Shattered at Sea

by Cheryl Hollon

  They found a quiet table for two. “Okay, spill it,” said Edward after he had devoured one of his three fried eggs. “What did she find out?”

  Savannah washed down her mouthful of mushroom with her heavily creamed coffee. “She found your primary school records in St. Albans.”

  “But that’s too late!” Edward dropped his fork and knife on the table.

  “Shh.” She reached over and patted his hand. “Calm down and listen. She said that led to your primary school records in London—which is the same school as for Ian. That’s where she’s researching now. She has a lead on who was your teacher and was sending off an e-mail. She was a young woman at the time—a Miss Banks, I think?”

  “Yes, I remember her. She was thin with buck teeth.”

  “Amanda also wants any names that you can recall from your London days. Anything can be a lead.”

  Edward scratched his hair just over the right ear. “It was a terrible time for me. I remember the big boss’s name, of course. It was Jimmy the Fist. I never saw him but heard that the name came from the fact that his hands were huge. Our handler was a small squirrelly guy named One Eye. I think his real name was Terry. But he was really old at the time and it’s not a career choice that enjoys a long life expectancy.”

  “Right, but really old to a youngster could be mid-twenties.”

  Edward nodded and scarfed up another mouthful of fried egg.

  “She also thinks one of the glassblowers could be from your shared past as well.”

  “How did she find out about that?” Edward mumbled around a mouthful of traditional fried bread.

  “I told her. You know how determined Amanda is when she’s got a good source. She’ll bulldog this until we have some real information.”

  “We can also ask Ian’s parents.” He picked up his fork and knife and returned to his breakfast, then said quietly, “I’m still dreading this.”

  “I know, but they will probably be better with us here than trying to keep them up-to-date through phone calls. They can also put more pressure on the security officers than we can. Worried next-of-kin pull a lot of weight.”

  They finished breakfast and went to the top deck to watch the docking of the large ship in a narrow slip. They waited until the drawbridge at the stern end of the ship had been extended and secured.

  Savannah and Edward bypassed the overloaded elevators and took the stairs down to the deck where Kate and Howard would board. When they arrived, Security Officer Dalessio was waiting for them. However, the press of excited tourists meant that Ian’s parents couldn’t get onto the gangway against the press of the crowd. Savannah could see them waiting for the exodus to subside.

  Savannah grabbed Edward by the hand. “Do you have your keycard with you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Great! Let’s go.”

  She pulled him into the disembarking queue and they zipped their keycards through the machine and walked down the short gangway with all the other excursion passengers. They turned and found Ian’s parents.

  The difference in their appearance from the celebration was drastic. Aunt Kate seemed a pale watercolor of the woman flushed with pride at her son’s accomplishments. Uncle Howard’s complexion had a gray, waxy tone. The seriousness of his look nearly broke Savannah’s heart.

  “Edward!” shouted his aunt Kate. “I’m so relieved to see you. We couldn’t get by the crowd.” She grabbed Edward and stepped into his waiting hug. “We know that they’ve got this terribly wrong.”

  “I wish we could be taking you to the nearest pub to meet with Ian, Mrs. Morris,” said Savannah. “We’re sure they have it wrong, but we don’t have Ian yet.”

  Uncle Howard waited patiently for Edward to release his wife. He extended his hand for a quick handshake and put his other hand on Edward’s shoulder. “I told Katie that you and your clever friend here would be able to help sort this out.”

  Savannah smiled. “Thanks for the confidence, but we’re a long shot from solving exactly where Ian could be. This is a large ship and we’ve had no help from the security office yet.”

  “Well,” said Uncle Howard. “We’ll see about cooperation. What would you like them to do?”

  Savannah held on to Aunt Kate’s hand. She could feel the slight trembling. The poor woman was trying to hold things together under what must be a terrible strain. “It would be most helpful if you could ask them to give Edward and me access to all the recordings of Ian that occurred on that first day on board.”

  Uncle Howard nodded. “We can do that. Is there anything else?”

  Edward took his uncle’s arm. “Yes, we want you to tell them that we are acting as your agents and that all information is to be shared with us.”

  The flow of passengers had finally waned and the four of them walked up the gangway. They checked into the entry console.

  “Welcome aboard, Mr. and Mrs. Morris. I’m Chief Security Officer LuAnn Dalessio.” She neatly stepped in front of Savannah and Edward to separate them from Ian’s parents. “Would you mind coming down to my office as soon as you’re settled in your suite?”

  “Suite?” Edward repeated. “Aunt Kate and Uncle Howard, where are you staying?”

  Aunt Kate stopped in the hallway, put her hand to her forehead, and turned to them. “Oh, I didn’t tell you, did I?”

  Edward gave her a stern look. “No, you didn’t.”

  “One of your friends—actually two of your friends—the Rosenbergs, kindly sent us a telegram to say that we could share their large suite with them. They said their magical butler found us. Wasn’t that kind?”

  Uncle Howard added. “We could hardly refuse. They said that they had more than enough room for us and it would be better for the investigation.”

  Savannah looked up at the ceiling. “Of course, that’s typical of their famous generosity. They would do that.”

  “They said they knew you.”

  Savannah nodded. “Edward and I know them very well. They’ve been taking classes at Webb’s Glass Shop for a long time. They are a little strange, but their hearts are in the right place.”

  Edward smiled. “You’re in the best of hands.”

  “The magnificent Albert will certainly make you welcome.” Savannah drew a hand through her curls. Edward and Savannah watched Chief Dalessio lead Ian’s parents away for their briefing.

  Savannah turned to Edward. “The Rosenbergs are trying to hire Albert away from the cruise line to work for them back in St. Petersburg.”

  Edward chuckled. “He must be terrified. What an unusual opportunity. I wonder how he would handle a working situation in the crazy state of Florida.”

  “I wonder how he’s going to handle turning down the position without offending the generous Rosenberg twins. They are legendry over-tippers.”

  Chapter 16

  Thursday, in port, Florence

  Savannah and Edward were still annoyed that they had not been invited to the thorough briefing that the security office promised to give to Ian’s parents. They went to the coffee shop and ordered double espressos while Savannah loaded up a plateful of pastries from the service counter. Edward used his keycard to pay for the premium drinks, and they sat in a corner table away from the other passengers.

  “We know where they’ll end up,” said Savannah, trying to comfort Edward. “In the Rosenberg suite.”

  “I’m gob smacked that the twins would be so generous to people they hadn’t even heard of until a few days ago.” Edward drank his coffee and mumbled in the midst of munching a giant blueberry muffin. “I’m starved.”

  “Anxiety takes me the opposite way from you. I can’t eat a bite right now!” She pushed the plate of sweets toward Edward. “Let’s go up to the suite and wait for your aunt and uncle with Rachel and Faith. I’m sure they’re anxious as well.”

  They drained their coffees and stood to make their way to the elevators. Two security guards appeared to block their way. “Mr. Edward Morris?” said the younger guard. His vo
ice grated on Savannah’s ears. It was thin and high.

  Edward looked at him and the older, stockier guard. “Yes, what’s the problem?”

  “We are ordered to escort you down to the security office for questioning. It would be best, sir, if you follow along peacefully.” The voice of the older officer was smooth and calming. Obviously experienced in the persuasive ways of encouraging intoxicated passengers to cooperate.

  Savannah stepped in front of Edward. “Why do you need to talk to him?”

  “Miss,” said the older guard. “This is a matter for Mr. Morris alone. Please step aside.” He firmly took Edward by the arm to the elevator.

  “Don’t worry, Edward,” Savannah shouted. “I’m sure they just want to talk with you about Ian. If things get out of hand, I’ll contact the British Embassy to let them know what’s happening and then I’ll phone your parents. I’m sure this is just routine. Don’t worry.”

  Her last peek at Edward was of him standing over a foot taller, but still being held by each arm by one of the guards. The doors closed on Edward’s concerned look.

  Savannah turned around and was surprised by the thudding in her chest. They can’t be serious. The British Embassy threat was just that—an empty threat, but it sounded serious. Why would they take him in for questioning?

  She went to her cabin and locked the door for privacy, then took a bit of time to think through her call to Edward’s parents. She concentrated on telling them the circumstances without causing undue alarm. She told them she thought the situation would be resolved soon.

  After that she made her way to the Rosenbergs’ suite and knocked on the door. It opened and Albert said, “Miss Savannah. It is a pleasure to see you again. The ladies are expecting you.” He looked behind her and down the corridor. “They were expecting Master Edward as well. Will he be joining us?”

  “Not just yet, Albert. It’s complicated.”

  When she entered the sitting room, she looked through and saw Rachel and Faith leaning against the railing out on the huge balcony. They were talking to Ian’s parents who had apparently received what looked like a very short briefing. Savannah was about to slip through the sliding doors onto the balcony to update them on Edward’s situation.

  “It’s nothing to do with Edward,” said Uncle Howard. “There’s no reason for the authorities to take that line and ask us about Edward. He would never harm Ian. They have been best friends for their entire lives.”

  Aunt Kate patted her husband’s forearm in a rhythmic pattern. “Now, Howard. Let’s not make things more difficult for everyone. There are many things we don’t know about our young men’s private lives. Edward and Ian have had a complicated relationship. They both began to get secretive long before we moved to St. Albans. Do you remember how confused we were at the change in their personalities?”

  Uncle Howard shook his head. “What a terrible time. I was working long hours back then.”

  Savannah marched out onto the balcony. “They’ve taken Edward down to the security office for questioning.”

  “What?” said Rachel.

  “Why?” said Faith.

  “I don’t know what to think. We’ve both been down there over the past few days pleading for them to start a ship-wide search for Ian.” Savannah felt her eyes blur. “And their action is to question Edward? That’s unbelievable!”

  “But what basis could they possibly have for questioning Edward?” asked Rachel.

  Faith shook her head. “It could be a straightforward case of being the closest relative aboard when Ian went missing.”

  Savannah plopped down in one of the deck chairs and folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t know what they’re thinking, but they’ve gotten this wrong. However, they are a security office and they have ways to get information that even our Amanda can’t get.”

  She looked at Ian’s parents. “Did you tell the ship’s security officers about Edward’s and Ian’s past?”

  Uncle Howard walked over to his wife and held her in a side hug. “Edward told you about that?”

  “Yes. Reluctantly, of course.”

  Aunt Kate looked up into her husband’s soulful eyes. “We’ve kept this quiet all these years, but I don’t see how that could possibly relate to what is happening now.”

  Uncle Howard’s right hand thrummed a continuous rhythm that seemed to be trying to calm them both.

  This is how a strong marriage works. They support each other, look out for each other, and depend on each other. Is that what I would like to experience with Edward?

  “What did—” Savannah stopped when Albert arrived at the sliding door with a silver tray weighed down with sterling silver teapot, creamer, sugar bowl, cups, saucers, tiny spoons, and an extra pot of hot water. He placed the tray on the large round teak table and made a little half bow. “I’ll pour, shall I?”

  Rachel was the first to respond. “Of course, Albert.”

  Faith continued. “You’re taking such wonderful care of us. We’re going to miss you terribly when we go home.”

  He poured a cup of tea for each of them, asking if they wanted milk and sugar.

  Savannah had to press her nails into her palm to keep her impatience under control.

  After everyone was settled with a cup of tea, Albert performed another little half bow. “I will be back in a moment with scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam.” He somehow backed out of the balcony without tripping over the threshold.

  “What did you tell security about their past?” Savannah said quickly.

  Aunt Kate scooted her chair closer to Savannah’s. “They seemed to already know about the trouble the boys were involved with. I don’t know how they found out. What kinds of connections would they need for that? There were no arrests, but that was the topic they kept returning to every time we asked them about searching the ship.”

  Uncle Howard slurped his tea in a noisy rush. “I get the impression that they think Edward and Ian had an argument and as a result, Edward either accidently or intentionally pushed Ian overboard.”

  The twins gasped, “No!”

  Albert cleared his throat. “Your scones, ladies and gentleman.” He carried another large silver platter laden with about fifteen small plates of assorted scones, cucumber sandwiches, slices of cake, and decorated chocolates. As soon as he placed the tray on the table, Rachel sat tall. “That will be all for now, Albert. We’ll serve ourselves, thank you. Please leave us until we ring for you to collect the trays.”

  Albert bowed toward Rachel and said, “Yes, miss. I’ll be waiting to serve you. Press the service button and I’ll return in an instant.” He again backed out and they heard the door to the suite click shut.

  Faith sighed deeply. “I love how that man makes me feel like royalty.”

  “A little too royal, sister. I didn’t want him to overhear the family troubles. We need some privacy now and then.”

  Savannah frowned, trying not to be annoyed by the twins. Though they were easily distracted from the situation by the finery of their suite, they had extended their hospitality to two complete strangers because of their fondness for Edward and Savannah. “I don’t think Edward is feeling much like royalty right now.”

  “No, possibly not,” said Howard. “But this business about security already knowing so much worries me.” He glanced toward the entry door to the suite. “Could Albert be an informant?”

  “That would explain a few things.” Savannah scrunched her forehead. “Rachel, could you turn on some lively music?”

  Rachel turned the TV on and selected a music station that was playing ABBA tunes. “How’s that?”

  “Perfect. I want to bring you all up to speed about everything that we’ve discovered, and I want to make sure we’re not overheard.” Then she stood. “I’m going down to talk to security. Maybe they’ve changed their minds about Edward.”

  When Savannah got into the elevator, the only other passenger was the gaffer, Alan. She smiled, but her mind was whirring. A
manda had listed Alan as a possible suspect in Edward’s history with the counterfeiting ring. “Hey, Alan. Are you going ashore now? There’s not much time left before we’re at sea again.” He had a large rucksack over his shoulder.

  “Well, yeah. Uh, I know an out-of-the-way Laundromat near the dock. It’s so much better than the ship’s service and it means that I don’t need to buy so many shirts. They get pretty faded by both the sun and the rough laundry by the end of each tour.” He had pushed the button for the crew exit, which was the same deck as security.

  When the doors opened, he flew out of the elevator and down the hallway. Savannah said, “See you at tonight’s demonstration.” He didn’t turn around but waved a hand high above his head.

  Savannah tilted her head. Alan didn’t strike her as someone who was particularly fussy about his clothing. It seemed a wasteful use of limited shore time to spend it in a Laundromat. What was the real reason? Was he meeting someone that he didn’t want anyone to know about?

  * * *

  Savannah knew her visit wouldn’t be welcome, but the faces of both Officer Gaffney and Chief Dalessio were expressionless. She felt a cold rock form in the pit of her stomach. This was bad.

  “We cannot help you, Miss Webb,” said Officer Gaffney.

  The cold rock in her stomach grew into a frozen boulder. “I want to speak to Edward Morris.”

  “We cannot let you do that, Miss Webb.”

  “Why are you holding him down here? What has he done? I have alerted the British Embassy.”

  “That is a sensible precaution, Miss Webb.” The rock in her stomach grew into a bigger boulder. If security agreed that it was a good decision to get the authorities involved, then Edward was in serious trouble.

  “It is good that you’re here, Miss Webb. We also have some questions for you. Please step this way.”

  “It’s about time . . . I would have expected you to have interviewed everyone in Ian’s party within the first hour of his being reported missing.” She followed Officer Gaffney. “That’s what would have happened back home.”