THE BOOK CLUB 2: CRUISE IN THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE    (close window to return)

The women had wondered about taking such an exotic holiday but Hazel had looked into it and explained to them that everything was catered for and that there would be little stress. In the end, it was Leila who said the magic words, "Why not? Our husbands can look after themselves for a week. We’ll get to see the sun again, and add some exotic memories to all our existing ones." They had flown first class, with Hazel paying for Tanya's fee as a reward for the help she had given her.
Exiting the aircraft was more basic than they had suspected as they were mustered outside waiting for a coach with others to take them to the cruise ship.
"Nothing like Heathrow, then,” Tanya said as they waited patiently in a sweating sun without cover."
Julia looked at the armed soldier standing close by and approached him. "Hello. The people are struggling with the heat," she told him and pointed.
He looked up to where she pointed and said, "Coach come soon. Please, Madam, go back in the line. I am here to secure you all."
She returned and told the others, "Apparently, he's guarding us."
"What on earth from?" Maisie asked.
Julia shrugged, "Search me."
"Jamaica has a reputation. Kingston mostly. Drugs and gangs," Hazel said. "Outside, it's said to be a lovely place with kind, friendly people."
"Bob Marley came from here," Leila said. "He's one of my heroes."
"I love reggae," Hazel said.
"So does my Michael. He used to be good at reggae dancing," Leila chipped in.
"A pity he isn't here now, then," Kelsey said. "He could relieve us of the monotony of waiting here like statues in an oven."
Melanie reached inside her bag, brought out a mobile phone. "Smile girls." They stood smiling but before Melanie could take the photo, the armed soldier appeared with his hand in front of the phone.
"No photos. Security area."
She smiled at him and put the phone back in her bag and said to the girls, "I hope it isn't like this on the ship."
"It'll be fine. We're only passing through here to the ship. Jamaica is not on our list, other than transfer."
A coach pulled in and a tour guide stepped off. He shouted out, "All aboard for the cruise ship, Bermuda Queen."
"That's ours," Julia said.
The sight of the ship sitting there in the placid sea was a thing of joy.
"I feel very excited," Kelsey said.
"I need to have a nap," Tanya said, "It's been a long journey."