Rome needed to find out.
Below deck, Krisalyn had taken the opportunity to access Rome's computer. There was nothing to find though, just as Adrian had reported. But she wanted to bring her associates up to date on her status.
Mr Montez, as yet, had not confronted her about what had happened at the Americana Club. She shut down the computer and made a quick call to Adrian, expecting to leave a message. To her surprise, he answered.
_____
It wasn't a long call. Krisalyn heard Rome coming down the ladder from the upper deck and quickly rung off. When he walked into the bedroom and glanced over to the computer desk, Krisalyn froze.
Rome: Krisalita, you are still awake, I see. Have you been playing games on my computer? Maybe chatting with a friend? Someone you have not mentioned yet to me? Someone also interested in this trip of yours?
Krisalyn: What do you mean? What are you accusing me of?
Rome: Come now, querida. Let us not do this anymore. If you want my help, you need to be honest.
Krisalyn: Mr Montez ... Rome ... Yes, I do have an associate who's financing my research and expedition. I'm only keeping him informed of what's happening. That's all.
Rome: Keeping him informed? I think you are doing more than that. I think your companion pries too much into my business, Miss Perry. I do not like this. And I do not like being drugged.
Krisalyn: I had nothing to do with that! I was shocked by what Leif had done!
Rome: Leif? That is your benefactor's name? What is his full name?
Krisalyn: You have to promise not to hurt him. ... I know he shouldn't have done what he did to you, but he was only trying to protect me. He wanted you to know I wasn't alone. Silly, of course. But honestly, Leif is just a regular guy. A rich guy, true, but not some gangster or anything.
Rome (smiling): That is good news, Krisalita. But I need his name.
Krisalyn: Ok, I guess I can tell you. ... It's Leif Ericson.
Rome: Gracias, querida. This journey will not be easy. We need to trust each other. Don't you agree?
Krisalyn: Yes, of course. I mean, the thing is, I don't really know you, do I?
Rome: Then we should get to know each other much better, yes?
Krisalyn: Uh ... yes?
Rome: This Ericson, the rich man? Is he more than an investor to you? Are you, perhaps, lovers?
Krisalyn: Lovers! No! Leif is married. I would never ... no, we are not involved.
Rome: I am happy to hear this, Krisa.
Rome embraced Krisalyn, and for a while, no words were spoken. Krisalyn melted into Rome's arms, and the two swayed with the rhythmic rolling of the boat.
Then Rome released Krisalyn and stepped back.
Rome (sighing): Good night, querida, get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow.
Krisalyn: But Rome!
Rome: Do not tempt me, Krisa. I am trying to be noble. I want you to trust me.
Krisalyn: Oh ... well ... I want you to trust me too.
Could be someone in trouble--or up to no good. Rome reached for the binoculars by the helm and took a look. A man sat in the rowboat with his own set of binoculars. He was watching Rome's houseboat, peering into the bedroom below while talking into a cell phone. ... But this was no peeping mariner.
Mr Montez, as yet, had not confronted her about what had happened at the Americana Club. She shut down the computer and made a quick call to Adrian, expecting to leave a message. To her surprise, he answered.
It wasn't a long call. Krisalyn heard Rome coming down the ladder from the upper deck and quickly rung off. When he walked into the bedroom and glanced over to the computer desk, Krisalyn froze.
Rome: Krisalita, you are still awake, I see. Have you been playing games on my computer? Maybe chatting with a friend? Someone you have not mentioned yet to me? Someone also interested in this trip of yours?
Krisalyn: What do you mean? What are you accusing me of?
Rome: Come now, querida. Let us not do this anymore. If you want my help, you need to be honest.
Rome: Keeping him informed? I think you are doing more than that. I think your companion pries too much into my business, Miss Perry. I do not like this. And I do not like being drugged.
Krisalyn: I had nothing to do with that! I was shocked by what Leif had done!
Krisalyn: You have to promise not to hurt him. ... I know he shouldn't have done what he did to you, but he was only trying to protect me. He wanted you to know I wasn't alone. Silly, of course. But honestly, Leif is just a regular guy. A rich guy, true, but not some gangster or anything.
Krisalyn: Ok, I guess I can tell you. ... It's Leif Ericson.
Rome: Gracias, querida. This journey will not be easy. We need to trust each other. Don't you agree?
Krisalyn: Yes, of course. I mean, the thing is, I don't really know you, do I?
Krisalyn: Uh ... yes?
Rome: This Ericson, the rich man? Is he more than an investor to you? Are you, perhaps, lovers?
Rome: I am happy to hear this, Krisa.
Krisalyn: But Rome!
Rome: Do not tempt me, Krisa. I am trying to be noble. I want you to trust me.
Krisalyn: Oh ... well ... I want you to trust me too.
