Masked to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery Book 5)

by Christina Freeburn

  Claire’s green eyes, so like her dad’s, lit up. She reached for it, her hand stopping a few inches from the gift. A frown twisted her face, and she slapped it out of my hands. The tiara landed on the bed. “It’s broken. That’s why you don’t want it.”

  Was that why William wanted to see the tiara up close and personal? To check and see which stone was missing? I retrieved my tiara. Yep. The stone in the middle was gone. How would I get that fixed on the ship? It would have to wait until later. “Let’s go to the seminar and see if anyone brings your tiara.”

  “I’ll never get it back. I ruined the wedding.” Her lip trembled.

  My heart went out to the girl. Odessa had inadvertently blamed her granddaughter for the delayed ceremony. No wonder Claire was in such a foul mood. She thought her grandmother was mad at her and found herself pawned off on the woman she really didn’t want to know. I needed to have more empathy for her. “The cruise director said some of the items being thrown down to the passengers were valuable. I’m sure people will show up to see how much their prize was worth.”

  “Okay.”

  “There sure are a lot of people here.” Claire drew closer, placing a hand on my sleeve.

  My heart did a little happy dance. Many of the attendees were carrying jewelry pouches and bags. Let one of the items be Claire’s tiara, I thought. I stayed right next to Claire, but allowed her to control the contact between us. I didn’t want to set off one of her tantrums. One, not good for her to do so in public. Two, I didn’t want any interest drawn toward us. Blending in was my motto for today.

  I spotted John at the far end of the room. The look he shot across the theater told me his view on bringing Claire. Not happy at all. Matter of fact, it said if he could strangle me in that moment he would. Two things held him back: I was his sting operation, and Claire. At least I knew he was protective of her. Hopefully, his love for his granddaughter would keep his behavior in check when the wedding happened.

  A swarm of excited cruisers staked out their spots. Claire dragged me forward, quickening her pace. It was nice to see her excited about something besides giving me a hard time.

  “I want to sit in the front.” Claire tugged me in the opposite direction. “We’ll be closer to the shopping lady.”

  “Sounds good. We can see what everyone brought for appraisal.”

  William stood near the front of the theater, chatting with a lovely woman dressed in a little black dress and the cruise director. In the center of the floor, in front of the stage, was a long table filled with gift bags and brochures. Microphones and bar stools were at opposite ends of the table. William must have felt my stare because he turned, darkness flashing across his face for a brief moment before our gazes met. Claire and I started to sit. William shook his head slightly, then tilted his head to the side twice as if he was stretching out a kink in his neck.

  At the opposite end of the row, William’s companion was maneuvering through the tight quarters, one hand on a seat back and the other clutching her cane. A huge tote weighed down her arm. She struggled to make her way to the center of the aisle. A large diamond bracelet glittered as the light hit it. It was an impressive piece. My knowledge was lacking when it came to fine jewels, any type of gem actually, but I’d have to say each stone making up the bracelet was at least one carat. It snagged on the fabric cushion of the seat.

  “Oh dear.” Ruth tried to untangle it while keeping hold of her cane.

  “Let’s sit here.” I dropped my tote onto the seat William had directed me to then went to help Ruth. “We’ll get a better view here.”

  Claire plopped into the seat beside me. “This better not be boring.”

  The seminar hadn’t even started and Claire was complaining. I hoped the elderly woman sitting beside me was in the mood for small talk.

  “Let me see if I can get you unstuck,” I said.

  Ruth smiled at me. “Thank you so much honey. This bracelet is always getting in the way. I don’t know why I let William talk me into buying it.”

  I wrestled a sharp edge of the clasp from the fabric. “I think it’s very pretty. I love the setting. It looks like there’s some square stones mixed in with the round ones.”

  “There are. William said it reminded him of the letters used for hugs and kisses. We were browsing in my favorite jewelry store in St. John when William spotted this piece. Once he said that, I had to buy it. I had told him how my husband and I had ended all our correspondence with those symbols. It’s also why I wear it even though it keeps getting caught as it makes me feel like my husband is always with me.”

  My heart ached for her and was filled with fury at William. He was probably one of the worst people I knew—and I’ve run into quite a few horrible people.

  Ruth dropped into the seat next to me and fanned herself with her hands. “Goodness me. Either aisles are shrinking or my hips are expanding at an alarming rate. I swear it wasn’t that hard to make it to a seat last month.”

  “You cruise often?” I asked, giving her a friendly, but not overly friendly, smile as I took my seat.

  “Once a month. I love people and going out, but this eighty-year-old body of mine has issues getting around. It’s so much easier on the ship where everything I love is in one place. Movies. Fancy dinner.” She fluffed her curls. “My hair done. When I’m home, it seems the only time I go out is for doctor’s appointments.”

  “This is my first cruise.”

  She smiled at me. Warmth and laughter sparkled in her eyes. She reminded me of my grandmother Hope, who never met a stranger she didn’t like. It made me even angrier that William was likely taking advantage of her.

  “Be sure to experience as much on the ship as you can,” she said. “Some people like to spend the whole time by the pools, but I find it’s better to explore the ship and take in all the classes you can. One never knows when a new activity will become a love and passion.”

  “That’s why I decided to come to this seminar. A girl should know what she can about diamonds.”

  Claire rolled her eyes. “Keep dreaming.”

  The woman raised her eyebrows and her lips quirked up. “Charming child.”

  I leaned toward the woman and whispered, “I’m dating her father. She’s not happy.”

  “You don’t say.” She grinned.

  The cruise director cleared his throat. The cruisers grew quiet. He introduced the lady in black.

  “Welcome to our diamond shopping seminar. This is the lovely Lucinda Wells.”

  Lucinda beamed at all of us and clapped her hands. “I’m excited to see so many here today. For those that don’t know, the Caribbean has the best shopping for fine jewelry, especially diamonds. You’ll find the best prices, value, and there’s no tax.”

  Some of the attendees were impressed; others, like Claire, had their eyes on the gift bags or on the bowl a crew member was carrying down the aisle. Silver bracelets gleamed under the lights. Even from a distance, I noticed the jewelry wasn’t sterling silver. Granted, I wasn’t an expert, but I never saw sterling silver packaged in plastic sandwich bags.

  “I’ll have a friend of mine pass out the free gifts.” Lucinda rested a hand on William’s knee and gave a little squeeze. His cheeks turned pink; he’d almost perfected the look of humble embarrassment. “We placed the gifts in bags to keep them from getting scratched. I’ll be sharing my expertise on the best places to buy your diamonds and other fine gems. The best quality purple tanzanite can also be bought on St. Thomas.”

  William handed everyone a bag, lingering near me and Claire. William’s fingers drifted across my skin from my wrist to my fingertips. His smoldering gaze caused me to narrow mine. He winked and moved on to the cruisers sitting on the opposite side of the aisle. I was starting to believe William was one of those people who was a natural flirt, for a lack of a better term, since there wasn’t a phrase for a male who was a shameless hussy.

  Ruth wiggled her fingers at him. “Going to give me one of those, dear on
e?”

  “I was saving the best one for you.” He winked at her and handed her a bag before moving to the row behind us.

  Claire elbowed me, a true smile on her face for the first time during my babysitting duty. “He likes you. You should go out with him.”

  I stopped myself from reminding her I was dating her father. No way did I want to send Claire into meltdown mode.

  “Why don’t you take out the bracelet and see if it fits?” I tapped the gift bag on Claire’s lap. “If not, we can go to check the shops onboard and find you one that does.”

  “Because I don’t want to.” Claire crossed her arms and glared at the stage.

  There was a loud rustle as many people stood and made their way for the exit. I guess they were interested in the gift and not the shopping information.

  “Coming around the room are maps showing the best shops to purchase your jewelry,” Lucinda said. “For those interested in having a more personal shopping experience, I have some slots available for a guided tour through the shopping district. If you have an item you’d like appraised, please raise your hand.” Lucinda counted out the number of people needing appraisals. “Six. Perfect. We’ll have enough time to get to everyone after the short film that explains everything to look for when buying a diamond.”

  Ruth fiddled with her bracelet.

  The lights dimmed and the movie rolled. A bored disembodied voice educated us about diamonds. Chairs creaked as more attendees headed out of the theater for something new to occupy their time. I was on the verge of going with them.

  “This is stupid.” Claire slumped down and kicked the back of the chair in front of her. Since no one was sitting in front of her, I let it go. I fumbled through my memory, trying to recall the other activities taking place.

  “It’ll end soon, sweetie,” Ruth said. “Then they’ll do a couple of appraisals before the big giveaway.” She rummaged around in her purse and drew out a bottle of a soda and a package of frosted cookies. “I have some snacks if you’re hungry.”

  “She’ll be fine,” I said. “We’ll stay put. We don’t want to ruin the film for those interested in it.”

  Ruth dropped the goodies back into her large purse while Claire switched positions and accidentally-on-purpose kicked me in the shins. The lights came back on. Cruisers yawned and stretched. A couple of people glanced at their watches.

  Lucinda stood and beamed at everyone, a long velvet box held reverently in her hand. “I hope that answers all your questions, and if not, please feel free to pop into Dazzles, the best diamond store on any cruise ship, and ask to see me. The cruise director wanted me to remind everyone that there’s a dance party happening on the ninth deck. I’ll announce the name of the winner of this two-carat diamond bracelet so you call all be on your way. There are tons of other activities happening today including some great sales on the fifth deck. Those with items needing to be appraised, please come down to the front of the theater. The winner is…”

  Everyone froze. A couple of women leaned forward, eyes gleaming. Claire scooted to the end of the chair, fingers on both hands crossed tightly. Ted would have a heck of a time getting the diamond bracelet away from his daughter if she won. There was no way he’d want his daughter walking around with two carats of diamonds adorning her wrist.

  We waited. And waited some more. A few people grumbled.

  Lucinda giggled. “Actually, the person who will announce the winning name is you. Look under the chair you’re sitting in. If there’s a ticket taped underneath, the bracelet is yours.”

  “What if no one is sitting there?” someone asked.

  “The first one to find the ticket gets it.”

  There was a mad scramble. Claire flipped up her chair then worked her way to the end of the aisle.

  Dread washed over me. I had a feeling I knew who the winner was. I peered at the underside of my seat. Yep. I had the diamond ticket. As I reached for it, William blurted out, “We have a winner. The lovely brunette in the fourth row.”

  A smattering of polite claps replaced the sounds of squeaking chair cushions.

  Claire glared at me. “You cheated.”

  Fortunately, no one overheard her. “No, I didn’t.”

  “Congratulations, darling. I bet it’ll look lovely with whatever you’re wearing for formal night.” Ruth used her cane to help push herself up and hobbled out of the row.

  “Here you go.” Lucinda walked over and handed me the velvet box.

  “Be sure to wear it to dinner tonight and let everyone know you won by coming to the shopping seminar. There will be more prizes at the next one.”

  “Thank you.” I placed the box into my tote. “I was wondering-”

  “I’m hungry. Take me to Surf’s Up.” Claire stamped her foot.

  “I just want to ask one quick question. And didn’t you want to see if anyone brought your tiara for appraisal?”

  Claire’s face turned a light shade of pink. She had forgotten.

  “You lost your tiara?” Lucinda asked, bestowing a sympathetic smile onto Claire.

  She looked down at the floor.

  I placed my hand on Claire’s shoulder and it was quickly shrugged off. “She was near the railing during the sail away party and it slipped off. I thought maybe someone would bring it to your appraisal.”

  “I’d be happy to keep a look out for it.” Even though Lucinda was answering me, her gaze was on Claire. “Can you describe it to me?”

  Claire shrugged.

  I wouldn’t have thought the child had a shy bone in her body. “It has multicolored crystals on it. The setting is silver.”

  “Anything distinguishing about it?” Lucinda asked.

  I remembered my selfie and pulled it up on my phone, zooming in on the tiara. “It’s very similar to this one.”

  Lucinda took my phone to get a better look at it. She frowned slightly and squinted. “This is very similar to one I’ve seen before.”

  “You saw my tiara?” Hope lit Claire’s eyes. “Mine is prettier and has one big heart-shaped stone in the middle.”

  There was grumbling behind us. The cruisers wanting appraisals were getting restless.

  “I haven’t but I’ll be on the lookout for it. The tiara in the picture reminds me of one that William’s friend has. I saw her wear it on formal night not too long ago.”

  I tucked the information away. How had Quinn come up with the same design? Did he get it from William or his helper Ronnie? “Quinn must’ve really loved the design. I hope Ruth doesn’t get upset that he copied it.”

  Lucinda handed the phone back, the corners of her mouth dipping down. “Quinn doesn’t mingle or pay much attention to the passengers. It must’ve just been one of those weird coincidences that sometimes happen.”

  I seriously doubted it. If it wasn’t William and Quinn masterminding a switch of real jewels or fake ones, then it had to be William and Ronnie.

  “Can we go eat now?” Claire tugged on my arm.

  “Sure.”

  “I thought you had a question,” Lucinda said.

  Question. Yes. I patted my tote bag. “I was wondering if there’s any paperwork showing how much the bracelet is worth in case I should insure it.”

  Lucinda blushed. “Usually, I also bring down the diamond certificate with me to hand to the winner, but I left it at Dazzles. I can meet you there in an hour and give it to you. It’ll have everything you need to have it insured.”

  “Thanks.”

  Beaming, Lucinda walked to the rather impatient cruisers with their items. Fortunately, she had one of those bubbly, but not overly perky, personalities that made people smile. The grumpy expressions soon changed into playful ones.

  “Can we go eat? I’m starving.”

  “As you wish.” I hated the tone she used, but I was hungry so I ignored the behavior. There was a long line for the elevators so we opted for the stairs.

  “I was going to say something to that lady but didn’t.”

  “
What were you going to say?” I was annoyed at the hesitation in my voice. I couldn’t believe I was scared about what a little girl almost said.

  “About what that guy did. It wasn’t fair,” she said as we walked up the stairs. “You were led to the prize. You shouldn’t keep it.”

  “You’re right, Claire. I’ll tell the captain and give it to him.”

  “Why not just give it back and let them do another drawing? Or give it to someone else.” Hope shone in her eyes.

  There was no way I was giving a diamond bracelet to a little girl. Ted wouldn’t be happy, and I didn’t trust William. There was a reason he wanted me to have it. I doubted it was because he had fallen madly in love with me. “Because the captain should know what’s going on.”

  “I guess,” Claire said. “And since the guy already cheated, he might just keep it for himself.”

  There was that.

  TEN

  Claire and I had a delightful lunch at the buffet. It seemed our agreement over William cheating offered us a bonding moment. As we stepped out of Surf’s Up, laughter drifted from past the doors that separated the small alcove between the restaurant and the deck.

  “Sounds like a party out there. How about we check it out?” I asked.

  “Sure.”

  The warm air held a hint of salt with a mix of chlorine from the pool. Around us, adults and a few children were dancing and singing. The outside movie screen had been turned into a huge karaoke screen. Four crew members stood on the raised concrete edge of the pool and demonstrated a line dance to go along with a Top 40 classic.

  “This is stupid.” Claire crossed her arms.

  Her favorite word reappeared, stealing away the hope in my heart. Our getting-along moment was short-lived.

  “There’s a kid’s club on the ship. Want to check it out? I bet you can find a few friends.”

  “You want to get rid of me so you can have my dad all to yourself.”

  “That’s not true. I’d never interfere in the time your dad wants to spend with you. I care about your dad. And you.”