Ethics of a Thief Read Free Page A

“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.
    “Stop teasing your sister,” Abigail demanded.
    Danny’s chin lowered. “Okay.” The boy turned his attention to the wheel and watched. “Can I help drive the boat?”
    “Sure,” Larry said. “Come here.” For twenty minutes, Larry stood behind the boy patiently teaching him how to handle the wheel.
    “What’s Sandra up to?” Larry asked.
    “I don’t know,” Danny said.
    “I’ll go check on her.” He faced Abigail. “I need to speak to Sandra about something important. Are you okay at