Divine Intervention, the Sequel – Part 2

 

 

 

  

Author: Ava E-mail: mmmThatAJ@yahoo.com Rating:  PG-13 Disclaimer: JAG and all its characters belong to Belisarius Productions, Paramount, CBS, Viacom, and probably endless others. Summary: A sequel to my earlier story, Divine Intervention.  AJ and Julia are off to Bermuda on vacation, but the past comes back to haunt them. And there’s a little Mac/Webb thrown in for good measure. Author's comments:  Characters' speaking parts are in double quotes ("text"); characters' thoughts are in single quotes ('text').

 

 

 

Sunday, 26 August 2001

1730 ADT

The Hamiltonian Island Club
Pembroke Parish, Bermuda

 

AJ and Julia made their way to the swimming pool.  Julia laid their towels down on the lounge chair and kicked her sandals off, then she took off her sunglasses and cover-up.  AJ kicked off his sandals and took off his t-shirt, laying it on the chair with Julia’s things.  There were only about a dozen people around the pool and only four actually swimming. 

 

“I’m impressed with the size of this pool,” commented AJ.  “I can do some serious laps in here.”  AJ walked down the steps and glided out into the water.  Julia followed him down the steps.

 

“I hope you don’t expect me to do laps with you!”

 

“Only in bed, Darlin’,” he drawled just before he took off swimming the length of the pool.

 

Julia blushed profusely.  It was obvious the other guests had heard his comment; the men were all looking at her and smiling now.  One of them even winked at her!  The women, on the other hand, were all watching AJ.  ‘He does look pretty magnificent in those trunks and no shirt,’ she thought.  ‘And look at him swim!  My word!  No wonder they’re watching him.  He looks like Adonis!’

 

AJ swam 20 laps while Julia swam not quite five and a half.  She gave up and stepped out of the pool, sitting on the edge so she could dangle her feet in the water.

 

“He’s quite a swimmer,” said a voluptuous blonde wearing the skimpiest bikini Julia had ever seen.  She plopped herself down on the edge next to Julia.  “I love to watch a strong man swim.  They just exude masculinity.  And him… Wow!”

 

Julia smiled as she replied.  “Yes, he is quite a swimmer.  And he ‘exudes masculinity’ in everything he does.  Ooooh!” Julia squealed as AJ came up right in front of her.

 

“Come on back in, Sweetheart.  Swim with me,” he requested.  AJ put his hands on Julia’s waist and lifted her back into the water.  They laughed and splashed each other as they played in the water. 

 

Suddenly AJ felt something behind him.  He had hold of Julia’s arms, so he knew it wasn’t her.  He started to move them away, but someone had hold of his thigh…and the hands were moving up quickly.  AJ released Julia and grabbed the hands that were on his thigh.  He pulled and out of the water popped the woman who had been sitting next to Julia.  Julia gasped when she saw her.

 

“Julia, dear, is this a friend of yours?” he asked Julia as he still held the woman’s hands tightly.

 

“Nope.  Looks more like she wants to be your friend, AJ,” Julia teased.  AJ released his grip on the woman and began to walk away. 

 

But the woman was quick.  She grabbed his arm, and said, “I’m Regina.  That’s Freddie, my husband, over there.”  She pointed to the man who had winked at Julia earlier.  “I have a great idea!  Why don’t we all go down into Hamilton to the Pickled Onion and get to know each other better?” she purred as she clung to AJ’s arm.

 

“I don’t think so,” AJ said as he disentangled Regina’s arms from his.

 

“Oh come on.  Be a sport.  We’ll have a great time!” Regina said as she swam next to him, again.

 

AJ and Julia stepped out of the pool and picked up their towels and other paraphernalia.  “We have other plans,” AJ said over his shoulder. 

 

Julia smiled brightly at him and added, “Yes, we do have other plans,” knowing full well that the only plans they had involved the bedroom.  AJ put his arm around Julia as they started to walk away.  She turned in to him and kissed him full on the lips.  “Definitely other plans,” she said seductively.

 

 

 

Monday, 27 August 2001

0920 ADT

The Hamiltonian Island Club
Pembroke Parish, Bermuda

 

Julia rolled over in the bed to snuggle closer to AJ.  She reached her hand out to him, but he wasn’t there.  His spot in the bed was cold.  ‘He’s been up for a while,’ she thought.  ‘Wonder what time it is?’

 

Julia climbed out of bed and walked into the living room.  She found AJ sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper.  “Where did you get a newspaper?” she asked.

 

“I walked down to the C-Mart a while ago.  You were still sleeping when I got back from running, so I walked down the hill to get a paper,” he explained.

 

“Running?  I thought you decided to do laps, again, today?” she questioned him.

 

“I did.  But when I got up there, your friend Regina was already there.  I decided to run instead.”

 

“She’s not my friend, AJ.  She wants to be your friend!” Julia laughed.

 

“So, what’s on our schedule for today, Darlin’?” he asked.  He didn’t want to talk about Regina; she was a nuisance as far as he was concerned.

 

“How about shopping in Hamilton?  Then we could go see the lighthouse and check out the sailing charters,” she offered.

 

“Sounds like a plan.”

 

“Oh look, AJ!” Julia cried as she looked out the sliding glass doors in the living room.  “There’s a cruise ship coming in.  It’s one of the Celebrity line.  Must be the Horizon.”

 

 

Monday, 27 August 2001

1115 ADT

Front Street

Hamilton, Bermuda

 

“It’s the Zenith,” Julia noticed as she looked up at the cruise ship docked in the harbor.  “I didn’t remember that the Zenith sailed to Bermuda anymore; I thought it was just the Horizon.  Well, goes to show you what I know!” she laughed.

 

“Zenith.  Why do I know that name…  Hmm, well, it’ll come to me,” AJ mused.  “Where to next?”

 

“The Irish Linen Shop.  I need to get a few things in there for a friend of mine at home.  He asked me to pick up some tea towels; his mother loves Irish linen,” she explained.

 

An hour later, Julia and AJ left the shop.  “Admiral?  Admiral Chegwidden?” a heavily accented voice asked.

 

AJ and Julia turned toward the voice.  It belonged to a young officer from the Zenith.  “Yes, I’m Admiral Chegwidden,” AJ answered him.

 

“Ah, good!  Very good.  The Captain of the Zenith saw you and your wife from the bridge earlier.  He sent me to ask you to come and join him for luncheon on the ship.  Are you available?” the young man explained.

 

“Your Captain saw me from the bridge?  How would he have known I was…  Nicolai Maheersvof!” AJ exclaimed.

 

“Yes, Sir.  Captain Maheersvof.  That is correct.”

 

AJ turned to Julia and said, “Nic and I go back a ways, Jules.  Would you mind if we went and said hello?”

 

“Mind?  Of course not, AJ.  I’d love to!”

 

The young officer escorted AJ and Julia aboard the ship and directly up to the bridge. 

 

“Captain!  Admiral and Mrs. Chegwidden are here, Sir,” the young man announced.

 

The Captain came over and took AJ in his arms and hugged him.  “AJ Chegwidden!  It has been too long since I see you.  You look good!  Very good!  And this is your wife?  My, but you are so beautiful!” the Captain said as he took Julia into his arms and hugged her as well.

 

“Nic, it’s good to see you, again.  I’m surprised you could tell it was me from way up here!” said AJ.

 

“Ah, but I had my binoculars.  I was actually watching the women!  And then I saw you next to the most beautiful of all.”

 

“Flatterer,” AJ groaned.  “But you’re right.  She is the most beautiful, isn’t she.”

 

“Where did you find her, AJ?”

 

“In my courtroom, actually,” AJ said.  “But I should tell you, Nic, she isn’t my wife.  I’m still not remarried.”  AJ turned to Julia and said, “Julia, I’d like you to meet Captain Nicolai Maheersvof from Amsterdam.  Nic, Julia Kensington from North Carolina.”

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Captain,” Julia offered her hand in greeting.

 

The Captain took her hand, but rather than shake it, he lifted it to his lips and kissed it.  “The pleasure is all mine, indeed,” he said graciously.  “Come, we will eat luncheon together, yes?”  The Captain took Julia by the arm and escorted them off the bridge down to the dining room.

 

 

 

Monday, 27 August 2001

1230 ADT

Caravelle Restaurant, MV Zenith

Hamilton, Bermuda

 

“So, how did you two meet?” Julia asked as they waited for their lunch to be served.

 

“AJ saved my career…he saved my life!” Nic started.

 

“Now, Nic, don’t get all sappy,” AJ retorted.  He turned to Julia.  “We met when I was second in command on a cruiser.  We were docked in Naples.  Nic was a Lieutenant with one of the cruise lines then.  I walked into a bar and saw Nic at a table toward the back.  I walked over and introduced myself.  That’s how we met. Simple as that.”

 

“Simple?  Ha!” Nic grunted at AJ.  To Julia, he said, “I was drunk. Totally drunk.  So drunk that I did not hear my ship’s whistle blow.  So drunk that I did not know I was supposed to be back aboard.  And my ship left without me!”

 

“Oooo, that’s bad,” commented Julia.

 

“Bad, yes.  Very bad.  When it was finally closing time for the bar, AJ asked me to which ship I belonged so he could get me back.  I finally told him, and he knew that my ship had sailed hours before.  I was in very much trouble.”

 

“I’ll say,” commented AJ.

 

“So, you know what he does?  He takes me on board his own ship!  He puts me in the mess hall and tells the cook to pour black coffee down my throat until it comes out my ears.  And then he tells his Captain he will take first watch, so the Captain goes to bed.”

 

“Don’t tell me.  AJ!  You didn’t!” Julia already knew what was coming.

 

“’Fraid so, Jules,” AJ smirked. 

 

“Yes!  He ordered his ship to overtake mine and call to them letting them know they had me aboard.  Then he escorted me to my ship and explained to my Captain how I had rescued a drowning child in port…which was why I had missed my ship.”  Nic and AJ were laughing by the end of the story.

 

“Funny.  You know my Captain never said a word to me about our diversion in route, either.  I almost thought he didn’t know about it,” AJ remembered.

 

“And my Captain held a celebration the next evening in my honor!” Nic added.

 

Julia was still laughing as she asked, “And you’ve stayed in touch all these years?”

 

“In touch?  Not really.  I’d say we’ve kept track of each other,” AJ said.

 

“Yes, kept track is good.  I know when AJ is promoted and where stationed.  It is good to know these things,” agreed Nic.

 

“And I hear about it when Nic gets promoted and what ship he’s on.  We send congratulations back and forth, but we’ve only seen each other a couple of times in all these years.”

 

“Yes, once when you were in Hawai’i, and my ship docked in Oahu.  And just a couple of years ago in Australia.”

 

Julia asked, “Was that the trip you made because of the infamous fight between Harm and this Brumby fellow that no one wants to tell me about?  The time when Bud got his jaw broken?”

 

AJ laughed.  “Yes, that would be the trip.”

 

Nic changed the subject.  “So, AJ, why do you not marry this wonderful woman?  She is a delight!”

 

Julia was quick to change the subject, again.  “How long have you been the Captain of the Zenith, Nic?”

 

AJ smiled; he had to agree with Nic.  ‘Yes, she is a delight.’

 

“I have been Captain here for three years.  Before that, I was on the Horizon…it is the sister ship for this one.  Next year, I will go to the Mercury.  That is a much larger vessel.”

 

“I’ve sailed on both the Horizon and the Mercury before.  They’re both wonderful ships.”

 

“Ah!  You are a cruiser!  And you frequent Celebrity!  That is wonderful!” Nic remarked.  “Where have you gone?”

 

“My first cruise was when Celebrity was still Chandris Fantasy Cruise Line…and the Horizon was still the Galileo.  We came here to Bermuda.”

 

“That was a long time ago.  It was the Meridian next and then rebuilt to be the Horizon.”

 

“Yes, it is a completely different ship than when it was the Galileo.  I took the Horizon back to Bermuda three years ago.  You were probably the Captain when I was there.”

 

“And when were you on the Mercury?” Nic asked.

 

“That was two years ago; we took a 3-week cruise from San Francisco through the Panama Canal and ended in Fort Lauderdale.  Now that was an amazing cruise!  Three weeks of pure luxury…spoiling…someone catering to my every whim…Mmm…”

 

“You are born to the sea,” Nic commented.  AJ was fascinated; he knew Julia loved cruises, but he had no idea how often she’d been.

 

“Have you been on other cruise lines?” Nic asked.

 

“Yes, I took Princess through the Inside Passage in Alaska.  Norwegian to Catalina Island and Mexico.  And a two-week Royal Caribbean trip to Hawai’i.  But my favorite line is Celebrity,” she added.

 

“Good.  Very good,” Nic agreed.

 

“Jules, I had no idea you’d cruised so many times,” AJ said.  “We will definitely have to do that sailing I mentioned before…down the Outer Banks.  You’ll love it!”

 

“Oh, I will, AJ.  I know I will,” Julia agreed.

 

“You will have to come on my ship together some time.  Perhaps for your honeymoon?” Nic hinted.

 

AJ and Julia laughed.  “You’re not very subtle, Nic!”

 

“No, I suppose not.” He joined in the laughter.  “Would you like to see below deck?  The workings of a cruise ship are most different from a naval vessel.”

 

“I would be honored to tour your ship, Nic.  But I don’t think Julia would particularly care to see the engine room and such.  Or am I wrong, Jules?”

 

“No, you’re not wrong.  Once was enough for me.  I saw them on the Galileo, when they still offered tours of the ‘inner workings’ to passengers.  But you go ahead; I’ll just sit and soak up some sun on the Sun Deck.”

 

“I have a better idea!” Nic said.  “Come, you will have a most enjoyable relax.”

 

Julia leaned over to AJ and whispered, “A what?”

 

“I think he meant a relaxing time,” AJ explained.

 

“Oh.”

 

They left the dining room and headed for the elevators.  A short time later they were walking into the AquaSpa on the Sun Deck.  When the receptionist saw the Captain, she smiled and stood to greet him.

 

“Captain Maheersvof.  It is a pleasure to see you, Sir.  What brings you to the Spa?”

 

Nic turned to his friends.  “I don’t come in here very often, you see.”  He turned back to the young woman at the desk and introduced his guests.  “Marianna, this is Admiral AJ Chegwidden from the United States Navy.  And this is his lovely Julia.”

 

“It is a pleasure to meet you Admiral.  Ma’am.”

 

“Marianna, would you have someone who could give Julia a massage while I take the Admiral on a tour of the ship?” the Captain requested.

 

“Of course, Captain.  I will take good care of the Admiral’s lady.”

 

“Julia, is this satisfactory?” Nic asked her.

 

“Oh, absolutely, Nic!  I always frequent the AquaSpa when I’m cruising.  This will be such a treat!  Thank you,” Julia replied.  “You two go on and have fun getting greasy downstairs.  I’ll be getting greasy up here…a much better kind of greasy!” she laughed.

 

 

Monday, 27 August 2001

2045 ADT

The Hamiltonian Island Club
Pembroke Parish, Bermuda

 

“You hungry, Jules?” AJ asked as she came out of the bathroom in her bathrobe, her wet hair dripping down her back. 

 

“Goodness, no!  That lunch was enormous, and I didn’t do a thing to wear it off,” Julia answered.

 

AJ’s mouth turned up into an evil smile as he said, “You didn’t?  Well, come here and I’ll take care of that right now.”

 

“Take care of what?” she asked innocently, not looking at him.  She had her comb poised to pull through her hair.  AJ slipped his arms around her waist from behind and pulled her against him.

 

“I’m sure I can help you wear off that lunch in no time, Darlin’,” he said as he pressed himself into her backside.

 

“Mmm, I’ll bet you can at that,” she said, turning in his arms and putting her arms around his neck.  She nuzzled her face into his neck and nibbled on his Adam’s apple, causing AJ to moan.

 

AJ swept her up into his arms and laid her gently on the bed.

 

“AJ,” she started. 

 

“Hmm?” he murmured when she didn’t continue right away.

 

“I want to ask you something.  But I’m afraid you’ll laugh.”

 

“I promise not to laugh.  What is it, Jules?” he asked as he stepped out of his trousers and removed his shirt.

 

“Am I any good at this?”

 

“Are you any good at…what, Darlin’?”

 

“Making love.  Am I any good at it?  Do I make you happy…satisfy you?”

 

AJ almost laughed but caught himself as he remembered how nervous Julia had been asking this.  He lay down next to her and pulled her in his arms.  “Sweetheart, you are wonderful at it.  Yes, you make me very happy.  And you definitely satisfy me…every time.”  He leaned over and kissed her soundly.

 

“You’re not just saying that?  I mean, I want you to be happy…I want to make you happy.”  AJ was nodding at her while she spoke.  “If I’m not, I want you to tell me.  I want you to teach me what to do to please you.”

 

“Teach you!  My God, Julia, you don’t need lessons!  You are an incredible lover!  What makes you think you’re not?  Why would you think you don’t satisfy me?”  AJ was truly dumbfounded.  Julia Kensington was probably the best at satisfying his desires he’d ever known.  And she didn’t think she was any good?  He couldn’t believe it.

 

Julia rolled over and faced the wall.  AJ could see her shoulders shaking and knew she was crying. 

 

“Jules, honey, please.  What is it?  What’s wrong?  Talk to me,” AJ pleaded.  He put his hand on her shoulder and nuzzled the back of her neck.  “Please, Darlin’, tell me what’s bothering you.”

 

AJ remembered what Harriett had shared with him about Julia.  Evidently after Julia's husband died, she didn’t date much.  ‘Could that be what this is about?  Might she be second-guessing herself?  Would she decide that our relationship moved too fast?’  AJ was worried now.  What if she decided to end it?  He didn’t think he could take that.  ‘I love her.  I really do.  I can’t lose her.’

 

Julia began speaking.  “I never dated much.  Not even before I married Joe.  I dated one guy in high school, but even that was not what you’d really call dating.  I mean we went to youth group together at Church.  That was about it.  Then I went to college and met Joe, second semester.  We fell in love practically overnight and were engaged inside of a month.  Daddy said we had to wait a year to get married; he insisted I had to be 18.  But I wanted to be a June bride, so we had to wait nine more months past my birthday.”

 

AJ lay very still next to Julia.  He didn’t want to spook her; she seemed almost in a trance telling him her story.  She hadn’t really ever opened up to him before now, and he wasn’t about to interrupt or stop her.

 

“We got married in June of ’76, right before the nation’s Bicentennial.  Joe treated me like a queen.  Anything I wanted, he tried to do for me.  I was very young, naïve, inexperienced in everything to do with sex.  Joe was pretty inexperienced, too.  We were both virgins when we married.  In fact, we were still virgins three days later.  Not that we didn’t try.  But it hurt…and I was scared.  We finally succeeded the third night.  But then we didn’t do it again for almost a week.”

 

“We moved out West so Joe could go to school.  As time passed, we got a little better in bed, but I was still very insecure and frightened.  I never wanted to have sex; I only allowed it because I knew Joe wanted it.  And even then, it was only a couple or three times a month.”

 

AJ was amazed.  This woman was the best lover he’d ever had, and he’d had plenty.  Her story seemed unbelievable.

 

“Joe died in a car accident after we’d only been married for 18 months.  God!  I felt like my whole world caved in.  It felt like someone reached inside of me and grabbed hold of my heart, ripped it in two, and yanked it out of my body.”  Julia stammered as she was crying in earnest now. 

 

AJ reached out and cradled her back against his chest.  He stroked her wet hair and murmured softly to her.  “It’s okay, Jules.  I remember this part.  You shared this with us all the first day you came to the office.  You told us how you felt God’s arms around you.  This is when you meant, isn’t it, Sweetheart.  It’s okay, Baby, I’m holding you now.”

 

“Yes, that’s right,” Julia whispered back.  Then she continued, “After that, I moved back to live with my parents for a while.  I started dating a guy from work about a year later.  Charlie was the guy all the single girls in the office wanted to date.  He was gorgeous, had a body that wouldn’t quit, and he had a reputation as a lady-killer.  But when he asked me out, I didn’t care.  I just wanted company, so I went.”

 

“When he asked me to marry him is when I finally realized that I didn’t love Charlie, I was just using him as a replacement for Joe.  I always closed my eyes when we did anything... even just kiss.  That way I saw Joe... not Charlie.  I turned him down and we stopped seeing each other.  I’ve only dated a couple of others since then…and I never got close to them.  I never let them take me to bed.  I didn’t want them to touch me.  I didn’t want them to…to…” Julia stammered as she began to cry, again.

 

“Sweetheart, it’s okay.  It’s okay…” AJ soothed.

 

Julia turned in his arms and faced him for the first time since she started her story.  “I didn’t want anyone, AJ.  Until you.  I hadn’t been with a man for over 20 years.  But the first day I met you, I knew I wanted you to make love to me.  It frightened me, my attraction to you.  It happened so fast…just like with Joe.”

 

“Does it still frighten you?  Do I frighten you, Jules?”  He dreaded hearing her answer.  ‘What if she is afraid of me?  What then?’

 

“No, AJ.  No, you don’t frighten me.  You never frightened me.  My feelings about you are what I was afraid of…not you.  Never you,” she assured him.  “But do you see why I was worried that I didn’t satisfy you…that I didn’t please you sexually?  I haven’t had a lot of experience…”

 

“You are amazing, Julia.  I mean that; I’m not just saying it to make you feel better.”  AJ pulled her in for a searing kiss.  “Truly and utterly incredible.”

 

“I love you,” she whispered.  “I know that’s probably the last thing you want to hear, but it’s true.  I love you so much…”

 

“Jules, of course I want to hear it!  I love you, too.  I knew it almost as soon as we met.  When I let you lick the frosting off my finger…God!  Do you have any idea how turned on I was when you did that?  I was in some serious pain for a while after that, you know.  Then when we woke up that first morning together and I hadn’t taken you to bed; we’d just sat there on the sofa and talked and held each other.  I knew there was something.  And after we kissed that morning, I knew I was hooked.  I love you, Julia.  So very, very much.”

 

“Make love to me, AJ.  Make love to me now,” Julia requested urgently.

 

“Your wish is my command, my love,” AJ replied as he reached down to untie her bathrobe.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 28 August 2001

0905 ADT

The Hamiltonian Island Club
Pembroke Parish, Bermuda

 

“What the hell is that noise?” AJ asked as he walked into the bedroom.

 

“It’s the telephone, AJ.  Don’t you remember what a real telephone bell sounds like?” she teased.

 

“Damn, it better not be my office.  Chegwidden!” he barked into the phone.

 

“Good morning, Admiral.  I trust you’re enjoying your vacation, Sir?” Harm’s voice sounded over the wire.

 

“I was, Commander, until the phone rang.”

 

“Sorry to disturb you, Sir.  I just thought I should call and let you know that Seaman Johansen was released on a technicality yesterday afternoon, Sir.”

 

“What!?” AJ yelled.  “What the hell do you mean he was released?!  Damn it, Rabb, you’d better have a tail on him…”

 

“We did, Sir.  Until about two hours ago.  He’s dead.”

 

“What did you say?”

 

“He’s dead, Sir.  Evidently there were more people involved in the militia group than we thought.  And they decided Johansen was too much of a risk,” Harm answered.

 

“Harm, that means they will come after Jul…”

 

“Yes, Sir.  I believe it does mean just that.  I already called Webb; he’s working on a plan.  In the meantime, Sir, I think it would be wise to send some Marine guards over there to you.”

 

“Damn, I knew it.  I knew there was more to this,” AJ swore. “But I don’t think sending Marines here is necessary.  Surely the militia group doesn’t know…”

 

“Actually, Sir, there was a story on the news last night about your saving the life of a little boy after he was hit by a car at the Royal Naval Dockyard.  Everyone knows you’re in Bermuda now, Sir.  It's been on ZNN all over the world.”

 

“Damn!  Okay.  Yes, send the Marines over.  Better call the Bermudan government first, though, and let them know what’s going on.”

 

“Very good, Sir.  I’m sorry about this, Admiral,” Harm added.

 

Julia called from the living room, not remembering he was still on the phone, “AJ!  Come on or we’re going to miss the bus!”

 

“Not your fault, Commander.  Thanks for the call,” AJ said as he hung up.  “Coming!” he called back to Julia.

 

They headed for the bus stop, loaded down with their snorkeling gear and beach towels.  “Remind me, again, why we’re not just taking a taxi?” AJ asked.

 

“Because the bus is more fun!” Julia laughed.

 

They changed buses in Hamilton and headed for Church Bay, the best snorkeling beach in Bermuda.  The bus filled up quickly and soon all the seats were taken.  At the next stop, a woman boarded with a small baby in her arms.  AJ quickly stood and offered her his seat next to Julia.  She smiled her thanks, and Julia heard several people comment on the “handsome American who was such a gentleman”.  She had to agree.  ‘AJ is the epitome of a gentleman...even in bed!’ she smiled.

 

 

 

Tuesday, 28 August 2001

1030 ADT

Church Bay, Bermuda

“It’s easier if you wait to put those on in the water, Jules,” AJ informed her as she was struggling with her flippers.

 

“Now you tell me,” she complained as she took them back off her feet and followed AJ out into the water.

 

When they got out far enough, AJ said, “Okay, first put on your mask.  Then sit down on the ocean floor and put your flippers on.”  He watched her as she tried to sit still enough to put the flippers on her feet.  Every time she would almost have one on, a wave would crash down on her, sending her floating away.  She even managed to hit a few rocks and scrape her knee and the back of her leg. 

 

“Here, Honey, let me help you,” AJ offered as he held her up so she could put her flippers on. 

 

“Finally!” she said as she got the flippers settled on her feet.  “This is a lot easier from a boat!”

 

AJ laughed.  “Yes, it is.  But this is fun, too.  You just have to get used to it.  And the water is rather choppy today.”

 

AJ and Julia swam out together and looked at numerous formations under water.  They saw a lot of fish, but they were all very close to shore.  She spit her snorkel out of her mouth.  “There was a lot more to see in Hawai’i,” Julia said.

 

“You went out from a boat there, didn’t you?” he asked, spitting his out, too.

 

“Yes.  Does that make a difference in what you see, too?”

 

“Sure does.  If you want, we can charter a boat tomorrow or Thursday and…”

 

“They have snorkeling boats that go out every day, AJ.  We don’t need to charter one.  Gracious!  That would cost a fortune!”

 

AJ laughed.  “Okay, if you’d rather go on a daily excursion, we can do that instead.”  He swam up alongside her.

 

“But not tomorrow.  Tomorrow is when we go to St. George’s.  And then Harbour Nights is tomorrow evening in Hamilton,” she added.

 

“That’s fine.  Whatever you want, Honey,” AJ said as he took her in his arms and kissed her.

 

After an hour of snorkeling, they headed in to shore.  AJ took Julia’s flippers off for her before they got too close to the beach.  He put his arm around her waist as he swam the rest of the way in with one arm, pulling her alongside him.

 

“I feel like Lois Lane when Superman took her flying!” she laughed.

 

“Left my cape at home; sorry ‘bout that,” AJ joked.

 

They walked up to their towels and spread them out on the sand.  Julia slathered suntan lotion all over her arms and legs, chest, shoulders, and face.  Then she handed it to AJ and asked him to do her back.  She lay down on the towel, lowered the straps of her modest 1-piece suit, and slipped her arms out of them.   AJ gently spread the lotion all over her back, letting his hands skim the sides of her breasts.

 

“Mmm, that feels good,” she moaned.

 

“Wish this was Australia,” he groaned.

 

“Australia…why?”

 

“Topless beaches.”  AJ decided not to mention that most of them were actually nude beaches.

 

Julia flushed.  “You don’t get enough of them back in the room, AJ?”

 

“Enough?  No, Darlin’, I never get enough of you,” he growled as he lowered his mouth to hers.  ‘How am I going to tell her that the militia are after her, again?’

 

 

 

Tuesday, 28 August 2001

1530 ADT

The Pickled Onion
Hamilton, Bermuda

 

The waitress took their orders, and AJ excused himself to find the men’s room.  What he really needed was a pay phone.  He found one in the back of the restaurant and dialed the Bermudan operator.  “I need to reach a cruise ship docked in Hamilton.  The ship is the Zenith from Celebrity Cruise Lines.  I need to speak with the ship’s Captain.  This is Admiral AJ Chegwidden, United States Navy.”

 

“Very good, Admiral.  I’ll connect you.  One moment, please,” the operator said.  “Admiral?  I have the Zenith on the line for you now.  Connecting…”

 

“This is the Zenith.  How may I help you, Admiral?” the Communications Officer asked.

 

“I need to speak with Captain Maheersvof.”

 

“Of course, Admiral.  I will connect you.”

 

“Nic!” AJ said when the Captain finally came on the line.  “It’s AJ.  Listen, I need your help.  We have a situation here, and Julia and I need to catch a ride back to the States with you.  Quietly,” he explained urgently.

 

“Of course, AJ.  The ship isn’t at full capacity this voyage; I can even put you in a suite, I’m sure.  We sail at midnight tomorrow from St. George.” Nic replied.

 

“We’ll be there tomorrow night, Nic.  It will probably be right before midnight when we arrive.  You just make sure your Security people let us on the ship.  And arrange to get our luggage on without being seen.  Can you do it?”

 

“Of course.  Hell, AJ, what trouble are you in?” It was obvious to the Captain that AJ’s request to sail on the Zenith wasn’t borne of romance or pleasure.  This was a crisis situation; of that, he was certain.

 

“I’ll tell you about it when we’re aboard, Nic.  Remember, quietly.  Tell as few people as necessary that we’re boarding, and be sure they don’t tell anyone else.  Thanks for your help.”  AJ hung up the phone and joined Julia at the table.

 

“I just love steel drums!” Julia gushed as they sat waiting for their lunch to arrive. 

 

“I like it better when it’s just the steel drums, without the background tapes,” AJ offered.

 

“I know what you mean.  And I prefer the island songs, too.  Why play modern songs on a steel drum when the old island songs are so beautiful?  AJ, do you think Nic will be at the Harbour Nights Festival tomorrow night?”

 

“I doubt it.  He mentioned that the Zenith and Horizon would be trading places tonight.  He’ll be over in St. George’s by then.  We may just see him there.  But I doubt he makes the trip over here tomorrow night.”

 

“I really enjoyed meeting him yesterday.  He was so pleasant…and funny!”

 

“Yes, he’s quite a card.  I always enjoy his company.  It’s a shame we don’t see more of each other.”

 

“Maybe one day you’ll take a cruise on his ship,” she suggested.

 

“I guess that’s always a possibility.  Especially now,” he added as he took her hand in his and kissed her palm.

 

‘Could he mean because of me?’ Julia wondered.  ‘Oh, God, I hope so!’