When Evelyn receives a deathbed letter from her mother, Melanie, instructing her to keep an eye on her dad, Paddy, there's nothing Evelyn can do but take the words to heart. Evelyn's mother knew Paddy well enough to worry. Their marriage was Paddy's cornerstone of strength, and Melanie knows her death will profoundly affect her dedicated husband. With Melanie gone-and Evelyn living many miles away from her father-there is no one to watch over Paddy. Evelyn does her best, but she can't be by his side every second. She hopes he'll find someone to love. When he meets Charlene, it looks like he may have found a passionate companion, but their love does much more than move Paddy's heart. His new relationship ignites a passion in his soul that inspires him to seek out his unfulfilled accomplishment of becoming a playwright. He's been through the gamut of prosperity and pain, he has much to write, and, most importantly, he knows how to laugh through his trouble. He's finally ready to share his wisdom with an audience. Despite difficulties, health problems, and his own impending mortality, Paddy is consumed by his goal to fulfill his lifelong dream.

Going With The Flow

By Thomas Hazard

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Thomas Hazard
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4620-4880-9

Chapter One

Cruising to the Bahamas, a month later

The obligatory boat drill was conducted as the Duchess Star slowly crept past the Statue of Liberty.

Paddy experienced an emotional high in imagining what the awesome figure must have conveyed to the hundreds of thousands of immigrants, his own parents as an example, looking upon her commanding presence. He was certain, however, that each perception only tended to augment her many faceted inspiration.

Paddy followed Evelyn and David and familiarized himself with the ship's layout. It consisted of six levels: the topmost featured the pool, a galley for informal eating, a reading lounge and bar; below that were the spacious dining room, another bar, suites, the main galley and purser's office; level four had staterooms and crew's living quarters, the casino, exercise room and boutiques; the third level contained staterooms that were second class accommodations, another lounging area, and crew's quarters; the second level consisted of third-class rooms along with more quarters for the its crew, the dispensary, and administrative offices; finally, the lowest level was given over primarily to the engine room, storage holds, baggage area, a sizeable laundry facility, and the embarking/debarking gangway.

David and Evelyn occupied a suite designated "S 520" that was to the starboard side and three suites distant from Paddy's who slept in "S 550." Both accommodations were similar in layout: each had a substantial living/sleeping room, a double bed partially hidden by an alcove, an entertainment center that contained not only a large TV, but a communication console consisting of telephone, computer and writing desk. A bar was conveniently located next to large windows that overlooked the veranda. The latter was accessed through a sliding glass door and offered privacy what with barriers on either side, as well as providing a breathtaking panorama of the sea. There were an adjacent bedroom and bath, as well as extensive closets provided.

Because of the embarkation and familiarization procedures took so much time, the passengers were informed that the evening meal would be open seating. Paddy, Evelyn and David made their way to the dining room and were seated at a circular table large enough to accommodate eight people. They had no sooner settled down to read the elaborate menu placed before them by their waiter, when they were joined by a man and woman couple. Both appeared to be in their early to mid-sixties. While the waiter served wine, David took the initiative. "Perhaps we should introduce ourselves. This is my wife, Evelyn. I'm David Jordan, and Paddy McLean, here, is Evelyn's father."

The male of the couple shook hands with David, since he was within reach, and nodded toward Paddy.

"Pleased to meet you. We're the Blankenships. I'm Judson and this is Meredith."

David nodded. "Have you sailed before with the Duchess line?"

"Oh, yes. This is our fourth cruise with the line. And for you?" Judson asked.

"Evelyn and I have been on several cruises, but this is the first on the Duchess Star.".

"And you, Mister McLean, how many cruises have you been on?"

Paddy had been staring at the next table and frowning. "What's that? Oh, I'm sorry. This is my second, I guess, or maybe the third. Yes, the third."

"What's the matter, Dad? Don't you feel well?" Evelyn whispered.

"No, I'm fine. It's just that I seem to recall seeing the lady on that table directly ahead of us somewhere before, but I can't place her."

"What lady?"

"The one with the silver jacket."

"Oh, yes. I see her. That is stylish."

"It's uncanny, but I really think she might be—"

"Might be who?"

"I'm not sure, but I—excuse me, but I've got to go over there and find out." He rose, nodding his head toward the others.

"Where are you going, Paddy?" David asked.

"He thinks he sees someone he knew from somewhere."

Paddy walked slowly over to the next table and circled around until he stood next to the lady in question. She, in turn, stopped talking with her male escort, looked up at him momentarily, then away.

"Excuse me, but you look like someone I knew a long time ago—Maggie, isn't it?" He couldn't help but notice her face clouding over.

"I'm sorry, perhaps I'm mistaken."

"No, it's just that I haven't gone by that name since I was seventeen. My name is Charlene Olivetti. I'm sorry, but I can't recall who you are."

"Paddy McLean. I thought you were the volunteer who worked at the USO canteen in Miramar back in the fifties."

"Paddy? My goodness, I don't believe it!"

Visibly relieved, he glanced around at the others. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, folks." He then focused on the man sitting next to her. "Is this your husband?"

"No, he is a good friend, Guy Montrose."

The burly man introduced extended his hand. "Hiya, Paddy?"

"I'm happy to meet you, Guy." He shook the other's hand, but his eyes never left Charlene's. "Are you travelling alone?"

"No, I'm sharing a compartment with Fran Portland." She nodded her head toward a slightly stout woman wearing a Mumu that nicely offset her plump figure sitting across from her. "Fran, meet Paddy McLean, an old acquaintance from way back."

"My goodness! It just goes to show how small the world is."

"I was about to utter a like cliché, Fran. Uh, I don't want to interrupt your dinner any further, Charlene, but perhaps we can get together over drinks after the show."

"Thanks, but maybe some other time. We've made plans to gamble at the casino."

Paddy's face expressed disappointment. "Well, then, if you'll excuse me, I'll get back to my table. Nice meeting you, Fran and Guy."

"Same here," Guy replied, sounding somewhat quizzical.

Paddy nodded his head and returned to his table.

Evelyn asked, "Did she turn out to be who you thought she was?"

"Yes and no."

His strange response triggered her curiosity even more so. "How so?"

"Is she an old flame, Paddy" David inquired facetiously.

Paddy winced, feeling both awkward and uneasy at David's description. "She now calls herself Charlene Olivetti, but I knew her as Maggie Sturmer."

"She is an attractive lady," David offered.

"You men are such pushovers for a pair of blue eyes and dyed-blonde hair."

"Guilty on both counts, dearest. That's why I fell for you, and you didn't turn out to be a femme fatale."

"Careful, buster, I've still got a trick or two up my sleeve."

"What I've seen so far have only endeared you more."

"You see, Dad, why I married this charmer? So, did you make a date with her?"

"No. She and her companions are going to the casino."

After a dinner they just picked at, Evelyn, David and Paddy went to the lounge where the floor show was to be staged. They found seats in the second row on the starboard side. Paddy searched the room, as both dinner sittings could opt to attend the first night show. He had just about given up hope when he spotted her in a row well back on the port side. She was sitting between Fran and Guy. He kept his eyes focused on her, hoping she might look his way. Her male companion was moving his hands about and talking up a storm.

Just then, Fran apparently saw him and turned as in passing on some comment. Paddy felt warm all over as he noted Charlene look in his...