Ethics of a Thief (2 page)

Sandra pushed herself from the booth and stood to greet the children. Her short frame was Danny’s height. As usual, she wore a colorful dress and high-heeled sandals, which had shiny stones and were most likely from Neiman Marcus.

“Come sit with us,” Larry said. “We have plenty of room. Goodness, the last time we saw you, let’s see -- wasn’t it at your parents’ Christmas party?”

Abigail nodded, “I thought you were off traveling someplace exciting on your new yacht?”

Sandra waited until Lisa was seated next to her before sitting. She glanced at Abigail, “We just got back.”

Lisa gawked at Sandra’s necklace. “I like those green stones.” When Lisa saw the woman’s four-carat matching emerald ring, she said, “Wow. When I get big, I want one just like that.”

Sandra said, while smiling, “I’m sure you’ll have nice things, too, when you grow up.”

Lisa sat closer to Sandra and gazed up at her. “Mommy and Daddy just got married.”

“Oh, they’re together again, that’s nice.”

Lisa grinned and nodded.

Danny sat between his aunt and Larry. “Did you really buy a bigger boat?”

“We sure did.”

“How big?”

“Very big, want to see her?”

Danny’s eyes brightened, “You mean, go on it?”

“Sure.” Larry’s grin became a chuckle. “After we eat, you can check her out for yourself.”

At that time, their waitress had arrived and smiled broadly at Larry. “Ready to order?”

“Is it too late for breakfast?” Abigail asked.

“You can order anything on the menu,” she replied.

Larry and Sandra ordered lunch dishes while Abigail ordered eggs and toast, and the children asked for blueberry pancakes.

Sandra asked, “Lisa, where are your parents now?”

“In Hawaii.”

“Hawaii? How come you didn’t go?”

“Silly. They’re on their honeymoon.”

“That’s right. That’s a very good reason for not going.” She smiled, showing her perfect teeth. “I bet you’re happy they’re back together.”

The girl nodded.

Danny looked up at Larry. “Me too! I don't like them split up, but they yelled too much together. Daddy wants Mommy to work, and she doesn’t want to. She wants to stay home. Now, he said she can stay home, but she wants to work.”

The adults laughed.

Danny grinned as the waitress placed pancakes before him. He dug in. The juice from a blueberry ran down the right side of his mouth.

As Sandra watched him, she asked, “So, young man, was your aunt starving you?”

Lisa scowled. “He always eats like that.” The girl took her fork and picked at her food before taking her first bite.

“I can see why you’re so skinny,” Larry teased the girl. He turned to Abigail. “So, what’s going on with your parents?”

After putting down her fork, she said, “They’re both doing pretty well. They’re in good health. They had a wonderful time on their trip to London and their quick visit to France. Speaking of trips, I heard you both went to the Middle East.”

His eyes looked down and away. “Yes. We did.”

“Weren’t you afraid, with all the unrest?”

“Yes. But, we avoided dangerous spots.” His head cocked. He was silent for a moment and then said, “With the suicide bombers, no one felt safe for a minute.”

“What made you decide to go to the Middle East?”

Larry didn’t answer. Instead, he hurriedly changed the subject. “So, tell me Abigail, why was it that you left such a great career? Weren’t you the district manager of some large corporation?”

She stared at her food and nodded.

“Your dad bragged about your success. Wasn’t your district the most successful in the country?”

Abigail studied her food and then connected with his eyes. “It was a great career, but I have no regrets for leaving. I like being a teacher. But, to answer your question, I left because I felt as if I was competing against myself.”

“Why’s that?”

“I spent months training my staff, and then they would leave to compete against me.”

“I see. So, what grade do you teach?”

“Sixth.”

“So, do you pass along your high moral standards?” he mocked.

“I don’t put up with much, if that’s what you mean. Especially if a child is mean to another, he’s in big trouble, then.”

“Well, aren’t you the tough one,” Larry snickered.

After the meal, their full-figured waitress returned. She leaned forward to give Larry the check, and revealed her ample cleavage. When he handed her his credit card, he also gave a twenty-dollar tip.

As they prepared to leave, Danny asked, “Can we see your boat?”

“I didn’t forget, young man. Besides, I want your aunt to see our wheelhouse.”

Abigail touched Larry’s arm. “Are you sure you have time for this?”

“We have all the time in the world, missy.”

Sandra glanced at Lisa. “Want to see our new yacht?”

The girl clapped her hands, and her eyes sparkled. She squealed, “Yes!”

While walking, Abigail said, “We sure appreciate your kindness, Larry.”

When they got to the walkway, she noticed the same man from earlier talking with someone. She was glad he didn’t see her. Even if he was charming and attractive, she wasn’t ready for any complications.

While walking to the yacht, Lisa playfully hopped over the dark-colored bricks. Each time she missed, she giggled because Danny didn’t notice. He was too busy trying to figure out which yacht belonged to Larry.

Danny yelled, “I see one!” Lisa glanced to where he was pointing. From afar, it looked like two young pups bobbing their heads.

Everyone’s attention quickly changed direction when Sandra announced, “There’s our new yacht.”

The girl put her hands to her mouth. “Oh my, it is big!”

Abigail gasped. “Couldn’t you find a larger one?” The couple laughed.

Sandra said, “It is quite big. It is more than ninety feet long and has three levels.”

As Danny examined the vessel, he said, “Check out the small boat at the back.”

“It’s used for shore visits,” Larry said, while looking over the boy’s shoulders.

Abigail looked around and said, “Why so many life preservers? I guess you don’t want to be like the Titanic.”

Larry’s head went back as he laughed in amusement, “We thought the same thing. But, they were included, so we didn’t argue.”

The boy glanced up at Larry, “Can we check out the galley?”

Lisa smirked, “Is that all you think about -- food?” But, the boy was too excited to be annoyed by his sister. Larry’s hand touched Danny’s head, guiding him. “Come, we’ll go there first.”

When they entered the galley, the boy’s eyes opened wide. “Wow! This is bigger than our kitchen.”

The girl peeked into the galley. “Gee, it is big. Look! The refrigerator has two doors.”

After Sandra opened a cupboard door, she took out a package of cookies. When they were offered, Danny immediately grabbed two.

Suddenly, Larry tapped Abigail’s shoulder. “Let’s go topside.”

She grinned, and her eyes became bright while she swiftly followed him up the ladder.

When they reached the wheelhouse, she observed the metal-framed glass enclosure. On a hot day, the glass rotated to allow for cool breezes. “Goodness, Larry. You have every imaginable electrical and mechanical device possible. Do you know how everything works?”

“No. It’s too new.”

She noticed the area behind the wheelhouse. At once, she saw a Jacuzzi. It seated six and had drink holders around the deck. Nearby was a small bar, which she was sure was fully stocked.

Larry watched her inspect the grown-up play area.

“They didn’t forget a thing, did they?” she said.

“That's part of the fun of showing it off.” He grinned.

“I bet.”

As they walked back to the wheel, she smiled broadly. “Being here is wonderful. I wish Dad could see this. You know how he loves to check out yachts. And, he would enjoy being out at sea on a day like this.”

Larry nodded in agreement.

They turned when they heard jubilant voices coming from the ladder. Danny boldly marched up to Larry. “Wow! Will you take us out sometime?”

After placing his hand on the boy’s shoulder, he said, “Sure.” He winked.

The girl exposed her biggest smile while looking at Sandra. “Can we go out today?”

Abigail’s face turned red. She squinted with a glare at the girl. “Young lady, it is not polite to ask such things.”

“The child can ask anything she wants.” Larry smiled at Lisa.

“She needs to learn not to impose upon others. It is not right to put anyone on the spot like that. It is just not polite,” Abigail said.

Sandra stood in front of Lisa, then bent down to her level and asked, “Is it truly your desire to go out to sea today, little one?”

“Can we? Can we really go? Today?” Lisa’s face lit up. She jumped up and down clapping her hands.

After Abigail’s face turned a brighter shade of red, she stared at the child. “No, not today, Lisa!”

“But, why not?” Larry piped in. “Do you have better things to do?”

Before Abigail had a chance to respond, Sandra said, “It’ll be pleasant having you three on board.” She surveyed her husband’s face. “Abigail can help you at the wheel. Can’t she, dear? Knowing her, it won’t take long for her to get the hang of it.”

“Sure, it’ll be fun.” He then faced Danny. “Want to spend the night out at sea?”

By then, Danny was so excited he hugged Larry’s neck without letting go.

Abigail shook her head in disbelief and quickly folded her arms tightly.
Everything is happening too fast,
she thought, staring at the children. She looked at Larry and Sandra. “I can’t believe you’re giving in to the children -- really, overnight?”

“Our replacement skipper was due to come today,” Larry said. “I’ll have him meet us at sea after faxing him our navigational chart. Sandra, we still have our clothes on board. It’ll be fun. Abigail does learn quickly. I’m sure she won’t mind helping me navigate this thing.”

Abigail’s head throbbed.
How did I get us in this mess, and how can I get us out?
Her arm felt tight after recalling her earlier warning while driving from Santa Barbara. Each time she had a premonition, she feared it might come true. While feeling the pressure to say yes, she really wanted to say no, but hesitated when she saw the children’s jubilant faces.

“Pleeeeease,” Lisa begged.

“We still have our clothes in the car,” Danny said. “Remember?” His eyes danced with delight. “Can we go get them, can we?”

Although her instincts wanted to say no, those happy faces broke down her defenses. She turned to Larry. “Are you sure you want to put up with us overnight?”

“It’ll be delightful.”

Soon Sandra placed her arm around Abigail’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. It will be fun for all of us. So, go get your things. When you return, I’ll show you to your cabin.”

Quickly, Larry disappeared and then came back with a luggage carrier. “Use this. It’ll be easier.”

On the way to the car, Abigail was still upset with the children and herself. At that moment, she wished she wasn’t responsible for them. And, she desperately wanted to be alone to think. Everything was moving too fast.

Why am I so upset with the children? She questioned herself. I love the sea. Why am I resisting the idea? She stopped. It’s that fear again. I must let it go. While walking to the parking lot, she told herself, we’re on vacation, aren’t we? I’m just being silly. Perhaps, I should apologize for not being more appreciative. And, it’s too late to back out now. I might as well enjoy myself. She put on a smile for the children and decided not to scold them.

When they reached the car, they quickly got their bags onto the carrier and grabbed the smaller items. Danny’s face was beaming with anticipation. “I can’t wait to tell Dad. He won’t believe we were on a yacht. I wish he were with us.”

Lisa was grinning while saying, “We’ll have our own cabin. Won’t it be fun?” She glanced up at her aunt.

Abigail grabbed the girl’s ponytail. “Yes. This will be an adventure to remember.”

When they returned with their bags, Sandra gave them a choice between two cabins. Danny said, “Can we stay in this one? It has a couch. We can all be together.”

“Can we?” The girl said, with her chin held up, blinking. “Pleeease?”

“Sure. That’ll be fun,” she said, while thinking, I desperately need alone time, just to think. My mind can’t catch up with what’s happening. Not being in control is not one of my favorite things. I feel defenseless over what others want. Everything is out of my control right now.

After they got settled in and changed clothes, the children went to the main salon and played cards with Sandra, while Abigail joined Larry topside. He was moving the vessel from the dock and it needed his full attention. She remained silent as she watched him steer the yacht away from the pier.

Larry saw her and waved her closer. “Where are the kids?”

“Playing cards with Sandra, is my guess.”

“It’s a beautiful day. I’m glad you decided to join us. Or, did we decide for you?”

While smiling, she turned away. She was grateful that at least one person knew her true feelings. It felt good to be away from the children, even if for a few minutes. She had developed a greater appreciation for stay-at-home moms.

I must stop worrying. It is a beautiful day.

After he successfully moved out of the harbor, Larry said, “Come take the wheel.” While he showed her the fundamentals at the helm, he also showed her how to shut down the engine in case of an emergency or to take a break.

“Where’s Captain Majors?”

“On leave. He is in Mount Dora.”

“Where’s that?”

“Not too far from Orlando. Bill was raised there.”

“How long will he be gone?”

“Just a few weeks.”

“The person coming later today is his replacement.”

“How will he find us?”

“He’ll take a smaller boat.”

Abigail’s attention turned to the children, who were yelling. “What’s the problem with you two?”

“I won, “Lisa said, tearfully,” but he said I cheated

“You did cheat,” he said.

“No. I did not, Danny.” She pushed him.