Chapter 84

Portofino on the Italian Riviera was a magnificent sight as we rounded the bend and entered a natural harbor. We'd passed up Ventimiglia, Alessio, and Genova, to sail through to Portofino, where Mr. Bell and Millie awaited our arrival. Our yacht, Soulmates II, welcomed the remaining members of our little family, and kisses, hugs, and expressions of joy were shared all around.

Since receiving Doctor Abrams' pronouncement and having the security scare on the same day, I had felt a little like an alien in my own life. The sadness, coupled with the worry about the mob, had taken the shine off of our trip, wonderful though it was.

Our crew had performed beyond the call of duty, and I had an envelope full of five-thousand-Euro debit cards to distribute as tips at the end of our cruise. Their professionalism, coupled with kindness, transformed a boat trip into a magical experience.

I'd decided we would sail home, and disembark in Cape Canaveral, where I had hired a car service to take us, and our security detail, to the marina in Deland, so we could check on the BETH ANN. None of my family had seen her, and I was looking forward to a side trip to show her off. The extra days would round out our month long reservation.

Colleen took great pleasure in sunbathing topless on the private, rear deck, while Rebecca loved the small swimming pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. They kept each other company and took turns tormenting me with their bodies. Sometimes they tormented me at the same time.

It was such torture...

As our yacht took us to the south of Italy, we ate, slept, made slow - wonderful sex, and lived the life of the idle rich.

To avoid potential encounters with our pursuers, we made no scheduled stops and announced no destination. When we needed fresh food, our captain huddled with Jack to pick a marina at random. They had us fueled and serviced while the steward shopped, and we were on our way too soon for our enemies to have mounted any kind of attack, even if they knew where we were, or where we were headed.

Our security team, armed to the teeth, patrolled the decks and dock, until we were again underway.

When the Bells boarded in Portofino, Mr. Bell hugged me tightly, and said, "Well? What's the news? How's the little lady? What did you three get up to in Sweden?"

Millie literally shoved him aside and kissed me, saying, "We are glad to see you three. We've had a marvelous time, and we'll tell you all about it after dinner, but for now, let's get out of the sun and see this mansion you've brought us."

We traipsed through the Soulmates II like tourists from Iowa. The captain introduced himself to Mr. Bell and kissed Millie's hand when she was presented to him. Our steward huddled with Millie for a little while, getting up to speed on their dining needs, allergies, and favorite dishes.

Colleen took her daddy to the salon and they caught up over a drink, while Rebecca stuck with Millie and the steward.

At loose ends, I took the opportunity to sit by the top deck's rail, and let the sun work its magic on my mood. Even with all of my family at hand, it hurt to think of more surgery, more mind-blowing pain, and more of the undignified process of dying.

My head was just starting to heal and pucker from the peeling up of the scabbed over wounds, which re-opened all my old wounds. The red lines looked angry, again. It was as if the top of my head was a road map, with all the roads colored in red. To avoid the stares, I kept a smooth skullcap in my pocket and was quick to don it when around strangers. I still remembered the looks of pity when Mr. Bell took me to court to get my emancipation.

I was fairly along in my pity party when Millie appeared at my side. "A penny for your thoughts?" She said, handing me a shiny new penny.

"Trust me, they're not worth it," I said, smiling into her bright, blue eyes. Just being near her brought me out of my funk, and I pulled her in for a kiss. It was not a soul kiss, just a good buss on the lips. After all, there were lots of eyes around. We still danced the dangerous dance, but refused to take the next big step.

Caught off guard, she tried to give me her tongue and then realized why that was a bad idea. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife. She leaned back, stroked my bald head, and pulled me down, so she could kiss it. "You look so ... so ... hairless, up there. You know?" Her giggle did it. I had to avenge the insult to my dignity! I picked her up, twirled her around, and tickled her in the most undignified manner.

"Unhand that fair maiden, you brute," I heard from behind me. Mr. Bell and Colleen came out laughing their heads off, as they watched Millie struggle to get free from my tickling hands. "I'll tear you limb from limb and feed you to the dogs!" He was as happy as the rest of my family. Sometimes vacations did that to people.

Relenting, and feeling like I assuaged my honor, I released Millie from my evil clutches, and she ran to Colleen for protection. They hugged like small children, pretended to be terrified, and begged Mr. Bell to avenge Millie.

In a scene right out of a corny movie, Mr. Bell glared at me, pulled out his imaginary sword, and shouted, "My Name Is Sir James, of Branson. You Have Offended The Honor of My House. Prepare to die!"

We all dissolved into fits of laughter, bringing Rebecca on the run to see what the excitement was all about.

Our reunion lasted, non-stop, until the steward joined us to announce dinner. Colleen, Rebecca, and I knew what a treat the dining on our yacht was like, and we hurried to sample some more.