Millie tossed her lanyard on the desk. “I don’t spend a lot of time here, except to sleep and shower, although there are times it seems somewhat claustrophobic, especially when Danielle and I are both in here.”
“Ah, Danielle.”
Captain Armati eased into the small desk chair and Millie sat on the edge of her bunk, staring at him expectantly.
The captain clasped his hands and lowered his gaze, as if searching for the right words. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you of the ship transfer earlier. I was hoping something would happen and I wouldn’t have to leave.”
“But you are, aren’t you?” she asked.
Their eyes met and he slowly nodded. “I am. I have one more week and then Scout and I move to Baroness of the Seas.” He continued. “I didn’t feel I had a choice. There’s a reason I requested the transfer but I can’t discuss it right now.”
Captain Armati shifted in the chair. “I should have known better than to have started our relationship. I was being selfish. It’s just that I’ve never met anyone like you. You have spunk, you’re caring, you’re funny. Millie, you’re the whole package and I couldn’t resist.”
She heard the words but all she could think was that it was over. He was moving on and leaving her behind. The feelings of rejection she’d experienced when Roger had left her for Delilah Osborne came flooding back.
Her lower lip started to tremble and she clenched her jaw in an attempt to control her emotions.
Millie Sanders would survive. This was nothing compared to having her spouse walk out after 38 years of marriage. “I appreciate your kind words. You’re a wonderful man and I guess I let myself get caught up in a shipboard romance.”
The captain cut her off. “It was more than a shipboard romance,” he said. “At least it was for me.”
There wasn’t much else to say and Millie stood.
Captain Armati studied her for a moment before standing and making his way to the door. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too.” Millie trailed behind and stopped in front of the cabin door. She turned the handle and pulled the door open. “I appreciate the fact you came by to explain.”
The captain sucked in a breath, as if ready to say something else, but instead nodded. “You’re welcome.” He stepped out into the hall and Millie closed the door behind him before she placed her cheek against the cool metal and burst into tears.
***
Millie sobbed her heart out, until there were no more tears left to cry. She shuffled to the bathroom and took a long, hard look at her reflection in the mirror. The sorrow-filled face that stared back made her want to start crying again.
Millie Sanders, you’re tougher than that! She scolded as she leaned over the sink, splashing cold water on her hot face. She grabbed her foundation and carefully covered the red splotches on her cheeks and nose with an extra layer of makeup.
She had enough time to head to Cat’s cabin to meet Dr. Johansen to accompany her out. The doctor didn’t emerge for a full five minutes past the agreed time, but when she did, Cat was with her and her eyes were as red as Millie’s eyes had been.
“I’ll see you next week, Cat,” the doctor said. “Remember, the name of the place is Fabulous Brew Coffee Shop. Walk past the gate, veer to the right and head up the steps.”
“Yes. I’ll be there at 11:00, exactly one week from today.” Cat solemnly nodded her head.
The doctor turned to Millie. “I’m ready.”
The women walked in silence. Millie was dying to ask questions, but the fact Cat had told the doctor she would meet her in a coffee shop off the ship meant she’d made some progress.
Millie accompanied her to the gate and then stopped. “Thank you for fitting us in. I’m sure you can’t discuss your patient’s status but the fact Cat has agreed to get off the ship next week is a huge step for her.”
The doctor nodded and then tilted her head as she studied Millie. “Is everything okay?”
“No,” Millie admitted. She gave the doctor a watery smile. “I just got some bad news but this too shall pass.” She changed the subject. “Thank you again. I’m not sure if I’ll see you next week. It depends on whether Cat needs moral support.”
Millie waited for Doctor Johansen to exit through the security gate before turning on her heel and slowly walking back to the ship. She still had several hours before it was time to return to work. On any other day, she would have loved to explore the island.
Now all she wanted to do was go back to her cabin, crawl into bed and cover her head. Instead, Millie made her way to the Sky Chapel.
It was dark and quiet inside. She tiptoed to the front of the chapel, eased into a pew and closed her eyes.
The gnawing anguish in the pit of her stomach made Millie want to throw up. Captain Armati and she had grown close, spending at least one night a week together having dinner or, when they were in port, exploring one of the islands or trying a new dish at one of the island restaurants.
Millie thought about Scout. She would miss him when he was gone. A small tear escaped and trickled down her cheek unchecked. Life could be so cruel. The thought crossed her mind that maybe she wouldn’t renew her contract. Maybe it was time to go home.
Her contract was ending soon and it would be time to head home for her break. She missed her children, missed the small town feel of Grand Rapids. Occasionally, but not often, she even missed the changing seasons.
“Hello Millie.”
Millie shifted in the pew and watched as Pastor Pete Evans, the ship’s clergy, ambled down the aisle. He squeezed past Millie and then eased onto the pew next to her.
She quickly swiped at her tear-stained cheeks but it was too late. He shifted his gaze and stared at the cross, front and center.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12: 12.” (NIV) “That is my verse for today, Millie,” Pastor Evans said. “It was in my devotional and I’ve been meditating on it all morning.”
“I needed to hear that,” Millie whispered as she lowered her head and studied her hands. “I’m not having a good day.”
Pastor Evans patted her arm. “We’ll all miss Captain Armati and Scout, but no one more than you, I’m sure.”
Millie could only nod as the lump in her throat swelled. They sat quietly for several long moments as Millie focused on her many blessings…her health, her friends, her children and grandchildren, not to mention a job she loved.
Pastor Evans broke the silence as he made small talk about the weather before easing off the bench. “I’ll leave you alone with God. Trust in Him Millie. All the rest will fall into place.”
“I know.” Millie released a shaky breath. “I just gotta let that sink in.”
Pastor Evans’ footsteps echoed on the tile floor as he exited the sanctuary.
Millie sat motionless for several long moments, in deep conversation with her Creator before sliding off the bench and shuffling out of the chapel.
Chapter 15
“You’re going to run the Killer Karaoke again tonight.” Andy didn’t pose it as a question to Millie, but rather a statement.
The busier the better was Millie’s new motto. She needed to push through her slump and lingering feelings of sadness. The best way to do that was stay so busy, she had no time to dwell on anything else. “Of course,” she nodded.
They were standing near the gangway, waiting for the passengers to board. It was t-minus ten minutes and counting. Oscar had stopped by to let them know an entire busload of passengers, who had gone on a zip-lining excursion early that morning, hadn’t returned. It was a ship-sponsored excursion, which meant the cruise ship would wait for the passengers to return.
According to Oscar, the bus was stuck in a traffic jam and at least half an hour out. Time was money for cruise lines. The port charged the cruise line for every minute they remained docked past their scheduled departure. She had no idea what the charge would be and probably didn’t want to know.
The last str
agglers returning to the ship trickled to nothing and the six o’clock departure passed. Finally, at 6:20, a group of harried passengers darted up the gangway, dinging their keycards in the machine as they boarded.
“Welcome back. Glad you could join us,” Andy joked.
Some of the guest grinned, while others looked frazzled.
“Everyone is back on board,” Suharto, the security guard manning the entrance, announced after a couple, dragging two teenage boys, brought up the rear.
The crew quickly removed the gangway, closed the door and moments later the ship began to shudder as it pulled away from the dock.
Millie glanced at her watch. “I’m going to grab a quick burger and then head upstairs to check on the poolside party.” The poolside party was the current day’s version of the sail away party.
The place was packed and Millie spotted Danielle up on the large, center stage, supervising the belly flop contest. The sound of steel drums filled the air and clusters of passengers lounged near the pool while others sat at nearby tables, munching on pre-dinner snacks.
Millie quickly filled her plate with a hamburger, a piece of lettuce, sliced tomatoes and onion, along with a mound of crispy French fries. There was even a small spot left on her plate for a crispy chicken tender.
Millie carried her plate and glass of iced tea to the quietest corner she could find.
Danielle, who finished hosting the belly flop contest, wandered over. “I didn’t know they were serving chicken tenders today. Be right back.” She darted down the steps, returning a short time later with a plateful of chicken tenders. She eased into the seat next to Millie and then reached for a tender on top. “Have you made any progress on the investigation today?”
“Nope.” Millie assembled her burger, squirted some mayonnaise and mustard on top of the patty before popping the bun on top of the burger and taking a big bite. She was hungrier than she realized and waited to finish chewing her food before answering. “I’ve had my hands full. I’m sure you heard all about the late departure.”
“Yep.” Danielle rolled her eyes. “One of the passengers near the hurricane bar on deck twelve had a major meltdown. Seems she let two of her teenagers take the zip lining excursion without a parental unit accompanying them and she was freaking out that they weren’t back.”
“I would’ve too. Can you imagine the ship sailing away, knowing your children were on an island in the middle of the ocean?”
Danielle dipped her chicken tender into the honey mustard sauce and bit the end. “Have you checked out the scene of the crime?”
“Nope. It’s on my list.”
“How about going now? We can run down there after we eat,” Danielle said.
Millie planned to check it out with Annette, not Danielle, but once again, the young woman managed to plant herself firmly in the middle of one of Millie’s investigations. She remembered the time the cruise ship had been hijacked and how Danielle had decided to scale the side of the ship, right in front of the bridge, in an attempt to spy on the ship’s hijackers, who were holed up inside.
Danielle’s plan had backfired and she ended up falling into the ocean, right before the hijackers began shooting at her.
Danielle had survived the exploit unscathed with the exception of being a little stiff and sore. She was lucky she hadn’t been knocked unconscious from the impact of the fall and then drowned.
“Annette and I planned to head down there, but you’re welcome to tag along,” Millie said. There was no way to stop Danielle and Millie decided it was better to keep an eye on her rather than to let her try to take matters into her own hands.
“Great.” Danielle popped the rest of the chicken tender in her mouth. “We’ll swing by the galley and pick her up on our way there.”
***
Danielle stood guard to make sure no one was coming while Annette and Millie peered at the jumble of melted wire and the charred panel cover.
Annette tugged on the blackened latch that secured the electrical panel. “This is a burned out mess.”
The lingering smell of melted plastic and chemical wafted from the box. “I could be staring right at a clue and have no idea what I’m looking at,” Millie admitted. “I don’t know the first thing about electrical fires.”
“I have a little electrical knowledge,” Danielle said. “Hazards of a previous job.”
“Let’s trade places.” Annette headed to the corridor to keep watch while Danielle made her way over to the panel. She studied the jumbled mess.
“Andy said he heard a noise and ran out to find Luigi on the floor,” Danielle said.
“Yes. He heard a noise,” Millie confirmed.
“Which means Luigi could have been electrocuted by an arc flash where the volt travels through the air, electrocuting him.”
She went on. “For an arc flash, there has to be some sort of trigger…dust, water or even oil.” Danielle tucked her hands behind her back and leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. “See that streak right there?” She nodded her head at the panel door and a dark line. “It looks like oil, which would conduct electricity, causing it to arc.”
She straightened. “Someone who knew what they were doing could’ve sprayed or dribbled oil inside this panel. They called the electrical department…Luigi…to come check it out. Luigi would’ve opened the door.” Danielle snapped her fingers. “Voila. The panel created an arc flash, followed by a sudden bright blinding light and then the explosion.”
“But someone would’ve had to have known what they were doing,” Millie said. “Plus, I’m sure Luigi Falco would have turned the breaker off before opening the box.”
“True,” Danielle said. “Electricity is dangerous stuff and nothing to mess with. Whoever set Luigi up was playing with electricity and could easily have gotten themselves electrocuted.”
“Unless they knew what they were doing,” Millie repeated.
“Someone’s coming,” Annette hissed.
Millie, using the tip of her walkie-talkie antenna, quickly closed the panel door. The trio ducked under the rope that secured the area and then hurried inside the theater. They shuffled off to one side and into the shadows.
Andy strolled by and Millie pressed her body flat against the side of the wall.
He must have sensed their presence and abruptly stopped in his tracks. “Millie?”
Chapter 16
Millie relaxed her stance and stepped out of the shadows. “I swear you have eyes in the back of your head.”
“What are you…” Andy caught a glimpse of the other women. “That’s a silly question. You were snooping around,” he said.
“Guilty as charged,” Danielle admitted.
“You were investigating the crime scene,” he said. “Don’t you know how much hot water you’d be in if Patterson caught you?”
“We’re only trying to help,” Millie said.
“I appreciate that,” Andy said, “but getting yourselves killed is only going to make matters worse. What if you were messing around near the panel and one of you got electrocuted?” Andy asked.
Millie hadn’t thought about that. Surely, there was no juice flowing to the burned out panel. Andy’s statement made Millie feel foolish for dragging her friends into the investigation.
“Danielle thinks someone with electrical knowledge set Luigi up,” Annette said.
“The Jill of all trades.” Andy shook his head and eyed Danielle suspiciously. “What are you now, an electrician?”
“I…know a little about electrical stuff,” Danielle said. “Hazards of one of my past careers.”
He turned his attention to Millie. “I’ve been looking for you. We need to head down to the karaoke stage. I want to do a little rearranging to make more room. Since our first night was such a huge success, I think we’ll have a larger crowd tonight.”
“When do I get to host karaoke?” Danielle whined.
Andy gave her a dark look. “I thought you were trying to get out of my department.”
“True, but in the meantime, I still gotta do my job,” Danielle said. “You’ve put me in charge of hosting the singles Mix & Mingle every week.”
“That’s because you’re single,” Andy pointed out.
“So is Millie,” Danielle argued.
“Not really,” Andy shook his head.
“Yes, I am,” Millie countered. “I am single.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the air.
“Well.” Andy clasped his hands together. “It’s settled. Let’s head down to the stage.” He grasped Millie under the elbow and steered her away from Annette and Danielle.
“I’m sorry Millie,” Andy said when they were out of earshot. “I thought you and Captain Armati patched things up.”
Millie stopped abruptly in the hall. “Patched things up? What’s there to patch up? He’s abandoning ship. Hasta la vista, baby.”
“There’s nothing he can do about it, Millie. He asked for the transfer to avoid a scandal on board the ship and now he has to transfer to Baroness of the Seas or risk losing his job.”
“What scandal? So Luigi Falco filed a complaint.” Millie began walking again. “It’s just that he should’ve told me before I had to find out in front of a room full of strangers.”
“I’m not a stranger.”
“You know what I mean.” They had reached deck five and the karaoke stage. Millie moved to a safer subject, one that didn’t make her want to burst into tears. “So what’s your plan?”
Andy and Millie stood in front of the stage. “I was thinking if we shifted the stage a little to the left, closer to the guest services desk, we could have maintenance bring in a few more lounge chairs and slide everything back, which would create a large dance floor area plus add more seating.”
Millie held up a hand. “Shh. Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?”
“It’s a buzzing noise,” Millie said.
“I don’t hear anything.” Andy nudged a cluster of wires near his foot.
“I wouldn’t touch those wires,” Millie said. “Let me call Marcus in electrical.” She unclipped her walkie-talkie from her belt, lifted it to her face and pressed the button. “Marcus T, do you copy?”
Killer Karaoke (Cruise Ship Christian Cozy Mysteries Series Book 7) Page 8