Chapter 1
Round Zero
Angelique signed the delivery guy’s paperwork and took the thick envelope back into the house with her. Tearing into the easy release tab across the top, she reached inside as she arrived at the kitchen table.
“What have you got?” Justin asked.
“It feels like a contract, but I don’t think so. Look at this.”
She handed her husband of less than a year a heavy parchment envelope.
“That looks like a wedding invitation. But no one we know would send it UPS delivery. There’s only El and Will left to tie the knot.”
Justin worked the flap loose and drew out a stiff silver embossed card.
Angelique leaned over his shoulder to read it with him.
Angelique DeCoeur-Arlington is cordially invited to attend a test of her abilities to survive.
She will board the cruise ship Akatapóntistos at the port of Miami for an all expenses paid cruise filled with challenges, mystery and self-discovery. The prize is self-satisfaction, growth, and bragging rights until next year’s event. The cruise will visit Caribbean ports of call.
The ship will leave on September 10th at 10 am.
You are not allowed to bring any of your family or friends along. Bring only yourself, your passport and your internal resolve to succeed.
Present this invitation to Captain Pius and his trusted travel guide Reinhart once you board.
“Interesting. I guess I won’t be able to finish caulking the logs like I expected. Do you want to do it while I’m gone?”
“The dream cabin is your project. We’ll wait until you get back. Funny there’s no return date,” Justin shook his head. “Do you really want to put time into this weird invitation?”
“I do. It might be the last time I can do something spur of the moment like this. We’ve got projects lined up right through the winter and well into next year. I won’t be able to catch my breath, let alone schedule any alone time for at least eighteen months once November hits.”
Justin tucked the invitation back into its envelope.
“Don’t lose this then. Your passport is valid for another eight years, so not a problem either.”
He handed it to her.
“I trust you’ll rise to the challenge. I wish I could go with you, but we’d team up right away, and that’s clearly not what this is for.”
He grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
Angelique sighed, wishing she could take him along.
“It’s not much notice. I’ll book the flight right away. Should be something direct from St. Louis to Miami.”
Justin shook the shipping packet and another envelope dropped out.
Angelique tore into it and scanned the contents.
“They meant it when they said all expenses paid. This is a plane ticket a flight on American on September 9th with transportation from the airport hotel to the dock.”
Justin patted the chair beside him and said, “Better get a good breakfast in, and check your wardrobe for hot weather cruise wear. The clothes you bought for our honeymoon should work.”
“I hope there’s a clothing shop on board in case I need something I didn’t plan for.”
“Most cruise ships have a mall of some sort these days. You’ll see when you get there,” Justin said as he poured her cup of coffee.
Angelique took her first bite of her cream cheese and lox bagel.
“Why me?”
“Because you are one of the strongest women I know. And you’ll look spectacular at the captain’s table.”
Angelique laughed. “More likely I’ll end up doing repairs after a rowdy party.”
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She packed light, even though her ticket allowed a fully loaded suitcase.
Her flight was uneventful, and she appreciated the business class seat with her long legs. The questions flitting through her brain were extensive. Who was the sponsor of this contest? Would Captain Pius have more answers? Probably not.
They found one more sheet alluding to a women’s survivors group which backed this strange competition, but there was no contact information, and surprisingly nothing when she searched the internet. She wondered if her famous mother was the reason for her invitation.
Clearing security, she walked out onto the dock and up the long loading ramp to what appeared to be at least the fifth deck of the ship. Across the from the entryway, she spotted Captain Pius. At least the picture was accurate. Slate grey hair and moustache along with a uniform in deep blue with three braided rings on his jacket cuffs, assured her the bright blue eyes she met, were indeed the correct ones. At six feet tall she had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes.
Reinhart was a different story. A dwarf, his mischievous whiskey amber eyes gleamed with wicked glee.
“I hope you are ready for the cruise. The Bermuda Triangle will be part of our route.”
Angelique shuddered.
Were the stories true or just an AI enhanced horror story?
“Will you introduce me to the other contestants?”
“We shall see. For now, do not mention this challenge.”
The dwarf’s voice was far deeper than she expected.
Word Count 853
