New Year's Madness:

by Beth Byers

  “The dancer represents a religious figure such as a monk and the larger than life drum represents the monk’s temptation. Let’s see if the dancer can resist the temptation of the drum beat.”

  At the end of this dance, the male dancer certainly had given in to the beat of the drum, which seemed to call seductively to him throughout the dance. After the applause, Ji Ah provided more commentary.

  “Even great religious leaders succumb to the temptation of the Korean drum. In Korean culture, our dancing is very much about storytelling. In addition to these dances, there are many others that tell stories. There’s the dance of the spring nightingale, fragrance of dancing mountain, and many others. Now, please, I’ll turn the time over to the dance troupe. They’ll teach you simple moves and perhaps by the end of the evening you’ll be able to dance a story of your own. Enjoy Korea!”

  This time the thunderous applause filled the ballroom, and music and dancing filled every open space.

  Julia and Jacob joined the crowds of dancing socialites for the next hour on the ballroom floor.

  Jacob spoke as they wound their way through other dancers over to the bar to catch their breath and refill their cups.

  “This band that’s playing, it looks like they are using some traditional instruments like the ones on display.”

  “Yes, it seems so. Opal and Oscar have really outdone themselves. This has been such a magical evening already. I do believe I could stay in Korea for the rest of the evening and be quite happy.”

  Jacob squeezed her hand. “Come, let’s get a drink. Are you going to have another green plum wine or perhaps something different this time?”

  “I think I must try the Soju bomb, don’t you think?”

  “Soju dropped in beer, right? Yes, I think that sounds wonderful.”

  The pair watched the bartender prepare the drink and then clapped as they were handed to them. The bartender reminded them how soju was different from beer and wine.

  “Remember this is somewhere between 19-25% alcohol, much stronger than what you typically drink. Now, enjoy!”

  The two toasted each other and sipped their soju bomb. “It’s delicious, Jacob.”

  “It is. If I might add, the company is delicious too. You look positively radiant tonight, Julia. I must say, relaxing looks good on you. I’m glad you aren’t trying to solve any crimes this evening.”

  “Says the Inspector from Scotland Yard.”

  “You make a fine point.” He paused. “I could use some fresh air. Will you take a stroll on the deck with me?”

  “Oh, yes, please. It’s so warm in here. Between that and all the alcohol I’ve consumed, I’ll be hard pressed to make it to Hawaii before I pass out somewhere.”

  They found the nearest exit from the ballroom and strolled about the deck. Julia stumbled over the shadow of something boxy and metal but Jacob reached for her arm and steadied her.

  “What in the world are empty petrol cans doing on the deck? They must have been running short of preparation time to leave such an obstacle behind for guests to trip over. Remind me to tell Oscar about it next time I see him so they can be moved before someone gets hurt.”

  They strolled until they found an open space along the railing and leaned against it. Other couples milled about on the deck, some sneaking romantic kisses, others just holding hands and talking softly.

  Julia thought to herself how magical the city and the night felt.

  “Aren’t the lights of London just lovely from here?” Jacob placed his arm around Julia and pulled her close.

  “They really are.” She turned to face him and suddenly midnight seemed much too far away. “I should like to kiss you now. Here, in Korea, with a view of London.”

  “Only if you’re certain.” He winked and leaned in to kiss her. Before their lips made contact, a moment she’d been waiting for since she’d first met him, a hot, bright light rose from the river below.

  They both turned their heads to look at the water.

  “What in the—”

  “Someone has set the River Thames ablaze!”

  Small claps and excited utterances came from the few guests that were outside.

  “Your friends have quite outdone themselves. Is this some sort of traditional Korean practice…some symbolism in setting water on fire. No doubt a metaphor about which is stronger, more passionate?”

  Julia looked around confused. “I—I’m not sure. I can’t imagine Opal and Oscar doing something so grand without much fanfare. There aren’t even many out here to notice it.”

  As if on cue, people began pouring out of the ballroom. She could hear comments running through the crowd.

  “How marvelous, the river is on fire.”

  “Is it midnight already? If they are setting the river on fire at 9pm, what will happen at midnight?”

  Then a tone different than awe and wonder began to filter through the crowd.

  “The ship. The ship is on fire.”

  “Do you suppose they meant for the ship itself to catch fire? Perhaps it is some sort of magic trick?”

  It became clear to Julia that something was definitely wrong. Several men with buckets began throwing water on the parts of the ship where flames had managed to catch hold. There were only a couple of areas that burned and whoever was piloting the ship was pulling away from the flaming water. She didn’t fear for her safety or for the safety of the ship and its other passengers. She also didn’t think that this display was part of Opal and Oscar’s party plan.

  “Julia? Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I am. Jacob, I think something is amiss. Will you accompany me back in to the ballroom. I need to see Opal or Oscar. I don’t think this fire, as grand as it is, was part of their itinerary.”

  Chapter Three

  “Oscar! Have you seen Opal? I’ve been looking everywhere for her? Did you rascals actually plan to set the Thames on fire as part of your celebration? I would’ve thought you waited until midnight. You’re people were somewhat sloppy, though, I must admit. First, I tripped over empty petrol cans when Jacob and I were on our stroll. Then, the ship nearly caught on fire. Perhaps you’ll need a bit more practice before you do it again. Will you be doing it again at midnight? That would be glorious, assuming of course, that you don’t burn us all to a cinder.”

  Oscar frowned as Julia went on about the fire.

  “No, it wasn’t me. It wasn’t part of the plan. I thought perhaps it was an accident, but that was before you mentioned the empty petrol cans. Where? Where were the empty cans?”

  “Follow me, I’ll show.”

  Julia, Jacob, and Oscar made their way through the crowd that was still transfixed on the distant flames. The ship was well away from the flames and nothing on the ship seemed to be burning anymore.

  “There.”

  Julia pointed to the small pile of metal petrol cans she’d tripped on earlier. The fumes were strong and Julia pressed her hand to her mouth and nose to minimize the smell.

  “I thought it was bizarre that these were here, but I assumed the ship’s staff were simply preoccupied with making arrangements for all the guests,” she said in a muffled voice.

  Oscar bent down and took a closer look at the cans. “Cutty Sark, stamped right on the cans. These must have come from the engine room. Who would have done this and why? They almost caught the bloody boat on fire.”

  Jacob commented. “Technically, they did catch your boat on fire, but your friends managed to throw together a bucket brigade that was quite effective, and the captain steered away from the flames quickly enough to avoid substantial damage.”

  Oscar nodded, his eyes scanning the deck as though looking for something. “I hope the damage isn’t major, although, I was prepared to deal with the fallout of this party—not that I expected fire, but maybe I should have. The Major is out of town for a good amount of time so I’ll be able to repair whatever this bunch of hooligans does. Where is Opal? It’s time to be moving the guests to the Hawaii Ballro
om.”

  “Jacob and I will look for her. We’ll start in Korea. I’m sure you have things to do to manage this debacle. Take care of that and I’ll find Opal and let her know you are ready for her to make the announcement to move to the other ballroom.”

  “Thank you, both. I’ll find you again later.”

  Julia and Jacob moved toward the interior of the ship and into the Korean ballroom. Only a few stragglers remained behind. Apparently, the river catching fire was more interesting than even the most unique cultural displays. The bartender remained, along with couple of lingering dancers in traditional Korean garb and some of the band members who were packing their instruments.

  “Jacob, the men guarding the display. They aren’t here.”

  “Interesting. Perhaps now that most of the crowd has cleared out they didn’t see a need to stand watch? Wishful thinking though that may be.”

  “That seems strange to me. Come with me.”

  She took his hand and towed him over to the display.

  “Everything seems to be here. Hmm…I guess I’m imagining trouble where there isn’t any. I suppose you must be right. Back to our original mission—finding Opal. It definitely is strange that she’d not be here directing the guests to the Hawaii ballroom. She wouldn’t simply let them linger on the decks.”

  “She’s clearly not in here. Where else should we look? Perhaps she’s seeing to last minute details in the other ballroom before she announces the party is moving there?”

  “Perhaps,” Julia said absentmindedly. She was watching Ji Ah from across the room. The fabric of her black robe was ethereal in the beautiful candlelit ballroom. She was helping the band pack while simultaneously participating in a particularly heated discussion with the man who had played the oversized drum during Ha Rin’s Great Drum Dance.

  “I’m going to ask Ji Ah if she’s seen Opal.”

  Jacob followed Julia over to where Ji Ah stood. When Ji Ah noticed Julia approaching, she cut off her conversation abruptly with the drummer. They had been speaking in Korean.

  “Ji Ah, hello. I’m Julia Barlow, a friend of Opal Goodall. Have you seen her lately? I seemed to have misplaced her.”

  Ji Ah stared back at Julia in confusion and didn’t speak. Instead, she shook her head, smiled, bowed, and ran from the room. The man she’d been speaking to called after in what sounded like angry Korean to Julia’s untrained ear.

  “One more strange bit to add to our list of strange occurrences,” Jacob observed.

  “Perhaps I did something to offend her. Culturally, I mean. I don’t have the faintest idea if there is an etiquette for speaking with a performer.”

  “Perhaps,” Jacob said. “Perhaps. I don’t like it when strange things begin to add up.”

  “Regardless, Opal isn’t in this room. Let’s go to Hawaii and see what we can find.”

  They made their way through the ship’s somewhat dimly lit corridors until they arrived at the Hawaii ballroom.

  “You managed to make your way through that maze quite easily,” Jacob said.

  Julia nodded.

  “I’ve been on board since four this afternoon. I’ve crisscrossed this yacht at least a thousand times by now. It’s a big yacht, certainly, but not so big that one can’t learn its layout after a few hours of traipsing about.”

  They walked through the doors and not for the first time, Julia was impressed with the absolute dedication to detail that Opal and Oscar put into their parties.

  Just inside the door, several women dressed in grass skirts greeted them with a necklace of flowers that they placed over Jacob’s and Julia’s heads.

  “This,” one of the women explained, “is called a lei. In Hawaiian culture, it is a symbol of peace and friendship. You are welcome here. Aloha.”

  A mock volcano stood at the front of the room, with a stage built into the front of it. A small band was perched on the side of the volcano, playing instruments including a couple ukuleles and guitars. There were dancers in grass skirts and coconut shell brassieres lined in front of the volcano, their hips swaying in time to the ukulele music.

  To the side of the ballroom was a station with a pig cooking on a spit. Two men stood at either end of the spit, rotating it. The smell coming from that area was delicious and overpowering.

  “All of a sudden, I’m very hungry,” Jacob said. “What if we were to sneak a bit of food then carry on in search of Opal. We will need our energy, don’t you think? It’s the responsible thing to do.”

  “That makes a lot of sense to me, Jacob. After all, she’d want us to enjoy the fruits of her efforts.”

  They sauntered across the ballroom, managing to sway to the contagious beat offered by the band. Once they had food on their plates and moved toward a table, Julia stopped Jacob.

  “Look, another bar! I’ll need something to wash down this delicious food. Let’s see what one drinks in Hawaii, shall we?”

  Jacob led the way to the bar.

  “Bartender,” he said as he approached, “what authentic Hawaiian spirits might you have available for the young woman and myself?”

  “Ah, yes. You must try the Okolehao. It is an ancient Hawaiian drink.”

  The bartender poured two glasses, added a garnish, then handed one to each of them. “Welcome to Hawaii.”

  Julia took a careful sip. “Oh, my. This is lovely. There is almost a hint of banana in this, is that right?”

  The bartender nodded his head. “Yes. Exactly. The lady has a refined palate.”

  Julia downed her drink and held out her glass for more.

  The bartender poured more but offered a warning. “Be careful, miss. It does taste wonderful and is easy to drink, but has a great deal of alcohol. This drink has a way of catching up to you if you aren’t careful.”

  Jacob took Julia’s glass from her before she could take a second drink. “Perhaps you want to wait on this second drink?”

  Julia glared at him and took the drink back. “Thank you, bartender. Your advice is quite welcome.”

  She turned on her heel and walked toward an empty table. The tables had begun to fill as guests wandered in. Perhaps Opal had turned up after all and was directing them inside.

  She sat down and Jacob sat next to her.

  “If you please, sir, never take a drink from my hands and presume to know what is best for me. I won’t be treated like a child.”

  “Julia,” Jacob argued. “I’m not treating you like a child. I’m treating you a like a friend who I care about. I simply want to see you make it to midnight for that kiss I’ve promised you and if you consume too much of this exceptionally powerful alcohol, I’m afraid you might miss out on your kiss.”

  “You care about me?” She ignored the rest of what he’d said.

  “Of course I do. Did you doubt my affection?”

  “Well, not really. You did let me abscond with you for Christmas. I suppose that indicates that you at least enjoy spending time with me.”

  “I do enjoy spending time with you. Maybe because I care about you?”

  “Oh stop it. Now you are just making fun of me.”

  “I’m not. On my honor, Julia Barlow.”

  She winked at him and then dove in to her food. In between mouthfuls, she said, “This is so delicious. If you ever decide to marry me, I’m convinced that we should honeymoon either in Korea or Hawaii. The food and the drink is just too exquisite.”

  “I shall keep that in mind if I decide to marry you.”

  Julia could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. The alcohol from the Sojo bomb in Korea mixed with the first Hawaiian drink was beginning to catch up to her, loosening her tongue. She wasn’t saying anything that she didn’t already feel inclined to say; it simply became easier to say them.

  Once they’d consumed their food, Julia was back on the hunt for Opal.

  “She should have made an appearance by now, Jacob. I don’t like it. Let’s keep looking for her.”

  They strode out of the little piece of parad
ise that was the Hawaiian ballroom and back in to the dimly lit corridor.

  “Where to now?”

  “Perhaps to the sleeping quarters where Opal and I were getting ready earlier? Maybe she needed a bit of rest.”

  “After you, my lady.”

  Chapter Four

  Julia and Jacob spent the better part of the next hour searching below decks for Opal to no avail. After they’d checked her sleeping quarters, they’d snuck a peek into the Mediterranean-themed grand ballroom. She wasn’t in there, and Julia, now feeling quite nervous about her friend’s whereabouts, didn’t have any enthusiasm for taking in the sights of this new destination.

  “I want to check the engine room.”

  “Why is that? Do you think Opal would have had business down there?”

  “No, I don’t. It’s just one of the few places we haven’t’ checked, and I’m beginning to feel very unsettled about all of this. The petrol cans—Oscar said they were from the engine room because they were labeled Cutty Sark. Perhaps Opal caught the river arsons at their work and they’ve secured her there, where nobody would look. If we don’t’ find her there, I’ll need to tell Oscar that she’s missing. I’d hoped to avoid that so he could go on enjoying his party, but he should know. We might to enact a ship-wide search for her.”

  They made their way down the narrow flight of steps that Julia insisted would take them to the mechanical areas of the ship.

  “I keep seeing those flames, Jacob. You don’t think Opal’s fallen overboard and we’ve just left her to burn or drown or both?”

  Jacob squeezed her hand. “Now, darling. I don’t think that’s what’s happened at all. Let’s check the engine room and then I have some ideas of where to begin with interviews if we don’t find her there.”

  “Who would you interview?”

  “We need to discern the last time someone saw her. Ji Ah is someone who was in the ballroom until she ran out when you spoke with her. Her behavior was suspicious. Perhaps she saw something or knows something.”

  “Ah, yes, of course. Very good. In addition to her, we can ask the other members of the band. In all likelihood, her disappearance seems like it may be connected to the river fire. Nobody, that we are aware of, has seen her first. We may need to approach this from that angle. We catch who started the fire, and maybe they’ll know what’s happened to Opal.”