Masked to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery Book 5)

by Christina Freeburn

  “I wouldn’t get so close,” I said.

  “Plan on pushing me off?” William asked.

  “There’s no reason for me to do that.”

  William stormed over, grabbing my shoulders. His fingers dug into my skin. I struggled against his grasp. Pebbles skittered down the side of the hill. Remain calm. There are too many witnesses around, I thought. My pep talk did little to settle my pounding heart. I planted my feet, not wanting sudden movements sending me over.

  “No reason for you? But others have one and you know it.” William’s eyes seemed crazed.

  With every word, William squeezed tighter and pushed me backwards. My heel found the edge. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “What did you mean?”

  I glanced behind me. It was a long drop down. “Nothing.”

  “Mount up,” the tour guide called out. Paul and Glenda elected to go next to last, the rear tour guide promised he’d have them back to the ship on time.

  “Be careful what you insinuate about people.” William whirled me away from the ledge and let go. “Any more commentary from you, and you’ll have a long walk back.”

  I prayed for the main road. I’d even go around the roundabout a few times. Mountain roads didn’t bother me. I’d driven them all my life. What scared me was the speed William took the turns at and our vehicle of choice had no top. If we overturned, it wouldn’t bode well for either of us.

  “Can you slow down?” I asked, gripping the bar as tight as my sore hand allowed.

  “Don’t want to get behind.”

  “You’re passing people.”

  “I’m done with this trip.”

  So was I, though I preferred a safer way for it to end.

  Paul and Glenda flew past us. Glenda screamed.

  “Can’t slow down!” Paul cried out.

  The rear guide raced past us, hunched over the steering wheel.

  The lead guide was waving everyone to the side. The other ATVs were parking on what was barely a shoulder. Paul and Glenda hurtled down the hill, weaving close to the edge. My heart jammed in my throat. “Can we do something?”

  “Get ready to bail.” William slowed.

  “What?”

  A flat clearing came into view and he shoved me off the ATV. “Jump.”

  My body launched sideways. I screamed. Doing my best, I tucked and rolled. The moment of impact knocked the breath out of me. I flailed my good hand around, desperate for a handhold on anything. All I grabbed was grass. The blades slipped through my fingers. I continued snatching for a handhold, moving my legs like I was running. I wasn’t sure how far I’d roll before the end of the world arrived and would rather not find out the hard way.

  My body hit something solid. Hard and a little yielding. Arms wrapped around me.

  “Are you okay?”

  I turned my head. No pain. Good. I was wrapped in Francis’s arms. He had thrown himself in my path to save me. “Thanks.”

  “You’re lucky you didn’t slip off later,” Francis said. “A few feet more and I couldn’t have made it to you in time.”

  “I didn’t slip,” I said.

  A long, terrified screech blanketed the area. A crash silenced the sound. “Oh my God.” I pushed away from Francis and sprang to my feet. I started running down the road. The helmet shifted forward. I pushed it back up. The couple. They were hurt.

  Francis held my hand, keeping me upright as we ran toward the accident. Pebbles skittered under our feet. The sound of rumbling was a few yards in front of us. As we neared, the buzz of the conversation slowed us down.

  “Did you watch? Saved their lives.”

  “A superhero in action.”

  “Good thing he knew that shortcut.”

  “Hope he’s not in trouble for wrecking the four-wheeler.”

  We reached the couples, who were talking excitedly. I glanced down. An ATV was at the bottom of the ravine. One tire spun lazily. There was no repairing it.

  No wonder the guide zoomed past us. I doubted his employers would fault him for ditching the ATV. Lives over property. Half of the group huddled around the elderly couple. Glenda sobbed in her husband’s arms. He stroked her back, face ashen. The remainder of our group was slapping the back of the rescuer. The guy was hidden among his fan club.

  The lead guide stood behind Paul, bracing him up.

  “Orlando went ahead to get a van. Those who no longer wish to ride, or no longer have a ride, may take it home. We shall collect the ATVs later.”

  If Orlando, guide number two, went for the replacement transportation, who was the group congratulating?

  The sea of fans parted. William was in the middle. William saved the couple. The elation I felt evaporated. What was he up to?

  William excused himself and approached me slowly. He offered me a half-smile. “I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

  “You could’ve pulled over and explained.” I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easily. Or maybe at all. Not for one second did I believe the choice was made for pure altruistic reasons.

  “Time was of the essence.”

  “You could’ve killed her.” Francis clenched his hands, glaring at William. It was nice having a protector, not necessary, but nice. I squeezed his arm, letting him know I had the situation under control. I’d learned how to tell people off.

  “I slowed down. I knew she’d land safe,” William said.

  “You just didn’t care,” I said.

  “Of course I did.” There was an evil glint in his blue eyes. “I slowed down.”

  TWENTY-THREE

  The gold engraved invitation on my bed mocked me. I had forgotten. Tonight was the beginning of the Mardi Gras celebration on the ship, starting with a masked ball and continuing into tomorrow with lots of activities. The cruise line arranged a later start date for their official celebration to not interfere with ports of calls. Now I was at a loss. My wedding/fairy dress had been ruined and I needed a costume. The stain never came out and I didn’t want to show up as a stabbed fairy.

  I stared at the contents in my closet. I had limited choices. My gaze fell on my black cocktail dress. I had worn it the other night to the memorial service. The cardigan I paired with it made it more demure and less flashy, as the small sequins only covered the bodice of the dress. I had two hours. I was a crafter. I had an overactive imagination, as everyone liked reminding me. I’d come up with something. I had wings and a tiara.

  I tossed those items onto the bed. It was a start.

  An image popped into my head. I took out the black dress and placed it on the bed, tucking the fairy wings underneath and adjusting them so the tips showed. Not bad. A little Maleficent instead of a good fairy. Even the tiara worked, kind of.

  I picked it up and turned it over. With a few alterations, I could go full-blown evil fairy. Add some black horns. Use a safety pin to dip the cleavage a little more. If I tied the cardigan at my waist and fluffed out the collar, I’d have the cloak effect. For the horns, I’d just need a pair of long black socks stuffed with tissue. I could grab some stir sticks from the buffet and use those to straighten out the socks so my horns weren’t floppy. A brilliant plan was coming together.

  The stateroom phone rang. “Hello?”

  “In case you hadn’t heard,” Garrison said, “the wedding is tonight. Odessa thought it’d be perfect because the atrium is decorated from top to bottom and the show tonight is a big band playing dance music.”

  “When was this decided?” My face flamed. I was getting close to an epic fit. Being kept out of the loop was getting really old.

  “While the rest of us were off on excursions. Odessa just told me fifteen minutes ago. I’ve been trying to calm Bob down.”

  “At least you guys have your wedding attire, which doubles as a costume,” I said. “My only option will make Odessa’s head explode.”

  “Do tell.” There was a lilt in his voice.

  “The cranberry juice ruined my wedding outfit. I was planning on wea
ring a black gown and that’s not appropriate for your wedding.”

  “It’s a formal affair now, so it’s totally appropriate,” Garrison said.

  “You might not think so when I tell you my whole plan for my costume.”

  “I’ll probably love it more.”

  “Do you have a pair of black socks I can have?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m going to be Maleficent tonight.”

  “I love you.”

  I had no problems finding the Roget clan in the dining room line. I followed the sound of bickering.

  “What are you wearing?” Odessa screeched, her fairy wings quivering.

  “A tux.” Bob and Garrison looked magnificent in their black tuxedos with deep purple bow ties.

  “White. For weddings one wears white.”

  “Mom, it’s their wedding. They can wear what they want.” Ted sounded a little envious of his brother. I bet he’d rather wear a black suit than the white one his mother forced him into.

  I stayed in the background, waiting for the tantrum to end before I entered into the picture. If she didn’t like the matching elegant black tuxedos Garrison and Bob wore, she’d hate my converted cocktail dress.

  “And where’s your mask?” Odessa asked.

  “We left them in the room. I’ll get them after dinner,” Bob said. “I didn’t want to ruin my hair and insisted Garrison match.”

  “You have a crew cut,” Odessa continued ranting. “You can’t ruin your hair.”

  “I’m being vain today,” Bob said.

  “Today? Today you go against me? I wonder why that—” She stopped talking, her gaze on me. “I see the reason.”

  “I have no sway over them.” I approached the group.

  Ted’s eyes widened. I wasn’t sure if it was because he found my getup alluring or if he was amazed at my audacity.

  “Why is Faith wearing black to the wedding?” Claire asked.

  Bob looked at his niece. “Because there’s a horrible strain on her dress. Faith asked me and Garrison if it’d be all right if she wore her black gown.”

  “She must have another option,” Odessa said.

  “You know—” I began.

  Ted cut me off. “Faith is standing here, Mother. You can address her directly. I’ve had about enough of the rudeness.”

  He might have had about enough; I had had enough. “I wanted to enjoy the costume ball, and this was the only dress I have that I could turn into a costume with such last-minute notice.”

  Odessa at least had the humility to blush.

  “I like it.” I adjusted a flopping horn.

  “I do too.” Elizabeth smiled. “I think you did a fabulous job at pulling together a great looking outfit. I look like a bloated fairy.” She patted her stomach.

  “You look beautiful,” I said, before turning to Bob and Garrison. “I appreciate you guys matching me, but I’d be fine being the only one in black.”

  “I wouldn’t,” Bob said. “You’re part of our family. I won’t have you excluded anymore.”

  Claire’s attention snapped to her uncle.

  “How was your excursion, Faith?” Elizabeth spoke so loud her voice echoed off the walls.

  “Interesting,” I said.

  Ted’s attention swiveled toward me. Bad choice of word. “Interesting how?”

  “I hate roundabouts even more when merging on and off of them sitting on the back of an ATV.”

  “Who was driving?” Ted tilted his head, angry eyes on me.

  Ugh. I walked into that one. “A friend.”

  “Why are you being so evasive?”

  Claire clutched onto his arm. “That guy over there.”

  Ted looked down at his daughter. “What guy?”

  For a child who disliked me so much, she sure was interested in what I was doing when I was leaving her alone with her dad.

  “The one who gave her the bracelet.”’

  “He didn’t give it to me,” I said. “He nodded hello. I just happened to sit at the right seat.”

  “She’s—”

  Dripping in jewels, Ruth limped over to us, the tip of her cane plinking on the marble part of the walkway. “Hello, Faith. Thank you so much for keeping William company for me today. It was so nice of you to help him rescue my friends.”

  “Rescue?” Ted’s expression was a cross between concern and what-are-you-up-to-now. “What happened?”

  “An older couple had a runaway ATV, so Faith hopped off so my William could rush to their aid. They invited him to join them at the Captain’s table.”

  “The Captain’s table, how nice.” Odessa’s tone indicated an entirely different feeling.

  “Yes, so I was going to ask if you mind dining with me, Faith. I hate eating alone.”

  Ted opened his mouth to decline for me.

  I rushed out an acceptance. “I’d be delighted.”

  The waiter led us to a quiet table in the back of the restaurant. We had a lovely view of the ocean. The moon shone off the waters, highlighting the random white caps breaking through. For stretches of time, it appeared we sailed on smooth glass. I was glad Ruth asked me to join her. This was more enjoyable than dealing with Claire’s attitude.

  “Looks like we’ll have a smooth ride to our last port,” Ruth said. “Have any exciting plans for our last sea day tomorrow?”

  I nudged the menu to the corner of the table. I knew my choice. Steak and lobster, tonight’s special. “No. I plan on relaxing by the pool, taking a specialty class or two. There’s a mask-making class in the morning.”

  She cupped her chin in her hands, eyes wide and a grin breaking across her face. “I’ve heard bits and pieces of what happened today. Sounds like my dear one was a true hero today. I’d love to hear the whole story.”

  “I didn’t see much of it because I was peeling myself off the ground since he knocked me off the ATV before he went to save the day.”

  Ruth’s eyes widened. “Oh my. That wasn’t very nice. I’m sure he had a good reason for it. William is a gentle soul.”

  A snort escaped.

  “You’re not overly fond of my William anymore.” There was a hint of steel in her voice. “May I ask why? Is it because of ungentlemanly behavior or rumors?”

  “I don’t want anyone getting the wrong impression about us,” I said. “I’m in a relationship. I went with him today as a favor to you.”

  Our conversation paused as the waiter came and took our orders. Bread was delivered along with a bottle of wine Ruth pre-ordered.

  “William and I have a bottle every evening. This one pairs well with lobster.” Ruth had a glass poured for us and raised hers. “Thank you so much for joining me. Let us toast to new friends. I do hope I didn’t put you in an uncomfortable position.”

  “You didn’t.” We clinked glasses. “I like helping people.”

  “I could tell that about you.” She smiled brightly at me, all forgiven in a second.

  And yet she didn’t have a clue about William. Her sweetness and inclusiveness reminded me of my grandmother Hope. Ruth had the same laugh lines at the corners of her mouth.

  The waiter dropped off our dinner. She smiled thanks. Her nose crinkled up just like Hope.

  “He’s using you,” I blurted out the truth. I hated knowing this kind, gentle woman was being taken for an expensive ride. “William’s stealing your expensive jewelry.”

  “No, he’s not.”

  “I won a bracelet that looks like your costume piece.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “And that makes him a thief? You have quite the imagination.”

  “William wanted me to sit there. My room is near his sister’s and we were becoming friends. Easy for him to get mine and switch them.” Or send Ronnie to get it by traveling from one veranda to the other.

  She waved off my concerns. “Don’t be silly. That’s not how the drawing is usually done. Tickets are handed out by Lucinda and then an audience member draws one out. Usually a child. It was switched up.
And how is replacing my fake with a real one using me?”

  “You’re smuggling stolen jewels in your luggage or on your body. Once you get home, he switches them back.”

  “I’m sure you’ve heard many unflattering stories about him.” Ruth waved off the waiter, who came to take our dinner plates. “He’s told me that Ronnie’s friends dislike him. It’s why William has been spending much of his time in Lucinda’s room this trip. He isn’t as likely to run into Garrison. He’s usually always by my side.”

  “What about your missing bracelet? I heard you ask him about it the other morning.”

  Her hands shook and she placed them on her lap. “William found it for me. It was in a different location. Absentmindedness is one of the drawbacks of aging.”

  “Does that happen often? Especially with your jewelry?”

  The mix of anger and alarm that crossed her face said everything. It had. Numerous times. “Items get lost and I can’t take it with me when I die so it doesn’t matter. How about we enjoy dinner and speak of something more pleasant? Like our plans for tomorrow.”

  Her attitude confused me. “He’s stealing from you. You’re not upset about that?”

  “You’re a tenacious woman.”

  “I prefer the truth, and something’s not adding up to me.”

  “That, my dear, is because you only have two categories to place William. Good or bad. There are so many more options.”

  “We’re talking about criminal activity. There is only one place to file it. The man is using you.”

  Ruth heaved out a sigh. “At least he’s honest about it, unlike my children. I know they’re only interested in my money. So I’m spending some and letting William get away with some. It’s mine to do with as I wish.”

  Her confession rendered me speechless.

  “My candor surprises you.” She patted my hand like a doting grandma. “You’re such a lovely girl. An innocent. I’m so sorry William accidentally dragged you into this game.”