by Peggy Dulle
“Okay. There was something missing from our room.”
“What?” Ramirez said, his tone surprisingly even.
“Liza had a set of photographs from her parents’ cruises.”
“Like the one under the chair where we found the body?” Hansen asked.
“Yes.”
“How many?” Ramirez asked.
Tom looked at me, and I said, “Fifteen.”
“Were they all of the same people?” Ramirez asked.
“No, there were ten in their cruising group. The photos were of various groupings of those people and a few with larger crowds.”
“Were Betsy Ruiz and Adam Sherman in some of the pictures?” Hansen asked.
“Yes,” I said. “They were in a few.”
“They were all taken?” he asked.
“Yes,” Tom said.
Well, that was the truth. Whoever had trashed our room had taken my pictures. But not the duplicates. I’d forgotten about them until just now. They were still safely tucked into my large suitcase. Tom didn’t know about them so he wasn’t actually lying.
“Do you have any idea what this is all about?” Ramirez asked, glancing first at me and then leveling his gaze at Tom.
Tom shook his head. “No, I don’t, not really.”
“What about a hunch?” Ramirez asked.
Tom looked at me and back at Ramirez. “It may have something to do with Liza’s parents’ deaths.”
Ramirez raised his one eyebrow. I would have laughed if Tom and the two detectives hadn’t looked so serious.
Tom told them about my parents’ plane crash, the fact they’d always come to the Nordic Inn with their group before leaving on the cruise, about the dead woman in the motel room, about Adam’s possible cheating with that woman, and then about his death three days later on the cruise.
“How is all this related to the pictures?” Ramirez leaned forward and asked.
“I have no idea,” Tom told him. “If I did, I’d tell you.”
“I wish you two weren’t leaving in a few hours,” Ramirez said.
“Why?” I asked.
“Something’s going on and having you away on a ship in the middle of the ocean isn’t probably a very good idea.”
“I’m not giving up my vacation,” I told him and then stared at Tom.
“We’re not, Liza.”
“I’ll look up the police report on that dead woman. Give me your email address and I’ll send you the report. Maybe something will stand out for you or Miss Wilcox.”
Tom gave a business card to Ramirez, and asked, “Have you still got my gun?”
“Yes,” Hansen said. “It’s not back from ballistics.”
“They wouldn’t let you take it on the ship, anyway,” Ramirez pointed out.
“I’d feel better if I had it with me,” Tom said.
“The ship’s security is very good. I doubt anyone would try something there. But be careful in Mexico. You can get whatever you want there and some people will do anything for a few bucks.”
Ramirez and Hansen stood. Ramirez and Tom shook hands. It was nice they were buddies now.
We started to leave with them, but Ramirez said, “Stay here. I’ll tell the cruise people you’re special guests of the city. They’ll take you on board the ship with the first group.”
“Thanks.” Tom nodded.
Ramirez and Hansen left the room.
“You told him everything?” I asked Tom.
“I know your experience with cops hasn’t been good. Both times you’ve gone to investigate something, the cops have been involved, but that’s not the norm.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“For our sakes, I hope I am, too.”
Chapter 10
A few minutes later, a young man in a white uniform came in. “Miss Wilcox and Mr. Owens, welcome to the Gold Lounge.”
Tom nodded, and I said, “Thanks.”
“The ship should be cleared in about thirty minutes and we’ll get you on board. Is there anything I can get you?”
“No, thank you,” I told him.
“Okay.” He bowed. “I’ll be back to escort you onto the ship.”
The man left.
I turned and smiled at Tom. “I like all this special treatment.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
“Why not?”
“You must have to pay to be a Gold member. We only got it this time because of Ramirez and Hansen. And if we ever go on another cruise, I hope we don’t have the same problems we’ve had since arriving in Long Beach.”
I laughed. “Then I’ll just enjoy it while I can.” I got two bottled waters and handed one to Tom. “Enjoy your free water while you can.”
“Yeah, if I want it on the ship, I’ll probably have to charge ten bucks to your credit card.”
I sat down and took out the sheet the clerk had given us. “Let’s check out the answers to these ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.”
“Good idea,” Tom scooted his chair closer.
It was very informative. They even had a soda card I could buy to cover my drinks for the cruise.
When we got to the question about renting a tuxedo, Tom asked, “Why would I want to rent a tux?”
“For the two formal nights,” I told him. I felt his hand on my arm and looked up.
“What formal nights?”
“There are two nights we get dressed up.” I smiled. “The Captain’s Welcome Aboard dinner and also on the Friday before the cruise is over.”
Tom frowned. “I think I should have gotten a little more information about this cruise before I packed. I guess I’ll have to rent one.”
“You’ll look so cute,” I teased him.
“And what did you bring for the formal nights?”
“I have a long black skirt and a couple of fancy tops.”
“Slinky and revealing?” His eyes glistened.
“Do I look like the slinky and revealing type?”
“Hey, if I have to get into a monkey suit, you have to wear something slinky and revealing.”
“Oh sorry, I don’t have anything like that.”
“I’ll buy you something,” he said. “I’m sure they have stores on the ship. They have everything else.”
“On my credit card?”
“Well, maybe they’ll let me use my own.”
I shrugged. “I don’t think so; it sounds like everything on the ship goes on our Navigator card.”
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” he offered, and went back to reading the FAQs sheet.
I looked up when a very nice-looking man walked into the room. I’d put his age in his early forties. He was tall, tanned, with light brown hair, and smartly dressed in a pair of black slacks and white-collared silk shirt. He wore a white Panama hat, which he removed as he entered. But his best feature was his eyes. They were dark and seemed to take in everything in the room, including me, all at once.
He smiled, nodded at us, then locked eyes with me for just a moment. He set his hat on the table, went over and pushed a button on the wall. I have a thing about hats. I’m always trying to impress upon the students in my classroom that any hat, including a baseball cap, should be taken off when they enter a room. It’s an obsession. The boys in my class learn it so well that when their fathers come with the, they tell them to remove their hats. Any man who does this naturally, immediately elevates my opinion of him.
A man dressed in a white uniform immediately came into the room. “Yes, Mr. Graystone?”
“I’d like a drink, Robert.”
“Your usual?”
“Of course.”
Robert left and he over to our table, extended his hand, and said, “I’m Dorian Graystone.”
Tom stood up and shook it. “I’m Tom Owens and this is Miss Wilcox.” He pointed at me.
I offered my hand. “Liza, please call me Liza.”
Mr. Graystone brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. “It’s my pleasure, Liza
. My name is Dorian. And you can call me anytime you need anything.”
Tom stepped closer to me.
Thankfully Robert returned and handed Dorian a champagne glass.
He took it in his free hand, the other still attached to mine, and said, “Would you like some champagne, Liza?”
“No, thank you.” I slid my hand out of his.
He turned to Tom, “What about you, Tom?”
“No, thanks, it’s a little early in the day for me,” Tom said, frowning.
The corners of Dorian’s lips turned up in a devilish grin. “It’s never too early to enjoy something wonderful.” He took a sip of his champagne and looked at Robert, “Magnificent, Robert. Thank you.”
“I’ll be taking you on board in just a few minutes, Mr. Graystone.”
“Thank you, Robert.”
Dorian nodded and Robert left the room.
Dorian Graystone’s voice had an amazing soothing quality, yet it also commanded your attention. A wonderful combination.
“Are you someone famous?” I asked.
He chuckled. “No, my dear. I’ve just taken so many cruises that I’m treated well.”
“How many?” Tom asked.
“Let see,” Dorian said as he took another sip of his champagne. “This will be my twenty-fifth cruise.”
“Wow,” I said, and held up the FAQ sheet. “If I have any questions, I’m just going to ask you.”
He chuckled again, “I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, but if you’re in this room it means you’re a Gold Member.”
“What is a Gold Member?” I asked.
“Those who have gone on ten or more cruises.”
“Not us, then, this is our first cruise.”
Dorian raised his eyebrows. “Then are you someone famous?” he asked with a smile.
I laughed. “No, we’ve had some problems since coming to Long Beach, so two nice detectives let us stay in here until we can get on the ship.”
“Oh my, the police?” Dorian sat down. “What happened?”
Tom had been very quiet during my conversation with Dorian, but not anymore, “Liza.”
I turned to him. “Yes?”
“I don’t think Dorian is interested in what happened to us. Besides, it’s a police matter.”
“Oh, now you’ve got my curiosity up.” Dorian leaned toward me. “Tell me, Liza.”
I looked from Tom to Dorian and then back. I was saved from saying any more when a couple came into the room. I recognized them immediately from my parents’ pictures — Carmelita Ringdon. She was just as Betsy had described her: long bleached-blonde hair, boobs in a size triple-D, the waist of a teenager, and a new facelift. She wore a flowered sundress and on her arm was a nice looking gentleman, around her own age, just like Betsy had said. Her escort was an imposing man, well over 6 feet, built solidly with broad shoulders, penetrating blue eyes, thick brown hair and severe jaw. He was dressed in tan slacks and a teal polo shirt which matched Carmelita’s attire.
She saw Dorian, smiled and extended her hand. “Hello, Dorian, how are you?”
He kissed her hand and said, “I’m fine, Carmelita, and you are as beautiful as ever.”
She giggled.
“And who have you brought this time?” Dorian asked.
Carmelita leaned her tawny head toward her escort, “This is Brian Sutter.”
Brian and Dorian shook.
Dorian turned to Tom and me. “And this is…”
Carmelita left Brian and came right over to me, “Liza? Liza Wilcox?”
Tom, Dorian, and Brian’s faces showed almost as much surprise as mine.
“Yes, I’m Liza Wilcox.”
“I’d know you any where.” She grabbed me and hugged me. She turned to Dorian, “This is Joyce and William’s daughter.”
Dorian smiled. “Well, it is a small world.”
Carmelita hugged me again. “I was so sorry to hear about your parents, dear.”
“What happened to Joyce and William?” Dorian asked.
“They were killed in an airplane crash,” Carmelita pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and continued, “almost four years ago. My, how time flies.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Dorian took my hand and squeezed it. “I didn’t know. I assumed they decided not to take this cruise any more.”
“No.” I shook my head.
“You must dine with Brian and me during the cruise, dear,” Carmelita said.
I held up my Navigator card. “We’re at table 269.”
“That’s the Admiral’s room,” Carmelita said, “It’s quieter than the main dining rooms, but I always dine at the Supper Club.”
“It’s not open tonight, Carmelita,” Dorian reminded her.
“No, I’ll get room service tonight,” she said, then turned and latched on to Brian. “It’s a tradition. Tomorrow is the first formal night. Would you and…” she turned and looked at Tom.
What was I supposed to call him? My boyfriend? That sounded so juvenile.
Thankfully, Tom stepped forward. “I’m Tom Owens and I’m her escort.”
Carmelita laughed. “Oh, I like him, Liza. Please, would you two join us on Monday night for dinner?”
I looked at Tom. He nodded and winked at me.
“We’d love to,” I told Carmelita.
She turned to Dorian. “And you, dear. What are your plans for formal night?”
“I don’t know yet.” He took another sip of champagne.
“Single women look out,” she said and laughed.
Robert came back into the room and led us all into the main building. We went through an x-ray machine and stopped in front of a Mexican display. I recognized the scene from my parents’ pictures.
First Tom and I had our picture taken, followed by Carmelita and her escort. Carmelita insisted Dorian, Tom and I take one with her.
Dorian shook his head. “I don’t need another picture of me standing in front of the same stuff. It just reminds me I’m getting older.”
Carmelita laughed and then turned to me, “Dorian hates being photographed.”
“So does Tom,” I put in.
“It’s a waste of their film and my time, especially since I’m not going to buy them,” Dorian said.
He was right. Why bother if you weren’t going to buy them? However, this was my first cruise, so I would waste enough of their film for all of us. I didn’t have any pictures of Tom and me and this was my opportunity to get some. He didn’t like having his picture taken, either.
As we entered the ship, we put our Navigator card into a machine that took our pictures.
Dorian nodded to us and said, “I’m going to people-watch awhile.”
“Selecting your first playmate, Dorian?” Carmelita asked.
Dorian winked and walked away.
Carmelita and Brian left to take their carry-on luggage to their suite. Tom and I went searching for our cabin, too.
“This is some decorating job,” Tom remarked as we took a glass elevator to the fifth floor, Upper Deck.
“It’s Italian Renaissance, I think?”
It was quite elaborate, with paintings and statues of naked men and women everywhere.
I looked toward the top as the elevator ascended. I saw a huge statue of a man leaning over a woman who was holding a child. None had a stitch of clothing on.
Tom followed my eyes up to the statue. “I say it again, this is some decorating job.”
When we found our cabin, a steward was still cleaning and setting up our room.
“My name is Rudolph,” he nodded toward us. “I will be taking care of your room. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”
“Thank you,” I told him. “Is it okay if we leave my little suitcase here?”
“Sure, put it in the closet.” He nodded and left.
Tom scrutinized the room, taking it in like he did any room he entered. He was always a cop looking for a bad guy.
“
It’s kind of small, isn’t it?” he said.
“It’s bigger than the inside cabins and I thought you’d appreciate having a balcony, even though it’s considered an obstructed view because of the lifeboats…”
Tom frowned, so I continued, “It was the only thing available when I called other than the big suites, which I couldn’t afford.”
Tom looked out at the balcony. “The view’s not that blocked and the room’s fine.” He glanced at the king-size bed. “At least it’s just one bed.”
The cabin steward came back in. “Food is already being served up on the Lido Deck.”
“Food?” I said, as my stomach growled.
Rudolph smiled and handed Tom a small brochure. “Here’s a map of the ship. It will make it easier to find the food.”
Tom laughed. “Thanks. Normally Liza’s sense of direction is terrible, but when it comes to food, she’s be able to sniff it out.”
I laughed and Rudolph smiled.
Rudolph handed me a brochure. “And here are your Cruiser Notes.”
“What’s that?” Tom asked.
“It tells you everything that’s going on today and it has a tear off section you can carry with you. I’ll put one in your room each night for the next day,” Rudolph said.
“Thanks.” I took the brochure and turned to Tom. “Let’s get something to eat and then we can go through this.”
We went up to the ninth floor, Lido Deck. A band dressed in traditional Mexican costumes played on the deck by the biggest of the three pools. And there was food galore.
“Wow!” Tom said, “I see Chinese, Italian, a grill, a deli, and a great salad bar.”
“How am I going to decide what to have?” I said, looking around at all the choices.
“This is like being in heaven for you, Liza, isn’t it?”
I nodded, “Oh yeah.”
“I’m going to get a salad.”
“Oh no,” I shook my head. “You get your lunch, find a seat and I’ll find you.”
Tom went in the direction of the salad bar and I got a little bit of everything. My plate had lasagna, Chinese stir-fry, battered fried shrimp, three egg rolls, and french-fries.
When I sat down, Tom did that one eyebrow thing.
“What?” I said.
“I didn’t say anything. I know better than that, Liza.” He took a bite of his salad.