Page 130 of So, I Met This Guy . . .

‘Welcome to the Galaxy Goddess.’

They were greeted at the entrance with a wide smile from a uniformed member of staff who extended her hand in an official handshake.

‘It’s wonderful to meet you, Ms Lomax. As the ship’s press officer, I’m honoured to have such a prestigious member of the British press and their guest sailing with us for the next three days.’

‘Thank you,’ said Flick, putting on her best journalist face. ‘We’re honoured to be sailing with you. Aren’t we, Maggie?’

‘Honoured.’ Maggie joined in the smiles and handshakes.

‘Well, if you’d like to follow me, I’ll show you to your state room.’

‘Wonderful!’ enthused Flick, giving Maggie an excited thumbs-up as soon as the press officer’s back was turned.

‘Prestigious member of the British press?’ Maggie elbowed her in the ribs and they exchanged elated glances that their ruse had worked and they were on board.

‘I owe my editor big time,’ she whispered with a smile.

‘Perhaps you could do a talk on being a top journalist? Our fellow passengers would love that.’

The press officer’s voice broke into their whispered conversation.

‘How about tomorrow afternoon, between the magician and novelty bingo?’

There was a pause as Flick did a good impression of a deer caught in headlights.

‘Absolutely! Sounds great!’

A lot had happened since they’d stood on the street the night before in a different Spanish city and made their decision. Including emails flying back and forth late into the night between Flick and Seymour, her editor, who’d managed to swing them a free press trip on the Galaxy Goddess, thanks to one of his old Fleet Street contemporaries, who was now something of a big shot in the PR world.

Not that it was much of a decision, more of an inevitability. George’s questioning had triggered one thought after another. Because if it was clear that Theo’s motive for getting on the ship wasn’t to enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet and swim-up bar but to commit romance fraud, then they were in no doubt of the identity of his next victim. And no sooner had they realized who it was, they knew they had to get on board. Because it was no longer just about Maggie getting justice or Flick finding her dad. It was also about saving Birdy.

‘So, this is your state room, it’s one of our superior ocean-view balcony rooms.’

After being led through the reception – a huge five-storey atrium, open to floor after floor of bars, restaurants, lounge areas and cafes, and boasting a jaw-dropping centrepiece of an elaborately carved golden goddess that must have been at least twenty-foot high, rising out of a real fountain – they were taken in one of the two elevators up a dizzying number of floors, led down a maze of corridors, and finally, with the soft click of a key card, shown into their cabin.

Only, it was like no cabin Maggie had ever seen.

‘Wow.’

She’d never been on a cruise ship before, but she’d been imagining a poky room, tiny bed – possibly bunkbeds – and a porthole, if they were lucky.

She snuck a look at Flick, who seemed to have been imagining a similar scenario.

‘There’s a balcony?’ she was saying now, in the sort of hushed voice you use in expensive shops full of expensive things you can’t afford.

‘Where you watch sunsets and sunrises, spot dolphins and feel an ocean breeze,’ beamed the press officer, as if reading from her own press release. ‘All while enjoying a glass of complimentary champagne.’

‘Complimentary?’ Maggie’s ears perked up. With their winnings almost depleted, she was back to being stony broke and very-soon-to-be homeless. The upcoming weekend was the deadline from the council, and she’d agreed to have the caravan towed. But to where, she still didn’t know.

‘Yes, as our guests on the Galaxy Goddess you’ve been allocated our luxury package, which includes premier beverages, speciality dining, premium desserts, reserved theatre seating, fitness classes and the most important of all when you’re out at sea, free WiFi.’

Flick, who was already out on the balcony, pulled out her phone.

‘Don’t forget to download our app.’

‘You have an app?’

‘Yes, it works in conjunction with our Galaxy key cards, which can also be worn as wristbands or pendants and act as your ID, wallet and room key. Use it to discover our entertainment schedule, book shore excursions, make restaurant reservations; you can even order a drink and move sunbeds and our waiters will know where you are as it has a unique location tracker.’