That night when the Monkees played at dinner, Mike didn't even so much as look Lillian's way. They played "Steppin Stone" and Micky opened his big mouth by saying it was being dedicated to a fancy lady in the audience. Lillian immediately crossed her arms and pouted the entire song, knowing that it was about her. Derreck gave all four of them an evil look. During the performance, an older gentleman whispered to Lillian and pulled her out of the dining hall.
*************
"What's the matter daddy?" Lillian asked her father.
"I don't know how to tell you this, but someone has been stealing money from my company. I really don't want to believe this, but my secretary says it's Derreck. Your mother and I love that boy as you know. Do you know anything about this?" Mr. Vanguard asked.
"No daddy, I don't," Lillian asked in disbelief.
"I need to know for sure. Just watch what he does and tell me if he is doing anything suspicious," Mr. Vanguard said.
"Ok daddy, I will," Lillian said as both of them returned to the dining area.
***********
After the Monkees were done playing they decided to take a walk on the deck. They were laughing and talking when suddenly the Captain's voice came over the PA system.
"Attention all passengers! Attention all passengers! A tropical storm has been reported off the coast of Maui and is heading in our direction. This storm is producing high winds, heavy rain, and severe lightening. All aboard this ship must report to their cabins at once and stay there until further notice. Do not be alarmed. As your captain, I will keep you informed on this situation."
"Wow, we had better get going," Davy said and the others followed.
*************
Lillian began to search Derreck's cabin for any signs of embezzlement. She had to be quick, for Derreck would be back from the bar soon. The captain's warning of the impending storm had put a damper on her search. She was about to give up when she found receipts in his coat pocket for items that had been signed off as petty cash purchases. Some were for paper, pens, and typewriter ribbon, which were all valid purchases. Then she found receipts for a diamond necklace, an oil painting, and even a Rolls Royce. She couldn't believe the man that her family so trusted was stealing from them. Suddenly, Derreck came in and caught the papers in her hands. "What do you think you are doing?" Derreck asked, coming up close to her.
"I know what you've been up to, that's what. You've been stealing from my father. How could you do that?" Lillian asked.
"You have no business in my belongings. Besides, your father is loaded. He won't miss the little bit I've taken," Derreck said.
"You'll get him into trouble and fired! I'm telling him right now!" Lillian said as she turned to leave. Derreck caught her by the arm and slapped her across the face.
"You're going nowhere!" Derreck shouted. By this time, the storm was in full force as the wind and waves rocked the heavy ocean liner to and fro.
"You can't hold me here and I won't let you! By the way, the wedding is off," Lillian screamed as she broke the diamond necklace off and threw it at Derreck before she exited. Derreck just sat there stunned. He could have went after her, but he wasn't going to brave this storm just to run after her.
Lillian, in tears, made her way up to the deck. She should have ran to her mother and father's cabin, but she just couldn't. It would have killed them to know that Derreck really had been stealing from the company. She laid her head on the rail of the ship and broke down.
**********
Meanwhile, in the Monkee's cabin, Mike was having a hard time getting his stomach to calm down. They had the ship doctor come down to bring him some antacid, but it wasn't doing any good.
"Mike, you going to be ok? You look a little green, mate," Davy said with concern.
"No, I don't think so. My stomach just can't handle this," Mike said as he headed for the door.
"Just where do you think you're going? We aren't suppose to leave the cabin," Peter said.
"I've gotta get some air," Mike said.
"Man, there's a terrible storm out there. You gotta stay here," Micky protested.
"If I don't go now, I'm gonna get sick all over this cabin room. Do you want that? I promise I'll be carful," Mike said as he headed up towards the deck.