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up . . .” Mullins pushed a red folder toward each of them and shifted her attention to the door. Two men entered—both tall and fairly athletic in build. “Ted, have you brought George up to speed?”
    Ted nodded. “We’re good to go.”
    â€œWonderful.” She turned to Gage. “These are the activities engineers I was telling you about. Ted Norris has been with us since the Bering first launched, and George Cooper is joining us for the first time, just like you.” Turning to Ted and George, she waved toward Gage. “This is Gage McKenna.”
    â€œNice to meet you both.” Gage shook each man’s hand in turn.
    Mullins glanced at the clock over the door and frowned. “Looks like Clint is late, as usual. Let’s get started. Ted, you can catch him up.”
    Ted settled into his seat with a nod.
    Mullins tugged the hem of her navy blue jacket and began. “As you all know, this is a new venture for the Bering . One that a lot of weight is resting on. It’s no secret that the Bering hasn’t been performing at peak levels. Our numbers are down, and headquarters believes these hands-on adventure experiences are the answer to drawing in a new, vibrant crowd and thereby boosting our numbers. To that end, they have hired Last Frontier Adventures to handle the kayak and adventure excursions. Alaskan Adventure, our normal provider, will still be outfitting and running the photography excursions, as well as providing support personnel.”
    The door opened and another man entered. He was talllike the other two, but much more muscular. Had to be the personal trainer.
    â€œClint . . .” Mullins rested her hand on her hip, the motion exposing the gold braided belt at her thick waist. “So nice of you to join us.”
    â€œI was catching Phillip up on how the excursions run.” He looked over his shoulder at the robust man trailing behind.
    â€œPhillip,” Mullins said as the squat man entered, “thank you for being so flexible. Trent has assured me he’ll have a replacement on board by the next cruise.”
    â€œIt’s no problem.” Phillip plopped into the first open seat. “Might actually be fun to spend some time outdoors.”
    Clint paused beside Darcy’s chair and smiled. “And, who do we have here?”
    â€œThis is Darcy St. James,” Mullins said. “She’s a reporter.”
    â€œJournalist,” Darcy corrected.
    Gage arched a brow.
    â€œClint Walker, at your service.” Clint slid into the open seat beside her. “A journalist with who?”
    â€œI freelance. Primarily with adventure magazines like Ski Times, Adventure World . . . ”
    â€œMs. James will be accompanying you all on the adventure excursions,” Mullins explained. “She’ll be giving a firsthand account of what future passengers can experience and enjoy. Headquarters thought it would be great for publicity.”
    â€œWonderful.” Clint smiled at Darcy in a way that made Gage uneasy. “Looking forward to getting to know you better.”
    Darcy smiled. “You too.”
    â€œWell, now that we’re all here . . . ” Mullins said, reaching for the stack of papers on the table in front of her, “let’s proceed.”
    â€œAll here?” Darcy tilted her head, a mixture of confusion and worry clouding her vivid blue eyes.
    Gage had forgotten how startlingly beautiful she was.
    â€œI briefly met the excursion chef when I came aboard yesterday. Abby . . . I believe,” Darcy said, her tone relaxed—a stark contrast to the brief flash of worry he’d seen in her eyes but a moment ago. “She isn’t here yet.”
    Mullins lifted the stack of papers. “Ms. Walsh has decided to leave Destiny’s employment. Phillip here”—she indicated the robust man with a lift of her chin—“will be