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

by Christina Freeburn

  “I’ve had my share of rough experiences.”

  “Have you?” Interest flared in her gaze.

  “I’d rather not talk about it. It’ll ruin the evening.”

  “We can’t have that.” Ruth refilled our wineglasses.

  “Your children aren’t concerned about you and William?” I sipped the wine.

  “They’re concerned about William and my money.” Ruth settled back into the chair. She swirled the wine in her glass, watching the liquid trail down the side before taking a long drink. “They’ve been to a judge to get power of attorney over my finances. Unfortunately for them, dear old Mother is sharp as a tack and had the foresight to drop hints to William about becoming certified as a home health aide. William received his certification, and everything he does for me appears legitimate. It doesn’t bother me if he exchanges an expensive necklace or bracelet for a bauble. I’d rather let William have it than my greedy children.”

  “Why not just give it to him?”

  Ruth laughed. “Where’s the fun in that? Besides, if William knew I was on to him, he’d move on. The boy is a con man at heart. He needs a thrill to feel alive.”

  “Why not will it to him?”

  Ruth shook her head, once again patting my hand. “Oh, sweetheart, there’s so much you don’t know about my type of life. There would be lawyers, judges, meddling children, and a long, drawn-out court battle where all my money and assets would end up as the lawyers’ once they tallied up the bill for their services. My children wouldn’t have my money, but I don’t want the lawyers having it either. Consider what I’m doing charity.”

  “What if I told you that you’re just making him bolder? He’s moving on and has another target in mind. Your friends he saved this afternoon.”

  Tipping her head back, she laughed. The sound tinkled through the restaurant, one of those contagious types of laugh causing everyone around to smile. “You are such a dear. Now don’t you fret about Paul and Glenda. They have always wanted to travel and waited until he retired. Now their health isn’t so good. Their children are too busy to vacation with them. We found a way for William to meet them that’ll take away some of the suspicion off William’s intentions. Their children will be so grateful to him.” A hint of sadness faded the brightness in her eyes. “As I won’t need William’s services much longer, he can help them, and they’ll be able to make sure greedy family members don’t get their hands on it.”

  “They weren’t in danger.” A pressure built inside of me, like a mini explosion. I gripped the edge of the table, trying to keep under control.

  “Paul competed in motocross events until he was fifty. It was a ruse. They need a young and able-bodied man to travel with them. William will soon need an additional source of gems. I played matchmaker.”

  “Why not sell their jewelry and hire an aide to travel with them?”

  “Unfortunately, Paul’s son was able to convince a judge to give him power of attorney over their money. I figured William would charge them a minimal fee knowing he’d have access to Glenda’s jewelry. Paul and Glenda’s allowance will stretch further for more trips, and their family members won’t get the pieces after their deaths. We hoped William rescuing them would quiet any concerns from the family members.”

  “What if the plan didn’t work?”

  Ruth blushed. “We never considered that.”

  Ruth and her friends had created a game without assessing any of the risks they were accepting. “Why involve me?”

  Ruth blushed.

  “William seemed to take a liking to you. I thought it would be better if he was spotted enjoying time with someone his own age. Quiet down some of the gossip. I didn’t realize he’d behave so ungentlemanly for the rescue attempt.”

  “You arranged all of this so William can think he’s some great con man?”

  “While I’m disappointed in my children’s behavior toward me, I have no one to really blame but myself. I don’t want them to benefit from my death, yet I don’t want to hurt my son and daughter’s feelings once I’m gone. It’s better they believe I was a fool than have them know I knew they hated me. Besides, these employment opportunities I arrange for William don’t hurt anyone.”

  “It hurt Ronnie. It’s likely she died trying to protect him.”

  If that’s all there was to it, why had Ronnie and William been interested in the tiara?

  Ruth excused herself, bowing out on the masquerade ball that had taken over the atrium and the decks.

  I joined the party outside. It was a lovely night for the dance. Clear skies. Little wind. Warm night. I slipped my mask out of my beaded purse and put it on, adjusting the fit so the eye holes didn’t slip down to my cheeks. I had added the small crystals Ronnie gifted me to the outside so the corners of my eyes were framed by sparkles.

  Waiters and waitresses carried around trays with sparkling apple cider and champagne. I took a flute, pushing down the déjà vu feeling. This reminded me so much of Ronnie’s memorial service. I spotted Garrison, slinging back a champagne and then reaching for another one. His mask was pushed onto the top of his head, giving him the appearance of having grown a horn.

  “How are you doing?” I waved off the approaching waiter before Garrison grabbed another.

  “I hate this. It reminds me…” He trailed off, a shudder running through his body.

  I hugged him with one arm. “I know. Let’s think happy thoughts. Is your wedding taking place in the atrium or theater? Or on a deck? It’s a nice night.”

  “Nowhere. We’re not having a wedding tonight. Bob went to tell Odessa. I just can’t. This takes me back to Ronnie’s death.” Garrison swallowed hard. “I need a drink.”

  “Water or sparkling cider? I’ll get you one.”

  “Forget it.” Garrison rubbed his eyes. “I’m going back to my room. I can’t do this. I thought I could.”

  “Maybe if you go into the atrium or deck nine. It’s set up like a ballroom. You don’t have to get married tonight, but it’ll be good for you and Bob to have a relaxing time together.”

  “I can’t relax. Ronnie died. She was killed. I know it, and nothing is being done. We know the same thing we did two days ago.”

  “I know a little more.” I snagged Garrison’s hand and led him toward the small alcove where Ted and I breakfasted three days ago, which now felt like a lifetime ago.

  It was hard getting through the crowd as some of the women wore elaborate costumes with hoop skirts. There was one woman dressed in a black outfit from head to toe. A heavy netting covered her face. Was she pretending to be a mourner? My stomach turned over. Considering two people had died, it seemed tacky and inappropriate. The woman probably had her outfit all planned out and didn’t have anything else to wear. She was left with the option to participate or stay in her room.

  “Yes. It was just like on a movie,” an elderly woman talking to the mourner said.

  “Yep, the young man zoomed down and stopped our ATV.”

  “It sounds exciting.” The woman’s voice was gruff and scratchy.

  “I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Paul, the man who William saved, said. “We had really wanted to take your class the other day. My wife got a kick out of having her jewelry appraised.”

  “I hadn’t realized my Christmas and birthday presents were worth so much.” Glenda playfully swatted her husband. “This old lug told me he got them from a sidewalk vendor.”

  “I must say, that’s an interesting costume you’re wearing,” Paul said.

  “I’m positive I’m not contagious anymore, but just in case…” Lucinda moved her hand up and down to showcase the heavy veil. “I went with this getup.”

  The spot where Ted and I had breakfast was empty. “I found out some information tonight at dinner.” I filled him in on my conversation with Ruth.

  “But William doesn’t know Ruth is on to him?”

  “More like Ruth is arranging everything for him. She’s kind of scamming the scammer.” />
  “Ronnie died because of that?”

  “We don’t know why Ronnie died. William believes he’s stealing from his clients. He doesn’t know they are allowing it.”

  “But what if someone else figured out he was stealing and confronted him?”

  “Like Ronnie?”

  Garrison nodded. “Like Ronnie.”

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Masquerade balls were not fun when you were trying to find someone. The crowd was dwindling down, but I was still having a hard time locating either Bob, Ted, or John. It was hard to tell who was who when most people wore a mask. With Ted wearing a white suit, I thought he’d stand out like a beacon. Either he ditched the party or had changed clothes. There had only been two men wearing white tuxedos and neither of them had been Ted. One was a given considering he was six inches shorter than Ted; the other I found out the hard way. I was so glad I chose my second option of greeting rather than the first. The wife wasn’t too thrilled with me hugging her man; she’d have been less so if I kissed him.

  There were a few couples dancing on the deck. At night, the retractable floor closed the pool up and the entire deck was used as a dance floor for parties. The moon shone just right to highlight the couples. I found the almost grooms. Garrison and Bob had pushed their masks onto their heads and looked into each other’s eyes as they slowly moved in a circle on the dance floor. The love radiating from them strummed the tender places in my heart. I’d leave them in peace.

  Other couples danced near them, each pair seemingly lost in their partner. One couple wore elaborate pirate costumes, another were Iron Man and Black Widow, and one had pieced together a costume from everyday clothes. The cruisers’ masks were two large anchor patches with white ropes attaching the anchors together and tied around the back of their heads.

  “Would you care to dance?” Blue eyes shone from behind a black mask. I knew the voice. William. He held out a hand, waiting for me to place mine on top.

  “No.” I placed my hands behind my back.

  “I think we should talk.” His smile was brittle and he continued holding out his hand.

  I guess he wasn’t taking no for an answer. What could go wrong with all of these people around? And if I wasn’t mistaken, the older gentleman sitting on a lounge chair, dressed as a police officer, was John. He had stood up the moment William approached me and was now taking an undue interest in the life preservers on the starboard side of the ship. I slipped my hand into William’s and was led onto the dance floor that had been the family swimming pool this morning.

  “I heard you’ve been telling people your own version of what happened on the excursion.” He waltzed me into the center of the floor.

  He didn’t waste any time getting to the point. “I’m telling the truth. It’s not my fault you told a tale.”

  “Your recollection isn’t quite accurate. Though I’m sure you think so. It was a very scary moment. Understandable you’d forget.”

  “That’s not what happened. You’re wrong and I’m right. You pushed me off.”

  “I did no such thing. I’m not a violent person.” His grasp tightened around my waist, nearly squeezing the breath out of me.

  I dug my nails into his wrist. “I don’t feel like dancing anymore.”

  “I do.” He squeezed my sore hand.

  Tears stung my eyes. I held in a breath, waiting for the pain washing over me to fade. “You’re hurting me.”

  “I’m just holding your hand.”

  There was no more charm in William. The guy was dangerous. Scary. I wanted away from him. “Let me go.”

  “We have a few more things to chat about.”

  “No, we don’t.” At first, I wasn’t sure if William was capable of hurting his sister, but now I knew he was. I also feared for Ruth and her friends. Even though her plan was to help him, I doubted he’d be pleased she’d figured out what he was up to. The trio was in trouble. I jerked away from him, scrambling back a few feet.

  Surprise flashed across William’s face.

  The floor moved beneath my feet. I flailed my arms, trying to maintain my precarious balance. What was going on? Before I knew it, there was nothing underneath me and I smacked into the cool water. I went under. My dress tangled around my legs, making it difficult to surface. I pulled the skirt up to my waist and waited to touch the bottom. I sprang up. My dress slipped from my hand, and I turned to gather it back up. My back hit a solid surface.

  Panic welled up in me. What was going on? I heard screaming. I had to be near the surface. I sunk down and looked. The floor was closing back over the pool. The moon hit the water, highlighting my escape route. I gathered my skirt and tucked it down my bodice, modesty no longer any importance to me. I swam for the exit. The spot grew smaller and smaller.

  Sputtering, I broke the surface. I was away from the pool edge. I tried pulling myself up onto the floor, but it was too slippery.

  “Grab my hand. We’ll pull you out.” A crew member had walked into the water, a life preserver around his waist. Another crew member standing on the concrete pool side held onto a rope attached to the preserver. I wasn’t sure if I had enough time.

  “Float.” John flattened himself on the floor. “I’m going to push you.”

  I flipped over to my back. Using my feet, John launched me toward the guy in the water. The moments our fingers touched, he snagged my waist and practically threw me onto the deck. Garrison and Bob were there. Taking a hold of me, they helped me stagger away from the pool. I motioned them away. I need a breather and a seat.

  “What happened?” Ted dropped beside me.

  “No one knows. The floor opened, then started closing.” Bob draped a towel around me.

  The ends of the floor met each other. The pool was gone. I shivered.

  Ted pulled me against his side, rubbing his arm up and down mine. “Faith’s freezing. Can I get another towel?”

  I let him think it was because I was cold.

  Garrison handed over another towel and knelt beside me. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” I said, coughing a few times. I glanced around. The couples looked more bewildered than worried. Everyone was back on the surface. Where was William? I jumped to my feet, striking my shin into the neighboring deck chair. I ignored the pain. “Where’s William? I was dancing with him.”

  Bob and Ted scanned the area. “Don’t see him.”

  I shook off the towels and ran over to a crew member standing by a set of controls. “He’s in there. I think my dance partner is still in the pool.”

  The crew member slammed his hands on the button. “It’s not working. I need maintenance. Get the skimmers. See if we can jam it open.”

  Crew members scattered for tools.

  The maintenance woman ran over, puffing for breath.

  “The floor malfunctioned. Someone’s trapped underneath.”

  The woman unscrewed the panel and got to work. There was a split wire in the panel unit. The crew member frowned and tossed a concerned look at a security guard who had arrived. He silenced her with a sharp nod of his head. She stripped the wires and then connected them. The floor started retracting. Two crew members, one wearing a breathing apparatus, slipped into the pool. The diver went under the water. The other crew member shined a flashlight into the water, traveling the beam back and forth.

  The area was silent. I held my breath, hoping for a miracle for William, but already knowing the outcome.

  “Need some help here.” The crew member in the water waved his hand in the air.

  The cruise director, Garrison, and the Roget brothers ran over.

  Black Widow walked over to me and wrapped her arms around me. “Come on, honey. Let’s go over to the bar.”

  A spot farther away from the pool. I shook my head. I wanted to know. Had to know. “I want to stay here.”

  “Sweetie, nothing you can do will help him.”

  And she was right.

  William’s lifeless body was brought to the surfa
ce, then laid out on the deck. The ship’s doctor began CPR. William remained motionless.

  The doctor placed his fingers at Williams’ neck then sat back on his heels and motioned for a towel. With a sharp snap, the towel fluttered down to cocoon the top half of William’s body.

  Ted held out his arm, stepping into my room first and turning on the light. After a few moments, he waved me inside.

  “Is something wrong?” I peered around him, nothing seemed out of place.

  “Just a precaution. Every time I turn around, you’re in some kind of unpleasant situation.”

  That was one way to put it. “I can handle myself.”

  “It’s not you I’m worried about. It’s the unsavory people my father has gotten you involved with.”

  I stared at Ted.

  He crossed his arms and gave one sharp nod. “I know. It wasn’t too hard to figure out since I know my dad was on this ship for some reason. And it wasn’t to see Bob and Garrison get married. It’s not his style to cause trouble to hurt people, no matter what my mom believes. It’s time for you to tell me what’s going on. Like if you know who might have been the ghost in Ronnie’s room the night she jumped.”

  I glanced down at the floor, my wet feet creating a damp spot on the carpet.

  Ted groaned. “Please don’t tell me my dad sent you in there.”

  “No.” I rubbed my foot back and forth across the carpet.

  “Garrison and I did it on our own.”

  “You dragged Garrison into this?” Ted sounded incredulous.

  My head shot up. “I did not. Garrison didn’t believe…doesn’t believe…Ronnie killed herself. He was sure we’d find an answer in her room. I had dropped my purse in there. Right after Ronnie fell. Jumped.”

  “He broke in?”

  “He had a key to her room.” I wasn’t sure if Garrison still did, but I didn’t want to completely rat him out. Besides, we might want that key tomorrow. I shivered.

  “I’m sorry. Here I am giving a lecture while I should be encouraging you to get out of that wet dress.”