Read Online The Antarcticans by James Suriano - Free Book Online Page B

examining the small luxuries of the room. They had checked Joshua into the ship’s medical facility and made sure he was comfortable. He disliked the idea of having his whole family in such close proximity to Lucifer. It appeared that Lucifer was willing to help Joshua get better, but at what cost?
    “You were right—this ship is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Noila held a decorative vase in her hands, which had been placed on the coffee table in their room. “This must be at least seven centuries old. How is this possible?” Her long hands and manicured, espresso-colored nails showed the antique off.
    “Yes, it’s as impressive as I think we’ll ever see. Don’t let all this go to your head, though. We have to remember who we’re dealing with here.”
    “Gavin, if you’re so wigged out about this whole situation, why did you come here in the first place? Either stay true to your beliefs or don’t, but I’m going to take care of Joshua, and I don’t want to be second-guessed. Can we just enjoy something for once and not have to weigh the metaphysical value of it?”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just trying to do what’s right for Joshua. You want to help him too. I’m sorry, but this whole situation has the inside of my head mixed up.”
    He was running his hands through his hair and staring down at the bed. He picked up the larger of two sets of pajamas that had been laid neatly on their bed. He started to take off his clothes then folded the nightclothes over this arm and headed into the bathroom. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Let’s just get Joshua his treatment then get off this boat.”
    “In the meantime, let’s stay close to each other,” Noila said. “I can only handle one person going off the deep end in our family at a time.”
    Gavin smiled and walked over to hug her tightly.

Voices
     
    A small reception had been arranged in a private dining room for Ruftan, Nazia, and the Pennings. The long rectangular table was set for six. Gavin noticed some of the decorations from the event two nights ago had been repurposed for the smaller room. When Gavin and Noila were shown into the dining room, Ruftan and Nazia were already there, speaking with a young woman who was dressed in a long sequined gown with a white mink boa draped over her neck and extending to the floor. She turned from Ruftan and Nazia.
    “Hello, you must be Mr. and Mrs. Pennings. I’m Arkita, Lucifer’s personal vocalist.”
    Noila extended her hand. “Nice to meet you. Are you singing tonight?”
    “Yes, I’ll be doing a few numbers for you.” She curtsied. “Lucifer should be here any moment. He’s notorious for getting tied up in other events. He’s just so busy doing so much good, it seems he never has enough time for everyone. We try to support him however we can.”
    “And how do you support him?” Ruftan asked.
    “Entertain the guests, create music and entertainment. Lucifer always says that the boredom of modern life is overcome by fooling the mind into believing it’s still engaged in the survival it was designed for.” She gave a polite bow then disappeared through a service door at the back of the room.
    “Let me introduce you to my beautiful wife, Nazia,” Ruftan said. “You might notice she is very quiet.”
    Nazia stepped forward. She was about the same age as Ruftan, very petite, and wearing a yellow sari that was adorned with complex patterns and small circular mirrors, the size of a dime, sewn into the fabric. Her hair was white and contrasted beautifully with her darker skin, giving her a striking powerful appearance.
    “I just don’t think you learn anything by talking,” she said, smiling.
    “That is her truth, for sure, and she notices while I am pontificating. We make a great team.” He turned to Gavin. “I never told you the rest of the story from the other night,” Ruftan said as they all sat down. “Lucifer performed a great honor for Nazia and me. In