The Northwestern cut through the building seas with practiced ease. Sig's attempts to reach Edgar on the SAT phone were proving fruitless. He hung up angrily as the signal dropped for what seemed like the hundredth time. Nicole was sullenly sitting on the bench seat as the crew buzzed around discussing Bishop. Sig hadn't asked Nicole anything since she told him Bishop's name. Her hopes of getting off the Northwestern seemed to disappear with the last sign of land. The clammer going on around her was hurting her ears. Pulling her hat down she tried to block out the worst of it. Eventually the majority of the crew went to get some sleep, leaving Norman and Sig in the wheelhouse.
"So, why don't you tell me exactly what happened" said Sig.
"I was at Natty's house and the bell rang" began Nicole. "I went to answer it and some cheeky slag was standing there looking as if she owned the place. I asked her who she was and she gave me the name Bishop. When I didn't immediately respond to the name she told me I stabbed her. Which obviously I didn't, it was Natty of course. But I realized that she thought I was Natalie. I just kind of played along and when she didn't get the response she wanted she blurted out that she was pregnant. I said congratulations because that is the only acceptable response to a pregnancy. I don't know what she expected but when I tried to close the door to go on with my life she made some vague threat about you and then left in a bit of a snit."
"What's a slag?" asked Norman.
"A loose woman" said Nicole.
"What kind of threats?" asked Sig.
"She said she'd make you pay and that the baby had to be yours" she said pointing at Sig. "Or if it wasn't it could be Norman's or Edgar's. She was obviously getting quite a work out on this boat."
"Never mind that" said Sig, rubbing his hand over his face.
"But that's the crux of it isn't it" said Nicole. "She's shagged everything with a dick on this boat and now she's threatening extortion. She said she was carrying the heir to fishing royalty or something equally as ridiculous."
"You thought that warranted a trip up here?" asked Sig. "Why didn't you call Edgar?"
"I tried to call Antha, but Diana was in hospital" said Nicole. "I thought I would just come up here, tell Natalie and then leave. I didn't expect to be on some boat in the middle of the pacific ocean."
"We are in the Bearing Sea" corrected Sig.
"Whatever this fucking body of water is called is immaterial" shouted Nicole. "I just wanted to tell Natty that some psycho chick was pregnant with her boyfriend's baby and that she might want to duck out of the relationship before shit got too complicated."
Nicole's chest was heaving as she tried to get herself under control. Sig looked murderous and when he spoke it was barely a whisper and Nicole couldn't make out what he was saying. But she got the gist as Norman grabbed her arm and dragged her down the stairs to the galley.
A few hours later the table in the galley was filled with heaping platters of food. Nicole sat on the counter watching the guys devour their dinner. She sipped at a mug of tea while she slipped furtive glances out of the small galley window. The slight view of fresh air made it possible for her to keep her claustrophobia at bay.
"Nicole, do you want to eat something?" asked Jake.
"No thank you" said Nicole. "I don't usually eat."
"What do you mean you don't eat?" asked Neil Hillstrand.
"I just don't" said Nicole. "A cup of tea is really all I need."
"You don't eat at all?" repeated Neil.
"I have a bit of toast or an occasional salad, but in general no" said Nicole.
"Natalie eats" said Jake.
"Yes, well we may be twins but we aren't very much alike" said Nicole, her voice edged with frustration.
"No kidding" muttered Sig.
"What's that suppose to mean" snapped Nicole.
"I was just agreeing with you" said Sig. "You are Natalie are completely different from each other."
"I want specifics" said Nicole.
"You have different hair cuts" volunteered Jake, hoping the conversation wasn't going to dissolve into Sig throwing insults.
"Natalie doesn't have a fear of sleeping in a bunk" said Sig.
"Um, you wear high heels" said Jake, grasping at a positive comment.
Nicole looked down at her choice of footwear and shrugged.
"Natalie knows how to cook" said Sig.
"You're a singer" said Nick.
Jake gave Nick a grateful smile and took a breath.
"Natalie actually know how to be helpful" said Sig.
"You have bigger boobs" said Jake in rush.
Nicole's eyes widened as she realized that every man in the room was staring at her boobs.
"How do you know that?" teased Nicole. "You would have had to see both of our boobs to know that."
Jake slammed his head down on the table repeatedly hoping the brain injury would be enough to allow him not to answer.
"Yeah Junior, how do you know?" asked Sig.
"I don't" said Jake. "Not first hand or anything."
Nicole smiled benignly at the table of men and pulled off her sweater.
"Now you all have first hand experience" she said with a smile.
The guys hooted and hollered. Well, all except one, who was muttering about Natalie under his breath.
Sig picked up the radio and then set it back in its' cradle. He needed to call the Time Bandit and talk to Natalie. It was urgent that he speak to her about this whole Bishop debacle but he didn't want to do it over the radio for all and sundry to hear. The realization that Nicole had come up to Dutch to tell her sister to break up with him stung. He didn't know the spoiled princess very well but she obviously didn't think very highly of him at the moment and the feeling was definitely mutual. Norman had told him that Nicole had only had a cup of tea and then went to take a nap in his stateroom. That was hours ago and Sig found that every passing minute made him hate Nicole more and more. If it was Natalie on the boat, she would have done the laundry or made dinner or just kept him company.
"I brought you some coffee Captain" said Eddie.
"Thanks, Eddie" said Sig, gratefully accepting the steamy cup.
"You want me to take a watch?" offered Eddie.
"Sure" said Sig. "I'll grab a couple hour nap and then be back. Thanks man."
"No problem" said Eddie.
Sig walked into his stateroom and stripped off his jeans and shirt. Slipping a clean t-shirt and pajama pants on he climbed into his bed. The second his hand touched the blanket it moved. Reality crashed back onto him like a tidal wave. Looking down at the bed he saw Nicole, wearing what most people consider lingerie. He sighed, louder than necessary and started to back out of the bed.
"Don't be a wanker, just get in" said Nicole's muffled voice. "I promise to keep my hands to myself."
Sig smiled slightly and climbed in. The bed was warmer than Sig could ever remember it being.
"Did you put an electric blanket on or something?" he asked.
"No" said Nicole. "I'm just really hot."
"Funny" said Sig.
"Not a joke, I'm a really hot blooded person" said Nicole.
She rolled over so she was facing Sig and placed her hand on his arm. It seared into his skin and he jerked his arm back.
"Told you" said Nicole.
"Do you have a fever or something?" asked Sig.
"Nope, I was just born this way" said Nicole.
She rolled back over and buried her head under a pillow.
"What are you wearing?" asked Sig.
"A nightgown" said Nicole.
"That is not a nightgown" said Sig.
"I wear one to bed most every night" said Nicole.
"The question is do you wake up with it on" said Sig.
"Not usually" admitted Nicole. "But I am sure I will this time."
Sig sighed again and closed his eyes. He set his mental alarm clock for three hours and then promptly fell asleep. Nicole laid in the bed next to him, listening as his breath evened out. The steady rise and fall of his chest helped to finally lull her into sleep.
The storm had passed and the seas were calm outside the Northwestern. Inside the boat was a totally different story. Sig had found Nicole peeing with the door open earlier in the day and she didn't even bother giving him an excuse. Nicole's anxiety was getting the better of her and she'd taken to sitting silently in the wheelhouse staring blankly out the windows. Sig found this disturbing and had told her more than once to either talk or go somewhere else. Nicole would begin a half hearted conversation and then just stop talking.
"I swear to god, just finish a thought" said Sig.
"Can I go outside?" asked Nicole suddenly. "I might feel better if I go outside."
"Where did that come from?" asked Sig in confusion.
"I think I will definitely be better outside" said Nicole.
"Fine, take someone with you and stay away from the railing" said Sig.
"I don't want to take someone with me" said Nicole, her voice just this side of a whine.
"Then don't" snapped Sig. "Get washed overboard with no one out there to save you."
"Fine" mumbled Nicole as she walked down the stairs.
Matt Bradley was sitting at the galley table nursing a cup of coffee when Nicole appeared. He watched as she walked to the door, studied it for a minute and then walked back.
"Is there some secret to opening the door?" asked Nicole, her eyes darting nervously.
"Yes, you have to turn the wheel" said Matt.
"Can you do it for me?" asked Nicole. "I want to go outside."
"Did Sig say you can go outside?" asked Matt.
"My god, it's like he's the fucking Queen of England" said Nicole, throwing her hands in the air. "Yes, his majesty has allowed me to go outside."
"I wouldn't call Sig a queen of anything if you know what's good for you" said Matt with a chuckle.
"But he'd look so good in a tiara" said Nicole. "Now, will you open the door for me?"
"Sure" said Matt.
He opened the door and Nicole darted outside. Matt followed her out, making sure to close the door securely.
"Whoa Nicole, where are you going?" asked Matt as he slid on the ice behind her.
"Fresh air" said Nicole as she stood in the middle of the deck.
"You ok?" asked Matt when he caught her.
"So much better now" said Nicole.
"You need a jacket on" said Matt.
"No, I'm fine" said Nicole.
Her face was turned up at the sun, a small smile gracing her pale face. Her pink lips parted slightly and she started to sing. Matt stood stalk still listening to the most beautiful song he could recall ever hearing. Nicole's voice rose and fell, lilting over the notes of her favorite aria. When she was finished she took a few deep cleansing breaths and then turned her attention to the blue ocean.
"It's rather beautiful out here" she said conversationally.
"What were you singing?" asked Matt.
"It's an aria from Rigoletto" said Nicole.
"Can you sing it again?" asked Matt.
"Sure, or something else if you prefer" said Nicole. "What's your favorite opera?"
"I can't say that I have one" said Matt.
"Well, do you prefer one in english?" asked Nicole.
"Nope" replied Matt.
"Ok, I'll sing another of my favorites" said Nicole.
After a few deep breaths she began singing an excerpt from Carmen. Matt slipped away from her and hit the button for the on deck hailer. Nicole's voice suddenly flooded the boat.
Sig's head snapped up and he quickly grabbed for the hailer to ask what the hell was going on but the dulcet tone of the voice stopped him. He listened until the song ended and then heard the sound of someone clapping.
"That was amazing" said Matt's voice.
"Thanks" said Nicole. "I feel so much better."
Sig set down the hailer. He suddenly realized what a shock this probably was for Nicole. She'd come to Alaska to deliver a message, not get on a crab boat. His musings were interrupted by Nicole knocking on the outside door of the wheelhouse. Sig leaned over and flipped the door open for her.
"Sorry, I forgot my coat" said Nicole.
"It's cold out there" said Sig.
"It feels wonderful" said Nicole. "So much fresh air. I just came in to get my coat and gloves."
"The song was beautiful" said Sig. "You have a real talent."
"Thank you" said Nicole. "How did you hear me?"
"The walls aren't as thick as you think" said Sig.
"That is a terribly disturbing thought" said Nicole.
She retrieved her gloves and coat and then slipped back outside. Sig watched her retreating form on the camera.
"I'm losing my mind" said Sig. "One song and I'm willing to let her do whatever she wants."
Outside Nicole stood looking out over the back of the stern. She watched the engine churn the water leaving a trail of white froth behind. Matt stood slightly behind her, making sure she was within grabbing distance. He felt a slight sense of deja vu. Nicole turned slowly and took a few steps towards Matt. The boat pitched slightly and Matt instinctively put out a hand to steady her.
"Thanks" she said with a smile.
"Anytime" said Matt with a wink. "Are you getting cold yet?"
"Not really" admitted Nicole. "Are you?"
"Nope, this is nothing compared to the conditions we normally work in" said Matt.
"It must be miserable" said Nicole. "Why do you do it?"
"The money" said Matt simply.
"I don't think there is enough money in the world for me to work for Sig" said Nicole.
"He grows on you" said Matt.
"Yeah, like a fungus" said Nicole.
Matt laughed while they walked back towards the small shelter where the guys waited in between strings. There were a few chairs, a pack of cigarettes and some bottled water. Matt handed Nicole a bottle of water and then pulled a cigarette out of the pack. He was about to light it when he stopped.
"Do you care if I smoke?" asked Matt.
"No" said Nicole.
"Would you like one?" asked Matt.
"No thanks, they aren't good for my voice" said Nicole. "But I don't mind if you have one. Jamie is always smoking in front of me."
"Is Jamie your boyfriend?" asked Matt.
"Eww, no! He's my brother" said Nicole. "Didn't Natalie tell you anything about us?"
"No" said Matt.
"Figures" said Nicole.
"Sorry, it probably never came up" said Matt. "All we usually do on this boat is work, eat and sleep."
"That's not true" said Nicole. "Or there wouldn't be a little Northwesterner on the way."
Matt looked slightly chagrined and nodded sheepishly.
"Don't worry, I don't care" said Nicole. "I mean sex is natural and wonderful and people should have as much of it as they can before they get old and can't do it anymore. At least that's my philosophy on the subject."
"That's quite a view" said Matt.
"Oh, I could give you a better one" said Nicole, her voice suddenly husky.
Matt's eyes widened as she took a step closer to him.
Nicole straddled Matt's legs as he sat on one of the folding chairs. For a brief moment Matt worried that the chair wouldn't support both their weights. But Nicole's lips touched his and any concern he had about anything flew out the window. Her lips were warm and soft and she tasted like tea with honey. Her tongue slipped along the seam of his mouth demanding entrance. Matt opened his mouth, his tongue slipping across hers. Nicole traced her hands over Matt's face and then realized she was still wearing her gloves. Matt caught one by the finger and tugged her hand free. Nicole gave him the other and he repeated the process. Once her hands were free she flitted them over his stubble roughened face. Her fingers pulled through his hair, tugging it hard enough to break the kiss. Her lips trailed down his neck and then up behind his ear. She took the lobe between her teeth and bit it sharply. Matt moaned in response, his hands tightening on her waist. She moved away and Matt grabbed her butt in an attempt to keep her in place.
"Let me move, I'll make it worth your while" said Nicole.
Matt reluctantly let go of her and she slipped down to kneel in front of him. Matt's eyes went wide and he tried to pull her back up. She slapped his hands away and then moved hers to the waistband of his sweats. With practiced ease she pulled his already hard cock out of his pants. Before the cold air could hit it she engulfed it in her hot mouth. Matt moaned loudly, his head dropping back. Nicole swirled her tongue around the head before allowing the shaft to slip down her throat. Matt was fairly sure he'd just died and gone to heaven. Nicole's hand slipped down to caress his balls. Tugging the skin gently until they drew up, signaling his impending release.
"I'm going to cum" groaned Matt.
Nicole didn't pause in her ministrations and a moment later Matt was spilling down her throat. She swallowed and then leaned back, but not before depositing a soft kiss on his softening dick.
"Wow, that was..."mumbled Matt.
"Thank you, I feel much better" said Nicole.
She stood abruptly, gave Matt a peck on the cheek and then walked back inside with a smug smile on her face.