Ethics of a Thief Read Free

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.