Mango Chili Cruiser: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery (Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 6)
Page 15
A thin ribbon of red streaked the horizon, the only spot of color in a dark sky. Heavy black clouds hung overhead. Whitecaps rolled on the surface and the choppy water made the ship roll and pitch. Anna clutched the railing, feeling a wave of nausea for the first time since they had docked in Cabo.
It was their last day on the Empress Cleo. Anna couldn’t get home to Dolphin Bay fast enough. Her only solace was she had figured out what happened to Jojo.
She barely heard Cassie come out and join her.
“It’s not fair, Mom.”
Her eyes glistened with tears.
Anna placed an arm around her daughter and pulled her close.
Cassie had suggested having a memorial for Jojo and Logan before they disembarked. Fred Gold agreed readily. The wedding coordinator had promised to organize everything.
There was a knock on the door and their cabin steward arrived with coffee. Meg and Julie were up and their faces reflected the somber mood everyone was in.
An hour later, they were showered and dressed, heading to Deck 14.
Fred Gold greeted them outside the elevators, looking drawn. Ricky stood with him, eyes bloodshot, trying hard to maintain his composure.
“Thank you for coming, ladies.” Fred put on a brave face.
Ricky put his arms around Anna and hugged her tightly. Anna patted his back. No words were necessary.
Many people from the wedding party were present, along with some of the ship’s staff. Anna spotted the captain near the aft railing, flanked by his first officer and Chief Bernard.
Rows of chairs had been arranged on the deck and the catering staff was setting up a buffet. Brunch would be served after the service, just before the ship reached the California shore. There was a profusion of flower arrangements and the mild fragrance of roses hung in the air. Everything was lavish but subdued.
Anna spotted Gino in the last row and walked toward him. The whole place had a surreal feel, reminiscent of the wedding day. She almost expected Jojo to stride out of the Empress Suite, dressed in her Vera Wang gown and the Butler pearls. Anna rubbed the strand around her neck and swallowed a lump.
The ceremony was brief but beautiful. The wedding coordinator had strung together a slide show of Jojo’s pictures taken across the ship. She had looked so happy at the rehearsal dinner.
Fred gave a short speech, tears streaming down his face. Ricky sat in the front row, weeping openly. Cassie shared her memories, harking back on the times when she and Jojo had been teenagers, famously painting the town red. She broke down a couple of times but said her piece, blowing her nose in a tissue.
“You made her very happy, Ricky. And I can’t thank you enough for that.”
Toasts were made and the guests finally began to venture toward the food. A display of Anna’s mango chili cupcakes held center stage. It was a special recipe Anna had created for Jojo and Ricky in the ship’s kitchen and had been served at the rehearsal dinner. Jojo had loved them and had three.
The catering staff had offered to make them for the memorial. Anna thought it was a touching gesture.
She sat at a table with Gino and the girls, barely touching the migas she had developed a taste for. The chef brought over a bowl of mango salsa and a pitcher of fresh mango juice just for her.
“Life’s a puzzle, isn’t it?” She let Gino take her hand. “Two weeks ago we didn’t even know Jojo. And now I can’t imagine a world without her.”
Julie held up her mimosa and murmured. “May she rest in peace.”
The coast was faintly visible in the distance and it was a matter of hours before the ship docked.
“She was going to visit us in Dolphin Bay,” Anna sighed.
Fred Gold came over and thanked them all profusely. He was suddenly beginning to look his age.
Meg got up to put in an order for pancakes and came back with Drake Benson in tow. Anna tried to hide a frown.
“Drake wants to ask you something, Grandma.”
He wished to visit Meg in Dolphin Bay and take her out to dinner.
“You don’t need my permission.” Anna shrugged.
Meg sat down and gave him a nod. Drake Benson thanked Anna and walked away.
“That was cold!” Julie stared at Anna. “Clearly, you don’t like him.”
“He thinks John was a fool.”
“Drake never said that, Grandma!” Meg sprang up. “You misunderstood.”
“According to him, the Blue Hill project was a wild goose chase. A waste of time and money.”
“The department cut John’s funding,” Julie reminded her. “So there were plenty of people who agreed with Drake.”
“I have an intuition about this, Julie. John died because he stumbled on something at Blue Hill.” Anna struggled to explain what she was feeling. “Don’t you see? If John’s death is not connected to Blue Hill, we’re back to square one.”
***
What’s next for Anna, Cassie and Meg?
When a champion cyclist plunges to his death on the outskirts of Dolphin Bay, Meg is the top suspect.
Continue reading the Dolphin Bay series with Strawberry Vanilla Peril, Book 7 in the series.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XY368ZP
***
Thank you for reading this book. Please visit my website for Anna’s favorite mango salsa recipe, a reader exclusive.
http://leenaclover.com/mango-salsa-recipe/
***
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Acknowledgements
A big thank you to all my readers who have patiently waited for this book’s release. The past few weeks were harrowing to say the least as my entire family battled against the COVID-19 virus.
I am happy to finally bring you the latest in the Dolphin Bay series.
Thanks to my tireless editor, beta readers, advanced readers and anyone who gives my books a chance.
I am eternally grateful for my friends and well wishers who sent in prayers, good vibes and encouragement during our trial by fire. Your support means a lot and is highly appreciated.
Special thanks to readers who share how my books helped them get through a difficult time in their lives. These messages provided big motivation when the future looked uncertain.
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