After the introductions, the others began making their way to the servers.
“I’ll be right there, Edward.” Annabel lightly touched her necklace as she watched her husband trail behind their traveling companions. “We almost didn’t board today after the tragic news of Clarissa Sinclair’s death.”
“The socialite who was also a news reporter?” Millie asked.
“Part-time news reporter,” Annabel said. “Clarissa was to be on this cruise with us, to spend some time at her holiday home in the States, as well.”
Chapter 4
Millie stared at Annabel. “The woman whose body was found in Queen’s Park was booked on this voyage?”
“She was a friend of Edward’s family.” Annabel glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice. “Not close to us, but she was traveling with us as a part of our group.”
The woman’s comment struck Millie as somewhat odd that a traveling companion was murdered, and the group decided to continue on with their plans.
As if reading Millie’s mind, the woman continued. “I know it might come across as callous, but Ms. Sinclair was better acquainted with my sister-in-law. She and her husband are staying behind. In fact, Victoria, Edward’s sister, is understandably distraught beyond measure.”
Millie said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” Annabel straightened her shoulders. “We’ll get through it. It’s good to see you again, Millie.”
“Same here.” Millie didn’t have time to dwell on the discovery as more VIP passengers arrived. There was a brief break before the gold cardholders, followed by the silver and then blue, arrived. Last, but not least, were the first-time cruisers. Not surprisingly, there were only a handful.
Seasoned cruisers, those who were on board to enjoy the ship and its amenities and not as concerned about the itinerary and shore excursions, booked most of the repositioning / longer voyages.
The embarkation process flowed smoothly, and soon Suharto was signaling for the ship’s crew to pull the gangway.
The door started to close. Millie’s eyes were drawn to the dock and port that had become so familiar. It was a bittersweet moment, and she wondered if she would ever visit this special place again.
A signal sounded, followed by the announcement of the ship’s muster drill.
Millie shifted into high gear as she made her way to her assigned muster station. The drill went off without a hitch, and they finished in what was close to record time.
The VIP party was next, and Millie headed home to freshen up.
She found Nic standing on the balcony. He was on his cell phone, and he held up a finger as she drew closer. “I see. I expect a full report will be sent to me, as well. We’ve already supplied the authorities with the names of the passengers who were linked to Ms. Sinclair’s booking. Yes, I see. I look forward to an update soon.”
Millie waited for Nic to end the call. “The woman they found in Queen’s Park was booked on this voyage.” She briefly filled him in on her conversation with Annabel Ponsford, how she and her husband, along with some others, were traveling with the woman.
“The authorities have interviewed each person in the group. They requested a copy of the ship’s manifest, to cross-reference persons of interest.” Nic explained there had been several possible strangler sightings in the Southampton area during the past couple of days. “They believe he was hanging around the port for a reason.”
Millie thought about what Halbert had said. “It makes me wonder if Sinclair knew the strangler or if it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Again, there are a lot of unanswered questions.” Nic’s jaw tightened. “Unfortunately, the timing of her death is a concern. The authorities had no grounds to detain Sinclair’s traveling companions. We were unable to delay departure. We have a sold-out cruise booked out of Miami as soon as we return.” He started to say something and abruptly stopped.
“What is it?”
“They are leaning toward thinking there’s a solid chance the serial killer boarded the ship.”
“Because the strangler was silent for years until right after Siren of the Seas docked here for the season.”
“They believe there may be some correlation.” Nic glanced at his watch. “I’m meeting with Patterson and the security team, to fill them in on what we know as well as review our current security measures.”
Millie’s scheduler app chimed. “I need to get ready for the VIP shindig.” She dashed up the stairs to their bedroom. When she emerged, Nic had already left. She passed through the bridge and discovered that the security meeting was already in progress.
With a few minutes to spare, Millie did a final quick check of the party’s food and beverages. She caught up with Andy, who was in the back chatting with the members of the orchestra. “You did a jolly good job of organizing our VIP Welcome Aboard party, Millie.”
“Thanks. The passengers are looking forward to this voyage. I wanted it to start off with a bang.” Millie eyed a large purple bruise that was forming on the side of her boss’s forehead. “What happened to your forehead?”
“I had a run in with the sailboat’s boom while I was touring it. It was still dark when I met with the captain early this morning. I wasn’t watching where I was going, and boom . I ran right into it.”
“It looks like it’s going to be a humdinger.”
“I’ll survive.” Andy changed the subject. “I’m running late for an emergency meeting with the captain and ship’s security team.”
“It’s already started. You had better get going.” Millie followed Andy to the door, where she began collecting the VIP invitations.
Danielle passed her boss on his way out and hurried to the other side to help greet the guests and collect the invitations.
Millie worked quickly, welcoming each of them and thanking them for joining the staff and crew for the long voyage before directing them to the servers who were passing out cocktails along with small plates of savory treats.
The crowd cleared, and she cued Danielle to close the other entrance door. The orchestra warmed up, and Millie watched as the guests filled the dance floor.
“It looks inviting.”
Millie turned to find her husband standing next to her. “Yes, it does. How did your meeting go?”
“Patterson is keeping in touch with the authorities in Southampton. We’ll be among the first to hear if there are any updates.”
“Good evening, Captain Armati, Mrs. Armati.” A server stood directly behind Nic. “Can I entice you to try one of our savory dishes?”
Millie perused the offerings. “I haven’t eaten since Halbert’s luncheon. I went over the food and beverage list earlier, but why don’t you tell the captain what you have.”
“Of course.” The tall blonde used her tongs to point out the various appetizers. “These are avocado-pesto BLT crackers. We also have artichoke wonton wrappers. If you like a little bite, there are bacon-wrapped jalapeño peppers. My favorite are the sun-dried tomato basil tortilla wraps.”
“I’ll try your favorite,” Millie said.
“Make it two.”
“Excellent choice.” The server plucked napkins from the tray and placed two of the wraps on a plate. “It’s a blend of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, and minced garlic spread on a flour tortilla. The fresh basil gives it a unique taste.”
Nic took a bite. “It’s delicious. Thank you for the recommendation…”
“Joy. You’re welcome. I love experimenting with different dishes.” She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. “The wraps were my idea.”
“And spot on.” Millie nibbled the end. “You must be new.”
“Brand-spanking.” Joy shifted the tray to her other hand. “I’ve been living abroad for several years, most recently in the UK and decided it was time to find a job closer to home.”
“Where is home?”<
br />
“Divine, Kansas. Most people have never heard of it, although it’s a national landmark. In fact, that’s how I got my name. My parents thought it would be clever to tie my name into our little claim to fame. Joy from Divine.” Joy explained it was smack dab in the middle of the contiguous United States. “A lot of tourists visit in the summer, which is how I got the travel bug. I worked as a summer tour guide and met all kinds of people from other parts of the country and world.”
“Welcome to Siren of the Seas,” Nic politely replied. “You’ll meet some fascinating crew and passengers here, as well.”
“Thank you, Captain.” Joy snapped to attention and saluted him. “I had better get back to work.”
Millie watched as Joy approached a group of guests nearby. “I like her. She has spunk. It’s also unusual to have an American server on board the ship.”
The wait staff continued circling the room while Millie made her way to the stage to introduce the ship’s officers. Her last introduction was Nic, who started off by making a small speech, welcoming the passengers and thanking them for their continued loyalty to Majestic Cruise Lines.
He presented several awards and gifts to the passengers celebrating milestone cruises before ending his part of the presentation. Patterson was waiting for him near the back, and Millie watched as he whispered something in her husband’s ear before they slipped out of the room.
The orchestra started playing again, and the champagne flowed. Millie mixed and mingled, and then she spotted a familiar face.
She slipped past a large group near the center of the room and tapped Thomas Windsor on the shoulder. He spun around, his eyes lighting when he found her standing behind him. “Millie Armati.”
“The Silver Fox is back on board,” Millie quipped. “I didn’t know you were traveling back to the States with us.”
“No? I thought I mentioned it when we arrived in Southampton.”
“If you did, it went right on by.” Millie waved a hand over her head. “Did you enjoy your time in the UK?”
“I did. I took care of some loose ends regarding some family issues, tidying things up, if you will. At my age, who knows if I’ll make it back again.”
Millie touched his arm. “We’re thrilled to have you back on board.”
“Oh, we are too,” the woman standing next to him gushed.
“Where are my manners?” Thomas turned to the others. “This is Bruce and Hilda Ellis, Harry and Kate Moxey, and Edward and Annabel Ponsford.”
Millie’s heart skipped a beat. This was the group who was traveling with Clarissa Sinclair, the part-time reporter whose body was found in the park.
Remembering Annabel’s words, Millie was careful to avoid mentioning the woman’s name. “We met earlier, during boarding,” she explained. “Are you all traveling to your holiday homes?”
“We are,” Kate said. “Bruce and Hilda recently retired and purchased a home in Florida.”
“Sight unseen,” Bruce Ellis added. “Leave it to my wife to get her hands on some money and it starts burning a hole in her pocket.”
Hilda playfully punched him. “I haven’t spent it all.”
“Not yet.”
“I’m the odd man out,” Thomas said. “The only one without a vacation home.”
“We’re trying to convince Thomas to purchase a small holiday condo near us,” Annabel said. “The ladies in our community would love to have him around in season.”
“I’m sure the single ladies on board the ship will be thrilled, as well.” Millie thanked them for cruising with them. She stepped away, her mind whirling.
Thomas had arrived in Southampton on board Siren of the Seas. Not long after, the strangler picked up where he left off, after lying low for almost five years. He was also acquainted with Clarissa Sinclair, or at least he knew of her.
The strangler had stayed close to the Southampton area. She remembered Thomas’ comment, how he was taking care of some “loose ends.” Was returning to Southampton to kill off several more women the reason for his return trip? Or the loose end?
“It can’t be Thomas,” Millie whispered under her breath. She pushed the disturbing thought from her mind as she continued making her rounds.
The party ended, and it was time for her to host karaoke, followed by a round of trivia. Up next was the Welcome Aboard show, and she had to hustle to make it to the theater on time.
She stood in the wings, watching as Andy started his spiel, giving them a brief rundown of the itinerary. Ten days in, they would spend the night in Bermuda and then finish the last leg of their trip, arriving at the Port of Miami in the early morning hours of day thirteen.
Each of the headliner entertainers gave the crowd a small sampling of what was to come. Siren of the Seas’ singers and dancers took over, and the Welcome Aboard show ended in a rousing medley of rock and jazz with a touch of country mixed in.
Millie’s scheduled break was sandwiched in between the dining room’s second seating and the evening’s late-night activities. She headed upstairs to the Waves Buffet to grab a bite to eat and found a quiet spot, which wasn’t hard. The dining room was nearly empty.
“Hey.” Millie looked up to find Danielle hurrying toward her. “Is it your dinner break too?”
“Yep. I love the excitement of embarkation day, but I have to say this one has been crazy.”
“Mind if I join you?” Danielle placed her plate of food on the table. “I ran into Annette. She’s over by the carving station and is going to join us.”
“The more, the merrier.”
Annette arrived a short time later. “Finally, a chance to sit down.” She groaned loudly as she slid into an empty chair. “I knew I would pay for that long walk around Stonehenge.”
“But it was worth it,” Millie insisted.
“Every second.” Annette unwrapped her silverware. “How’s it going in your world?”
“Great. It’s like meeting up with old friends. There are a lot of VIPs on board, not to mention a few passengers who were with us at the beginning of the season for the voyage over.” Millie thought about Thomas Windsor. “Thomas Windsor is one of them.”
“He is?” Danielle lifted a brow. “Thanks for the warning. The senior singles’ parties should reach a whole new level of excitement with Thomas around.”
“He’s traveling with the crowd who was with Clarissa Sinclair.”
“Why does that name sound familiar?” Annette asked.
“She’s the woman, the part-time reporter, they found in Queen’s Park this morning.”
Annette made a choking sound. “The one they think was taken out by the strangler?”
“Yep.” Millie shared what Nic had told her, that the authorities suspected the strangler might be on board the ship.
“Do you think there’s a chance Thomas is the strangler?” Danielle asked in a low voice.
“I haven’t had time to process it yet.” Millie grabbed her fork and stabbed a piece of broccoli. “The strangler was quiet for several years. The Siren of the Seas shows up—the strangler strikes again. Most of his victims were found near the port, including Clarissa, and Thomas is traveling with Clarissa’s group.” She remembered Thomas’s odd comment about taking care of loose ends. “He told me he was in the UK to take care of some loose ends.”
Annette rubbed the sides of her arms. “Wouldn’t that be something?”
“I was thinking maybe I should swing by Patterson’s office and at least mention what I’ve heard.” A tinge of guilt filled Millie for suspecting Thomas of being the strangler. He was such a nice man and so thoughtful. “He’s a great guy.”
“Always suspect the least suspect,” Danielle said. “He is popular with the women. Perhaps there was some trigger in his life that turned him into a psycho, and he kills women for kicks.”
“And collects souvenirs,” Millie reminded them. “The strangler has taken something from each of his victims. Regardless, I think it would be wise to be on guard.”
Her long day finally ended with a quick check of the nightclub, and then she headed home. Nic was already there when she arrived. He was on the balcony with Scout napping in his lap.
“Hey,” Millie whispered.
Scout woke at the sound of her voice, and she patted his head. “Even poor Scout is tuckered out.”
“It was a long day.” Nic waited for Millie to have a seat. “I heard from the investigator in charge of Clarissa Sinclair’s case earlier this evening and discovered something interesting.”
Chapter 5
“Clarissa Sinclair injured the strangler during her struggle to survive,” Nic said.
Millie grew quiet as she processed the information. “How? Did they tell you what sort of injury?”
“No, and this is to be kept strictly confidential. I probably shouldn’t have even mentioned it. The authorities don’t want this information getting out.”
“I have what I believe may be a person of interest.” Millie briefly told Nic her suspicions, how Thomas Windsor had journeyed to Southampton on board Siren of the Seas. “I don’t know what to make of it. The killer surfaced again after falling off the face of the earth. Factor in the fact most of the killings took place near the port and Thomas is traveling with Clarissa’s group.”
“It does seem to be an uncanny coincidence,” Nic admitted. “I’m sure the authorities are looking into it.”
While her husband got ready for bed, Millie thought about Thomas, about the strangler’s victims, and the authorities’ suspicions that the serial killer could be on board the ship.
She spent the night tossing and turning and woke early the next morning, her mind still on the strangler.
The longer voyages had a different feel than the other cruises, and repositioning cruises added an extra dimension to the passenger mindset. It was all about relaxing and being entertained.
Southampton Strangler Page 3
