Page 21 | Chapter 1 | The Ghost Ship | A Free Serialized Novel by Scott Telek

None took note of John and Iris looking on.

“This one’s to meet her daddy for only the second time,” the woman with the little girl said as she jerked her dress into place, provoking grimaces of resentment on the red face of the sour girl.

“Least you girls have had something to remember them by,” the childless one said, arms folded tightly before her chest. “Not me.” She stomped her foot. “Now come, are we ready? Imagine not being there when they arrive!”

The women let out a collective squeal and rushed from the tavern, leaving door ajar. The married couple was left alone once more.

John turned to his wife with raised eyebrows. “The Helena!” he exclaimed. “Your sister’s name! How extraordinary!”

She laughed in response, clutching her hands to her breast. “What a story we will have to tell her!”

“And two years on a voyage, my word!” John went on, turning away from her. He raised his fingers to his mouth. “I had no idea these trips were so lengthy!”

“I have not heard that to be an unusual amount of time,” his wife responded. “In fact, perhaps average, I should think.”