Secrets of the Treasure King

by Terry Ambrose

  “They totally could’ve been on their way back.”

  “You have to admit it’s possible, Rick,” Marquetta says.

  Yay! Marquetta’s on my side.

  “You’re right. It is possible.” Daddy looks at Flynn. “Have you done any diving in the marina?”

  She shakes her head. “I never had a reason to. Unless I’m testing equipment, I prefer a more scenic environment.”

  “Anyone who was spearfishing would probably need a boat,” Marquetta says.

  “There was a lifeboat on The Treasure King. I saw it. It was covered up.”

  “Pretty standard,” Flynn says.

  Daddy finishes up with Marquetta’s skillet and hands it to her to dry. She tilts it on its side to let it drain, then looks real close at it and hands it back. “You missed a spot, mister. Don’t be expecting me to put my tools away dirty.”

  “Sorry.” He takes the skillet and sticks it back into the soapy water. As he’s washing, he says, “If someone did go out to fish, they’d have probably rented a boat earlier in the day. We can easily check. There are only a couple of places with rentals. But, my money’s still on there being video footage showing who took that speargun.”

  We all agree he’s right. And this time, when Daddy gives the skillet to Marquetta, she gives him a thumbs up. Now all we have to do is get Chief Cunningham to get the warrant. Let’s hope that’s as easy as the cleanup.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

  Rick

  AFTER FINISHING THE lunch clean up, Rick went to his office to call Adam. The greeting he got was professional, but not necessarily warm. “I’m sorry about what happened earlier,” Rick said.” You have every right to run your department the way you best see fit.”

  “No worries, buddy. And you were just taking care of your family. I get it. In all honesty, I have to say you’re right about Baker. I guess I was reacting to someone being critical of my first hire. I’m not sure how I’ll handle her, but I’ll figure something out. By the way, Madame Mayor has left me two voicemail messages. What’s up?”

  “I proposed, and she accepted.”

  “Congratulations. That’s fantastic. You found a ring then?”

  “She wants to use the family heirloom. Do you think that’s…appropriate? Maybe she’s just saying that so I won’t have to spend money…”

  “Oh, that ring. I’d forgotten all about it. I was in fourth grade when Markie read a story about it in school. I’ve seen it a few times, but I never connected the dots.”

  “What’s the story?”

  “First off, that ring is gorgeous. The main stone is larger than the one Madame Mayor wears. But that’s not the reason Markie will want to wear it. Her grandmother gave it to Markie’s mother. Now, with you in the picture, I guess it’s time for it to be passed on. Consider it an honor that she wants to wear it in public.”

  “Okay. Thanks for the background. I feel better knowing it’s not just a pity decision.”

  “This ain’t no pity party, buddy. You’ll understand when you see that ring.”

  Rick crossed his fingers and regarded the map of Seaside Cove hanging on the wall. If Joe Gray was correct, what was behind that map had the potential to undo all of the progress he and Marquetta had made. Or, it could help them lay to rest the ghosts of the past. That, however, wasn’t something he felt he could share. Not yet, anyway.

  “There’s something else,” Rick said. “We had Flynn over for lunch—actually, Alex and Marquetta set it up. I think I was lucky to be invited. Anyway, Flynn was telling us about all the uses of technology on treasure boats, and Alex mentioned that she saw surveillance cameras around the boat.”

  There was a long pause, then Adam said, “She actually saw cameras?”

  The surprise in Adam’s voice caught Rick off guard. “Deputy Baker didn’t tell you about the security system?”

  “No, she didn’t. She said she saw a couple of monitors. One on the top deck, the other in the captain’s quarters.”

  “Flynn says the cameras could have been installed by Captain Carroll because he wanted to keep tabs on his passengers.”

  After a few moments of silence, Adam said, “If these cameras and this security footage exist, it could show the killer with the murder weapon. That’s the reasoning?”

  “Exactly. We thought maybe you’d want to get a warrant for the surveillance footage and the GPS.”

  “Why the GPS? The boat was docked at the time of the murder.”

  “It goes to motive. Alex came up with another theory. What if Carroll was just scamming his passengers? Maybe he didn’t really know the location of the San Manuel. We don’t know what Carroll was charging for this little treasure hunt, but it was probably substantial. If someone found out they’d been scammed—maybe they killed him for revenge.”

  “Hang on a second.”

  While Rick waited, he pulled out the strand of red yarn Marquetta had given him. The clicking of a computer keyboard on Adam’s end of the call was followed by a loud sigh. “I don’t think that would work, Rick. According to the passengers we’ve talked to, The Treasure King left out of Long Beach three days before they got here. When the captain called in to dock, he told Joe they had an engine problem. That’s supposedly why they made an unscheduled stop in Seaside Cove.”

  “What if Carroll just said that to delay things?”

  “If someone figured out Carroll really didn’t have an exact location, they’d have to have been clairvoyant.”

  “Or known about his previous trip and that it was a failure.”

  “So you think our suspect list is down to Sanna and Mancini?” Adam said.

  “Not necessarily. Loose lips sink ships. Maybe this is a case where someone’s loose tongue got their captain killed.”

  “Which means we have a new line of questioning. I’ll have Baker go back and talk to the passengers. Maybe something will break. What does concern me is having her do this on her own.”

  “What are you saying, Adam?” Rick held his breath, not sure how he felt about a possible reversal of his removal from the case. He’d reconciled himself to no longer working with Adam—mostly for Alex’s benefit—yet deep down he found himself itching to dig back in.

  Adam hesitated, then said, “This is just between you and me, but Baker’s strong suit seems to be enforcing the law.”

  “You’re thinking she doesn’t have the patience to be a good investigator?”

  “I’ve said more than I should, but I need someone to talk to—someone who’s judgement I trust.”

  “You know I’m always here for you, Adam.”

  “Unfortunately, you’ve got a conflict of interest in this particular situation.”

  “This is about Alex going on the boat?”

  “In part, but it’s also about the way Baker handles people.”

  Resisting the urge to say, “I told you so,” Rick simply said, “Oh?”

  There was a huff, and then Adam said, “I’m going to have to go. Madame Mayor is about to walk through my front door.” Barely a second later, Adam’s voice turned professional again. “I’ll get back to you as soon as we find something out. Thanks for calling.”

  Rick reclined in his chair and mentally reran the conversation with Adam about The Treasure King. It was the second time he’d heard someone mention Long Beach. If the boat had been anchored there for any period of time, records would exist. And what better place to look for a record than in a place people used frequently, but never thought about what they wrote? Social media.

  Rick sat at his desk, opened his laptop, and brought up the browser. He chuckled as the first profile filled his screen. “You’ve probably already thought of this, Alex. But I’ll bet you didn’t know your old man had skills, too.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

  Alex

  MARCH 28

  Hey Journal,

  Me and Marquetta talked about Daddy not working for the police anymore. She says it’s not my fault. She also says if Chief Cun
ningham and my dad can talk as friends, they’ll heal their professional relationship.

  Marquetta’s super smart about people and stuff, so I’m hoping she’s right. We did figure out a way to kinda get Daddy and Chief Cunningham on friendly terms again. We’re gonna use girl power to get a redo of the dinner at the Crooked Mast. Me and Marquetta are going into the Bee’s Knees this afternoon to ask Traci if they can all try the dinner again. Marquetta thinks if they can go back to where this whole problem with Deputy Baker started, they should have a fun time and get to talk.

  Marquetta just texted me. She told Daddy that the candles she ordered from The Bee’s Knees are in. Gotta run!

  Alex

  The colors in the candle I’m holding are blue and tan. The tan’s on the bottom and it blends into the blue on top. It’s like looking through the glass in a huge aquarium. When I hold it up to my nose, close my eyes, and sniff, it reminds me of the way the ocean smells. It’s salty and fresh.

  “Isn’t that beautiful?” Marquetta asks.

  “It’s awesome! It totally smells like the beach.”

  Traci smiles and does a little fist pump. “That’s what I was going for. I’m thinking of starting a new line of candles—reminders of the world we live in. My next project is a rain forest, but I haven’t quite got the scent figured out yet.”

  I hand the ocean candle to Marquetta and she smells it. “That’s perfect, Traci. I’ll take one of these, too.”

  While Traci is ringing up the sale, I wander around the shop some more. I’m standing at the front window looking at the display when four men walk by. I recognize a couple of them from The Treasure King. They’re headed up the street, like they’re going somewhere together. I jump when Marquetta puts a hand on my shoulder.

  “What’s up, Sweetie?”

  I’d sure like to know where those guys went. “Can we go up the street?”

  “Okay, what for?”

  Uh-oh. What for? Um…I take a wild guess as to where the men might be going. “Maybe we could get a snack at Crusty Buns?”

  “You and your sweet tooth. Okay. Let’s go.”

  One of the things I love about Seaside Cove’s downtown is how all the businesses are in old houses. They’ve all got little porches out front and the merchants do different things. The Bee’s Knees has like a little bistro setting that looks like it’s in a garden. It’s super romantic and gets a lot of attention from tourists. Standing on the porch, I can see all the way up and down the street. The men are gone. I hope I’m right about them going to Crusty Buns.

  I grab Marquetta’s hand and pull her down the steps. When we get to Crusty Buns, the men are in line waiting to order. We get behind them. The one in front of us has lots of tattoos. One of the other men calls him Isaac. He doesn’t even notice me standing so close that I can hear what they’re saying. Right now, it’s boing. They’re just talking about the menu.

  Marquetta cocks her head to one side and looks at me. “What’s up with you?”

  “Guess I’m just hungry.” I smile.

  “Really.” Marquetta lets out a little huff, then looks up at the menu board. The men finish with their order, then we place ours. When we’re done, Marquetta looks at the front of the store. “Do you want to sit outside? It’s a beautiful day.”

  The men sit on one end of the table for ten. There’s a two-top right next to it.

  “Nah, let’s stay inside.” I go over and pull back the heavy chair on one side of the small table. The tabletop is white and Mrs. O’Donnell keeps it super clean so it always looks nice.

  While we’re waiting for our order to be delivered, Marquetta starts asking me if I like the Bee’s Knees. I tell her it’s an awesome shop and we talk about all the different candles. I’m only kinda paying attention ‘cause I’m still trying to listen to the men at the big table.

  Mrs. O’Donnell delivers our order—a couple of miniature chocolate chip muffins, a hot chocolate for me, and tea for Marquetta. Before she goes, she leans down and whispers.

  “These men from The Treasure King. They’re nothing but trouble.”

  “Why’s that?” I whisper back.

  Marquetta raises her eyebrows and looks at me real close.

  “They call themselves treasure hunters, but all they do is sit around complaining about how much they feel taken advantage of.”

  I edge closer to Mrs. O’Donnell. “What do they say?”

  “Mostly that they don’t think Captain Carroll ever knew the location of the San Manuel.” Mrs. O’Donnell stands up suddenly and looks around. “Angus looks like he needs help at the counter. I’d better get back to work before he fires me.” She laughs, then walks away.

  “I’m going to ask you again, Alex. What’s up?” Marquetta frowns at me, then adds, “And don’t tell me nothing. I know you’re up to something, and I want to know what it is.”

  I slant my eyes over at the table with the treasure hunters, and Marquetta nods like she understands. She whispers, “That’s why you picked this table. Isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” I am so busted. I didn’t think Marquetta would catch on so quick. “Are you gonna make me go home now?”

  Marquetta turns her head just a little, listens to the men talk, then winks at me. “Not yet.” She slants her eyes toward the table with the men and sips her tea.

  Mrs. O’Donnell was right. These guys complain a lot. So far, it’s all about Captain Carroll and how he lied to them about the San Manuel. It’s like they don’t think anybody else is here—the one called Will is talking real loud to the one with all the tattoos.

  “I’m telling you,” Will says. “They’re looking at all of us.”

  “Calm down, Will. You weren’t even in town.”

  “I didn’t see anybody, so I can’t prove that,” Will says. “You guys were smart, claiming to all be together. Whose idea was it to coordinate?”

  “Doesn’t matter whose idea it was,” the tattoo guys says.

  Marquetta looks at me. Her eyes get wide.

  “Does that mean they’re lying about where they were?” I whisper.

  Marquetta shushes me with a finger on her lips.

  Awesome. She’s totally gone into spy mode.

  CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

  Rick

  RICK SPENT ABOUT thirty minutes researching social media accounts for the passengers and crew from The Treasure King. When he was done, he’d even found an account for Captain Carroll, which was not much more than an advertisement for his treasure hunting charter service.

  Of all the accounts Rick found, only three were social-media regulars. Matthew Redmond posted a few times prior to the departure from Long Beach. He complained about his last job as a prison guard. Now, unemployed, he was broke. Even before the trip began, he’d come to believe Captain Carroll had swindled him out of his retirement savings. Almost every sentence included something about himself expressed as an absolute. The one that caught Rick’s attention was, I never should have booked this ridiculous treasure hunting cruise. That jerk captain says he’ll never give me my money back, so I have to go.

  The latest postings from Heather Sanna gave a different impression of Captain Carroll. Hers were a series of photos chronicling her day in Seaside Cove. She’d taken a selfie of her and the captain at Ocean Surf trying on new tee shirts, another of her and ‘Morry’ having an ice cream at Scoops & Scones, and a third of her alone standing in front of the lighthouse.

  The picture was of Heather with the ocean in the background. The tone, however, was reminiscent of Redmond’s. Grumpy didn’t want to walk all the way out here to see this awesome view. Shore leave almost over, but maybe things will be different at dinner tonight. Love the solitude out here.

  The lighthouse post came half an hour after they’d been at Scoops & Scones, which meant it was a safe bet that ‘Morry’ and ‘Grumpy’ both referred to the captain—and that the relationship might have been a rollercoaster.

  Eli England was also a prolific poster, but his tended more
towards self-aggrandizement. Like Redmond, England’s posts were all about him, but the tone was the complete opposite. According to social media, England’s accomplishments in building his business were legion. He had put up a photo of The Treasure King, but even that had been what Rick now thought of as All About Eli. This boat is a treasure-hunting debacle. I can’t believe the mismanagement. Tried to tell the captain how to fix things, but he’s too set in his ways.

  Rick stood and raised his arms above his head. He stretched to the point that his body quivered, then relaxed. Looking down at the laptop, he shook his head. This was getting him nowhere. What they needed was some sort of chronicle of what had happened on Captain Carroll’s last day, not complaints about his management style or The Treasure King’s time at sea. He looked at England’s post again. All About Eli. It was the same pattern he’d seen when they’d met in Crusty Buns.

  The one who was missing from this list of social posters was Christopher Jenks. England had said his business partner was taking photos all the time. Was that what they needed? The photos taken by Jenks? Rick did another search, this time looking for variations of Jenks’s name. He still came up empty.

  A knock on the office door jarred Rick’s concentration. “Come in,” he called, then swiveled his chair to face the visitor.

  Adam Cunningham opened the door and peeked into the room. He was decked out in full uniform and had his hat tucked under his arm. “You got a minute, buddy?”

  “Of course.” Rick gestured at one of the visitor chairs. “Sorry, I know I shouldn’t interfere, but I can’t get my mind off this case. I guess I know where Alex gets her single-mindedness from.”

  “No worries. In fact, that’s exactly why I’m here. We didn’t get to finish our conversation earlier. After I spoke to the mayor, I had a visit from Baker. She basically told me I either needed to back her up by throwing the book at a minor who’d committed a felony or she was leaving.”

  Rick’s breath caught. “What did you tell her?” he croaked.