Rumors about the recruitment of cabin crew on a merchant ship spread quickly in a small port town. Getting a worker on a sea ship promised a career as a sailor and the opportunity to travel around the world, which is what attracted Ray, who decided to leave his parents and start adulthood. They did not want to hear their only son desires and in every way prevented to seek a different profession.
"What nonsense, son! - his father Karin, who owns a tavern on the outskirts of the port, was indignant. - I won't allow you such whims at your age. You should stay here and take over our family business. Although our income is not great, it is still stable as long as there are ships in our harbour.
"But there are so many interesting things in the world! - Ray objected. - I want to travel!"
"No, I said! Don't even think about adventure. You do not understand what awaits you among adult men in a confined place"
"Dad! What's with the negative opinion? - the boy grumbled as he cleaned up the guest dining room.
"I rely on my life experience and do not want a nasty fate for my son. They specifically recruit teenagers in small towns into teams that use them in every sense. Forget it!"
Ray plunged into his work, ignoring the grumblings of his parent, with exciting thoughts of distant adventures. He often watched the unloading of ships delivering huge boxes of various goods destined for large cities in the depths of the south mainland, and when he found out about the competition, having lulled the vigilance of his parents, he went to the pier at the appointed time.
At noon, a crowd of noisy teenagers gathered near a cargo ship, and Ray stepped to them, looking around in embarrassment. A good looking broad-shouldered guy in overalls soon turned to him and imposed an acquaintance:
"I'm Taylor! Do you want to sail too?"
His blue eyes sparkled mockingly from under neat black eyebrows, which unpleasantly strained the boy, who did not expect interest from the burly guy.
"Well… if they choose me, - Ray replied, looking around absentmindedly. - Look how much has come running ..."
"Yeah… - Taylor agreed with an enigmatic smirk. - But you have a chance..."
"Why is that? I'm so frail compared to others, and I don't have a strong body like you have..."
"Hmm ... Not only ship boys are required there, but also the captain's personal assistant."
"And what should he do?"
"Take care of things and the cabin, cook and serve ..."
"I can do that, - the teen perked up. - But… there are a lot of such candidates here. It's a simple job."
"How to say? - Taylor chuckled ironically. - Skills alone are not enough."
"What else do they need?"
"Now you will know…"
Suddenly, the crowd of teenagers fell silent, fixing their eyes on a tall, elegant man in a hat and a dark trench coat with shiny buttons and stripes that came out onto the deck. He took a businesslike look around the gathering and, fixing his gaze on Ray, gave him a sign to approach.
"He's calling you!" - Taylor whispered to the stunned boy and gently pushed him forward.
The captain did not take his eyes off Ray and, having waited for the boy to climb the ladder aboard, he took him to the cabin with him.
"Sit, please! - The man took off his hat, tossed back his shoulder-length blond wavy hair and settled down on a two-seat sofa, pointing to the chair across from him.
His large, cold blue eyes in a handsome sunburned face glared at the boy, who was stressed by the unfamiliar surroundings of a spacious and comfortable cabin, lit by the midday sun through miniature stained-glass windows.
"Can you cook?"
"Ah… yes, sir! - the boy nodded his head, gazing into the captain's eyes in fascination. - I have been working in the kitchen since childhood and know how to serve. My name is Ray!"
"Ray… - drawled the captain in a velvety voice. - Beautiful! I am looking for a reliable, obedient assistant, so you know, and I will not tolerate whims and unwillingness to obey. Are you ready for it?"
"What should be done?"
"Anything I want! - pointedly emphasized the captain and broke into a playful smile. - Cleaning, cooking and making me happy…"
"Okay… - the boy agreed, embarrassed by the hints. - I can please."
The captain's eyes widened slightly at the hasty answer.
"Oh, how is it!? Well…if you understand what I mean, then welcome aboard. My name is Arlow. Call me always - Commander! All clear?"
"Yes, sir! Commander! When does the ship leave?"
"Today! So you don't have time to think. Decide now! There are many others who willing..."
"I'm ready to go with you, Commander!" - Ray readily agreed.
"Then get comfortable here and start cleaning! - Arlow quickly got up from his seat and headed for the exit, defiantly pulling a key jingling with pendants from his pocket. - I'll be back soon."
A nervous tremor hit the teen on the arms and legs after the door was locked on the other side. Does that mean he can't get out of here? Ray tugged at the handle anxiously. Why did the captain lock him?