Stowaway by Emma Bennett Read Free Book Online Page A

making you walk the plank, but since you have a murderer after us
both, I think it can wait. Besides, you’re pretty harmless. I looked up your
number on your phone and called in a favor with a police buddy. He was able to
tell me quite a bit about you. Not even a parking ticket until some tax thing.
I’ll bet that‘s what you are running from.”
    “You looked me
up?” I say, feeling invaded and a little relieved at the same time that he
knows it all.
    “Yep. Anyway,” he continues, “you’re more benefit to me like you are. I can use you
as a human shield when the killer comes gunning for
me.”
    “I’m sorry I
dragged you into my troubles, Luke.”
    “It’s done now.
So, are you coming with me or not? I think you should. You owe it to me to get
me out of this mess. Decide fast. In addition to a killer, I’ve got a ship full
of crew to hide from. I’m supposed to be sick, remember?”
    “Yes. Let’s go.”
    “Great! Let’s go
earn you some spa money.”
    The ship casino
looks like any gambling establishment, just in miniature as far as square
footage. Every slot machine is full, so we grab two seats off to the side and
watch.
    “Hey Luke!” says a
voice behind us. It is the worker on duty.
    “ Goran ! Shh , I’m supposed
to be sick today. Are you about to get off shift?”
    “Yeah. Hey, my hands aren’t cramping so bad from dealing since I started using that acupressure
thing you showed me. Thanks!”
    “No problem, man.
Listen, my friend here really wants to play some slots, but forgot her card.
Can you stick around a few minutes longer while she plays a couple bucks, to
cash her out in case she wins something?”
    “Sure
thing! I owe you. Hey, my sister loves the autographed flyer I sent her
for her birthday. She said you rock. I am now the coolest big brother ever. I’m
quoting.”
    Luke laughs.
    “No big deal, Goran . Glad she liked it. Hey, Maggie? Why don’t you try number three over there in about four minutes? It’s empty
now, so go have a seat. I’ll tell you when to play.”
    What was he
talking about? But, I’m trying to keep a low profile and don’t want him
shouting my name again, so I wander over to the machine without a question.
Finally, after a bit more chit-chat with Goran , I see
Luke nod to me.
    It’s a quarter machine , so at least it will take me a several tries to lose
my money. I really don’t see the point, but I figure it won’t hurt to have a
little fun on this trip before I die. So, I throw the first chip in and pull
the lever.
    The pictures spin
around, and then land, with none of the three matching. I toss another chip in,
then another. I keep losing. That is just my luck these days. When I get to the
last chip, I kiss it goodbye, and slide it into the machine.
    I pull the lever
and the pictures whir. Finally, they stop. One right after the other, each
picture flashes the same. I am just registering the fact that I won when the
machine comes to life with sirens and lights. Chips cascade out of it, spilling
on the floor.
    Instead of being
happy, I watch it all in terror. So much for keeping my head
down. I wanted to win enough for a new hairdo, not enough to broadcast
my exact location to everyone on the ship.
    Luke and Goran run over with empty buckets and help me fill them as
every eye looks at me. As Goran converts them to real
currency, Luke stands there grinning. Then, he leans over to whisper in my ear.
    “See? Problem
solved. Goran and I have spent a lot of time analyzing
the patterns of these things. It’s not full-proof, but it’s pretty reliable. Goran will finish taking care of you. Meet me outside.”
    “Is it enough for
a haircut?” I ask, as Goran tallies my total. We both
know it is much, much more.
    “It’s enough for a
new hair style everyday this cruise, plus a massage or two,” he smiles. “That’s
good, because it’s the only win synched for this weekend. Congratulations!”
    When Luke and I
get to the spa, Rose is sitting on the