by Debby Mayne
I nodded. “Yes, he told me that.”
“By the way, my name is Maria.” She extended her hand, and I took it. Then she pulled me in for a hug. “You remind me of our daughter.”
“That’s what I told her.” He glanced at me again. “In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m George … George Pickard.”
“It’s nice to meet y’all. Should I call you Mr. and Mrs. Pickard?”
“No way.” George shook his head. “You’re an adult. Call us by our first names.”
Maria nudged her husband. “She might look like our daughter, but she sounds like your mother.”
“God rest her soul.” George held out his hand toward the direction we were heading. “Let’s get going. I don’t want to be late for dinner.”
“My husband hates being late for any meal,” Maria teased.
“Hey.” George feigned a hurt look. “Eating is my favorite hobby.”
Maria linked arms with me. “I’m afraid it’s become his only hobby. We’ll need to get him on the dance floor after dinner to work off some of it.” She paused. “You are planning to go stay for the party after dinner, aren’t you?”
Chapter 12
I actually had no idea what I was going to do next, let alone what I wanted to do after dinner. My nature was to dart back to my room and stay there until the next morning, but I knew I needed to get out more, and I was pretty sure I wasn’t any safer in my cabin than I would be out in the public. So I nodded. “I will, at least for a little while.”
Maria beamed. “Good. It’s time for you to have some fun.”
When we arrived in the dining room, the hostess greeted us. George explained that I was switching my seating arrangement, and she accepted that without argument. I followed them to the table.
We had a lovely dinner, and like George had said, the table wasn’t full. In fact, the dining room appeared to be half empty.
“This is strange,” Maria said as we nibbled on our dessert. “Every other cruise we’ve gone on has been booked full.”
“That’s because we booked cruises with companies that took care of their passengers, not killed them.”
“I’m sure it was all accidental, George. No one killed anyone … at least not on purpose.” Maria flipped her hand from the wrist as she turned to me. “He gets so worked up about nothing.”
George widened his eyes. “People died on this boat, Maria.” He glanced at me with a solemn expression before turning back to his wife. “And now they’re getting sick. I wouldn’t say that’s nothing.”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” Maria propped her elbows on the table and leaned toward her husband. “We’re here, so we need to make the most of it.” She turned to me. “I knew he was scared when he said he didn’t want to eat the food, but I finally convinced him that everything’s been cleaned up, and all the germs have been demolished.”
“At first we believed them when they said they had some supergerm that needed to be cleaned up.” George held up his index finger. “But I’m thinking it wasn’t germs that killed those people. The woman in the clinic looked like she might have been poisoned.”
I wondered if they knew about Aileen, but I didn’t mention her because I’d given my word, plus I figured that would only make matters worse. We were captive on the ship—at least until we docked—so there was no point in causing more panic than there already was.
For the first time since I’d boarded the ship, I truly had a good time. These people, George and Maria, seemed more normal than the other folks I’d met. They were more like me, and they didn’t seem like the type to create drama just for the sake of entertainment. And as strange as it might have sounded, it even comforted me that George had the same concerns I had.
The party after dinner featured a variety of music—from hip-hop to polka—and we danced to all of it. George started a conga line, and by the end of the song, everyone was up and dancing. I couldn’t remember ever laughing so hard as when some of the elderly ladies my grandmother’s age let loose and showed that folks were never too old to kick up their heels.
I’d never been one to stay out late, so I was tired long before I knew the party would end. And I didn’t want to leave because I was afraid I’d miss out.
We were about to start karaoke when Maria leaned over and whispered, “Don’t look now, but your friend the doctor has just entered the room.”
I glanced up and saw Doc Healey looking around the ballroom, until he finally spotted me. He smiled and started walking straight toward us. George groaned. “I could have done without him tonight.”
I agreed, but once again, I didn’t want to be rude. So I greeted him when he approached. The first thing he did was talk to George. “Thank you for taking care of my date.”
This annoyed me because I didn’t feel that I had to be taken care of. George saw my annoyance and chuckled. Then he pulled Maria to her feet and led her to stand in line for singing.
Once I was alone with the doctor, I wasn’t sure what to say. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other and looked around before smiling at him. “How’s that woman in the clinic?”
“She’s doing much better. In fact, she regained consciousness shortly after we administered the IV.”
“That’s a relief.”
Doc Healey smiled and took my hand. “Having fun?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Good. Can I get you something to drink?”
I let go of him and put my hands around the glass of ginger ale. “I’m fine.”
The server approached and asked him what he wanted. “I’ll have what she’s having.”
The server’s eyebrows shot up and a look of amusement played on her lips. “Okie dokey.”
When she came back with his drink, he lifted it and took a long swig. Then he crinkled his nose. “What is this stuff?”
“Ginger ale.”
“But there’s nothing good in it.”
“It’s straight ginger ale,” I said. “That’s all I wanted.”
“How can you drink it?” He lifted his index finger to summon the server. “I can’t drink this stuff straight. Bring me a bourbon.”
“Coming right up.”
After the server left, he turned to me. “Yeah, we managed to get our sick passenger up and talking. It was touch-and-go for a while, but I managed to bring her to.”
“What happened?”
“Apparently she ate at the buffet but ingested something different from what the others had.”
“What others are you talking about?”
“Her friends.” He looked away from me for a moment.
“Any idea what it was?”
“Not yet.” The doctor accepted the drink the server brought, placed it on the table, and stared at it for a few seconds before lifting his gaze to mine. “I wish we could figure out what’s happening. I thought we’d gotten past the worst of it, and then Aileen … and now”
I leveled him with a long gaze. “What do you think is happening, Doc Healey?”
He shook his head and dropped the smile momentarily. I got the impression that this was taking its toll on him, but I still couldn’t tell whether or not it was an act. “I sure wish I knew. Unfortunately, I’m getting some of the blame for not keeping everyone well.” He cleared his throat. “And by the way, please call me Charlie.”
“Okay … Charlie.” It seemed weird calling him by his first name. “I wonder why you’re getting blamed.”
The sides of his lips tilted into a smile as he shrugged. “It just comes with the territory.”
“What brought you to work for the cruise line?” I asked.
“After my residency, I started to join my father’s practice, but I knew I’d never be able to measure up to him. After saving so many lives, he was a hero in our town. One of my friends from medical school had started working on a cruise ship, and he had all these stories about traveling all over the world and getting paid to do it.”
“I can see h
ow that would appeal to a young doctor.”
He grimaced. “It’s not nearly as glamorous as he made it out to be. What he didn’t tell me was that the ship’s doctor rarely gets to see the sights when we dock. There’s so much paperwork and stuff to follow up on here … plus as long as some of the passengers stay onboard, someone has to be on the ship.”
“Does that someone have to be a doctor?”
He shook his head. “Not necessarily, but the captain gets to decide who stays and who can leave …” He held out his hand and splayed his fingers. “I’m clearly not his favorite person here.”
“Isn’t there something you can do? Someone you can talk to?”
Again, he shook his head. “Nope. The captain is in charge here, and he never lets anyone forget.”
That didn’t sound right, but I didn’t want to argue. “So where is that woman who got sick?”
“She’s still in the infirmary. I had a talk with her, and unlike Aileen, she wants to leave the ship as soon as we dock.”
“I wonder why Aileen doesn’t.”
“That’s another question I have. She and the captain—” He clamped his mouth shut as soon as those words escaped.
“She and the captain what?”
“Never mind.” He pulled his lips between his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut. “There are some things I wish I’d never seen.”
Now my curiosity was higher than ever, but I didn’t want to continue harping on Charlie. “Who’s in the infirmary with her now?”
“I managed to talk the nurse into staying with her for a few hours so I could get away.”
“I have to admit I can’t fathom the level of stress you have to deal with.” I tried to smile, but I knew it didn’t come across genuine, so I relaxed my face. “Have you considered doing something else … like working in a hospital or joining your dad?”
“My dad doesn’t want me working with him anymore since he says I sold out, but I might eventually see if I can get on at a hospital as an emergency room doctor.”
That sounded even more stressful to me, but again, I didn’t want to express my thoughts. I heard some familiar voices come over the speakers, so I glanced up and saw my new friends on the stage, singing a love ballad. My heart melted as they looked into each other’s eyes and sang words of everlasting devotion.
Charlie glanced up at the stage and then turned back to me. “You seem rather fond of the Pickards.”
“They’re such a nice couple.”
“Be careful, Autumn. They’ve been on this ship before, and they’re known for causing trouble.”
Now alarm bells rang in my head. “They didn’t tell me that.”
“Of course they didn’t. And if you ask them, don’t expect them to tell you otherwise. The last captain we had got them banned, but Captain Myers had it lifted.”
“Does he know them?”
“That’s what the crew is thinking … but none of us can figure out why he’d do that, unless …” He contorted his mouth as he reached for my hand. “I’m so sorry you’re having to see all this on your vacation. This should be a relaxing time for you, but it seems to be the opposite.”
I wanted to tell him that was fine, but it wasn’t. So I just smiled at him and lowered my gaze.
“Too bad you chose a boat that has more than its share of issues.”
Out of the corner of my eyes, I spotted the cruise director coming toward us, looking like she was on a mission. She stopped at the table. “Doc, I’m sorry to bother you now, but there’s an emergency in the infirmary.”
Chapter 13
Charlie hesitated less than a minute, but the instant I gave him a nod, he was gone. And I was relieved. He seemed nice enough, but I didn’t want anything to do with whatever was happening, and being around him would make that impossible.
George and Maria sang a couple more songs before they finally came back to the table, breathless but happy. Maria reminded me of Rue McClanahan from “The Golden Girls” as she regaled her experience on stage.
“That’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.” Her smile and flushed cheeks warmed my heart. She clearly loved being in the spotlight, and her husband was happy to make that happen. I couldn’t see any of what Charlie was talking about. They didn’t seem at all like the troublemaking type.
“Isn’t my girl a great singer?” George said, his eyes twinkling with pride.
“She is.” What I didn’t say was that he carried the tune, and she basically followed. I thought it was sweet that he was giving her all the credit.
“Where did the doctor go?” Maria looked around the room and then back at me. “The two of you appeared to be getting along just fine.”
“Yes, we get along great, but there’s been an emergency in the infirmary.”
Maria cast a quick glance in George’s direction. “There always seems to be an emergency on this ship. I can’t wait to leave.”
That didn’t appear to me to be the case. She and George still glowed from their stage time, and I knew they planned to stick around until the party was over and the last person left. But I didn’t mention that.
“What’s the matter, Autumn?” Maria tilted her head and gave me a motherly look.
“Nothing.”
“You keep yawning.”
George laughed. “She’s probably bored to tears hanging out with us old people. I’m sure she’s used to a lot more excitement than we’ll ever have.”
“No,” I said. “Trust me, this is more exciting than what I’m used to. I’m just tired.”
“Then go back to your cabin and get some rest.” Maria gestured around the room. “Looks like you’re not the only one. There’s hardly anyone left.”
“I think that’s what I’ll do. Have fun.”
Both of them reached for a hug. When I got to Maria, she whispered, “Don’t answer your door if anyone knocks. George is right. There’s something going on here, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I nodded and then left. It was weird how her words and actions didn’t jive. It was almost as though she knew something.
As I walked toward my room, I jumped at every shadow and sound. It was a relief to finally get to my cabin and close the door behind me. Once I locked myself in, I looked in the closet, pulled back the shower curtain and checked out the bathtub, and got down on the floor to check under the bed. This was all stuff I never would have done before, but I was getting paranoid. I pulled a chair over to the door and wedged it beneath the doorknob. If someone really wanted in, nothing would stop them, but I had to do something.
We were supposed to dock in St. Thomas the next day. I’d wanted to go on a walking tour, but now my plan was to find a way to leave. I knew it would be expensive if there were any seats left on the few flights out of there, but that was okay. I figured I could have a yard sale and sell a few things on eBay to replenish my bank account.
After I lay in bed for more than an hour with all kinds of thoughts rattling around in my head, I finally decided to talk to my cousin Summer again. It was late, but I was pretty sure she’d still be awake.
She answered right away. “I bet this is costing you a fortune,” she said. “What’s up? Have you found out what’s going on with the murders?”
“I’m still not sure we’re dealing with murders. No one has died during this cruise, but it looks like they’ve come awfully close.” Then I told her all about the people I’d met and all the things that happened since we last spoke, including what Maria whispered.
“First of all, I’d try to find out what’s going on with Maria and George. They sound like people of interest.”
“Really? They seem so normal.” The doctor’s comments flashed through my head.
“Really. Some people are great actors. And keep your eyes and ears open for any interaction between the captain and the doctor. Something doesn’t sound right there.”
“Okay.” I’d been thinking the exact same thing.
“And whatever you do, don’t let
yourself be alone with the doctor, and for heaven’s sake, don’t take a drink from him … or anyone else.”
“You don’t think—”
“Unless there’s something you haven’t told me, there’s no way of knowing. All I’m saying is don’t take a chance with anyone—particularly the crewmembers and repeat passengers.”
I told her a little more about the other people on the ship. She seemed to think they were all suspects, even the purser, captain, and cruise director.
“There are so many different reasons someone would want to commit murder, you simply can’t rule anyone out, at least not at this point.”
“But I’m not a detective.”
“Sorry, Autumn, but I disagree. If you’re in the midst of a bunch of people being murdered, you have to have the discernment of a detective, just for self protection.”
“Okay, I get it.” But deep down, I didn’t get it. “Do you think I should abandon this cruise and fly home, after all that?”
“If you’re really that afraid, yes.” She paused. “But you’re probably safe as long as you don’t talk to too many people.”
“What would you do if you were me?”
“I’d stick around and find out what’s going on.” She let out a nervous laugh. “But you’re not me, which is a good thing. Don’t forget that I get myself into the middle of all kinds of trouble.”
“I’ve always looked up to you,” I said.
Again, she laughed. “Don’t. There’s no doubt your parents are happy you didn’t inherit some of my traits.”
When silence fell between us, I remembered the cost of roaming charges on my phone. “I guess I’d better go. It’s getting late.”
“Call again if you need me.”
After we hung up, I got ready for bed and crawled beneath the covers. I was still a little nervous about going to sleep, but since there was nothing I could do now, I forced myself to close my eyes. My mind swirled around for a few more minutes, but my sleepiness finally overcame my fear.
I awoke to the sound of more commotion out in the hallway. I got up, tiptoed to the door, and opened it a crack. I couldn’t see anything or anyone, and the noise had diminished again. When would the craziness end?
