Madison Johns - Agnes Barton 07 - High Seas Honeymoon

by Madison Johns

  “That’s great,” Eleanor began. “It’s important to begin CPR right away.”

  Captain Hamilton came out of the back and walked in our direction. “What are you ladies doing here? I thought Ben was keeping you busy, I mean, showing you the engine room.”

  “We took our tour, if that’s what you want to hear, and we found the room that Kacey Crawford was found in, just like we told you. It was locked, so whoever put her there had access to a key. Is there a master key?”

  “What room, exactly?”

  “Supply closet near the engine room.”

  “So, that’s the reason you asked for a tour of the engine room?”

  I didn’t want to lie to the captain, so I said, “Yes, but Ben didn’t know anything about it. We spoke to the man who let Kacey out of that room.”

  “And his name is?”

  “Willie, but you can verify what I just said with Ben if you’d like, which brings me to my next question. How many people have a master key to open the door leading to below decks and to the supply closets? Whoever took Kacey down there had to have lured her there.”

  Captain Hamilton’s face reddened. “Are you insinuating one of my staff is responsible here?”

  “I can’t say one way or the other. All I know is someone had a key.”

  Hamilton whipped a hand through his hair and said, “There are master keys, but nobody has them except for Ben and a few others. We have a sign-in sheet in the bridge with three keys.”

  “Why exactly is it that below decks doesn’t have workable cameras?”

  “I meant to fix that, but it’s really not much of a threat. I can’t see somebody trying to sabotage this ship.”

  “What do you think happened to Leah?” Eleanor asked. “She looked in a bad way when they hauled her out.”

  “Not sure. Dorothy alerted us, is all I can say. Her lips were blue, but she was administered CPR before we arrived. They had turned back to normal by the time we showed up. It appears that Dorothy saved Leah’s life. We won’t know her condition until later when Dr. Gordon assess her. We’ll be arriving at Cozumel tomorrow and she’ll be taken to shore if the doctor thinks he can’t handle her condition.”

  “That boyfriend of hers might be worth speaking to about her condition. I believe that there’s been some domestic abuse between them.”

  “She appeared to have a black eye just yesterday,” Eleanor said.

  “Thanks. I’ll check him out for sure, but I can’t say that he’s been in here. Not too many men are, other than the metrosexuals. I’ll check the cameras, too, but there are none back in the seaweed wrap room. We believe in giving women that come here their privacy.”

  “Do you have time to show us that key log, or…” I began.

  “Sure. Whatever it will take to get you off my back.”

  Hamilton didn’t act too shocked that we knew about the master keys, but he led the way to the bridge anyway. I figured that after we took a look at that log, we’d turn in the map that we had found.

  * * *

  The navigation officers, Theo and Gunner, were busy working at a computer panel while the other officers gave us a curious look. Captain Hamilton searched a drawer and asked, “Where is the master key sign-out sheet?”

  Theo glanced up. “Officer Barber, didn’t I see you with it last?”

  “No, I mean I found it and was planning to put it back, but it has to be in there. I was sure I put it back in there.”

  “Perhaps you got distracted,” I suggested. “If you trace back your movements, I bet you’ll find it for sure.”

  The officer went to the drawer, tearing through it. He then stared and went back to the door and walked around, before he finally said, “I’m sorry. It appears I have misplaced it, captain.”

  “How about the master keys?” I asked.

  “Without that master sheet, we’ll never know who has them.”

  “Ben has one.”

  “He has his own.”

  Captain keyed open the panel and counted the master keys on the hooks. “There’s a missing key. What is the meaning of this? You’re the one who’s responsible for signing out the keys.”

  “I know, but I can’t remember signing out any keys to anyone since we left port.”

  Hamilton picked up a clipboard now. “Here’s the sign-out sheet.” He scanned the sheet and said, “It says you signed out the key, Barber.”

  “I did? Oh, yeah, I guess I forgot.” He checked his pockets. “It’s not in my pockets. I’ll have to check in my quarters to see if it’s there. Should I do that now, Captain?”

  “No, just check when your shift is over. There was a passenger who apparently was missing and reportedly was locked in a supply closet below decks.”

  Officer Barber’s eyes widened. “Oh, no. Is she okay?”

  “Okay,” I asked. “What makes you think it was a woman and not a man?”

  “Well, I met that bridal party on board and they were very upset about their missing friend. I helped them search for her before my shift that day.”

  “I see. Nice of you to be of help, but let me know if that key was located. It worries me that a passenger was missing and locked in a closet. I’d hate to see that happen to another woman.”

  “I’ll let you know,” Captain Hamilton said. “So, if that’s all, I have things that need my attention.”

  I stared over at Officer Barber, who was quite pale. Was it because he was on the hot seat with the captain, or for another reason?

  “Could we speak in private? Like when you go to check on the cameras near the spa?” I asked.

  Hamilton nodded. “Very well, follow me, then.”

  We followed Hamilton again down that narrow corridor, which led to the security room where they monitored the cameras. Once we were inside, we remained quiet as Hamilton requested the camera view of the spa and hallway leading to it. Buttons were punched until Leah was viewed on it, going into the spa. They changed up into the spa’s lobby, where Dorothy was also on the tape, but the view was lost when they went into the back.

  “There’s nothing out of place with Leah,” Hamilton said. “And no reason to speak to the boyfriend. Seems that you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

  I sighed. “You might be right about that, but…” I reached into my bag and came back with the folded paper and handed it to him. “I picked up the wrong suitcase at the airport and this was inside, along with men’s clothing.”

  Captain unfolded the paper. “I see. One of the engineers lost his bag and it must be his suitcase. He was bringing the blueprints for a few improvements that we planned to make on the ship. I’ll follow you up to your room for the luggage.”

  I stared wide-eyed now. “I see. Well, I feel awfully silly now.”

  “Agnes has a vivid imagination. She thought someone had planned to disable the ship, or some other such plot. I guess we’re too used to investigating crimes.”

  “No harm done.”

  “Perhaps this engineer has my bag, then. I’d sure love to get it back.”

  “Actually, he missed the ship. He’ll be joining us in Cozumel tomorrow.”

  “Tell him to bring my suitcase, please. I had to buy more clothes for the cruise.”

  “I’m sure that was painful for you.” Hamilton laughed.

  “The price certainly was.”

  After we went upstairs and I handed the suitcase over to the captain, I plopped down on the bed next to Eleanor.

  “Is there a reason you didn’t hand over the key, or did you put it into the bag?”

  “No, I think I’ll just hand it over tomorrow when I meet the engineer, if there really is one. I’m not sure that Captain Hamilton is so innocent about the missing key, and now the blueprints. Wouldn’t an engineer keep them in some kind of metal cylinder?”

  “That’s why I love you Agnes. I love how you think. Yes, it certainly seems strange, indeed.”

  “So, what now?”

  “Well, we need to find out if that key
turns up or not. I still want to speak to the hostess at six. I want to hear what she has to say about Ricky and Leo. I still don’t have them off my radar.”

  “Ugh, more work, then? You better not make me miss the Lennon Sisters tonight. You promised we could see them tonight.”

  “Don’t worry, Eleanor. That is, if we can ever get Andrew out of the casino.”

  “I’m not about to let that get in my way. I better check on Mr. Wilson, though, and it seems we have missed lunch.”

  “There’s no missing it. On a cruise you can always get a meal, remember?”

  “It’s no wonder Gloria has stayed on the ship so long. Kind of nice to never have to worry about cooking yourself a meal. There are plenty of times I just don’t feel like cooking dinner.”

  Eleanor left and I walked over to the dresser that looked flush to the floor in the front, but there was a tiny gap in the back and I was able to wedge the key underneath it for safekeeping. You couldn’t even see it raised even a little. Perhaps I should have turned that key over, but I just wasn’t sure how much I should trust the captain now. Could he be the one involved with Kacey’s disappearance?

  Chapter Twelve

  I was just heading off the elevator when Andrew approached. “Hello there, beautiful,” he said.

  “Fancy meeting you here. Did you lose all our money?”

  “No, I won, but not nearly as much as Frank. Dorothy will be a happy camper when she finds out.”

  I smiled. “That’s great, but I’m heading to the infirmary to see how Leah’s doing. She turned blue at the spa today. Dorothy saved her life from the sound of it, when she administered CPR.”

  “Wow, now that’s awful and great at the same time. Run along and check on Leah, then. I’ll be heading upstairs to relax before dinner.”

  “Don’t forget that I have to meet up with the hostess at six, so I’ll be late.”

  Eleanor came up from behind. “Where are you taking off to, Agnes?”

  “The infirmary.”

  “Sounds great. Mr. Wilson wasn’t in my room when I checked. I hope he isn’t off somewhere getting into trouble,” she fretted.

  “I’m sure he’s fine,” Andrew said. “You really worry too much about him.”

  “I can’t help it. He’s my husband.”

  “I love the sound of that, but let’s get to the infirmary.”

  Eleanor and I strolled toward the infirmary. On the way, we stopped to buy a hotdog and pop, which we inhaled since neither of us had had lunch. Despite my stomach still grumbling, we walked into the infirmary. Dr. Gordon greeted us and said, “Are you here for treatment?”

  “Oh, no. We’re just here to check on Leah.”

  “Is she doing okay?” Eleanor asked.

  “I can’t really tell you one way or the other, but I’ll ask Leah if she’s up for a visit.”

  Dr. Gordon disappeared into the back and returned with a smile on his face. “Go on back, but try not to get her too excited. I want her to rest.”

  I nodded as we walked into the back. Leah was laying on the bed, with the head raised slightly, and a cloth on her brow.

  I sat next to Leah and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. “How are you, dear?”

  Leah snapped open her eyes. “I’m doing fine, now, at least. It seems one of the medications and too much sun gave me a reaction. I forgot that I wasn’t supposed to get direct sunlight when I took it.”

  “I see. I’m glad that’s all it was.”

  “I was having trouble breathing. I heard a woman saved my life by giving me CPR right away.”

  “That’s what we heard. Dorothy Alton to be exact. She’s from the same town as us. I’m really shocked. I was surprised she even knew how to do CPR.”

  “I really owe her one.”

  “You don’t owe me anything,” Dorothy said from the doorway. “I hope I’m not disturbing you, dear. Nobody was in the other room, so I showed myself in.”

  “Of course, you’re not disturbing me at all. Please come in.”

  Dorothy moved to the other side of the bed and checked the cloth, taking it and running it under cold water and placing it back on Leah’s head. “There, that should be better.”

  “So, Ricky didn’t have anything to do with what happened?”

  “Well, he did remind me to take my medication and we spent time at the pool area, but I’d hardly call that an attempt on my life, if that’s what you think.” She laughed.

  Who says it wasn’t just that, but I smiled back at her. “I’m just glad you’re okay, but can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “You said your mother wasn’t very happy that you were dating Ricky, right?”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “But wasn’t she dating Ricky at one time, too?”

  Leah half sat up now, her eyes wide. “W-Who told you that?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “I suppose not, but Ricky wouldn’t have told you. It must have been Leo. He’s really trying to make my life difficult.”

  “You already told us that he tried to force himself on you, but why would he tell us something like that unless he’s trying to make you look bad, or make us question why you’d be with Ricky when he used to date your mother.”

  “It’s complicated, but suffice to say that my mother has a part in Ricky’s business. When she found out I was seeing Ricky behind her back, she wasn’t happy at all. She tried telling me all kinds of stories about how Ricky was only seeing me to satisfy his clients, but it’s not that bad. I mean, I don’t mind it most of the time. It’s just Leo who I have a problem with.”

  I leaned back in my chair, at a loss for words.

  “Not to worry, Leah,” Eleanor said. “I’m sure you weren’t aware of what Ricky expected from you.”

  “No, I wasn’t, and by the time I found out, it was too late to turn back. We were in Milan at the time and the client was very hot.” She laughed. “Hard to say no to that.”

  “So, it doesn’t bother you that Ricky is prostituting you to his clients?” Dorothy asked was a huge frown.

  “I guess I didn’t see it that way, but they do spend money on me and I like that.”

  “Until Ricky gets tired of you and moves on to the next target.”

  Leah closed her eyes for a moment with a sigh. When she opened them, she said, “I have been giving it some thought. I know that if I continue to stay with Ricky, it’s only a matter of time before I’ll be forced to submit to Leo and that’s just not something I’m willing to do. I have enough money to leave him when we get back to Florida.”

  “Why not in Mexico?”

  “I don’t know anyone there. No, I’ll wait it out.”

  It bothered me that she planned to continue to stay with Ricky, but there really wasn’t anything I could do about it. “It’s your decision, of course. I’m not judging you, Leah. I just want you to be safe and with Leo around, I’m just worried about you is all.”

  “I appreciate that, believe me. I should get some sleep. This medication really has me feeling tired.”

  I gave Leah’s hand a good squeeze and Eleanor and I left. We weren’t halfway down that hall when Dorothy shouted for us to wait up.

  “So, is that it then, you’re going to allow that boyfriend of hers to continue to have her sleep with his clients?”

  “I don’t see what else I can do. She’s a grown woman and it’s her decision, but I’m going to continue to keep an eye on those men. There was a missing passenger and I think they were responsible for detaining her, but I can’t prove it yet.”

  “We’re questioning somebody about Ricky and Leo later,” Eleanor added.

  “Well, somebody needs to. I’ll try to come up with a way to keep that girl safe,” Dorothy said, strolling off in the other direction.

  “Dorothy sure seems to have taken a liking to Leah. Do you think that she’ll really try to help her?”

  “If Dorothy says it, it must be true. I don’t think I’ve
ever heard her actually try to help anyone before. I mean, she can be nice, but she isn’t always, as you know.”

  “She might feel a bond with her since she gave Leah CPR. Leave it to Dorothy to save the day.”

  * * *

  With little more than that hot dog we had wolfed down, we met up with Ginny at the agreed-upon spot. She glanced around and disappeared into the shadows of the overhang.

  “Thanks for meeting us,” I said.

  “Yes, well, I did want to speak with you about Ricky and Leo and some of the things I’ve noticed.” She bit her lower lip and then said, “They give me the creeps and that’s what the other girls say, too, but they haven’t really done anything to me personally, just stared at me like they were undressing me with their eyes.”

  “Not exactly a crime,” Eleanor said. “Plenty of men do that.”

  “True, I interrupted them one day when they were speaking to one of the other girls, though. Ricky was telling Roxanne that if she came to work with him, she’s make way more money.”

  “And what happened then, did she take him up on his offer?”

  “I practically yanked her back inside the Breakfast Nook. She was shaking pretty badly when we went back into the break room. She told me that after the way she’d seen Ricky treat Leah, it was more than enough reason to never go near Ricky. She then profusely thanked me for getting her away from him.” She smiled. “But I’ve seen how those men look at the other passengers, or at least at the younger female ones. When I heard about that missing passenger, I was sure they were behind it, but when she showed up, I figured I must have been jumping to conclusions.”

  “I don’t think you are. I thought that they were involved, too. At least one of the engine room personnel found her in that locked room.”

  “I hope nobody on the ship is helping him get access to the area of the ship where you wouldn’t want a man the likes of Ricky going.”

  “Thanks for talking to us. Just alert the other girls to stay away from that man. I wish I could talk Leah into getting away, too.”

  “I know. Everyone on the ship knows that she’s been sporting a black eye, but unless she tells the captain, there’s not much anyone can do.”