by Leena Clover
Copyright © Leena Clover, Author 2021
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organizations and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Mango Chili Cruiser – Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 6
By Leena Clover
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue
Join my Newsletter
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1
Anna Butler was happy. The deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean stretched around her, as far as the eye could see. Bright sunshine warmed her back and bathed everything around her in a golden light. It was the middle of October and Anna was on the sun soaked deck of a luxury cruise ship, having breakfast with her friends and family.
Her twenty year old granddaughter Meg flanked her on the right. The elfin girl had filled out nicely in the past year, courtesy Anna’s home cooked food and cupcakes. She had stopped coloring her hair blue or pink and gone back to her natural color, a deep mahogany just like her mother’s. It hung around her shoulders in thick waves, shining like gold in the sun. Meg’s laughter filled the air and Anna listened indulgently as she regaled the group with tidbits from her latest date.
Anna’s daughter Cassie sat on her left, sipping a mimosa, the large straw hat she wore shading her face. Cassie was a famous Hollywood star of yore, keen on making a comeback. She had recently secured a small but prominent role in an upcoming movie from a big production house. Anna was rooting for her, knowing she had willingly bowed out of the limelight a few years ago due to extenuating circumstances.
Anna shook her head and chastised herself again. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining down on her. She had to stop thinking about how turbulent the past few years had been. Losing her beloved husband John had just been the beginning. Anna had been diagnosed with breast cancer. To her surprise, her estranged daughter Cassie dropped her glitzy Hollywood life and came back to small town Dolphin Bay to take care of her. They had muddled through surgery and endless rounds of radiation for several months before Anna started feeling better again. The local mayor had waged a vendetta against her during this time, accusing her of murdering John. Many locals she had known all her life had given her a wide berth, except her two friends Julie and Mary. They had stuck to her like leeches and defended her. And then there was Meg.
“Mom!” Cassie waved a hand before Anna’s eyes, trying to get her attention. “Have you decided what you want?”
“We’re all going for huevos rancheros,” Julie said with relish. “Why don’t you do the same, Anna? Give your avocado toast a rest for a change?”
Anna nodded absently, picking up her own mimosa.
“What are you thinking about, Anna?” Meg asked solicitously. “Did you sleep well?”
Anna had spent almost all her life living by the coast. But she had never been on a boat before. Technically, they were on a mid-sized ship. Though how you could call a floating palace with 14 decks and a thousand people on board mid-sized was something she didn’t understand. But Cassie had told her the really big ships carried over five thousand passengers. Compared to that, the Empress Cleopatra was small fry. But it was ten times more luxurious than the behemoths.
“I never thought I would be seasick,” Anna admitted reluctantly. “I’m not sure those bands you got help.”
Julie told her she had to stop dwelling on it.
“A hearty breakfast will set you right.”
Anna watched her friend cut open a croissant and slather it with marmalade. Her stomach rumbled with hunger and she hoped she could keep her breakfast down.
“How can you eat so much?” Anna was curious.
Julie was a famous romance author who sported capri pants and plaid shirts most of the time. She was partial to good food, especially anything she didn’t have to cook herself.
“The Empress Cleo is rated number 1 in the world for its food.” Julie informed her smugly and took a hearty bite of her pastry. “And I intend to sample everything on the menu. You’re not going to guilt me out of it, my girl.”
“Of course not,” Anna laughed. “I don’t expect you to starve just because I’m puking my guts out. Just pace yourself.”
The server arrived with their food. The huevos rancheros were bursting with the flavors of chili and cumin and Anna felt her mouth water.
“This is a breakfast worthy of the Mexican Riviera,” Cassie beamed, taking in the bowls of fresh tropical fruit and the spicy eggs everyone was sampling. “Aren’t you glad we came on this cruise?”
“We’ve been playing hooky too long,” Anna muttered, sticking her fork into a slice of melon.
“Stop worrying about it, Mom,” Cassie groaned. “You promised. We can’t have fun if you keep thinking about the café.”
Julie agreed with her.
“We all needed a change of scene, Anna.”
“Isn’t that why we went to Los Angeles?” Anna couldn’t help herself. “But …”
“I didn’t know I was going to run into Jojo, Mom!” Cassie looked around and lowered her voice. “I couldn’t say no to her. I’ve known her since I first came to L. A. She’s had my back more than a few times.”
“She was like a younger sister to you, right Mom?” Meg piped up.
Anna saw Cassie’s lips stretch into a wide smile. She did that every time Meg called her Mom. Anna knew Cassie would never get tired of hearing it.
When Cassie found herself pregnant at sixteen, she did what she thought was best for her child. Meg had been given up for adoption. Cassie left home soon after, determined to pursue her dream of being a Hollywood star. None of them had imagined the trajectory Meg’s life would take. She had been shuffled around from one foster home to another until she got adopted later in life. She had started looking for her birth parents after she turned eighteen and arrived in Dolphin Bay one fine day, ready to meet her mother.
Anna and Cassie had been horrified when they learned Meg’s story. The Butler women started living under one roof and had spent the past year getting to know each other. They had quickly become inseparable, keen as they were to make up for lost time.
“I’m not sure I was a good role model, Meg.” Cassie was brutally honest. “We partied hard and painted the town red. The gossip rags were full of our exploits.”
“Did you know we would run into her on Rodeo Drive?” Meg asked.
Anna saw Cassie shake her head and believed her. Cassie had spent
the past couple of years in obscurity. Her fitness trainer friend had been the only person from Hollywood she had stayed in touch with. But Bobby was family. Anna had been skeptical at first but she had capitulated when he ate three helpings of her mushroom risotto and licked the tiramisu pan clean.
“I’m glad we finally took this trip, Cass,” she smiled.
The bagel and fruit she ate was making her feel better. She had even taken two bites of the huevos rancheros from Meg’s plate.
“We had fun!”
Bobby had cleared his schedule immediately when they finally decided to take a trip to Los Angeles. The Butler women descended on the city along with the Firecrackers, Julie and Mary. They had done all the touristy things in town, including gawking at the Hollywood sign, shopping on Rodeo Drive, going to the amusement park and watching the sunset at Malibu. Cassie had taken them to a couple of studios and shown them around. Then she had taken them to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Anna’s heart filled with pride when they reached the star with Cassie’s name. Her daughter had worked hard for it. Truth be told, they had all paid a big price but it was all water under the bridge.
A shrill scream had pierced the air as they posed for photos around Cassie’s star. A curvy young woman tottering on heels had rushed out of a café and run straight into Cassie’s arms. The women from Dolphin Bay had watched nonplussed as Cassie and the blonde did some kind of dance. Meg’s hands had flown to her mouth a split second later.
“OMG, you’re Jojo Gold!” she cried. “How do you know my Mom?”
“Mom?” The petite blonde had whirled around and stared at Meg, her doe like eyes wide with astonishment. “Cassie Butler has a grown up daughter?”
A few cameras started flashing and Cassie hurriedly ushered the whole group into a restaurant. Cassie made Anna proud. She hadn’t flinched a bit when she admitted Meg’s age.
The sun rose higher in the sky, bathing the deck in bright light. Cassie nudged a plate of croissants toward Anna and apologized.
“I had no idea we would run into Jojo, Mom. You know I haven’t been in touch with any of my Hollywood friends for a while. But once we met her, I couldn’t turn her down. We go way back.”
Jojo had heard Cassie’s story with her mouth hanging open. Then she had told them her news.
“I’m getting married next week. You’re all coming and I won’t take no for an answer.”
Jojo was marrying the love of her life on the most luxurious cruise ship in the world, the Empress Cleopatra. Two entire decks had been reserved for the wedding party and Cassie was told she could have as many suites as she wanted.
Anna had been surprised when she saw Gino Mancini waiting for them at the cruise terminal. Cassie had invited him to join them on the week long cruise.
“Come on, Mom.” Cassie nudged her. “We’re late for our dress fitting.”
Chapter 2
Anna barely had time to feel nauseous through the day. Jojo had told her they were all part of the wedding party and didn’t need to worry about a thing. That included finding a suitable dress for the different wedding functions.
Jojo herself was going with Vera Wang for the wedding. But she had hired a promising young designer from Beverly Hills to dress the rest of them. Julie and the Butlers had been rushed to the designer’s suite as soon as they boarded the Empress Cleo the previous evening. The formidable young man had clucked and muttered to himself as he measured them. Then he had presented a variety of sketches and chosen one for each of them.
Anna had been so dumbstruck she couldn’t think of a comment. Cassie told her later she didn’t have a choice. When a top couture designer chose a dress for you, you didn’t have room to argue.
They were all going to be dressed in different shades of peach, with Cassie’s outfit slightly darker than the others. She was the maid of honor.
The Sail Away party set the mood for the week ahead.
Jojo and her immediate family had suites on Deck 14, the topmost deck on the ship. Most of the area was usually a big observation deck, open to the stars, providing a 360 degree view of the water. It was the venue of the wedding and was closed off to the ship’s passengers for the entire week.
Jojo had kicked off the party as the ship left shore, urging everyone to taste a Jojorita, an exclusive drink the award winning mixologist had created in her honor.
“Welcome to my wedding, Anna.” Jojo had given her a warm hug and thanked them all for coming. “Cassie’s lucky to have a mom like you.”
Anna had taken one look at her moist eyes and decided she was the genuine article. The mood was upbeat and they all had a grand time as the ship sailed into the sunset.
The fitting went well. Meg’s excitement was palpable and Anna felt as awestruck as the young girl. Jojo Gold was sparing no expense and she was making sure her guests felt special.
They had a light lunch with Jojo after the dress fitting. She had booked a table for them at the ship’s top seafood restaurant. Sushi and sashimi were on the menu.
“Get ready for some serious pampering,” she beamed. “We’re heading to the spa for the next three hours.”
Anna hadn’t gone to a salon since her surgery, other than for a haircut. She had been reluctant to bare her scarred body before a stranger.
“Don’t worry, Mom,” Cassie said softly. “We’re all with you.”
Jojo sobered.
“Cassie told me what you’ve been through, Anna. You deserve this more than any of us.”
“You’re right, sweetie,” Julie nodded approvingly. “Now tell us about that hunk you’re gonna marry.”
Jojo blushed under her tan.
“It was all kind of sudden.”
“I always thought you would end up with Logan,” Cassie spoke up. “Aren’t you childhood sweethearts?”
Jojo gave a tiny shrug.
“Logan’s my best friend. But Ricky and I, we’re meant to be.”
Anna had met both young men the previous evening at dinner. Logan Powell was a powerful young man in his thirties, scion of a corporate dynasty. He was a billionaire in his own right and the sort of man young girls dreamed of marrying. But Jojo had fallen for the down to earth small town car mechanic, to everyone’s surprise. What the media had termed a summer fling had rapidly deepened into love. The whirlwind romance was culminating into a lavish wedding barely two months later.
“Where are you going on your honeymoon?” Meg giggled.
Jojo and her newly minted husband would have a mini honeymoon in upscale Mexican resorts while on the cruise. The more elaborate trip would come later.
“We’re going hiking in Patagonia,” Jojo gushed. “It’s supposed to be beautiful.”
“I thought you were going to Kenya?” Cassie blurted. “You and Logan always talked about honeymooning on safari in the wilds of Africa.”
Anna saw Jojo pale for an instant. She recovered quickly.
“That was a long time ago, Cass. South America’s chill now.”
The banter continued after they finished lunch and headed to the spa. Anna let herself be pummeled by two young Asian women and sighed in content when they placed hot stones on her spine. Then she was scrubbed from head to foot with a lemon scented sugary concoction, and wrapped tight in seaweed. Julie endured everything with her and finally stopped talking when their facial started.
“That was heavenly!” Anna admitted when they met up with the young ones later.
They snacked on fresh fruit and sipped green tea, waiting for Jojo to emerge from her special bridal treatment.
“You look amazing!” Meg sighed when the bride to be came out looking radiant, her waist length hair piled on top of her head in an intricate chignon.
“They did my hair for the rehearsal,” Jojo told them. “Does it look okay?”
Anna took some pictures while Cassie assured her friend she looked fabulous.
“Do you like your dresses for the rehearsal?” Jojo asked them. “I was very clear you could cho
ose anything you wanted.”
“Thank you for being so generous.” Anna hugged the girl. “Don’t forget you’re coming to visit us in Dolphin Bay as soon as you’re back from your honeymoon.”
“We’ll be there sooner if you give us a reason to.” Jojo smiled cheekily. “I saw how Gino was looking at you last night. I think wedding bells will be ringing soon.”
It was Anna’s turn to blush.
They headed back to their staterooms to get ready for the rehearsal. Anna had decided to squeeze in a quick nap while the others got ready.
Three large suites had been placed at their disposal. The ladies had unanimously chosen to bunk in one. Gino had taken the other. Anna and the girls had been amazed by how spacious the suite was. They had a big gathering area with a set of couches, a bar and a large wall mounted television. There were two bedrooms with ensuite baths and a big veranda that wrapped around the entire space, equipped with their very own hot tub.
An hour later, they all stood before the big mirror in Anna’s room, primping and applying last minute touches to their makeup.
“You look beautiful, Mom.” Cassie smoothed the shoulders of Anna’s sequined dress and gave a nod.
Anna felt like she was floating on air. Her dazzling new dress fit like a second skin but didn’t feel too tight.
“Look at Julie,” she teased. “We finally got her out of plaid.”
Julie was preening in the mirror, dressed in a black ankle length creation that made her look regal. Meg wore a turquoise frock and Cassie was dressed in her favorite red, long and flowing with an empire waist and miles of chiffon.
“We look pretty, don’t we?” Meg laughed. “Let’s take a picture.”
“Jojo must’ve hired a photographer.” Anna spritzed some perfume and hurried them along. “We need to get going, girls.”
They finally stepped out after posing for a dozen photos, some out on the veranda balcony with the ocean and the setting sun as the backdrop.
Gino was about to knock on their door. His eyes widened when he saw Anna.
“You look spectacular.” He bent down to whisper in her ear.