Body The boat trip this time around was no less tense than the first one. Jonathan pouted the whole way, mostly because he hated being there, but also because he was losing horribly at cards, again. Rick was preparing for yet another fight and had gone off on his own somewhere. Evelyn stayed in her room, pacing. She was ready for the action. Lately things had gotten too boring. Ardeth always kept to himself.

Evelyn decided to take a walk. She went leisurely around to the sitting area by the railing and noticed Jonathan sitting at one of the tables. She frowned. He was looking under the table and nodding. Then he said something and laughed. Evelyn walked over to him.

The second he noticed her, he looked up and put his chin in his hand, trying to act casual. He smiled and gave a little wave. "Hi, Evie!"

"You're not very good at that, so stop it and tell me who you were talking to a moment ago."

Jonathan looked disappointed. "Evie, come on. Don't be that way. You must have been seeing things."

Evelyn scowled at him. "Yes, I was seeing you talking! Now who is it?" She peeked under the table and gasped. "Alex!"

Alex crawled out from under the table and looked properly sheepish. "Hi, mum."

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"I wanted to come along," Alex replied.

Evelyn was so upset, all she could say was, "Hmph!" She took him by the shoulder and steered him to her room.

Rick was sitting on the bed when they arrived. "What!" he cried when he saw his son.

"Mom already got into it," Alex mumbled.

Rick looked at Evelyn, who shook her head. She had no idea what to even think. "You're going to stay right here until we hit land," Rick scolded.

Alex nodded.

"Evelyn, we need to make some plans," Rick stated. They walked out of the room together, Rick giving Alex one last pointed look.

Ten minutes later, Jonathan poked his head in the door. "Want to play cards?"

Alex smiled.