Dead Sea

Chapter 8

Charles Mankley had arrived on the cruise ship four days ago with his small congregation from their even smaller town. They put aside money all year from church bake sales and Sunday services to save up enough for tickets for everyone. Thankfully, with prices still low from the recent pandemic, it did not take them long to reach their goal. So much could be learned out here on the open ocean, it really made a person think how small they truly were in the greater scheme of things. Just like they were compared to the almighty Lord above!

The first few days on the cruise had been incredible. His congregation had really branched out among the other travellers on the ship, converting a handful that had no idea who Jesus Christ was. He was proud of his congregation, they really went the extra mile and worked to save more than just themselves.

On the fourth night when the Captain of the cruise ship had sent someone to retrieve him, Charles had to admit he was rather nervous. Not many places took too kindly to religious conversion. Charles was ready to fight cross and nail for his congregation, but that wasn't at all the case, this time. The Captain had other issues that he needed Charles' help with. As the co-captain lead the way to the Captain's office, he filled Charles in on just what they needed his help with.

There was apparently a murder that had taken place this very night. Charles didn't have all the details, but what he got so far was that a man was caught in bed with another woman by his wife. Filthy sinners. The wife had clearly had enough and just so happened to have packed her pistol for the trip, blowing away both her husband and his lover, before turning it on herself. Although she did succeed in shooting herself, it was not enough to kill her. The doctors down in the med bay had no idea how long she would last. They were outfitted to deal with food poisoning and minor cuts, not brain surgery.

As they were removing bodies from the room, a note had been found on the floor, clearly overlooked by all the occupants in the room. It looked like the 'happily married couple' had a daughter on the ship, or at least they did at one point. The note was a suicide note. She could have thrown herself off the ship at any time. So, why did they need Charles at this point?

She was alive.

They had recovered the girl before she had a chance to jump. The Captain figured it would be easier to hear about all of this from someone with a religious standpoint. Charles was flattered. If his congregation could help a few lost sheep, it was the least he could do to help console a girl who seemed to be going through more than most went through in their entire lives.

Charles also looked forward for a chance to convert this young sinner, people were more vulnerable when they were down on their luck. Bible in hand, Charles followed the co-captain, a smile forming on his face.