Running Dark

34

SUMNER STOOD ON THE PORT DECK NEXT TO THE SWIMMING pool and gazed at the cage armor. It sat in a circle of light cast by the overhead lamps. Herr Schullmann supervised a mechanic wielding a torch. Red and yellow flames sparked as he welded one piece to another. It was a grid of metal rods erected on a movable dolly. The bars ran horizontally, spaced six inches apart and held together by vertical support beams. The entire grid measured four feet high by five feet across. It was mounted at the end of the rectangular flatbed, which allowed a man enough space to crouch behind it on the platform. Schullmann moved to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sumner while he watched the mechanic work.

“It is almost finished. What do you think?”

Sumner walked around the dolly. The beams did not appear to be bolted to it. He looked underneath. Schullmann had welded several beams at a ninety-degree angle to the upright supports. These were six inches apart. They managed to slide over and under the dolly’s platform, stabilizing the entire grid without the need to nail it down. But what caught Sumner’s attention was the piece of steel attached to the back of the grid. It looked like a door, complete with a glass porthole. He walked over and tapped on it.

“Where did you get the steel plating?”

Herr Schullmann jerked his head at the mechanic. “It’s the metal door to one of the engine rooms. We took it off its hinges.”

“So maybe it will protect against a blast after all. I’m impressed. This is excellent, Herr Schullmann,” Sumner said.

Schullmann shrugged without smiling, but Sumner thought the man was pleased with the praise.

“It is movable as well as removable. If it needs repair, we can simply slide it off.”

Sumner nodded. “I noticed the way you attached it. Almost like a paper-clip bottom, with supports on each side of the flatbed.”

“But you know, even with the solid door, it will not necessarily protect the person hiding behind it, right?”

“I know.”

Block walked up to them. He eyed the armor. “Helluva contraption you got there.” He moved around it, checking it out from all angles. He reached over to pull on the bars. The system didn’t shake. “Solid. You sure do know your armor, don’t you?” Block extended a hand to Schullmann. “I’m Harry Block. I sell cars in Houston. You must be Marina’s father.”

Marina, who was standing next to Sumner, translated for her father.

Schullmann brightened. “What example of cars do you sell?” His English was passable, Sumner decided.

“You name it, we sell it.”

“SUVs?”

“Hell, yeah.”

Sumner could see a long conversation ensuing, and he had no time to spare for it.

“Any action out there?” he said.

Block broke off his patter with Schullmann. “No. But Clutch is back. He’s drunk. I wanted to punch the guy, but he’s so damn impaired, wouldn’t be sporting.”

Sumner was finding Clutch’s behavior to be more and more strange. He made a mental note to ask Wainwright how the man managed to become chief of security. He checked his watch.

“It’s late. You want to be spelled?”

Block nodded. “Cindy came by about an hour ago. I promised her to get some sleep.”

“Give Janklow your weapon. I’ve got to get some sleep myself.”

“I thought you went to do that already.”

“Didn’t work out.”

“So go. But this time, sleep, will ya?”

“First we’ve got to set up the armor.” He turned to the mechanic. “Can you get it to the first deck level? The area nearest the ladder.”

Block snorted. “You think these guys will be able to board?”

“I don’t think they’ll board, I know they’ll board. The only question is from which side?”

The entire group fell silent. Sumner glanced at Marina. Her face had lost all its color. He wished he could assure her that she was safe, but he couldn’t. Odds were they were soon to be attacked. The only questions were who would live, who would die, and who would be kidnapped.

He put an arm around Marina. “Why don’t you get some sleep? You may need it later.”

She shook her head. “I won’t be able to. I’m too afraid someone will climb in the porthole.”

“Come with me.”

Sumner took her by the hand. He nodded at Block and Schullmann before walking her to the decks. Block pursed his lips but refrained from commenting. Schullmann hardly noticed that his daughter was leaving.

Sumner escorted Marina to the kitchens behind the main restaurant. It was deserted. Pots hung from hooks overlooking a long steel prep table. The walls on each side were lined with sinks, counters, and bins labeled as containing food, spices, and various utensils. Sumner walked over to a wooden block with black knife handles sticking out of various slots. He pulled one out. The steel made a sleek slipping sound as he removed it. He handed it to Marina.

“Take this and keep it with you. They won’t need it tonight. You can return it in the morning.”

Marina gazed at the knife with a disappointed air.

“What’s the matter?”

She shrugged. “I would prefer it if you stayed with me.” She gave him a direct look that left no doubt as to what she was saying.

Sumner was surprised at the offer. He couldn’t remember the last time such a thing had happened to him, and for sure he couldn’t recall saying no. He could only hope circumstances would turn around soon and he could say yes. With Marina he was sorely tempted. He’d come to like her in the short time he’d known her. He admired the way she kept her dignity around her difficult father, and how she’d fired the flare gun. If he weren’t so sure the pirates would return soon, he would have liked nothing better than to keep her company. But the pirates’ inevitable attack occupied his mind and dominated his thoughts. He needed to focus on survival, and sleep was essential to his ability to function. Once he was horizontal, it was imperative that he rest. He paused a moment while he tried to marshal his tired thoughts. He wanted to explain why he wouldn’t stay in a way that spared her feelings.

“I can’t stay with you tonight; I’m needed on the deck. But don’t think for a minute that I don’t wish I could.”

She smiled. “I understand.” She showed him the knife. “I will take this. Thank you.”

“Let me escort you to your cabin.”

They left the darkened kitchen, moving down the dimly lit hallways.

“Why are the halls so dark?” Marina asked.

“They’re trying to conserve energy. The ship is on generator power only.”

They turned a corner. Marina’s mother stood in front of her door, a frightened look on her face.

“You are safe! I was worried about you.” The woman eyed Sumner. Marina introduced them, speaking in German. Frau Schullmann’s eyebrows rose.

“Herr Sumner, you speak German?” she said.

“I do.” Sumner kept his voice neutral. Marina’s mother was wound tight. Her lips were pinched together, creating hollows under her cheekbones. She clutched at Marina’s arm, and her eyes widened as she took in the wicked butcher knife. Sumner sought to put the woman at ease. “It’s from the kitchen. I suggested Marina sleep with it nearby. Just in case.”

Frau Schullmann visibly relaxed. “It’s good. Marina, would you like me to stay with you as well?”

“That’s not necessary. You’re just next door.”

“I’ll wish you both good night, then,” Sumner said.

He headed to his own stateroom and threw the metal bar that locked the door. He set his watch alarm to wake him in thirty minutes, hit the lights, and crawled into the bed fully clothed.