Chapter 23

Charles and Sarah’s last day in San Juan wasn’t as relaxing as Sarah had hoped, but at least someone else made all the sightseeing decisions for them. Jeffrey still hadn’t been heard from, and Sophie, feeling dejected, agreed to go with them. “He promised me a whole day of site seeing in San Juan, but I guess he has forgotten about me in all the excitement.”

“I’m glad you’re coming with us,” Charles said, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. “This bus tour promises to show us the whole city.” Once they boarded, Sophie sat immediately in front of Charles and Sarah, spreading out in hopes of keeping the entire seat to herself. When the driver started up, she turned in the seat so she could put her legs up and rest her ankle.

“Does it still hurt?” Charles asked.

“Only when I laugh,” she responded without cracking a smile.

The tour bus traveled slowly through Old San Juan, and the driver pointed out the restored buildings from the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Spanish colonial period. Colorful adobe buildings crowded the cobblestone streets with just enough space for a vehicle and a narrow pedestrian walkway. Other streets opened onto cobblestone squares with street vendors, sidewalk cafés, and statues reflecting the vast history of the area. “I’m glad we had a chance to walk through this area yesterday,” Sarah said. “Viewing it from the bus doesn’t do it justice.”

From there, the bus headed for the coastline, where the white beach and emerald-green waters met the rocky peninsula that rose high above the sea. This was home to a historic fortress that defended the island against invaders during the seventeenth and eighteenth century. “I read about this,” Charles said. “I’d like to come back if there’s time this afternoon and take a tour. I understand it has tunnels and dungeons.”

“Guy stuff,” Sarah mouthed to Sophie, who nodded in agreement.

They crossed the bridge into San Juan proper and pulled up in front of the art museum. “We’re going to stop here for an hour so you folks can explore the museum and the shops in the immediate neighborhood.” After much persuasion, Sophie agreed to let Charles push her in a wheelchair so they could enjoy the museum without hurting her ankle. From there, the bus drove through the downtown area where Sarah and Charles had dinner the previous night. The driver pointed out historic and scenic sites, explaining the history as well as an occasional anecdote. They drove through parks and past churches, statues, theaters, and shopping areas. The driver would point out places that he recommended for those who were going to be on the island for a few days.

On their way back toward the ship, the bus stopped in Old San Juan so the passengers who wanted to could get out and see the 500-year-old gate, which was the original entrance to Old San Juan. He explained that just beyond the gate was home to San Juan’s stray cat population.

“I wish we were going to have several more days here,” Sarah commented as the bus approached the ship. “There’s so much to see.”

“I’m going to grab a cab and go back to the fortress,” Charles announced as he walked the women up the gangplank. “Do you want to go with me?” he asked Sarah, knowing Sophie wasn’t able to do that much walking.

“I talked to Stephanie this morning after breakfast. She’s going to offer a few of the classes this afternoon for people who stayed behind. I think I would rather do that. I was so looking forward to the quilting aspect of the trip, and so far I haven’t done much.”

“I think I’m going to go rest for awhile,” Sophie said. “Then I’m going to go find the elusive Mr. Worme and demand some answers.” Sarah started to object but changed her mind. She headed for her room to freshen up and then to the Jupiter deck to see what classes were being held.

She immediately spotted the woman who was making the Sunbonnet Sue baby quilt. She had all her blocks made and was cutting out her sashing and borders. Stephanie walked into the classroom just then, and Sarah asked about the Sunbonnet Sue kits. Stephanie laughed, saying “I brought ten extra kits! Everyone always wants to do that quilt once they see it.” Sarah pulled out her Sea Card to pay for the kit, but before she could hand it to her, Stephanie asked if she would like to trade her throw kit for the quilt kit.

“No, but thank you. I looked at the instructions in the throw kit, and I think I can do that one on my own when I get home. If I have problems, I’m sure someone at the quilt shop will help me. I want to start the Sunbonnet Sue while I’m on the ship and have you to help me,” she said, smiling at Stephanie and feeling really fortunate to have access to someone so talented.

“Your appliqué stitch is good, Sarah. You’ll have a few of these blocks done in no time. What other classes do you have?”

“Well, I signed up for the tote bag with the tropical birds. I really love the fabric but I’ve never made a bag,” she added hesitantly.

“You can do that in an afternoon! It’s a very simple pattern. Anything else?”

“Paper piecing.”

“Perfect! You’ll love that class, and Mary Kate is an excellent instructor. You’ll learn a lot and have fun. I’ll help you get started on your Sunbonnet Sue today. You can get one or two cut out and start your appliqué while I’m here to answer questions. Then you can work on the rest of them in your free time.”

“I’d really love to finish everything and not go home with unfinished projects.”

“You finished your wallhanging, and there’s nothing to finish with the machine quilting class—just lots of practice. You can easily finish the other two projects during the time we have left, but the Sunbonnet Sue will take some time. There are many little pieces to be appliquéd: the dress, the apron, three hat pieces, the sleeve, the hand, and the shoe. There are also a couple of optional pieces, but you might not want to add those until you are more proficient.”

“But I won’t be able to finish it?” Sarah asked, looking disappointed.

“Just take your time. Appliqué should be relaxing and not rushed. Do some here where you can get help, and you’ll be able to finish them at home,” Stephanie said with a smile. As she walked away, she added, “Let me know if you have any questions.”

Sarah spent the rest of the afternoon and into the evening concentrating on her adorable Sunbonnet Sue blocks. The fabrics in the kit were 1930s reproduction fabrics that made her think of the quilt on her grandmother’s bed. Around 8:00 that evening, Charles stuck his head in the classroom. Sarah was the only person remaining. She jumped when he walked in. “What time is it?” she asked, amazed to see the sun low in the sky.

“Dinner time,” he responded. She realized she was very hungry but had become lost in the comforting rhythm of hand stitching. She hadn’t thought about Elwood or Matilda for many hours, and it had been a relief to just relax.

“I need to run by the room to leave my quilting bag and see if Sophie had dinner. Where do you want to go?”

“Let’s keep it simple tonight. I wore myself out at the fortress. Those guys must have been in really good shape back then!”

“Those guys back then were probably half your age, old fellow,” Sarah said with a chuckle.

Sophie joined them, and after a light dinner at one of the small cafés, all three retired to their rooms. Sophie said she hadn’t been able to locate Jeffrey. He didn’t answer his phone or return her messages.

“Maybe he’s gone missing, too,” Sarah said jokingly. She was immediately sorry.

Sophie looked at her with apprehension. “Do you think …?”

“No.” Charles quickly assured her. “He’s fine. I checked with Agent Barlow just before dinner. The FBI met with him this afternoon. He hasn’t received a shore pass yet.”

“Why?” Sophie asked, looking astonished. “Why would they want to keep him here?”

Charles looked at Sarah and she nodded. “It’s time,” she said, looking regretful. She hadn’t wanted to share their concerns with Sophie, but she was beginning to think Sophie needed to know about their suspicions. Turning to Sophie, she said, “Sit down. We need to talk to you.”