1Chapter 8

Cal wasted no time in getting started with his mission. He stopped each and every crew member he could get his hands on to show them the picture of Rose. Not a single one of them recognized her, several of the men remarking how it would be difficult to mistake such a beautiful face. The fiery red hair he described her as having would be hard ignore. He would have to continue his search below decks. If Rose was trying to hide from him, he doubted she could get away with it hiding amongst the first class passengers. Those who had been aboard the Titanic anyway. Everyone knew the Hockley name and had taken notice of Cal's splendid new fiancé. Cal knew that Rose was not with Jack but she was undoubtedly looking or waiting for him. If she is alive he thought. He realized it was still a possibility that she wasn't, but given her behavior last night, and his, she wouldn't necessarily come running back to his arms if she was.

When he reached the entrance to the third class deck, an officer politely informed him that it was the third class deck.

"Thank you kind sir, my name is Caledon Hockley. My family is in the steel business in Pittsburgh. I was hoping you could be of some assistance.", he withdrew the picture of Rose from his pocket.

"Of course Mr. Hockley, how can I help you."

"This is my fiancé, Rose Dewitt Bukater. You see, I am certain she was aboard one of the lifeboats but her mother and I have been unable to locate her. I'm afraid she may be in shock and very confused and that I might find here here. Have you seen her? She has red hair." Cal was prepared to offer his award but before he could say so he saw the look of recognition on the officer's face.

"Why yes Mr. Hockley I do believe so, she's right down there. By the railing."

Cal didn't wait for him to finish, he had spotted her himself.

Delia stood by the railing at the stern of the ship, looking out over the water pondering what to do. She wasn't sure if she should chase after Rose or just give her some time to herself. She couldn't imagine what in the world had scared her so. Maybe it was nothing at all, just a delayed reaction to the horrors of the previous evening. She couldn't begin to fathom what these poor people had gone through. They had just spent hours upon hours searching for Rose's husband which by now Rose probably realized wasn't coming back. She ultimately decided it would be best to be with Rose, just to offer a shoulder to cry on if nothing else.

As she walked back to her cabin, she didn't notice the person pursuing her. She felt no panic as the man closed in on her as they walked down a deserted hallway together. She had no time to react. Before she knew what was happening, the stranger grabbed her from behind, clamping one hand tightly over her mouth. She screamed and tried desperately to free herself but he had a firm hold on her and he managed to wrestle her into a small, dark storage room. Still keeping his hand firmly over her mouth, he thrust her against the wall and restrained her flailing arms with his other arm which he wrapped tightly around her body.

Delia tried a new tactic. She stopped trying to fight him hoping he would ease his firm grasp on her. He did not let up.

"That's it darling. Calm down. I know you're very confused right now, but running from us isn't going to help. You can't run from me Rose. You belong to me, do you understand that? I'm willing to forget everything that happened, even your little innuendo with Mr. Dawson. You can come home with us and everything will go exactly as planned. You will be my bride, and your mother will be saved from a life of poverty. Don't be foolish and turn your back on those who really love you Rose." Finally sensing submission from his captive, Cal released his hold on Delia. She immediately stomped as hard as she could on his foot and ran out the door. She didn't run away from him but waited for him to come out of the room into the light, standing indignantly with hands on her hips.

"Rose-"Cal started but his eyes widened in shock as he got a closer look at the girl. She bore a striking resemblance to Rose indeed but it was clearly not her. The freckles and the color of her eyes gave way to the truth, but the similarities were astonishing. Cal hardly knew what to say.

"I'm terribly sorry miss", he stuttered. "I was looking for my fiancé."

Delia shook her head in disgust. "Lucky girl", she replied sarcastically as she turned on her heels and hurried back to Rose before this beast could find her. She feared her new friend was in grave danger.