by Leena Clover
Anna poured herself a cup, pulled on a robe and went out.
“I hope you got some work done last night, Julie. You’re not working today.”
Julie held up a finger, her eyes glued to the screen. She shut her laptop five minutes later and put her arms behind her head.
“That’s done. Now tell me all, Anna. How did the date go?”
Cassie and Meg trooped in, rubbing their eyes, still in their pajamas.
“Yeah Mom!” Cassie pouted. “Were you and Gino having a moment when Meg and I walked in on you last night?”
Anna told them they had been talking about Jojo.
“What about your date, Meg? Did you have a good time?”
Meg’s cheeks were rosy and her face glowed in the morning sun. Anna was glad to see some meat on her bones. She was no longer the waif she had been when they first met.
“It was the best!” Meg clutched her hands together and sighed dramatically. “Drake took me to a place called Stone Island. We took a small boat to go there. There was a nice beach and it wasn’t too crowded.”
“Don’t tell me you were the only ones there?” Cassie was alarmed.
“Oh no! There were people. Just not as many as we saw on the boardwalk.”
Meg told them how they had strolled along the beach and watched the beautiful sunset. They had dinner at a small restaurant.
“It was more like a shack, really. Their chips were so good! I ate lots of guacamole.”
There had been chicken quesadillas and fresh coconut meat, dusted with chili. A mariachi band had serenaded them.
“Looks like he put some thought in this date,” Cassie admitted grudgingly.
“Did you learn anything more about him, Meg?” Anna asked.
“You’ll never guess this.” Meg grew animated. “Drake knew Grandpa John!”
There was a series of exclamations from everyone present.
“And he never mentioned that before this?” Anna looked miffed.
“Drake went to DBU.” Meg referred to the university in Dolphin Bay. “He was Grandpa John’s student.” She took Anna’s hand. “He knew my name is Butler but he didn’t make the connection until we talked.”
Cassie folded her hands and leaned against the door.
“Tell me you didn’t talk about Blue Hill.”
Meg turned red.
“He already knows about it, Mom.”
“Blue Hill is not exactly a secret, Cassie,” Anna reasoned. “It’s a local legend, the kind of thing kids like to talk about.”
Julie interrupted them, reminding them they needed to order breakfast.
“Do you want to go to the main breakfast buffet? Or would you rather order something here?”
“That depends on what we’re doing today.” Anna waved her hand at the shore. The hills she had spotted earlier seemed closer. A busy highway was visible in the distance. “We should be docking soon. Don’t know why it’s taking so long.”
Cassie stretched her arms above her head and yawned.
“I’m a bit worn out.”
They all wanted to check out the town of Puerto Vallarta but they also wanted to take it easy. Cassie decided to talk to their cruise director and get some suggestions.
Anna brought Julie up to speed about their latest theory surrounding Logan Powell.
“There’s a tiny flaw, Anna.” Julie narrowed her eyes. “Have you forgotten how connecting doors work? They are locked from both sides. Even if Logan wanted to enter Jojo’s room, there was nobody there to open it for him at the other end.”
“Ricky was asleep, Milli was gone and Jojo was …” Anna stared back at Julie. “Could Jojo have let him in herself?”
Cassie came back, looking uncertain.
“There’s a slight delay. Three other cruise ships are in port today and we are the last ones in line to dock. Something to do about a pilot.”
They would not dock for a couple of hours. The cruise director had suggested a private cab that would take them on a quick tour around the city. They could spend the rest of the day at a local five star resort with access to a private beach and a big swimming pool.
“That sounds like just the thing!” Julie exclaimed. “But what about food?”
It was an all inclusive offer and the woman had promised Cassie they would be plied with copious amounts of food and drink.
They decided to check out the famous breakfast buffet the ship offered. Half an hour later, they were all taking the elevator to the atrium floor.
Gino was waiting for them.
The buffet was over the top, as expected. Anna marveled at the different fruit carvings and the array of freshly baked pastries. They loaded their plate and found a table with a good view.
“Can you talk to your friend in security?” Anna told him about the locks in the connecting room.
“I think Alicia might help more than Bernard. Why don’t I talk to her?”
“The maid?” Anna sprinkled hot sauce over her eggs. “As long as she can get us in.”
Meg joined them later as they took the elevator to Deck 14. They spotted Alicia coming out of Fred’s cabin with her cleaning cart. Gino took her aside and talked to her.
“We have ten minutes,” he told Anna.
Alicia had unlocked the Empress Suite and the one next to it. She stood outside, fiddling with her cleaning cart. If anyone came along, she would tell them she was replacing the towels.
They confirmed that both doors were locked. Anna tried to enter Logan’s suite from the Empress Suite. The lock held and she couldn’t get in until Meg unlocked the door. Then they tried the opposite.
Anna stood in the Empress Suite, right outside the locked door. Meg turned the knob and burst in. She and Anna stared at each other, their mouths hanging open.
“This lock is faulty!” Meg cried. “What does this mean, Anna?”
“Logan didn’t need anyone to open the lock on this side. He could have entered the Empress Suite any time with no one the wiser.”
They called out to Gino and waited impatiently while he tested both the locks himself. The maid peeped in and told them they needed to leave.
“This doesn’t prove anything, Anna.” Gino ushered them out and started walking to the elevator. “Nobody actually saw him enter that cabin.”
Anna was indignant.
“I think that catapults Logan to the top of the list.”
The elevator doors opened and Millicent walked out, Ricky in tow. Everyone exchanged greetings. Milli rushed off to get some work done.
“That’s normal for her,” Ricky assured them. “Gold Labs has a global presence and there’s a crisis in some office at any given time. Milli prides herself on taking care of it.”
Anna asked Ricky if they could talk. He sensed she was serious and led them to a few tables set under a canopy. The boat was finally moving and Anna realized they would be docking soon.
“What do you know about Logan?” She hesitated. “Did you two get along?”
“Are you asking me about Logan and Jojo?” Ricky sighed. “I know they were childhood sweethearts. Jojo didn’t hide anything from me.”
“They dated off and on even when they were adults,” Meg remarked.
Ricky’s face had paled as they talked about Jojo.
“Logan was still in love with her. Look, I know all that. But he’s a good guy. He just wanted Jojo to be happy and he gave us his blessing. Why do you think he agreed to be my best man?”
“What about Jojo?” Anna prompted.
“Jojo was in love with me, of course.” Ricky looked anguished. “Logan would always be a part of our lives but she assured me he was just a friend.”
Anna apologized for being inquisitive. Ricky told her he would answer any question if it would help her find Jojo’s killer.
“I haven’t given up yet, Ricky.” Anna gave him a hug.
They went back to their own deck and got ready to leave the ship.
“Do you still suspect Logan?” Gino asked
as they walked down the ramp into the bustling port of Puerto Vallarta.
Chapter 19
Anna had put Logan out of her mind by the time they settled in the taxi. She was sharing one with Gino. They visited an old church, walked through cobblestoned streets and took more pictures. The driver insisted on a scenic drive over the Malecon before depositing them at the resort.
Everyone was ready for an icy drink. The food was a bit more gourmet than what they had eaten so far and delicious. Cassie sucked on mango popsicles laced with tequila. Anna munched on chips piled with her favorite mango salsa.
“There’s a big mango festival here in summer.” Julie read from a menu she had found lying around. “You’re in luck, Anna. They are doing a mango special this week.”
They snacked on grilled mangoes sprinkled with chili powder and ate ceviche studded with mangoes.
“This is bliss!” Cassie sighed.
She had just swum a few laps in the infinity pool. They were offered a drink called mangonada and Anna was in love.
Julie wanted to know what they had discovered on Deck 14. Meg gave her an account of their morning.
“There you go,” Julie shrugged. “Logan couldn’t have a better character witness than the groom.”
“Ricky trusts him,” Meg nodded. “Isn’t that right, Gino?”
“That’s the impression he gave.” Gino bit into a pork tamale. “Anna isn’t convinced though.”
Anna had just taken a giant bite out of her shrimp tostada.
“I have the right to reserve my opinion.”
A live band struck up a tune and Gino pulled Anna to her feet. They danced around the sunny courtyard, smiling into each other’s eyes. Anna had never imagined she would have such strong feelings for another man after John.
The day was over too soon and they headed back to the ship, sorry to say goodbye to Mexico. The Empress Cleopatra would be at sea for the next two days, before they reached Los Angeles.
“We never shopped for souvenirs!” Cassie realized as the taxi took them to the port terminal.
The driver told them there was a market right outside the port where they could do some last minute shopping. Fortunately, they had an hour before they had to be on the ship.
They bought colorful jewelry, stoneware plates and bowls, hats and sundresses. Gino was in charge of buying a wide assortment of tequila to take back home.
“I don’t care how cheesy it is, Mom.” Meg glared at Cassie. “I’m going to get some tee shirts with Puerto Vallarta printed on them.”
Anna wanted a stone mortar and pestle but thought it was too heavy. She bought an assortment of dried chilies and tajin, the special seasoned salt the Mexicans used in a variety of drinks.
They ran out of time.
The guest relations staff welcomed them back with bright smiles. The wedding coordinator spotted them and nodded at some stewards to help them with their packages.
Cassie picked up a glass of champagne from the drinks table that had been set up for the wedding party and thanked the woman for recommending the resort.
Gino joined them on Anna’s big balcony and they settled down to watch the sunset.
“Are we enjoying ourselves too much?” Meg wondered. “I haven’t forgotten Jojo, Mom. I think of her every time I like something and then I feel guilty. We wouldn’t have come on this trip if we hadn’t run into her.”
The mood was subdued as the sky darkened and the sun skirted the horizon. They barely realized when the ship left the harbor.
Anna shivered suddenly as a brisk wind picked up. She pulled on a light cotton cardigan, unable to stop thinking about Logan Powell. Unlike the others, she wasn’t ready to exonerate him just yet.
Gino suggested going for a walk. Anna thought of the bustling café in the atrium. She suddenly had a hankering for a good cappuccino. Julie and the girls shooed them out.
Anna admired the flower the barista had created for her with the foam. Coffee art always made her smile. The hot, creamy drink cleared her mind and she finally relaxed.
“What’s on your mind?” Gino sounded anxious. “I didn’t say anything in front of the girls, Anna. But I know you’re worried about something.”
Anna placed her hand on his and pecked him on his cheek.
“You’re so caring, Gino. What did I do to deserve you?”
Gino laughed easily.
“Is that your way of evading my question?”
Anna assured him she was fine. She asked what he wanted to do that evening.
Gino confessed he was looking forward to turning in early.
“I know it’s not the fashionable thing to do.”
Anna suggested watching the open air movie. She just wished they were playing something other than Casablanca.
A familiar figure brushed past their table on her way to the coffee counter. Anna heard her order a triple shot of espresso with vanilla and whipped cream.
“Isn’t that Millicent?”
She waved at the young woman, trying to catch her eye.
Millicent looked around and almost frowned when she saw them. Then she pasted a smile on her face and walked over.
“Two more days to go.” She took a sip of her potent brew, tapping her foot impatiently. “I’m tired of being on this rust bucket.”
Anna knew the Empress Cleo was famous for being one of the most luxurious ships in the world.
“What made you decide to slum it?”
“I had to attend the wedding, of course. Why provide fodder to the tabloids?”
Anna agreed with her.
“Do you have kids waiting for you at home?”
Milli laughed shrilly.
“Please … I’m not married! Do you know the kind of commitment needed to run a business like Gold Labs?”
Anna wished her a good evening.
“Have you seen Logan today?” she asked. “I have something for him.”
Milli glanced at her watch.
“Must be back home in Bel Air by now. Did you get him a souvenir? How cute!”
Anna sat up with a jerk. Gino placed a hand on her knee, silently urging her to stay calm.
“What do you mean, dear?”
“Logan took a flight home this afternoon,” Milli answered in a bored voice. “Something to do with a business deal.”
Anna bid her goodbye and waited until she was out of sight.
“We’ll go see Bernard,” Gino offered before she could say a word.
One of the security men walking around confirmed that the chief was in his office. Anna tapped her leg with impatience as they waited for the elevator. Soon they were down on Deck 3, knocking on Bernard’s office door.
“What now?” he greeted Gino with a raised brow. “I didn’t see you this often even when we were stationed abroad.”
Anna hastened to explain.
“He wasn’t a prisoner.” Bernard spun in his chair. “None of you are. We can’t stop anyone from walking off the ship. And I don’t have any control over what you do when you’re in port.”
“You don’t think it’s suspicious?” Gino frowned.
“I will notify the authorities when we get back.”
Anna wasn’t ready to give up.
“What about the broken lock?”
“The maintenance crew is very meticulous, Mrs. Butler. I’m willing to bet nobody reported it.”
“I’m not asking why it wasn’t fixed.” Anna grew impatient. “Aren’t you at least going to check it out?”
Gino played his trump card.
“What if she’s right? You can add another notch in your belt.”
Bernard took the bait.
“I’ll humor you this time. But no more wild theories, okay?”
They took the elevator to Deck 14. It rode up slowly, stopping at almost every floor. Anna didn’t get a chance to speak until they reached the top deck.
The chief flashed his security card over the scanner outside Logan’s suite, muttering about older women with fanc
y ideas. He took two steps in and came to a dead stop.
“Don’t come in.”
Anna responded to the urgency in his voice and didn’t move. Gino took her arm and led her out.
“Will you promise to stay here?” he asked softly.
Anna gave a slight nod, trying to damp down the fear that rose in her throat. There were goosebumps on her arms and they weren’t caused by the cool air.
Five minutes later, Gino came out of the cabin with Bernard. The security chief pulled out his walkie talkie and spoke in it, repeating the same thing over and over again.
Anna heard something about a bright star.
Gino rushed forward and wrapped his arms around her. Anna put her hands on his chest and stared into his glistening eyes. Gino answered her silent question.
“Logan’s not in Bel Air, Anna.”
Chapter 20
Anna didn’t want to get out of bed the next morning. The bank of clouds hugging the horizon matched her mood. It was as if the sun had given up hope.
The previous evening had been a blur after they discovered Logan’s body. To say that Anna was shocked was an understatement. She had been seething with fury, convinced he had managed to escape. But the truth had been the exact opposite.
According to Chief Bernard and Gino, Logan had been dead for a while. But the ship’s doctor was summoned for a cursory examination. He confirmed Logan was gone and gave the go ahead to transfer him to the morgue.
Anna had refused to speak to anyone. The girls coaxed her to eat some soup and Julie made chamomile tea. All she had wanted to do was go to sleep and forget what was happening around her.
Julie walked in with a mug of steaming coffee.
“How are you feeling?”
Anna grabbed the cup like a lifeline and took a bracing sip.
“I know we didn’t really know him. I can’t explain why I’m so shaken, Julie.”
They decided it might be a delayed reaction to Jojo’s death.
“The girls ordered breakfast. Why don’t you come sit with us on the balcony?”
Anna told her to go ahead. She pulled on a robe and brushed her short hair, staring at herself in the mirror. Her mind was muddled with a lot of conflicting theories.”