by Diane Rapp
He nodded, swallowing hard and rubbing his bulging knuckles. “Someone gave her a drug that induces labor. Celeste almost died.”
“Are you sure she didn’t take the drug herself?”
Joshua frowned. “You’d never ask…if you knew how much…she wanted her own child! She was raised by nannies and boarding schools, a lonely little girl who grew into a lonely woman. Vincent didn’t understand. His career was more important than being a loving husband. Celeste would have been the best mother!” Joshua’s puppy-dog eyes peered through a thick fringe of hair, eager to convince Kayla.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Her ghost is on this ship.” His eyes sparkled as he studied her face. “I can see that you know! Celeste wasn’t some crazy rich woman clinging to a handsome husband. She loved Vincent more than life.”
“And you loved Celeste,” Kayla said quietly.
Joshua averted his gaze and nodded. “We could only be friends.” He raised his chin and glared at Vincent posing for photos. “If I learn he killed her, I’ll ring his neck.” His hands tightened into fists.
Kayla gently touched his hand. “We’re going to find out who killed Celeste. Her ghost will finally rest.”
Joshua gazed into Kayla’s eyes. “Please tell me if he . . . tell me who did it…I need to know.”
“Celeste doesn’t want you to kill anyone for her. She wants to prevent another murder.”
Joshua blinked. A beeper sounded and he reached into his pocket. “I need to go. Be careful, Kayla. After she lost the baby, Celeste felt afraid. She took precautions but the bastard still murdered her!” He marched away before Kayla could reply.
Sliding into the chair between Natalia and Emily, Kayla asked, “Where’s Steven?”
Natalia nodded toward the bar. “Steven’s eavesdropping on Vincent.”
Emily said, “So tell us what you’ve been doing.”
“You couldn’t read our conversations?”
“It wouldn’t look good to whip out my binoculars in public. Come on, tell us!”
Kayla smiled. “I’ve learned a lot about Celeste and Vincent. We may have more suspects than we thought.”
Steven sauntered back from the bar, carrying two tall glasses. “Here’s an iced tea for our sexy sleuth.” Handing her the glass, he said, “You were just helping revise press releases, eh?”
“Can I help it if people confide in me?”
“You attract suspects like a Venus flytrap.” Natalia snapped her fingers. “Get too close to Kayla and you’re forced to talk!”
“Not so loud. We don’t want to make a general announcement about our activities,” Steven said. “Now, what did you learn?”
Kayla outlined her recent conversations while Steven scratched his chin. “It sounds like Buster and Joshua both had reasons to kill.”
“Joshua? He loved Celeste!” Kayla objected.
Steven nodded. “It sounds like an obsession. Obsessive lovers often end up killing the object of their affection. Sometime they kill a rival, whichever comes easiest.”
“I’d hardly say Joshua was obsessed with Celeste.”
“No? Then why is he still tormented by her memory after all these years? I’d say he’s a bit weird. Speaking of weird, here comes your newest friend.”
In a swirl of color, Paula navigated through a beach-chair obstacle course toward the four investigators. Holding her floppy pink hat with one hand, Paula tugged at the short hemline of her cover-up with the other.
“You’re a popular girl, Kayla,” Paula said in a petulant tone. “I tried to flag you down but everyone snags your attention before me.”
“Sorry. Buster asked me to rewrite some press releases and wanted to discuss them. When Buster left, Joshua confronted me. He thought I was trying to get his job but seemed to feel better after we talked.”
“Everyone is insecure in Hollywood!” At the sound of laughter, Paula cast a sideways glance at Vincent and Angela. “They’re enjoying themselves, trying to recapture their youth. You know, Angela dumped him flat to save her career last time. Now that she won an Oscar the slut’s ready to jump in the sack.”
“You should get away from this spectacle,” Kayla said. “Do something for yourself.”
Paula nodded. “I’ve got an appointment in the beauty salon. I think I’ll go blazing red!” She took off her hat and fluffed her dark hair. “He’s got a weakness for redheads.”
“Yeah, show the man you’re going to live your own life,” Natalia said.
Paula nodded. “A male dancer eyed me last night. I can have my pick of men, young ones, who’ll make that aging thespian look twice. You want to go dancing tonight? We could make it a party.”
“Sure!” Steven said. “That’s a capital idea.” He turned to Kayla. “We should introduce Paula to young men of our acquaintance. It’ll be great fun.”
“Don’t you have a show tonight?” Paula asked.
“No. Natalia’s the performer tonight.”
Paula smiled. “I loved your mind reading act. Do you use hand signals to transmit information about the audience or do you memorize details before the show?”
Natalia’s eyes narrowed and her voice deepened. “A mystic never reveals her special secrets.” Natalia took Paula’s hand, turned it palm up, and said, “You have a very strange lifeline. It ends here then continues over here. Have you experienced death?”
Paula jerked her hand away. “How did you . . .? No one knows about that!” Her face reddened and her breathing became rapid. “Yes. During an appendectomy, my heart stopped beating. I was drawn toward a bright light until the doctors used an electric shock to bring me back.”
Natalia said, “Were you afraid?”
“No. It was beautiful, peaceful. Anyone would be better off going into the light. When it comes time, I’ll be happy to go.”
Steven coughed. “We shouldn’t discuss such maudlin topics before a night of revelry. When do you want to meet us, Paula?”
“Let’s have dinner! My table is nearly empty since Vincent and his gang moved away. Join me at seven in the dining room.”
Kayla said, “It’s a date.”
When Paula left, Kayla turned to Steven. “I thought you wanted us to recede into the background.”
“It’s too late for that plan, especially since you’ve become chummy with all the suspects. I’d say it’s a safer choice to stay close to the next victim.”
Natalia nodded. “I sensed darkness surrounding Paula, and we may not be able to stop it from taking her.”
“Nonsense!” Emily said. “Celeste was alone when her killer struck in stealth. There are four of us. We are forewarned and can certainly protect one girl.”
“I hope so,” Kayla said.
Chapter 8 ~ Gunshots on Ship
Fog crept across the water like a thief stealing the moonlight, its chilly fingertips tracing the ship’s rigging with droplets of condensation. The lonely dirge of the ship’s foghorn punctuated the steady rhythm of whitecaps slapping against steel as the ship plowed steadfastly through rolling waves.
Taking a shortcut to the dining room, Steven and Kayla climbed the outside staircase and skirted the slippery perimeter decking, their footsteps resonating like drumbeats across the empty surface. Kayla clutched Steven’s arm as much for warmth as support. As they hurried through the nearest door, the welcome clamor of silverware against plates and the din of conversations filtered from the dining room. Emily stood waiting. Her warm smile seemed like a beacon to Kayla.
“It’s bloody depressing out there,” Steven said, brushing droplets of water from his sleeves. “It’s a good job we don’t need to stand watch on deck tonight.”
Emily nodded. “The ship’s got a modern navigation system that we installed during dry dock. Now I appreciate its value. John says you can’t see further than fifty feet from the bridge tonight. He’s on duty, so I’m free to join you.”
Kayla said, “I’m starved. Let’s get inside.”
“Your escort ladies.” Steven cocked both arms and grinned as the women each clasped an elbow. Paula waved eagerly from across the room as Steven navigated his escorts through a maze of round tables filled with cheerful diners. Each table sat eight but Paula’s table was nearly empty as she gestured to fill vacant chairs.
Kayla marveled at the transformation of Paula’s appearance. Dressed in a form-fitting teal cocktail dress with black lace scarf draped across the neckline, Paula no longer looked mousy. Her hair was a coppery red that glistened in the candlelight and flawless makeup accented her almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones.
“Hi! You should meet my tablemates, George and Leanne,” Paula said. “Isn’t this weather horrible? Fog should stay in England where it belongs.”
Emily forced a laugh. “You can’t blame the weather on us. We ordered sun for the entire crossing but the weather gods love to mess things up.”
“We’ll do a rain dance tonight and see if the gods send us sunshine.” Paula giggled and squeezed Steven’s arm with more affection than Kayla deemed appropriate. Watching Paula, Kayla wondered if the change in appearance ignited a flamboyant personality. Paula brazenly flirted with men, the waiters, and passing strangers. After each flirtation Paula’s gaze drifted toward Vincent. She frowned when her antics remained unnoticed.
A waiter stood patiently at the table, waiting. “Would madam care to order?” he asked. Startled Kayla scanned the menu and ordered. She buttered a roll and gazed around the dining room. Bone china on white linen, polished silver, flickering candles, sparkling glassware, and waiters dressed in black generated an atmosphere of elegance. Multi-colored lights illuminated a shimmering ice sculpture—an eagle with wings outstretched grasped a fish in its claws and looked ready to escape from icy waves.
Kayla enjoyed the festive atmosphere, the low hum of conversation, the tinkling of ice cubes in crystal, and the pop of champagne accompanied by laughter. Rich aromas drifted past as waiters transported platters filled with steaming dishes under silver domes.
“Emily,” Steven said, “when do we land in the Azores?”
“We land on Sao Miguel tomorrow night but we sail past the other islands on our way into port. I understand they look quite spectacular.”
Paula said, “I’ve heard they speak Portuguese.”
Emily nodded. “The islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century, although small groups of Flemish settled on some of the islands. The Azores became important during the 16th and 17th century when galleons loaded with treasure from the New World anchored in their harbors. Pirates searched for easy prey in the waters surrounding the Azores and provoked exciting naval battles. Today the atmosphere is pastoral, like visiting rural Europe a hundred years ago.”
“Sounds interesting,” Steven said. “After a few days at sea, we’ll be ready to explore.”
Paula nodded. “Let’s all go ashore together. It should be great fun.”
Their waiter arrived with appetizers, salads, and soup. Kayla mentally praised the expertise of Emily’s new chef as she devoured large chunks of potatoes and fresh clams submerged in creamy chowder. When the main course arrived, Kayla lost herself in the buttery flavor of succulent chicken in a delicate white wine sauce, baby peas, and fluffy rice. Everyone stared as the waiter prepared a flaming beef entrée for Emily tableside, everyone except Paula who gazed disconsolately at Vincent’s table.
Vincent looked charming and happy. Smiling at Angela, he raised a champagne glass, and offered a toast that Kayla couldn’t quite hear. When Angela giggled and kissed Vincent’s cheek, Paula’s mouth tightened into an angry red line. Twisting a linen napkin, she stabbed pieces of uneaten food and gulped wine in silence.
“Your chef is a marvel, Emily,” Steven said between bites.
“Just wait! We’ve arranged a special show before desert. It should start any minute.”
As the lights dimmed, the crowd hushed. All eyes turned toward the doors. Waiters entered in a long line, balancing flaming trays overhead, singing a calypso tune, and dancing in time to their own music. Weaving expertly through tables, the conga line reached the center just as flames erupted from the ice eagle’s base.
Eerie eyes blazed with fire as flames licked the eagle’s claws, melting droplets sizzled and glassy wings shimmered. Flickering lights enhanced the artist’s illusion of imminent flight. The waiters ended their song by dropping to their knees before the sculpture in a breathtaking tableau. Silence shattered as enthusiastic applause erupted. Kayla realized she’d forgotten to breathe.
“Bravo!” Steven said to Emily. “As an entertainer I applaud a spectacular show.”
“Thank you!” Emily blushed. “The staff formulated the plan and our waiters were eager to show off. I worried about the flames but it all worked didn’t it?”
Their waiter arrived, flushed and grinning. He poured brandy over a baked Alaska and served flaming portions with an ostentatious flourish. He accepted praise for his performance with shy smiles. The brandy-soaked chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream provoked more compliments.
Paula regained a measure of joviality until Vincent’s group left their table. Staring at her husband’s retreating figure, her eyes narrowed. When Vincent’s arm slid around Angela’s shoulder, Paula stood abruptly. “I need to powder my nose,” she announced.
“Me too,” Kayla said, pushing her chair back.
Paula led the way, walking briskly. Across the foyer, Kayla could see a line of impatient women standing outside the ladies room.
“Blast!” Paula said. Her eyelashes fluttered, blinking back tears.
“Let’s go down to the next level. Most people don’t realize there’s another restroom available just downstairs.”
“Okay.”
Kayla led the way down the carpeted staircase, glancing back at her companion. Paula’s shoulders drooped, her lips quivered, and her gaze remained riveted to the floor. The stalls inside the lavatory were occupied but no one stood waiting in line. Staring at her shoes, Paula leaned against the sink with arms folded across her chest.
“You okay?” Kayla asked.
“Yeah! It’s just hard to watch. Angela couldn’t wait to get her claws into Vincent. She flirts constantly and he’s such a sap, falling for her tricks. I hate her!”
Water swooshed as the stall door opened. Dressed in flowing brown silk, Angela Hearns emerged from the stall. Her brown eyes flashed with anger. “I have no designs on your husband, Paula. Vince is just a friend, a colleague. We’re doing a movie together and I must be cordial. That’s all!” Spots of color burned her cheeks as she stood her ground.
“Save it for the press!” Paula hissed, thrusting her face a few inches from Angela’s. “When news of this hits the fan, they’ll dredge up all your old affairs. You’ll never live it down.”
Angela headed for the door but Paula grabbed her elbow, whipping the actress around. “Leave him alone! I can make a big stink with the press, tell them how you drove his first wife to suicide. Fans won’t pay to see a husband-stealing slut no matter how many gold statues you own!”
Angela jerked her arm away.
“Be careful, Paula! I’m not a quivering little starlet! I’ll do what it takes to protect myself.” Stomping to the door, Angela cast a scathing glance over her shoulder as she left.
Paula slumped. She leaned over the sink, dabbing her red cheeks with water to stem the flow of tears.
Kayla mumbled, “I’m sorry.”
Paula looked at Kayla in the mirror. “I won’t let her win. I’d rather fight than lose Vincent. She doesn’t realize how dirty I can fight!” Inhaling deeply she calmly walked into an empty stall and closed the door.
The doors of the other two stalls popped open and wide-eyed women rushed out of the bathroom without stopping to wash. Kayla laughed. “Paula,” she called out, “you should see the wild expressions on those ladies’ faces! You’d think we were dealing drugs in here.”
“At least we’ve g
ot the bathroom to ourselves,” Paula replied, her voice echoing against the walls. She emerged from the stall and her expression looked rigid but calm. “Let’s see how fast we can clear the dance floor.” Adopting a mischievous smile, she walked in a hip-swinging saunter to their table. Watching Paula, Kayla thought the woman was a natural actress.
“We should all go up to the Starlight Lounge,” Paula announced. “We’ve got some serious partying to do.” George and Leanne were gone. Emily said she had a late date, but Steven and Kayla agreed to accompany Paula.
They entered the lounge and secured a table next to the dance floor. Paula ordered a round of drinks then grabbed Steven’s hand and led him to the dance floor. Music vibrations pulsed through the floor and furniture. Kayla felt a twinge of jealousy as Paula smiled seductively into Steven’s eyes.
Kayla mentally shook herself. Steven maintained a dignified posture, holding Paula at a safe distance as they moved across the dance floor. Kayla could tell he endured the activity until the music ended. Paula’s flirtatious glance raked the room for other victims and stared at a tall officer until he cut in.
Obviously relieved, Steven slid into the chair next to Kayla. “It’s damned uncomfortable out there.”
“I noticed how gallantly you kept her away.” Kayla grinned, nodding at the dance floor. “She’s having fun now.”
Kayla told Steven about the scene in the bathroom and he rolled his eyes. He said, “She sure knows how to make enemies. If we’re not careful, we’ll be fighting off a lynch-mob before this cruise ends. Look who just came in.”
Vincent, Angela, and Buster entered the room, followed by their usual crowd.
Kayla groaned. “We couldn’t be lucky, could we? At least they’re sitting on the opposite side of the room. Oh, no! Buster’s coming over.”
Buster paused a moment to stare at Paula dancing seductively in the center of the dance floor. When he reached their table he asked, “What’s going on, Kayla? Are you trying to destroy my movie?”
“What?”
Buster sat down, his face an angry scowl. “Vincent’s ready to strangle his wife and Angela can’t string two sentences together. I’m receiving brash calls from tabloid reporters who plan to meet the ship in the Azores. This is turning into a public relations disaster.”