Chapter 13: Beached

"Hopefully the ring size isn't too far off," Aaron said awkwardly.

Marta blinked back a look of shock. Then she realized it shouldn't have surprised her. Of course they needed to wear wedding rings-they were Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick. "Um, thanks," she said and picked up the diamond ring. "It's beautiful."

She didn't put it on.

"Well, I'll let you get ready," Aaron said as he stood up. "I'll come get you in about half an hour after I've checked things over and know we're clear."

Marta nodded, giving him a shy smile. "See you then."

Right on time, there was a light knock on the cabin door and Aaron stepped through as Marta slipped on her wedge sandals. A dark thought sprung into her mind, I hope I won't have to run in these. Shaking the somber musing, she straightened, her hands running over her hair to make sure the french roll was secure and the hairspray would hold in the ocean breeze. Aaron noted that her fingers paused at her earlobes. Her lips were a classic deep red and held a nervous smile.

Aaron was not happy to see her hair in the same style she wore at Sterison-Morlanta. He could sense his Kitsom insecurities surfacing. He resisted the urge to wreck her sophisticated, polished look.

"I'm ready," she said as she slung the new purse on her shoulder.

Aaron felt better as her eyes met his and she gave him a weak, nervous smile. The good doctor no longer avoided or treated him dismissively. She relied on him. "Did you lose your earrings?" Aaron asked.

"Huh? Oh, no. I didn't have any solitaires, so it's better to go without any," she explained.

He looked at her blankly so she elaborated, "I should have diamond solitaire studs, but they would have to be genuine. It's better to go with no earrings at all than fakes or my silver ones."

"What's wrong with silver?" Aaron looked baffled.

Marta rolled her eyes. "Just trust me."

He shrugged. "Genuine diamond earrings it is then. You're as spoiled as you look," he teased as he picked up their luggage. He was well equipped to assimilate himself, but he certainly hadn't been trained on details for a woman to blend in. The needed intel to eliminate one? Sure; no problem. But to cover one? Never. It was good luck that Marta was versatile. He would never have known all this crazy girly crap.

"You really should have a gold watch, too. Throw that on the shopping list," Marta said as she followed Aaron towards the ship's deck.

"Anything else, your majesty?"

"I could use one as well, but can get away without it," she replied. She didn't want to think about where or how he would acquire the items.

"All right." Aaron's voice had gone flat and his demeanor changed, now that they were on the deck. His eyes were scanning everything and everywhere. He walked her to the gangplank the crew was securing to the pier. They were the first passengers at the gate, ready to disembark.

"We have a little time. Wait here," Aaron instructed, after scrutinizing all action at the port.

Marta tried not to panic at being left on her own. As the minutes ticked by and other guests started lining up behind her, it took great effort to look patient and bored. Her heart pounded as more crew members arrived. One asked her to step back as they lifted the gate to let the tourists off the cruise ship.

Marta gathered up their luggage and quickly turned to search the deck for Aaron, rising on her toes to crane her neck. She felt the push of the crowd behind her and didn't want to make a scene. So, she made her way down the ramp, hoping he would catch up to her.

Once on the pier, she slowed, pretending to struggle with the bags-that wasn't a stretch-and let other passengers pass her. She kept herself from stopping or turning around again, feeling instinctively it would draw attention. Aaron would spot her. If he hadn't run into trouble, she worried. No, she steeled herself, follow the plan. Don't panic. She walked on purposefully, towards the waiting cabs and shuttles.

Her heart sank when she reached the curb nearest the line of town-cars and limos. Please don't make me do this alone, she prayed. Her eyes jumped open as she felt a hand come to rest suddenly on her lower back.

Aaron appeared next to her, leaning forward to hail a town-car he spotted holding a sign that read "Fitzpatrick". Marta felt faint with relief and let him guide her to the vehicle. Aaron carried their luggage, handed it off to the driver, then slipped into the leather seat next to her. When the driver closed the door, Marta gripped Aaron's arm tightly but remained silent.

"That was another lovely cruise," Aaron announced jovially, as the driver prepared to pull away. "But it's good to be heading home. I really need to get back to the office."

"The airport, sir?" the chauffeur asked to confirm their pre-selected destination.

"Yes, thank you," Aaron responded pleasantly. He leaned back in his seat and squeezed Marta's knee in good humor. He looked well rested and happy. Marta told herself to look the same but hazarded a sigh of relief as their ride swung into thick traffic.

"Darling," Aaron addressed her in a scolding tone, playing the part of William Fitzpatrick well. "You nearly forgot these."

His hand opened to reveal a sizable pair of diamond earrings that glittered in the sun as they caught its morning rays.

Marta couldn't stop a soft gasp from escaping her lips but she recovered quickly, falling into her role. "Oh, thank you, love. My grandmother would haunt me from the grave if I lost these."

She attached the heirloom quality solitaires to her lobes with a grateful smile plastered on her face. She leaned in and awarded him with a chaste kiss. She breathed a contented sigh, for the driver's benefit, as she leaned back against the leather to watch the passing city through the car window in peace she didn't actually feel.

Aaron glanced at the gold watch on his wrist to check the time. It looked a lot like the last one he had taken, back at the pill factory. They would pick up their next ride for the hotel in about an hour. Their mission was underway and its objective their best hope. So far, so good.