I lead Silas, Merc, and Cassie to the bridge. I introduce them to the on-duty captain and explain what we are up to. The captain radios crew members working in various parts of the ship to alert them to the situation and to look for a non-crew member on board.
Silas instructs us not to have crew members interact with Armand, and to let the professionals handle him.
The cops carry out a quick and semi-thorough pass through the main level of the ship. Nothing turns up, so they decide to assign guards at the entrance on our level to make sure no one leaves the ship while they move down to make a pass through the lower decks.
As the search continues, I pepper Silas and Merc with questions about Armand—what is happening here today, why we are pursuing him, why he may be on board, what we intend to do, etc.
And then I remember. I had met Armand several years ago in England. He has actually been on this boat!
He was managing Mick Righteous’ career at the time and had booked him to perform at a golf tournament in the UK – this musician in his prime known across time zones and throughout the world.
The tournament took place at the Chelmsford Golf Club, north of London, which I knew quite well.
I ran into the tournament officials at the bar where they introduced me to Armand and Mick. I invited them all to have a drink on the Lady Lux and they took me up on it. As an aside, Armand mentioned that his nephew, Nico, was looking for work and asked if I had a need for a strong young man on board.
As it turned out, I did, so I hired Nico.
Nico.
The search of the lower decks yields nothing.
Nico steps out of his room. I ask him what his assignment is today.
He talks about his work.
“Nico,” I ask. “Is there something you’d like to share?”