by Sonia Parin
“At breakfast. I went in there early and overheard some of the servers talking about it.”
She’d suffered through all those meals and hadn’t heard a single beep. “What else did they say?”
“It’s strange. It actually sounded as if they were interrogating each other. Asking where they’d been at midday. Apparently, the captain put them all under the spotlight.”
Interesting. Had the captain decided to launch his own investigation?
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Just thinking.” If the captain had taken steps to question the crew that meant he hadn’t found anything in the video footage. Or... he had found something, but it hadn’t been enough to identify the perpetrator.
“So how are you entertaining yourself on the ship?”
“Huh?” she said distractedly.
Bronson laughed.
“Sorry.” She cleared her throat. “Pardon?”
“I liked the huh better. Nothing wrong with huh.” He smiled and shook his head. “Are you here to do nothing and relax or do you have a schedule of activities as some passengers seem to have.”
“I came completely unprepared. Playing it by ear but... I should really knuckle down and do some work.” She tilted her head and thought about her inn. If she couldn’t relax, then she could at least begin working on her menu for the inn.
Eve told Bronson about her new business venture.
“So you don’t have any experience running an inn but you can cook. That’s half the problem solved. You can hire people to do the rest.”
“I guess that’s the general idea.”
“I’m going to have to plan a weekend getaway to the island. Check out your inn. What’s your selling point? You know, what will draw visitors to the island?”
Murder and mayhem?
No. They’d already had enough murder and mayhem on the island. It wouldn’t happen again...
“Peace and quiet. The perfect place to spend a few days enjoying fine cuisine, long walks, horseback riding, the sights... There’s fishing and hiking. And we have our own local celebrity. My aunt. Also, I have a friend who’s interested in running some art classes. It should be fun. A local book club has already staked a claim on the front parlor for their weekly get together sessions and my aunt Mira will do some of her launches at the inn.” Eve nibbled the edge of a lettuce leaf. “Yes, I really should use my time on the cruise to work on a menu.”
“I’ll definitely have to come.” He looked away. “There they go again. Chica chica boom boom chic.”
Don’t look, Eve. Don’t.
Eve couldn’t help herself.
As she slanted her gaze toward the group of impersonators, they all turned toward her.
“Whoa. What did you do to deserve that? I swear they threw daggers at you.”
Did they know something she didn’t...?
Chapter Seven
Seeing David striding toward her, Eve tried to hurry her step but her stomach gave a sharp protest so she mouthed, “The video footage?”
He gave her a small shake of his head and waited until he’d reached her to say more. “I was hoping you wouldn’t ask.”
Her heart sank. “Bad news?”
“We hit a dead end. The CCTV tapes have been erased.”
“How can that be? It’s only been a day.”
David shrugged. “The captain said it’s common practice to tape over them. The videos are on a loop and automatically record over themselves every day.”
“So soon?” She didn’t believe that for a minute. “I suspect the captain has already viewed them and he found something suspicious he doesn’t want us to see.”
“Do you have something to back up your suspicions?” David asked, “Other than your female intuition.”
“Someone told me he overheard the servers complaining they’d been interrogated and asked to provide alibis. If the captain viewed the footage, he might have found reason to become suspicious of the crew. Otherwise, I’m sure he wouldn’t have bothered questioning them.”
David nudged her arm and guided her toward the elevator.
“Where are we going?”
“I’m going to have a chat with Carlos. His cabin is a few doors down from Crystal’s. He might have seen or heard something. I overhead one of the Carmen Miranda impersonators say he’s a regular at the Cabana Bar. I was on my way over there.”
Eve could barely hide her surprise. “And you want me to come along?”
“As a diversionary tactic. When I approach him, I want you to stay in the background. You’re with me but you won’t join in the conversation. That way, he’ll think you have nothing to do with my investigation. Since we can’t avoid being seen together, we can pretend you have nothing to do with looking into the murder.”
“Did Jack put you up to it?”
“I don’t want to be the one to cause any friction between you two.”
Eve laughed. “We tend to work around it.”
“I’d sleep easier if I knew you weren’t drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.”
Eve slipped her hands inside her pockets. “Actually, I’m bound to draw attention whether I like it or not.” As they stepped out of the elevator, she looked around. She didn’t see anyone else wearing shorts and flip-flops. “I’m guessing they have a dress code.”
“You look great. If anyone objects, they’ll have to answer to me.”
She smiled. “David Bergstrom, you’re a regular champion.”
“It’s my super power.”
“Most men would have ignored my remark. Or like Jack, used the opportunity to tell me to stay out of trouble. For instance, when I asked what I should pack for my cruise, he suggested I leave the gun and take the cannoli.”
He laughed. “It’ll be good to catch up with him.”
If David planned on catching up with Jack, that meant he’d be visiting the island as well. She couldn’t wait to tell Mira.
They had no trouble spotting Carlos Bradbury sitting at the bar dressed in white pants and a white shirt with his dark hair sleeked back.
David drew out a stool for Eve and took the one next to Carlos. He acknowledged him with a small nod and a remark about the pleasant weather they were all enjoying.
“Are you with the Carmen Miranda group?”
“What gave me away?” Carlos asked with a sparkling white smile that aimed at being charming but struck Eve as far too smooth to trust.
“I’ve seen you with them.”
He nodded. “I’ve been working with the girls. They’re putting on a show in a few days.”
“They must be distraught over their loss.”
“You know about it?”
“I’m assisting with the investigation.”
“I didn’t realize there was one.”
David gave a small nod and produced a badge. Eve wondered if he could still flaunt it around.
Carlos sighed. “It was a dreadful blow to all of us. I had been working with Crystal on a solo number. No one knew about it.” Carlos gave a small chuckle. “Actually, they’re all working on a solo number. It’s the prize for the winner of the competition.”
“And are you helping everyone?”
Carlos made an open hand gesture. “There’s only so much of me to go around. But I do my best.”
“Who’s taken Crystal’s place? I assume your talents are in high demand and the gap she left has been snatched by someone else.”
“That’s still being decided.”
A waiter approached them. Eve ordered an orange juice only to regret it when David ordered a beer.
“Who makes the decision?” David asked, his tone casual.
“I do, of course.”
“Based on what?”
“Talent. What else?”
Bribery, Eve thought.
“They must all be bending over backward trying to impress you.”
When Carlos laughed, Eve thought she heard an edge of nervousness in his tone.
“There’s a healthy competitive spirit among them.” Carlos contemplated the contents of his glass and then looked up at David. “I’m beginning to think you’re interrogating me.”
“When was the last time you spoke with Crystal Reid?” David asked almost as if to confirm the suspicion.
Carlos leaned slightly toward David. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
An admission!
He and Crystal had been lovers.
David had turned toward Carlos so from where she sat, Eve couldn’t see the expression on his face but she imagined him giving Carlos a steady, unblinking look.
“I saw her briefly the day she died.”
Surely he had to know she hadn’t simply died. The captain had said he would inform the group. Eve assumed that also included telling them of the suspicious circumstances.
Had the words slipped out without much thought or had Carlos weighed each word, choosing the ones which would least implicate him in Crystal’s death?
“What time?”
Carlos shrugged. “I’m on vacation and in no hurry to get anywhere so I don’t bother wearing a watch.”
Again, Eve suspected David had pinned him with his gaze.
“It would have been close to midday. After I saw her, I went for a stroll on the upper decks and saw people already heading to the restaurants for lunch.”
Had he made a point of heading toward a public area where others could see him and, if necessary, verify his whereabouts?
“Then what did you do?”
“I wasn’t hungry yet so I had a drink at the bar.”
“Had Crystal been in a good mood?”
“Always. She had a sparkly personality.”
That would eliminate the rumor making the rounds. Happy people did not commit suicide.
“And what did you talk about?”
“We discussed her dance routine steps. She wanted to make some last minute changes.”
“And?”
“I told her I couldn’t spare the time. She didn’t like that.”
“Did you argue?”
Carlos chuckled. “Us? No, never. We had an easy relationship. She respected my opinion and backed down.”
“Just like that?”
“Oh, she might have tried to push harder.”
“And how did she do that?”
Crystal’s neighbor had said she’d heard Crystal arguing with a man but he hadn’t raised his voice.
“As cheerful as she was, Crystal could be demanding. She already had my attention...”
“Your full attention?”
“I’m here to help all the contest participants so no one has an unfair advantage.”
That seemed to contradict what he’d said moments before. Eve wondered if David’s questions were getting to him.
“So she didn’t get mad with you?”
It only took one person to lose their temper for a situation to escalate and perhaps get out of control.
“No.”
“Not even a little?”
Carlos shifted in his seat.
“I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead.”
“But...”
“Crystal’s sweetness had an edge. She was brought up pampered and could sometimes forget herself if she didn’t get her own way.”
“Did Crystal receive special attention from you?”
“As I said, she could be demanding.”
David took a pensive drink of his beer.
Eve noticed the bartender hadn’t moved from where he stood near them. She’d bet anything he was trying to overhear the conversation.
“Did anyone in particular resent her for that?” David asked.
“Hard to say when they all smile so sweetly.”
Leaning against the mother of pearl counter, Eve looked up and gazed at the light fixtures sparkling like stars in a velvety blue sky. Carlos played the neutral card well. He wouldn’t give anyone away or say anything to incriminate himself.
“You said you saw her close to midday on the day she died. Did Crystal invite you to her cabin?”
Eve leaned back in time to see Carlos take a nervous swallow.
“Yes.”
“When did she invite you?”
“When I went up to the upper deck, and just as well I did.”
“Why?”
“They had all promised they wouldn’t dress up on the first day, but no one kept their promise. I knew it wouldn’t take long for sparks to fly. I got there in time to break up a fight.”
“How did you take control of the situation?”
“I threatened to walk out on all of them, so they all promised to behave. As I strode off, Crystal asked me to go see her.”
Had someone overheard her?
Eve imagined someone interested in Carlos might want to intervene... interrupt a rendezvous...
“So now that Crystal is out of the way, who is taking her place?” David asked again, almost as if he wanted to catch Carlos in a lie.
“I’ve decided to play it safe and spend some extra time with everyone.”
Because one death had been enough?
He finished his drink and surged to his feet. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a rehearsal to oversee.”
“Don’t leave town,” Eve said under her breath.
David waited for Carlos to be out of hearing range. “What do you make of all that?”
“He’s hiding something, and if he’s not, he should have suggested you check the security cameras. Then again, we didn’t really think of that straightaway. Still, if he’s innocent of any involvement or if he doesn’t know anything, then he should have made an effort to clear himself.”
“I’m still kicking myself over the security cameras. Can’t believe it didn’t occur to me.” David took a drink of his beer. “Did you get anything else out of that conversation?”
“It’s odd. Someone working so closely with that group should really be aware of personal rifts but he didn’t mention anyone in particular.” Eve frowned and wondered if Carlos had tried to throw them off the scent.
“Would you be happier if he’d tried to find a scapegoat?”
“Of course,” she grinned, “That would be a sure sign of guilt.” In her books, at least.
“So you think he’s covering for himself... or for someone else?”
“That would be my guess. He’s covering for someone else.” She smiled. “Or himself. Mira will tell you I have a knack for suspecting anyone and everyone.” Eve glanced around the bar. “Including the bartender. Did you notice how he didn’t move far from us?”
“You’re determined to include the crew as suspects.”
“If I don’t and one of them turns out to be the killer then I’ll be the one kicking myself. I’ve had a few close encounters with mad killers and let me tell you, it’s no fun having a gun pointed at you. Luckily, I managed to talk my way out of the sticky situations.” Remembering David had worked as a detective, Eve blushed. “I guess you’ve had your fair share of close calls.”
“I have the scar to prove it.” David slid off his stool and stretched. “I think we should start taking more care. Remember, the killer’s choice of weapon leaves little room for negotiation,” he said as they strode out into the open.
“Yes, it would be sink or swim and I’m not a very strong swimmer.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about that. The fall alone would kill you.”
As they turned a corner, David grabbed her arm and drew her back.
“What? Did you see something?”
“The captain.”
“And?”
“He wasn’t alone.”
Eve edged toward the corner and sprung back. “That’s the silver Miranda. She had her hand on his wrist.”
“We should casually stroll toward them, nice and easy. Ready?”
As they got closer, Eve strained to hear what they were saying. She thought she heard the captain telling the silver Miranda to relax.
It was en
ough for her imagination to kick in.
Relax. Don’t worry. I’ve got everything under control...
The moment they saw them, they drew apart. The silver Miranda folded her arms and lifted her chin a notch.
Eve saw David giving the captain a nod.
When they were out of earshot, she stopped him. “Okay. That has to mean something. I doubt that was an invasion of personal space. They were standing close together by consent.”
“What are you implying, Eve?”
Could the captain be the other male voice Crystal Reid’s neighbors had heard? Could the silver Miranda be the other woman intent on—
She sighed. “The police are going to want to find a solid motive. But first, they’ll need a thread to follow. I’m only saying those two looked very suspicious together. It can’t be a coincidence.”
“Maybe the captain was touching base with the silver Miranda. She might be one of the group organizers. He might have wanted to know if they were all coping with their loss.”
“I’m really scratching the bottom of the barrel trying to see the group in a positive light. Sorry, it’s all rather murky.”
“You’re too strong willed to resent their confidence, Eve.”
She gave a fierce shake of her head. “I don’t resent their confidence. I simply dislike what they do with it. It’s razor sharp and honed with an edge of intimidation. I’ve never seen anyone act so aggressively, for no good reason.”
They took the stairs to the next level and came out onto the lobby deck. Great, more restaurants for passengers to wile away their time.
“While we don’t have access to the CCTV footage, we might have something worthwhile to pursue.”
“What’s that?” David asked.
She raked her fingers through her hair. “I met a woman who complained about the noise coming from Crystal’s cabin. She said she heard two male voices.”
David cupped her elbow and stopped her. “And you waited until now to tell me?”
“Actually, I spoke with both of Crystal’s neighbors. Now I can’t remember if they both heard two male voices. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. At least one of them did.” For once, she had good reason to widen her net of suspicion. What if the captain deleted the footage because he’d appeared in it?