"The neurologist wouldn't allow him out of his room, sir," the messenger said. "He called the Shore Patrol and used his medical authority."
Jeffrey looked at Ilse. He knew she could see it in his eyes. "I have to go," he said. "Now." Ilse simply stood there. Tears began to stream down her face.
"I, uh. " Jeffrey trailed off, his chest aching from how beautiful she looked.
"Sir, come on," the messenger said, tugging Jeffrey's sleeve. "A car's waiting." Not knowing what else to do, Jeffrey reached and took Ilse's hand. She just held his limply, her lip trembling.
"I'll try to find you," Jeffrey said. "Somehow" Ilse tried to speak but couldn't. She pressed his hand and then turned her back. Jeffrey tore himself away and started for the patio, chiding himself that even after all these years good-byes were still so hard.
Another messenger dashed over breathlessly. Jeffrey held out his hand, but the youngster said he needed Miss Reebeck. Jeffrey grabbed the slip and skimmed it as both messengers kept eyeing their wristwatches. Jeffrey brought the slip to Ilse.
"Let's go," he told her insistently. "You've been assigned to my boat."