Layla's voice was tight with justifiable anger. "Do you want me to go on cleaning the cabins or not?"

The captain regarded her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding curtly. "Clean them, yes. But get these sleeping bags and this damn washing line off my deck. And don't turn it into laundry again."

Layla's eyes flashed with frustration. "But how am I supposed to hurt them?" she muttered under her breath.

The captain gave her an exasperated look. "Use your initiative. And if that's too difficult for you, then see the first mate."

He turned and went below deck, leaving Layla feeling frustrated and annoyed. She began to...