The next morning, after attending to her usual routine office duties at the newspaper (which included making appointments for Melinda, a fellow employee), Barbara dialed Ted's extension. Ted knew where the houseboat was moored. He thought she was crazy, but gave her directions anyway. After an hour's search, and being advised by the dock-man that she was the fifth person to inquire about the houseboat, Barbara finally found it.

It was not what she expected, somewhat of a disappointment. But more of a disappointment was the conversation she overheard once she boarded the old boat. Listening, she heard the argument of four men, an argument that told her that two naval officers had already rented or bought the houseboat, and that a civilian was still trying to outbid them, frustrated at their refusal.

She stood on the deck, as the civilian, wearing a rumpled-looking suit and a sour scowl, stomped past her, grunting obscenities.

She watched the man leave, then entered the cabin where the argument had occurred. There stood a blond navy lieutenant, with his back to her, bragging about how he had turned the tough-dealing civilian away with ease.

The other officer, sensing her presence, spun and stared at her. He eyed her up and down and whistled.

Barbara, embarrassed, and aware that she had been guilty of trespassing, as well as committing heaven knew how many other misdemeanors, blushed and edged backwards. An instant later, she suddenly halted. The blond lieutenant had about-faced at his friend's whistle and she stared at him in open-mouthed astonishment. Regina's fiance!

"Why, Greg Maiden!" she gasped. "What are you doing here?"