Free Portside Peril (Cruise Ship Christian Cozy Mysteries Series Book 2) by Hope Callaghan

Heck!  Millie couldn’t even keep herself out of trouble! 
    “Are you sure?”
    Millie nodded.
    The captain grinned.  “You have a bit of a reputation as a busybody, but I think you’re the perfect person for this job, if you’re up to it.”
    “I’ll leave a small baggie of food in the table,” he continued. “Scout eats a little bit all day.”
    Scout knew they were talking about him! He barked and then danced around in little circles.  It was if he somehow knew his life was about to get a lot more exciting.
    Captain Armati picked Scout up and headed for the balcony.   “Let me show you around.”
    He unlatched the hook and slid the slider open. The three of them stepped outside.  Millie could almost be envious of the balcony.  It was large.  On one end were two lounge chairs, a small glass top table next to each.  On the other side was a long, green strip of AstroTurf…a spot that apparently belonged to Scout. 
    The captain set the pup down.  Scout pranced over to the strip and routed around, pawing at the fake grass, before darting to the other end to take care of business.
    After Scout was done, they walked back inside the cabin.  The captain quietly closed the door and locked it.  “I was thinking you could come up in the morning before your shift started, take Scout out and then go back on duty until lunchtime.  After that maybe run back up here in the evening for another go ‘round the ship.  Kind of wear him out so he’ll sleep at night.”
    That would be fine with Millie.  In fact, that would be more than fine!  She loved the idea!  On top of that, it meant that Millie wasn’t about to be fired.  It felt more like a promotion!
    Captain Armati walked Millie to the apartment door.  He put his hand on the door handle and paused.  “Or, if you want, you can pick him up later today…maybe later this afternoon?”
    Millie reached down and patted the furry brown head.  Scout licked her hand and wagged his little stub of a tail.  “Sure!  Why not? I’ll be back at 4:00!”
    Captain Armati opened the door.  “I heard you’re snooping around, asking questions about the man overboard and his fiancé that committed suicide.”
    Millie’s heart sank.  She knew it was too good to be true.  The other shoe had finally dropped.  She sucked in a breath and waited for the reprimand she knew was forthcoming.
    “Try to stay out of trouble this time,” he warned. “You have enough to keep yourself busy without trying to solve already-solved crimes.”
    Millie opened an eye and peeked at him.  The captain was smiling.  He picked up his tiny pooch.  “Scout’s a good watch dog.  He’ll yip at anything.” Scout wriggled around and licked the captain’s chin, which made them both laugh.
    “His case is here if you want to take it with you.”  There, lying on the floor next to the door, was what looked like a small overnight bag.  Millie picked it up.  It reminded her of a Louis Vuitton bag.  Except one end unzipped halfway.  It would be perfect for carrying Scout around the ship!
    Millie patted Scout’s head.  “See you later Scout.”
    “Yip!”
    Millie stepped outside and the captain closed the door behind her.  Her steps were light. Millie almost floated across the bridge.
    Staff Captain Vitale grinned at her.  “Looks like you got a new duty to add to the list.”
    “More like a promotion,” Millie joked.

Chapter 11
                  Andy was waiting for her inside his small cubby when she wandered to the back of the theater.  “Well?  What happened?”
    Millie stared at him stone-faced. “I got a promotion. Captain gave me your job.”
    Andy’s face turned pale. His mouth dropped open.  “You’re kidding.”
    Millie grinned mischievously. “Yes, of course I am.  No one can take your place!”
    Andy dropped the pen he’d been holding. He slammed the palm of his hand on the Formica tabletop.  “You’re gonna give an old man a heart