“Can’t share that with you,” he said.
“Then maybe I can’t share with you.” Take that. I fixed my most smug smile on my face.
“Then how are we going to find out the truth about Ronnie? I sure hope you weren’t out there to pitch yourself into the ocean.”
“Of course not. I was investigating.” I crossed my arms and hit John with my fiercest glare. “I don’t plan on letting someone get away with killing Ronnie.”
“I’m not sure if she was killed or just led to do it herself.”
“I think she was dead before she ever hit the water.” I filled him in on what I saw online. “She didn’t scream, and the security camera facing her room is broken.”
He went out onto the veranda and come back in. Worry deepened the lines on John’s face. “Hundreds of cameras and that’s the one not working. I don’t like it. Enjoy your vacation. Find some time to spend with Ted. I’ll handle it from here on out.”
“You realize you’re not my boss.”
“Garrison just lost someone dear to him. He needs his friends around him.” John handed me a postcard.
The background was black and a simple gold line trimmed the outside edges. In a white script font was the announcement for Ronnie’s memorial service. This must’ve been what Odessa gave him earlier.
“I’m surprised Odessa invited you.” I tucked the card into my tote.
“You saw us talking together?”
“Yes. I’m sure your sons would like to see a pleasant exchange between their parents.”
“As long as the meetings are brief, Odessa and I can be as pleasant as an afternoon rain shower.” John tucked the magazine under his arm and stood. “Any more than that, and we become a thunderstorm that brings a tornado or two with it.”
“What were you guys chatting about?”
“Not that you need to know, but she was wondering if I knew anything about some damage done to a few costumes.”
“Why would she ask you?”
“It’s her way of accusing me of causing trouble.”
EIGHTEEN
The moon shone down on us. The clear night sky showcased the glittering stars. The water lapped at the ship. It was a beautiful, breathtaking night, the backdrop for our breaking hearts. I swiped away the tears trickling down my cheeks. Ronnie deserved justice. For the first time, I didn’t know how to find it for her. The captain, and everyone else it seemed, believed her death was a suicide. There was nothing in her room to prove otherwise.
I wandered the deck crowded with crew members. A few guests lingered on the outskirts, and an officer went over to quietly explain to them about the memorial. The wait staff and room stewards all wore their regular uniforms, while the performers wore dark-colored formal wear with some outfits a little more blingy than others. I wore the only black dress I’d brought with me and added a cardigan, making it more demure.
Garrison stood at the helm, gazing into the horizon. Bob was by his side, an arm draped around his love’s waist. Odessa hovered protectively nearby, gaze searching the crowd for anyone who’d dare make it harder for him. The set of her shoulders told me she was itching for someone to challenge her. Ted stood on the other side of his brother. He must’ve felt my gaze on him, because he turned slightly and our eyes met.
I pivoted, walking away. Drawing my cardigan tighter against my body, I slipped through a crowd of room hosts and ventured my way toward the performers. Fear wiggled through me. How could I get the information needed without offending or upsetting someone? Part of me said this wasn’t the time or place for sleuthing, but the other side of my brain informed me there wouldn’t be another time. This was a night for memories and talking about Ronnie. It was a natural time for a person who had just become friends with Ronnie to learn about the woman she met and now misses.
On the port side was a large buffet area set up with cheese, crackers, juices, and champagne. A woman dabbed at her cheeks with a lacy handkerchief. Near her was Francis, Quinn’s neighbor across the hall. I went over to him.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I said.
He tipped his head back, sucking down a goblet of champagne. He tossed the plastic stemware to the side. “I don’t know how Ronnie stood drinking that stuff. It was her favorite.”
“Champagne.” Light. Bubbly. Sparkling. Sounded just like Ronnie.
“Not just any kind…pink.” He leaned forward and grabbed another one.
That also sounded like Ronnie.
He poured the liquid over the side of the railing. “And one for you, darling girl. God. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
“I didn’t know her very long, but I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it also.”
“She was just so much larger than life,” he said. “At least Quinn and Ronnie are together.”
“It didn’t seem like they got along,” I said cautiously.
“Quinn and Ronnie were either bosom buddies or at each other’s throats. There was no in between for those two. They loved to fight, so they were the perfect pair.” He picked up two glasses of champagne and handed one to me.
I accepted the flute, twirling the stem between my fingers. I had taken one of the pain meds, but I had a part to play tonight. One small sip wouldn’t hurt. “Love or hate?”
“More like love and hate. They held both in their hearts toward each other, one of those emotions always stronger than the other. It all depended on Ronnie.”
“Depended on her?”
He nodded, slugged back the drink. “That’s the way you had to be with Ronnie. Love her when she was herself. Hate her when she wasn’t.”
“What do you mean by when she wasn’t herself?”
“Ronnie had a medical condition that made her difficult to be around at times.”
“Was there anyone on the ship who was close to her? Maybe a roommate?”
“Ronnie had her own room. Why are you interested in who Ronnie hung out with?”
“I thought maybe her roommate had Ronnie’s jewelry items. They weren’t in her room.”
A waiter walked over to us. Francis picked up two flutes and handed one to me. I placed my half-empty drink onto the tray. I hadn’t realized I drank more.
“Jewelry making was a hobby she shared with Quinn. The only time I knew of her working on pieces was in his room.” He held up the flute out toward me. “To Ronnie.”
We clinked our glasses to glasses. I sipped mine. Francis gulped his down.
“I hope the costumes were fixed.”
He hesitated for a moment before plucking another glass from another waiter making the rounds around the deck. “There wasn’t an issue with the costumes.”
“Are you sure?”
He snorted. “Of course I’m sure. I’m the lead costume designer since Quinn died.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be sharing gossip with you, or anyone for that matter. I guess I’m just not sure what to talk about.”
Francis smiled softly at me and patted my shoulder. “No worries, honey. I’m a little stressed about taking over for Quinn, trying to answer passengers’ questions about Ronnie’s death without turning her into a sideshow or ruining the cruisers’ vacation, and now a coworker of mine is spreading rumors about the costumes.” He ticked off his many reasons.
“Actually, it wasn’t to everyone. It was a family matter.”
He let out a huge sigh of relief. “Odessa. Right?”
I nodded.
“Then that’s one worry I can let float away. I’m sure she started it, hoping the captain would let her stage her big grand event in the theater. We must have a show or the guests would be highly disappointed.”
“She wanted to turn the wedding into a stage production?”
Francis grinned at me. “Don’t let Odessa fool you. She didn’t want a small private wedding for her son and his partner. She wanted a huge Broadway-show-style wedding. Why do you think she picked the Mardi Gras sailing? The only thing stopping her was her son’s ins
istence the wedding wouldn’t take place if she tried pulling a stunt like that.”
“How do you know?” Once the question was out of my mouth, I regretted it. I didn’t want to offend the guy now that he was liking me again and chatting away.
Francis laughed. “Odessa told everyone. She fretted and fumed for all to hear. Her son not agreeing to her plans. The captain not canceling a show for her, so the wedding couldn’t take place on the stage. Wrong crystals being delivered. Then someone stealing her replacement ones. Quinn swapping them. Complaint after complaint. I think the captain wished he quit when he found out Odessa booked the Presidential and Honeymoon suites, and also two other rooms.”
Where did Odessa get that kind of money?
A strand of hair escaped the twist I put it in and floated in front of my eyes. I twisted my head, hoping it moved on its own. No such luck. The wayward strand dipped itself into the champagne. I titled my head to the side, swiping the errant hair back into place. A movement above caught my attention. I looked up. On the stern, a lone figure stood bathed in moonlight, a pure white gown giving her a glowing appearance. Pale locks flowed out behind her as if her hair was a trail on the wind. The woman was barefoot. I couldn’t see her features as the large light above washed out her face. Her build reminded me of Ronnie. I blinked. The image vanished.
“Are you all right?” Francis took the half-full glass of champagne from my hand and placed it on the table.
I was standing with my mouth open and felt myself sway. “I’m fine.”
Concern blossomed on his face. “You don’t look fine. Maybe you’ve had—”
“I didn’t drink too much,” I said, doubting my own words immediately. Barely ate anything all day. Champagne. Pain medication. Horrible combination.
“I was going to say a rough day. You and Ronnie were inseparable for the last few days. This has to be as much a shock to you as anyone else.”
“And to you,” I said.
A deep sadness overtook his concern for me. “Sadly, no. I knew one day Ronnie would end it. I just figured she’d have made a bigger production out of it.”
“Did Ronnie say something to you?” Had she reached out to someone?
“No. Ronnie had always been a little eccentric, but over the last year, since her parents died, she started losing her grip on reality. Talking to herself. Hanging off the deck. Forgetting entire conversations she had with people and making other ones up. Some days she was sullen and angry. She was like someone else.”
NINETEEN
The next morning, I shifted from foot to foot, anxious to get off the ship and spend ten hours on land. I was out of my room in record time as I had planned my outfit out last night. Now, if the people in front of me would follow the simple instructions—ID and keycard in hand—instead of digging for the items once they reached the metal detectors and security guard, we’d all be out in the sun instead of only seeing glimpses of it.
A couple exited the ship. I took a step forward.
“This isn’t your card,” the security guard said.
Great. Drama. Just what we needed. I held in my sigh. I was sure the guard didn’t want my commentary.
“My apologies.” William’s voice drifted to me.
I bent to the side and stretched my neck out. This might be worth a delay.
“I must’ve forgotten to give Lucinda back her keycard.”
“The captain won’t be happy about that. You shouldn’t have that or be in her room.”
“I know. With her stomach ailment, I figured it was best I take care of her rather than have any other crew member get sick.”
The woman behind William backed up a bit. The other guests in line followed suit. Straightening myself, I quickly copied them so no one tripped over me. I didn’t want William catching me eavesdropping.
“What’s going on up there?” a man shouted. “We’re going to be late for our excursion.”
“I’ll keep it here and make sure she gets it back. If you don’t have your card, you need to step out of line.”
“Here it is.”
The line moved forward. Before long, it was my turn. I held out the required items.
“Sunglasses up. I need to make sure this is you.” He tapped my ID card.
I settled the glasses onto my head.
He scanned me out. “Have a lovely time in St. Thomas.”
That I would. Hoisting my tote onto my shoulder, I walked down the gangplank and onto the dock and soaked in the scenery. The water lapped at the hulls of the ships in port. There were four other cruise liners docked at St. Thomas. The Serenade had been the last one. A lot of cruisers were worried that the best spots on the beach were already taken. Everyone seemed to have a preferred shop for renting beach chairs and umbrellas. The newcomers looked anxious, trying to decide if shopping before or after a quick romp on the beach was a better choice. My day was planned for me. Odessa had bought our party tickets for an excursion to Coral World Marine Park.
I shaded my face and looked around. No sign of the rest of my party. I glanced at the note I jotted down. At the end of the pier. This was it. Where were they? I felt my stomach do a roller-coaster dip action. Had I been stood up again? It was one thing to ditch me for a dinner on the ship, quite another on a dock. I pulled in a deep breath. Think happy thoughts. At least you’d have the day to explore alone, I thought. No worry about hissy fits.
Unless I threw one. The sun beat down on my head. If a member of the Roget clan didn’t appear soon, I’d abandon them and search for my own fun. First stop, buying a large beach hat. Preferably pink. I took a few steps over to a large wooden map. I plucked a brochure which doubled as a map from an acrylic pocket. There was plenty of shopping places. My eye was drawn to a vendor’s area showcasing arts and crafts made by the locals. My kind of place.
There was grumbling from Lucinda’s tour group, who were waiting a few feet away from the giant map. “She better not have given us the Norovirus.”
I heard the Rogets before I saw them. Once again, a battle was brewing among them. I tucked the brochure in my tote and forced out a smile. This was my first time in the Caribbean and I’d make this day happy.
Claire skipped next to her mother. Odessa walked a few feet in front of them, heading straight for me. Garrison and Bob followed after the ladies. Even from a distance, I spotted the tension in their shoulders. A scowling Ted was the straggler of the pack.
“We have a slight issue.” Odessa glided up to me.
I kept the pleasant smile on my face. I had a feeling my plans were about to change. “And what would that be?”
“Well, we’ve come up short a ticket.” Odessa blushed. “I had all of them the other day, but this morning one is gone. We searched the whole cabin. That’s why we’re late. I tried getting another one, but the tour is booked.”
Ted glared at his mother. “And as I said, numerous times, we’ll tell the tour guide what happened. When no one else comes with a ticket, he’ll know the spot is Faith’s. There’s no reason to leave her behind.”
Gee, I wondered how it got lost. I fought the urge to send a glance in Claire’s direction. I had a feeling the girl had something to do with it.
“Or he might think we’re trying to sneak someone onboard,” Odessa said. “This isn’t a tour just for our cruise ship. The guides know the number of people on the tour so they can have adequate size transportation, but not who specifically.”
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” Ted said.
I loved the fact he was sticking up for me, but I wanted it to end. People were staring at us. While I had looked forward to the trip to see the coral and sea life, I’d rather not tag along on a trip where someone didn’t want me.
“I didn’t want to see the coral anyway,” I lied. “There are some shops I wanted to visit.” I hurried off before Ted spotted my tears.
Keeping my eyes on the map, I continued forward, ignoring Ted calling my name. I walked faster. The more distance between me and his fa
mily the better. I slammed into someone. I looked up. “I’m so sorry.”
It was John. He offered me a sympathetic smile. “I’d appreciate your company. What do you say?”
I folded the map and dropped it into my bag. “I say you’re investigating a hunch and need a woman with you to have the proper cover.”
He grinned. “And you’d be right. Come on, partner. Let’s go see what Ruth plans on buying today.”
“How are we going to find them?” I swept my arm wide. “There are thousands of people coming off the ships.”
“It won’t be that hard, since we know what William is in the market for…” He trailed off, looking at me expectantly.
“Diamonds.”
“So we go where the biggest selection is offered.” He held out a small box wrapped in a magazine advertisement. “Gift for you. Sorry about the presentation. It’s all I could find.”
I ripped off the wrapping. It was a small velvet box. I didn’t like this. I flipped open the top. One-carat diamond earrings sparkled at me. I hated it now. The earrings had to have cost at least a thousand dollars. “I can’t accept these.”
“You can. First, my granddaughter has treated you horribly. And my plan won’t work if you don’t have some jewelry on.”
“So the earrings are bait?”
“More like part of your cover.”
“I’ll wear them now and give them back before we head back to the ship.” I put them on, dropping the box into my tote.
“You can keep them.”
I fingered one of the diamond studs John had given me as bait. “It’s better I don’t. I don’t want to explain to your ex-wife and sons where I got them.”
John opened up a water of bottle and poured some into his hands. He slicked back his hair, making it look thinner. He donned a pair of expensive sunglasses and handed me a matching pair. “Let’s get you a hat, then it’s off to find our man.”
Masked to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery Book 5) Page 16