Page 31 of Wet

Trying to take his mind off Brittany and the accusations she had leveled at him, Duncan was unsuccessfully trying to focus on the cover for his new book when the phone rang.

Startled, he stared at it.

Hoping she was calling him, simultaneously hoping she wasn't, he picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Duncan?"

"Yes."

"Hi, Duncan, this is Simon. We met briefly at The Seven Seas bar."

"Hello, Simon. How can I help you?"

"I hope you don't mind me calling, but I'm a bit worried about your friend, Brittany."

Duncan hesitated.

"Did she put you up to this?"

"What? No, not at all. There's a guy on the ship called Cooper Cross. You might have seen him around. He's blonde, good-looking, kind of smooth. He takes these cruises all the time for uh, various reasons. Anyway, he keeps filling her wine glass and she's really out of it. I wouldn't have bothered you but I can't tackle Cooper. Perhaps I shouldn't have called. This is none of my business, but like I said, I'm worried. He's bad news."

"Simon, you did the right thing and I'm grateful," Duncan said solemnly, a chill creeping through him. "I'm on my way."

"Thanks, Duncan. I'm really glad you're coming. Like I said, he's bad news."

Duncan's logic kicked into gear. Mr. Smooth wouldn't give her up easily, and Duncan didn't want to cause a scene. He needed help, and decided to call the steward.

"Joe, this is Duncan Rhys-Davies. I apologize for the late hour."

"Good evening, sir. How may I be of assistance?"

"I need some assistance. Brittany Carter is at The Seven Seas in the company of a man by the name of Cooper Cross. Are you familiar with him?"

"He's not a first class passenger, but yes, I am familiar with Mr. Cooper," Joe replied diplomatically. "Is there a problem?"

"There might be. He was escorted from The Mermaid last night because he was leering at Miss Carter and making her uncomfortable. I've since come to learn he may not be the most reliable of men, and I fear Miss Carter may be in over her head. I'm heading up to The Seven Seas now, and I'd appreciate you calling the manager to alert him, and ask him to keep an eye on the situation until I get there."

"I have heard rumors about Mr. Cross, and you may be right," Joe said carefully. "We're not supposed to intervene in personal matters with passengers, but in this instance I believe it's appropriate. I'll call the manager right away. His name is Peter Abrams."

"Thank you. Please tell him I will be taking her out of there in a rather unceremonious way."

"Unceremonious?"

"Brittany can be a handful, and what I have in mind will get her out of there quickly, and with the least amount of difficulty."

"I'll call Peter, and I'll swing by myself in case you need me."

"Thank you, Joe, I appreciate that."

Though Duncan hurried from his cabin and raced up the stairs, when he walked into the bar he appeared calm and casual, but spying the cavorting couple he had to summon all his self-control. Cooper's hands were locked on Brittany's backside and he was grinding against her. Duncan's first instinct was to march across the room, punch Cooper in the nose, then grab Brittany and drag her away.

"They're quite a sight."

Turning around, he found Simon standing behind him.

"I'm really glad you're here," Simon continued. "Thanks for coming."

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