Terror at Sea: Three mysteries aboard a cruise ship

by Debby Mayne

  Morley straightened, tugging down his shirt. “Can I help you?”

  Lance pulled the note from his pocket. “This was shoved beneath Molly’s door this morning.”

  Waving them toward one of the empty chairs, Morley examined the note.

  Lance offered it to Molly and perched on the corner of the SVP’s desk.

  Morley’s eyes jerked up and he frowned. “Sounds threatening.”

  You think? Lance shook his head. “Have you contacted the FBI?”

  “They don’t have jurisdiction here.”

  “We’re still in United States waters, aren’t we?” Lance crossed his arms.

  “Look, Mr. Spencer. Don’t try to tell me how to do my job. We don’t know that Antonio was murdered. No fingerprints, nothing.” He rocked back in his chair. “Suicides happen all the time on the ship. Crew and staff work extremely hard and difficult hours. Some can’t take the pressure. Antonio just broke up with his girlfriend. We found no evidence of foul play.”

  “I just came from a bad relationship,” Molly said, “and I’m not trying to kill myself.”

  Morley shrugged. “Some people are stronger than others.” His feet banged the floor as he righted his chair. “Look. I’ll keep this in a file. You let us know if anything else happens. We’re investigating and Hawaii PD is on the case. If someone else winds up dead, and it’s clearly a murder, then I’ll contact the FBI. Satisfied?”

  Not really, but it was clear Lance didn’t have a leg to stand on. So be it. He’d find the culprit and notify the FBI himself. “Thank you for your time.” He pulled Molly to her feet and rushed her from the room.

  “What did you make of that?” Her brows drew together.

  “Not here. Wait until we get on deck.” Lance practically dragged her topside. Once he’d found two empty deck chairs, they sat and he turned to face her.

  “The man’s incompetent, in my opinion. Not even on my worst day would I think a plastic bag over someone’s face was a suicide.”

  “So, what do we do?”

  “You continue snapping photos, and I’ll investigate on my free time.” Like when Molly was asleep.

  “I want to help.”

  He shook his head. “Definitely not.”

  Red crept up from her collar and flooded her face. “Why not? It concerns me.”

  “Too dangerous.”

  “Oh, so now you’re going to act like I’m the helpless little woman and you’re the big bad He-man cop.” She bolted to her feet and placed fists on her hips. “Well, I won’t stand for it.” The wind tossed her curls in riotous abandonment. Her eyes shot sparks of sapphire. She resembled a furious forest sprite.

  “Settle down.” He grinned. “Do you know how cute you are when you’re mad?”

  “Are you … you can’t be …” She stomped her foot.

  He laughed. “Okay, you can help. On my terms.” Lord, don’t let him regret his decision.

  9

  M olly stormed ahead of Lance down the gangplank to the waiting rental car. Again, a convertible. He definitely had good taste. She tossed Daniella, who leaned over the deck railing, a wave and clicked her seatbelt across her lap. The other photographer thought her crazy to take photos of the passengers during her time off, but Molly saw the investment. More photos taken, more bought, and more job security for herself.

  Lance slid behind the wheel and flashed a dimple at her. “Don’t be mad.”

  “I’m not.” Why should she be mad at someone she barely knew? She blew a puff of air that stirred her bangs. Who was she kidding? His remarks left her feeling belittled and unworthy. Much like her childhood and prior engagement. Molly lifted her chin. “But I don’t enjoy being ridiculed or talked down to.”

  “I’m sorry.” He turned the key in the ignition. The car purred to life. “That wasn’t my intention.” He faced her. “Would you rather stay on the ship?”

  “No. Hilo has a lot to see. We can explore this side of the island today and tomorrow we’ll be docking on the other side.” She slung a backpack over her shoulder and onto the back seat. “I don’t want to miss a thing.”

  “Okay. The woman knows what she wants. Where to first?”

  “Up the coast. I hope you wore comfortable shoes. There’ll be a lot of walking.”

  “Don’t worry about me.” Lance stepped on the gas and they roared from the parking lot.

  Molly stared at the ocean. She’d never grow tired of the beating surf, cry of seagulls, or vibrant emerald color surrounding her. Maybe she could reside on one of the islands during her time away from cruising. Someday, she’d meet a nice man, the right one, settle down, and a have a child or two. She glanced sideways at Lance.

  The man was definitely worth looking at. Sculpted jaw, molded lips, thick wavy hair that her fingers itched to run through. Eyes the color of a deep dark sea at night. She sighed and glanced away. Trouble with a capital T.

  A sign ahead caught her attention. Akaka Falls State Park. “Turn in there.”

  “What’s to see?” Lance grimaced. “Not another high place is there?”

  Molly grinned. “Waterfalls.”

  “Ought to be safe enough. It isn’t like we’re going over them in a boat, right? Or a cable? Tell me we’ll be staying on our on two feet and not soaring through the air on a zip-line.”

  “Of course. Come on. It’s a short uphill hike.” Forgiving him for his earlier chauvinistic remarks, Molly grabbed his hand as soon as he exited the car. “You can carry the backpack. It has sandwiches and water bottles.”

  “I’d rather carry the camera.”

  “I don’t think so.” Molly adjusted it more securely around her neck. “No one is going to try and take it two days in a row. Yesterday was a random occurrence.”

  “You know that for a fact?” Lance retrieved the pack, then slipped his arms through the straps and shrugged it onto his shoulders.

  “Close enough.” She didn’t know anything, but if she wanted Lance to let her help with the investigation, she’d have to be brave. Stay on top of things. Inside, she was a quivering mess. And it wasn’t because of the gorgeous man beside her. Well, maybe a little bit.

  A light drizzle started to fall, cooling the air. Glad she’d thought to bring a light jacket, Molly untied it from around her waist and pulled it on. A few tourists entered the path ahead of them, and they hesitated. “It’ll be more enjoyable if it seems as if we’re alone.”

  Lance’s eyes warmed. “Sounds good to me.”

  Heat singed her cheeks. Could he turn any comment into a flirtatious one? Why couldn’t she relax and enjoy his subtle suggestions? Would it be so bad to enjoy his company? Lots of people dabbled in harmless shipboard romances. Why couldn’t she?

  Because that’s not how she lived her life. Especially her new one with a growing faith. Relationships were not to be trifled with. She’d have to be careful and keep Lance at arm’s length.

  “Let’s go.” She blazed the way down a path that cut through some of the thickest vegetation she’d ever seen. Small waterfalls broke up the denseness, filling the area with the singing of babbling brooks and splashing water. Vibrant foliage dotted the ground, and Molly continuously snapped pictures of hibiscus, white kukui blossoms, and pink cottage roses.

  A roar greeted them as they turned the corner, and her eyes widened in anticipation.

  Lance grabbed her arm. “What is that?”

  “That, I believe, is Akaka Falls.” She gripped his hand. “Hurry.”

  “Why? It isn’t going anywhere.” He dragged his feet, forcing Molly to tug on him.

  They rounded a bend and broke through the trees. Her mouth dropped at the sight of the four hundred and twenty-foot waterfall crashing into a pool below them. The roar drowned out every sound around them. If she wanted to talk to Lance, she’d have to shout. Instead, she stepped to the overlook railing and lifted her face. The mist blowing off the fall kissed her cheeks, leaving droplets on her eyelashes. God’s breath. Right there on the island of
Hawaii. Her heart soared. She wiggled her fingers for Lance to join her.

  When he didn’t, she opened her eyes and glanced over her shoulder. He stood several feet away, plastered against the rock wall. His eyes bulged and he shook his head.

  “Don’t you want to see better?”

  Color drained from his face. “No, I’m close enough, thank you.”

  *

  Lance tried. He really had. He stepped up to the railing, caught one of the most magnificent views of his lifetime, then allowed his gaze to follow the waterfall’s path to the pool beneath. A placid surface of water pounded by an unrelenting force pouring into it. Despite his throat seizing, he marveled at the beauty, then took three steps back, turning his attention instead on Molly as she soaked in her surroundings.

  He’d experience the joy through her when they stood on high places. He stared at the hand she offered him.

  “I’ll hold your hand, Lance.” Compassion filled her eyes. “I won’t let go.”

  Everything inside him wanted to step next to her, entwine her small fingers with his, and soak in the moment. Instead, fear overwhelmed, squelching his desire, and he almost laughed at the thought of the petite woman holding him.

  “Why are you afraid?”

  There was no way he would tell her about the summer his tree house came crashing down. Or that his best friend had hit the ground, breaking both legs. Or that he’d hung from a branch for what seemed like forever until help arrived. The phobia would resolve itself. In time. Maybe. “Aren’t you afraid of anything, Molly?”

  Her arm fell to her side as her face paled. “I’m afraid of dying alone.”

  Words stuck in his throat. He wanted to make sure that didn’t happen. He held out a hand, and she rushed to him. Folding his arms around her, he inhaled the fruity scent of the shampoo she’d used and the floral aroma from the flowers around them. His third day of knowing Molly Nicholson and she already owned a part of his heart. He was in deep trouble.

  They continued on the path until voices carried to them on the tropical breeze and she pulled away. “I’m sorry. There’s no reason to burden you with my feelings.”

  “My shoulders are big enough for anything you want to lay on them.” He led her to a bench. “But God’s are bigger.”

  “Listen who’s talking, Mister afraid of heights.” A sad smile teased at the corner of her mouth. “I’m learning He’s in control, and struggling to believe it’s true. My statement about being alone goes against what I’ve read in the Bible. I’m working on that too.”

  Tourists cluttered the trail, oohing and aahing over the majestic fall. Molly leaped to her feet and offered to take photos of the passengers she recognized. Squeals of joy echoed as a group of female high school graduates grouped in front of her and jostled for position.

  Lance recognized the boisterous group from the ship. Their final fling before college.

  When they’d finished and continued on their way, Molly resumed her seat next to Lance. She dug into the backpack, pulled out two sandwiches, handing him one along with a water bottle. “My mother raised me alone, working all hours. I spent most of my childhood entertaining myself. Then, when I got older, I moved from one failed romantic relationship to another. Looking for a love that would last a lifetime.”

  He could relate. Keeping his distance from women other than his partner left Lance feeling empty. For a while, he’d entered a life of bachelorhood. Like the apostle Paul. But, he’d come to his senses. He wasn’t meant to spend his life without a woman by his side.

  She glanced up with shimmering eyes. “I found that in Jesus, but it’s still difficult to leave behind years of searching.” She gave a nervous laugh. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”

  “I’m honored that you have.” He reclined against the back of the bench and gazed at the waterfall. It truly was a beautiful sight. He stared at the view while they ate.

  “Come on.” He stood and helped her to his feet. “I’d like to face a giant.”

  Her face lit up. “Really?”

  “With you holding my hand.” He winked and laughed as her cheeks flushed.

  Together they stood against the rail of the lookout, Lance’s heart in his throat the entire time. The earth didn’t disappear from beneath his feet. He didn’t fall to his death. Instead, he choked back his fear and placed an arm around the beautiful woman at his side.

  10

  L ance’s body trembled as Molly leaned into him, alerting her to the fact heights affected him more than she’d thought. Poor guy.

  She ducked out from under his arm and grabbed his hand. “Come on, hero. Let’s find a place that serves coffee. I think you need it more than I do.”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  They finished the hike trail loop, seeing local fauna and more waterfalls, none of which matched the majesty of Akaka. Lance relaxed beside her, his fingers warming in her hand. She’d thought about parasailing on Maui. Wondered whether she’d be brave enough. Obviously that was out of the question. Unless she went alone. And she didn’t see that happening. There was no way she’d subject Lance to the horror of sailing above a speck of a boat. Somehow, she knew, despite his fear, he’d do it if she insisted.

  “Let’s park somewhere in Hilo and stroll the streets and soak up some of the local culture.”

  Lance held the car door open for her. “Thank you.”

  “For letting you be a gentleman?” Molly grinned.

  “Yes, and more.” He loped to the driver’s side and vaulted over the door and into his seat like a stunt man.

  What a contrast. Movie star handsome with alpha male tendencies that she found irresistible, and a debilitating phobia.

  The drive back to Hilo was silent except for the song of pounding surf and wind. Occasionally Molly tore her gaze away from the ocean’s beauty and studied Lance’s profile. He appeared deep in thought, eyes straight ahead, the breeze blowing his gorgeous head of hair. She wanted to ask what he was thinking, but didn’t want to disturb the comfortable silence between them.

  In the past, she’d always felt the need to talk. To fill the air between her and someone else with words. Sitting beside Lance didn’t require speech, and there were no words to describe the electricity between the two of them except shocking. What was she going to do when the cruise ended? There’d be a void in her life she doubted another man could fill.

  “How about here?” Lance pulled the convertible into a parking space facing Hilo Bay. Surfers and windsurfers dotted the sea with splashes of color.

  “Perfect.” She forced herself to wait until he came around to help her out. She could get used to being treated like a lady. Good manners, being valued for being a woman, instead of looked down upon for being weaker, all were things she’d been seeking whether she’d known it or not.

  She linked her arm through Lance’s and allowed him to lead the way down the sidewalk. Pots of blooming flowers filled the air with their heady perfume and mingled with the scents of baked goods, coffee, and chocolate.

  They stopped in front of a window displaying chocolate crèmes. Molly’s mouth watered. In the window glass, she caught the reflection of a man in khaki shorts and a flowered Hawaiian shirt. A normal sight on the islands, except for the fact that the clothes looked new, still wearing their creases, and his attention seemed to be focused on her and Lance. She shook off the thought. Paranoid, that’s what she was.

  “Look.” She pointed to a white-fronted store. “An outdoor coffee shop. We can watch the water while we drink.” She tugged Lance along.

  Robert Morrison was seated at one of the wrought-iron tables. Perfect. She chose the table next to him and turned her back. No need to scare him away. But if someone joined him, she’d be able to hear their conversation.

  Lance scowled and chose the seat facing the other table. He leaned close to her. “Not very subtle.”

  Molly shrugged. “I would like a tall, frozen mocha coffee. No whipped cream. If they don’t h
ave that, could you order the closest thing to it?” If he wanted to be the alpha male, she’d let him pick up the tab.

  “Your wish is my command.” He raised a hand until a young girl approached, and placed their orders.

  Across the street, the stranger appeared to window-shop. Considering Molly could see not only her reflection from where she sat, but the other man’s, she suspected he spied on them. “Lance.”

  “Uh-hmm.”

  “That man seems to be following us.”

  He turned to where she motioned. “Really? Why do you think so? There are crowds of people filling the street.”

  “He’s everywhere we are.” When had Lance’s cop instinct disappeared? Shouldn’t the hair on the back of his neck be prickling? She knew, in her gut, that the man was overly interested in them.

  Their order arrived and she took a big gulp of the icy drink, squinting against the rush of frozen pain to her throat. “What time is it?”

  “One o’clock.”

  “I have to be back at the ship by two. I guess we’ll know if he’s following us if he shows up there.” She pinched the bridge of her nose.

  “Don’t look, but Morrison is leaving.”

  Molly turned. The man set off at a brisk pace toward the harbor.

  “I told you not to look!”

  “Sorry.” She shrugged. “Where’s he going?”

  “Across the street. The mystery man is now strolling in the same direction.”

  “Do you think they know each other?”

  Lance raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to follow?”

  She bolted to her feet, knocking over her chair. “I’d love to.” How exciting! They’d get to be spies. What could happen in broad daylight, surrounded by people, with Lance beside her? There had been the camera incident, but that’d been nothing but an attempted mugging, or a ploy to frighten her. She was certain.

  Lance grabbed her arm and pulled her back when she turned to run. “Slow down, speedy. We’ll move along, window shopping. Totally engrossed in each other. That way they don’t suspect a thing.” He winked. “This is my favorite part of under-cover work.”