“Thank you so much,” I whimpered. “I’ve been so worried, and I didn’t know what Finn would want me to do about all the reservations and arrangements that we’ve made.”
“I’m sure he will cover that when you see him. Pardon me I have to go, Phyl is calling. We love you and are so proud you are an Anderson.”
Click.
I AM an Anderson. I hadn’t really considered what that meant. In this corner of the world, that moniker has clout. But what good is clout without a husband? I’d rather have the latter. Andersons had means and connections. Even if I personally didn’t have them, my family does. ‘My family’ I liked the sound of that.
Now what is the proper attire to visit your newlywed jailbird husband?
14
Finn was a sorry sight. He’d taken off his tuxedo jacket, his cummerbund, and vest. His shirt and pants were wrinkled from getting up and down and pacing. There’s not much else you can do in a jail cell. At least he was alone and not clumped in with others who had broken the law. I suppose Chief Harden was responsible for that tiny courtesy.
I wasn’t allowed inside the cell, but the officer in charge brought a chair for me so I could sit outside the bars. We could at least touch hands and almost kiss if we wedged our faces inside the bars just right.
“Oh Finn, I am at a loss I don’t know what to do. Where are all the contacts so I can cancel our reservations for the cruise, for the hotel, and rental cars? Can I help your dad at all? Who’s your lawyer? When is the hearing or the trial or whatever?”
“Slow down honey,” Finn said. He was calm as ever. It was as if nothing horrible had happened. Like the entire town didn’t know that its most prominent family had a son in jail – accused of murder.
“Dad’s lawyer will have me out on bail in no time, but the catch is that I can’t leave town. So, that means you will have to be my source of information,” Finn stroked my hand and already I felt calmer.
Then what he said registered. “I’m to be what?”
“My eyes and ears as it were and even my feet. You have to go to Cuba and get the information. It’s more important now than ever. It could mean the difference between me and permanent imprisonment.”
He’d gotten my attention but the prospect of going to Cuba on a honeymoon cruise alone was not what I’d signed up for. I was going to need lots of back up and maybe some artillery. Just kidding I don’t know how to shoot a gun, but I would like a case of that stuff you spray in a robber’s face.
“Dad and I have talked this through ever since the murder – and yes it WAS murder just like Natalie said. I am restricted, but YOU are completely free to go and come – even though your name now is Anderson. Your passport still lists McLachlan and you won’t be flagged. Our contact in Cuba has information about the thallium, Richard Kenman, and how this whole thing went down. So you have to trust me on this. All will be made clear nearer to time,” Finn kept looking at the door to make sure we were alone.
“But the cruise leaves day after tomorrow, how will I ever get all this straight before then?” I moaned.
“You will, honey. Believe me you will. I just hope Dad can arrange for a companion. I don’t want you going alone. There are too many risks already. I love you and I want us to get through this and be that ‘happily ever after’ couple.”
“Me too.”
“Sorry but time’s up,” the officer said and came to reclaim the office chair.
I kissed Finn’s fingertips.
“Dad will be in touch,” Finn said and winked.
15
Unlike the rest of the Anderson family, was not used to this type of excitement. I went home and cried into my pillow for a few hours, ate an entire pepperoni pizza, and had heartburn for the rest of the evening. Worrying about my future kept me awake anyway. Finn was in jail and maybe destined for prison. I was a newlywed bride with no groom. This was supposed to be our romantic wedding night. Even without the pepperoni, I would have given myself heartburn.
Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, another person slipped into my burrow on the sofa. It wasn’t Nemo because I could hear his snoring. Finn whispered, “why aren’t you in our bed?” His strong arms lifted me and I stretched out on our Beauty Rest mattress until the sun was up.
Finn nuzzled me until I woke.
“I thought I was dreaming,” I said and smoothed a stray lock of hair.
“Not all of it, I hope. I have good news and not so good news, Mrs. Anderson. Which would you like?”
“Mmmm, Mrs. Anderson I like the sound of that. What is the good news?”
“I’m out on bail so I am free at least temporarily,” Finn’s lips brushed mine in a teasing way.
“And the other not so good news?”
“The cruise ship leaves in two hours, but the catch is that I can’t leave town.”
Talk about a wakeup call. The luxurious interlude as honeymooners was abruptly halted as I began to ask questions. Simultaneously, Finn began stuffing clothes into a suitcase.
“The information that could exonerate me has to be collected by hand,” Finn pleaded. “Dad is on the watch list, Mom is a mess, and I can’t leave the state much less the country. You are the only one who can do this, honey.”
So being the loving and obedient wife I was elected. Finn was in a house arrest type of arrangement so he would be my long distance coach. My companion and sidekick was to be Natalie. Finn’s dad had used some of his famous clout to get her a two week leave (extra days if we needed them) from the coroner’s office. Phyl was under a doctor’s care. She wouldn’t be any help to anyone. Callie had Charlie and well Natalie was the obvious choice. Just how much she knew about the plan was yet for me to find out. Going on a honeymoon with the bride was not part of her plans, but Natalie was flexible.
On a ship primarily composed of honeymoon couples, we were going to get a few looks and assumptions. But hey this is a modern understanding society, right! Besides Finn pointed out that it was a good cover and put us above suspicion.
Finn and I had one more chance at a quickie before heading to the dock to meet Mr. A who had Natalie in tow. She was putting up a brave front since I was a mess.
“Hello everyone,” I managed. Natalie gave me a hug.
“Mollie, I know this is a crazy situation but for Finn’s sake I know you will make us proud. This envelope will explain everything, don’t open it until you and Natalie are safely in your cabin. Finn and I will be in touch every day, just make sure you are somewhere alone. Of course Natalie is in our confidence as she is your protection and sidekick,” my new father-in-law explained.
I looked at Natalie and she opened her tote bag and let me know she was packing. When did that happen? I suppose working for the coroner can be hazardous but I had no idea Natalie had a weapon. Surprises never end.
With hugs and kisses all around, I grabbed the handle of my suitcase and proceeded up the ramp to board the Royal Norwegian. My eyes were wet with tears as I embarked on a honeymoon that was one for the books – a honeymoon without the groom.
16
Going through the motion of boarding the ship, finding our cabin, and unpacking took my mind off the present gloom. I felt more like a widow than a bride. I put my valuables in the safe. Natalie and I changed to ‘strolling around the deck’ clothes. After the life boat drill, I decided to open the mysterious brown envelope.
Dear Mollie
I know that as you are reading this, you must have many mixed emotions – anger, fear, sorrow and much more. As for me love, I am perfectly safe and was never the target. Richard’s death was because of an investigation he and I began years ago into Cuba’s organized crime. Richard realized he was being poisoned. He recognized the symptoms of thallium salts poisoning but it was too late for an antidote. Richard had hoped he could last until the last piece of the puzzle would come from his source in Havana. Alas, that was not the case.
I hadn’t heard from Richard in a while and didn’t know all of the progress he
had made. He filled me in a little the night before he died, but I had no idea about the thallium. The contact in Cuba will entrust what she had discovered to you. Natalie is quite equipped to protect you whatever the cost. After you receive the documents, you and Natalie will NOT return to the cruise ship. You will instead proceed to the Havana airport where a private jet will return you here. The information you receive will be vital in the case against me and should point toward the actual murderer of Richard Kenman.
Know this. I love you and hate to put you in harm’s way. Dad has contacts all along the way and they will only reveal themselves if the need occurs. We will be in daily communication with you and Natalie. Love always Finn
I read it over many times and p
assed it to Natalie. She had been briefed on our mission and probably – make that definitely – knew more than I did. Evidently the Cuban people could still obtain this deadly poison although it was outlawed in most countries. But what did Richard Kenman do to deserve such a death? My curiosity was piqued to say the least and how did Finn and Mr. A get involved in this mess? I put the letter back into the envelope and locked it in the safe.
We had a day at sea to enjoy the sun and the endless buffet that is a cruise ship. In the evening, the entertainment was the Blue Man group. This was a wonderful diversion from our mission. The next afternoon we were to land in Havana. I didn’t know how much of our luggage to take since we weren’t coming back to the ship. But on the other hand, I didn’t want to be obvious. So when in doubt, I asked my pistol toting friend.
“Natalie, why Cuba? Why thallium? Can you help me understand what I’ve gotten myself into?”
Natalie took a long pause, sat down, and pulled a folder out of her briefcase. “Long ago and many presidents ago, the US began trying to assassinate Fidel Castro. He has survived more than 600 assassination attempts from as early as Eisenhower all the way to Clinton. The powers that be tried wooing him with a femme fatale, using poisoned ball point pens, toxic cigars, frozen desserts, and exploding conch shells. But one of the most famous was the use of thallium in his toiletries in the hopes that his beard would fall out and he would ingest enough into his skin to do the job. Unfortunately, all these attempts failed and made the CIA look like morons.”
I couldn’t help but laugh and envision some of these stunts which sounded like a fifth grader having a great time with his chemistry set.
“But in spite of this, you can still buy the thallium salts?”
“Yes, primarily in rat poison and if given in smaller doses, it’s very effective. It is a white powder and totally tasteless and odorless. If you place it in tea, coffee, or even a soft drink, the victim is unaware. Most medical examiners don’t even test for it anymore. The only reason I did was because Richard’s passport indicated all his recent visits to Cuba,” Natalie said rather pleased with herself.
“Now how did you get so knowledgeable?”
“Finn and his dad gave me a quick course in Cuban history plus I googled the results I got when Richard Kenman’s autopsy revealed thallium. It’s quite an unusual find in this day and time,” Natalie said. “I’ve known about this for a while, but of course I had no idea that Finn would get arrested on your wedding day and that I would be his replacement on the honeymoon cruise. Now THAT was a surprise,” she said. “As to luggage I think you noticed that I packed light. We will take a small carry on to the hotel and leave the rest. There are people in place that will take care of everything.”
“Wow I feel like I’m in one of the Ian Fleming novels or an Agatha Christie cozy.”
“Agatha Christie is blamed for giving murderers the idea of thallium as a means of poisoning their prey, but she wasn’t the first but only the most famous. I reread The Pale Horse before your wedding. I have it with me if you want,” she offered.
“No thanks. I think I will just finding something boring to read like yesterday’s newspaper. Maybe I can lull myself to sleep and not think about all my honeymoon plans that will never be realized.”
17
The breakfast buffet was abuzz with passengers excited to go aboard to Havana. For years, this was the playground for celebrities until it wasn’t. Of course for anyone determined to go, Canada was an option.
Natalie and I went through the serving line. I wasn’t very hungry but the waffles called to me especially with the Bananas Foster syrup which accompanied them. The coffee was dark and strong and just what I needed. Playing spy vs spy wasn’t in my forte.
Natalie and I had to look casual and stay calm. She handled it very well. I shouldn’t be surprised Natalie was always the more serious one in the group. She was the voice of reason allowing me to play the goofball while Maggie was the mender of ways – sweet and innocent but worthy of a few practical jokes herself.
We picked up our tote bags out of the room, pocketed our passports, and valuables. Then we took the elevator to Deck 4 where the gangplank was extended into the glorious city of Havana, Cuba. We did the tourist thing of walking around and taking in the sights before hailing a cab to the Havana Riviera which according to our Spanish cab driver was ‘number one.’
The reservation was of course the Honeymoon Suite which raised a few eyebrows. The entire suite was done in romantic tones of pink with a bottle of champagne chilling and some chocolate goodies tucked away with various cheeses, caviar, and fruit. We could have pigged out on this, but we received an invitation from the hotel manager to dine at his private table. I don’t know how we will explain Natalie standing in for my husband, Finn. But maybe that’s arranged as well.
For now I donned my swimsuit, coated myself in SPF 50 lotion, and headed for the poolside. Natalie joined me after she spoke with Mr. A on the telephone. They were becoming regular conspirators. Maybe they will join forces and open their own business once Mr. A retires from the newspaper game.
When Natalie and I finished sunbathing, we took turns in the shower. Dinner at the manager’s table required at least a sundress and appropriate jewelry. I went to the safe for my pearls and rediscovered the thumb drive containing our wedding pictures. After dinner I planned to view them again with Natalie. Four eyes are better than two – just to see if I’m hallucinating or is that really Merry Bell in the back row. And if it turns out that it is, why and how? Only one mystery at a time please.
Dinner was in the hotel’s most elegant dining room, the Criolla Room, named after their signature dish. I’m glad I dressed for the occasion and donned mother’s pearls and the studs Finn gave me for the wedding. It was a bittersweet moment when I looked in the mirror and remembered our ceremony which was only days ago, but seemed like a lifetime. Natalie was stunning in black with sapphires in her ears. How does she get her skin to glow? Senor Gramini was a wonderful host and we sampled most of the entrees on the menu. He introduced us to a marvelous white wine, the name of which escapes me but it didn’t come from the convenience store.
My Spanish is sparse so I was grateful he was fluent in English. Sr. Gramini suggested a number of tourist attractions and warned us of the tourist pitfalls. We appreciated his concern but knew that our time was limited. If he was disappointed in having two females for dinner, he never let on. Maybe Cubans are broad minded about such things.
Back in the room, the telephone was blinking to let us know that we had a message waiting. I dialed the numbers and a voice said, “Starbucks 10 a.m.” Color must have drained from my face as I relayed the message to Natalie. All she remarked was ‘okay let’s do this.’
Morning could not come too soon.
18
Natalie and I donned our capris and t-shirts. We plopped on our floppy straw hats and sunglasses. Now to find someone who spoke English who could direct us to Starbucks. We hailed a cab and hoped he could understand us. When I opened the taxi door to get in, he said loudly ‘no no’ and pointed across the street where the famous logo adorned the international coffee house.
Natalie laughed and gave him a tip anyway. I suppose he could have drive
n us around the block and we wouldn’t have been any wiser. Our minds were fastened onto the mystery at hand.
“Do you think they’ll accept my Starbucks card?” Natalie asked.
“Since the Starbucks sign is a temporary canvas pulled over a previous coffee shop logo, I seriously doubt it. Looks like they haven’t been here very long,” I replied.
For a smart woman, sometimes her questions boggle my mind. I pushed open the door and looked around. Only two other people were at tables and both had laptops open with a brew on the table beside them. Natalie and I ordered our usual macchiato with coconut milk and took a seat at the far end of the store. The baristas didn’t understand us so we just pointed and talked louder. That always works so well.
A lady carrying an umbrella to shield herself from the Havana sun came in and ordered. Her back was arched underneath a shawl which covered most of her. She swept her eyes over the customers and nodded to me. I moved my tote bag and motioned for her to join us. When the baristas delivered our order, she lowered her shawl and I noted that she was younger than I first imagined. She sipped her beverage and her headgear slipped to reveal a bald spot. Quickly she readjusted the shawl.
“My name is Evira. I was Richard’s lover when he was investigating. I got to know Finn. He now is your husband?”
I nodded.
“Richard is not the only victim of Mafioso handiwork. I am beyond help of the antidote. Here is everything you need to bring our murderers to justice.” Evira pushed a brown envelope across the table.
“Take this back to your hotel room. Open there,” Evira urged in her best broken English. “Finn is cherished friend.” Without another word she covered herself and walked out of the coffee shop. I prayed that the envelope contained the answer to free my husband.
Double Jeopardy Page 4
