CHAPTER TWO
The tires screeched on the runway as the commuter plane made it's landing in Petersburg, Alaska. Jonathan and Jennifer peered out the small windows to see the grandeur around them. It was absolutely gorgeous! The water looked cold and pristine, and the snow-capped mountains towered in the distance. This was a trip unlike any other that they had made during their marriage.
Jennifer had chosen a smaller ship, the Tikaani, for their trip. This excursion allowed for more personal choices in their activities. They had perused the brochures again and again before heading out on the journey. Jennifer wanted to see the wildlife, of course, perhaps take some photos for a future article. She especially hoped they would see some whales. Jonathan was interested in doing a little fishing and perhaps some hiking...just getting away from it all...and, of course, spending some much-needed time together.
After landing and deboarding, they made their way to a cabin which housed the offices of the Tikaani Cruise Line.
"Hello folks," a friendly voice greeted them. "I'm Hank. How can I help you today?"
"I'm Jonathan Hart and this is my wife Jennifer. We have reservations..."
"Ah, yes! Mr. and Mrs. Hart...so glad to meet you. Did you have a nice flight?"
"Yes, very nice. The views were gorgeous."
"Well, good," said Hank. You are going to take in more views than your mind can comprehend, Mr. Hart. Beautiful country up here, if I do say so myself."
He had Jonathan complete and sign some paperwork before calling to the back room for help. Within moments, another man entered from the back of the cabin.
"Tom, this is Mr. and Mrs. Hart. They have Stateroom A. Please see that their luggage gets there." Without a word, Tom started to do as he was bidden.
Jennifer stopped him. "Wait...I'd like to have that carry on bag, please. Thank you...Tom, is it?" She smiled. He nodded, but did not respond in kind. Instead, he glanced over her coldly and picked up the luggage. There was something about Tom that made her very uncomfortable. But, she passed it off. Maybe I'm judging him too quickly, she thought.
They recognized the Tikaani as soon as they approached the dock. As they boarded they were greeted by the crew. Then they were shown to their stateroom where they found luxury in a small ship setting. A complimentary bottle of wine awaited them as well as a gift basket of fancy toiletries. They changed into some comfortable clothes and headed to the Salon, a gathering place for passengers.
The Captain wanted to meet with all his guests to welcome them as a group and to allow them time to get acquainted.
Jonathan and Jennifer entered the Salon and found a place to sit. They were enjoying the views from the window and chatting quietly with one another as they watched the other passengers arrive. When the little group was gathered, the Captain took his place and spoke to his guests.
"Hello, my name is Peter Calligrio. I am the ship's captain. I think I met all of you as you boarded, but I always like to officially greet our guests and to tell you that we are happy to have you traveling with us. I trust you found your staterooms to you satisfaction."
"You are currently in the Salon. This is a gathering place. You are welcome here at any time. The Galley is behind me where you see our Chef is already beginning your next delicious meal. Of course, above us is the upper deck...there for your traveling, viewing, and fishing enjoyment; and you may also visit the Wheelhouse where you can watch us as we maneuver the Tikaani through the icy waters. The views from the Wheelhouse are sublime, so you may want to pay us a visit."
"As you can see, we have a small number traveling on this excursion. I would like us to introduce ourselves so we know who our traveling companions are. Let's start over here please." He motioned to a young couple snuggled close on a couch.
"Hi. I'm Tim Shetner. This is my wife, Marcy. We're from Austin, Texas."
The Captain continued moving around the Salon allowing the guests to introduce themselves. Besides the young Shetners, there was an elderly man, William Thomas with his wife, Betty and his sister, Pauline. There were two brothers, Paul and Joe Baxter, from Wisconsin who were looking forward to some photo opportunities and fishing. Finally, it was Jonathan's turn.
"Hello, I'm Jonathan Hart. This is my wife, Jennifer. An Alaskan cruise has always been a dream of mine and...well, here we are."
With introductions over, the Captain once again made them feel welcome and went over the itinerary. When all was said and done, each group went their separate ways. Jonathan and Jennifer headed to the deck, she with camera in tow.
The sun was shining as the ship left the dock and started on it's journey. The air was cool and a little windy. The sun felt wonderful on their faces, but they were glad to have the warmth of their parkas.
"Move over there, Darling," Jennifer told Jonathan, "I want a photo of you with those mountains in the background," After taking a few snapshots, Jennifer felt a nudge at her elbow. She turned to find Tom, the baggage crewman at her side.
"Would you like me to take a photo of you and your husband together?" he asked.
"Oh, would you? Yes, that would be very nice." She smiled and handed him the camera. She snuggled close to Jonathan who wrapped an arm about her waist. Tom took the photo and gave back the camera.
"Thank you so much, I rea..." But, before she could finish her sentence, he had turned his back on her and was talking to another passenger offering the same photo opportunity.
"...appreciate it, " she muttered under her breath as she turned away from him. "Thank you...I guess."
The rest of the first day was spent just cruising and taking photos of the views. They were able to sit on the deck in the sun, and spent some time in the Wheelhouse to watch the operations of the ship.
They enjoyed getting to know their fellow passengers better also. Jennifer chatted with the ladies while Jonathan watched some of the guys do some fishing. Jonathan found her in the Salon later visiting with the woman.
"Could I interest you in coming on deck to watch the sunset with me?" he whispered to her.
"Of course," then to the ladies, "It has been so nice talking with you. We'll do it again."
On deck, Jonathan took her hand in his. They strolled comfortably in silence watching the glow of the sky...first a yellow and orange hue, then turning to orange and red...and darker until the sky turned shades of crimson with dark purple clouds.
"Amazing," Jennifer said in awe of the beauty.
"Yes, it is," was his response looking at her. He pulled her close into his arms. "YOU are amazing to me. And the love we share is amazing...and this place… Thank you, Darling, for this gift. I love it...and I love you."
She said nothing in reply. Just wrapped her arms about him and pulled him close melting her lips with his.
They entered their stateroom after a wonderful dinner of fresh Alaskan Pollock.
"Oh Jonathan, I am sooo full. That was wonderful, wasn't it?" She pulled off her shoes and threw herself onto the bed.
"Well, I must say, YOU had a healthy appetite tonight," he said, raising a brow.
"What is THAT supposed to mean? You ate pretty well yourself, you know."
He laughed and slid onto the bed next to her. "I'm just saying...that it may take some extra...physical activity...to wear off that meal. That's all I'm saying."
She gave him a sideways glance. "Extra physical activity? Hmmm. Did you have something special in mind?"
"Oh you know me, I always have a plan." He pulled her close and began nibbling on her earlobe, kissing her neck, toying with her buttons…
There was a knock on their stateroom door. With an exasperated groan, Jonathan got up to answer it. He opened the door to find the young Tim Shetner waiting outside.
"I'm sorry to bother you," he started, visibly pale and shaken, "but I was wondering...have you have seen my wife?"
Jonathan invited Tim into their stateroom and offered him a seat, but Tim was so upset he couldn't sit still for more than a few seconds at a time.
"I can't find her anywhere..." he began, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I've asked everyone on the crew and everyone on this ship. I've looked everywhere!" His voice caught this time and he couldn't say any more.
Jennifer was up by this time. "I saw her this afternoon. She was on the back deck of the ship...we chatted a bit. I went to the Salon then, but she said she wanted to enjoy the sun for awhile. I haven't seen her since though. You need to calm down, Tim, I'm sure there's an explanation...can I fix you a drink?"
"No. No...I hafta go, I hafta find Marcy. What am I going to do? I've talked to everyone...you were the only ones I hadn't asked yet…"
Tim bolted for the door and Jonathan followed.
"Wait, Tim," Jonathan said. "I'll go with you to search." He looked at Jennifer as he grabbed his parka. "He shouldn't be alone," he whispered.
She nodded. "Jonathan, do you want me to..."
"No, Darling, I would rather you just stay here. I'll let you know what's going on as soon as I can."
Two hours, but what seemed like an eternity, later; Jonathan came into the stateroom. Jennifer went to meet him. "Well…?"
"We couldn't find her...nothing...not a trace."
"Oh Jonathan. How's Tim? Where is he?"
"He's with Captain Calligrio. They are calling out a search party."
Seeing her worried look, he pulled her into his arms.
Two days later, Tim, a bleak shell of his former self, disembarked from the Tikaani. After an extensive search, Marcy had never been found. It left a sad pall over the ship.
To be continued...