A Christmas Cruise Murder

by Dawn Brookes

  Bernard smirked and mock wiped his brow. “They’re history, I’ve already moved on.” He had found the Munros even more difficult than the rest of the team as one of the older women had become infatuated with him and seemed tuned in to whenever he was on duty. In the end, he’d asked for a chaperone, which Fern Munro had not taken to kindly, but she’d eventually got the message. Although he was happy to flirt, he was renowned for being faithful to his wife and loved his three children.

  Bernard turned to Sarah after Gwen left. “Do you want me to help in the passenger lounge later? I don’t think Brigitte will be up to much. We should let her lie in – not to mention she’ll owe me one if I take her place. By the way, why were you so happy when I came in? Has Jason proposed?”

  Sarah stared at him in disbelief. “Why do you think?”

  Bernard slapped his head. “Of course, your parents are coming to the Canaries with us, and Rachel’s joining the ship. That means we’ll have a Christmas cruise murder to look forward to.” He ran out of the treatment room, rubbing his hands together before Sarah had the chance to rebuke him.

  “One of these days, Bernard,” she shouted after him.

  Two hours later, Sarah and Bernard were checking health questionnaires in the passenger lounge off ship while she kept her eyes peeled for any sign of her parents or Rachel. Rachel was coming directly from London so would arrive separately by coach. Her parents were driving down from Hertfordshire and leaving the car at the port for the twelve-day cruise.

  As she had passed through the main atrium of the ship to exit, Sarah had been delighted to see the gigantic Christmas tree dominating the space. There was a happy hum in the air as excited staff rallied around, putting up decorations and generally making the passenger areas look as good as they could for the time of year. Thankfully the weather forecast was for relatively calm seas over the next few days, assuring them of a decent passage across the Bay of Biscay, which could be a challenging crossing when seas were rough. Many a passenger had stories to tell of hair-raising cruises, and Sarah was worried her mum might get seasick on her first cruise and it would put her off, but decent weather was reassuring on this front.

  “Sarah!”

  Sarah looked through the sea of passengers heading towards the security desk and recognised her mother’s straight dark-brown hair, perfectly aligned an inch above her shoulders. Her father was behind her with the hand luggage.

  “Go,” said Bernard, “I’ll manage.”

  Sarah made her way through the bustling crowds and hugged her mother, then her father.

  “Oh, Sarah, you look beautiful in that uniform. The photos really don’t do it justice.” Her mother stood back to examine her. Sarah blushed, pleased at the effusive greeting. There was a time when Mary Bradshaw hadn’t approved of her daughter working on board a cruise ship, constantly reminding Sarah that she would find it difficult to settle down. Sarah hadn’t wanted to settle down and had fought hard for independence, but rather than argue, she’d reassured her mother that when the time was right, there wouldn’t be any problem. She hadn’t believed her own words, so she was certain her mother hadn’t been taken in by them, especially when Mary reminded Sarah – and anyone who would listen – that cruise ship nursing was just a phase she needed to get out of her system. And then, after a few short and meaningless relationships, she’d met Jason on board the ship, and soon afterwards everything changed and everyone was happy.

  Sarah turned to her father, who smiled warmly, pride written all over his face. “Well, Officer Bradshaw, what do we do next?”

  “Follow the queue, Dad. I’ve got the evening off so I will come to your stateroom to collect you before the official switching on of the Christmas lights in the main atrium. We’re dining in the Club Restaurant tonight. It’s a bit quieter there – a new addition to our dining choices.”

  “Will Jason be joining us?”

  “Yes, for tonight, but he has to work the nightshift afterwards.” Jason and Sarah had been seeing each other for nine months, and they were growing closer with each passing day.

  “That all sounds wonderful. Now don’t let us keep you from your work.” Forever the pragmatist, her mother clearly realised Sarah had left her post. “I take it that’s your friend, Bernard, over there – the one with the cheeky grin? I recognise him from the photos you showed us.”

  “That’s him. I’ll introduce you to the team tomorrow. Graham – that’s Dr Bentley – has invited you to join us in the officers’ dining room tomorrow evening. Sorry, I hope that’s alright? I can put him off, if you’d prefer.”

  “We wouldn’t dream of it. We look forward to meeting all your friends and colleagues. It will be good to be able to put faces to the names and remember the characters when we’re back home, and it will cheer your mother up to know that you’ve not been kidnapped by pirates.”

  Sarah’s father appeared as excited as her mother. It was going to be bliss having them on board. They all laughed at the joke, recognising that her mother’s biggest fear when Sarah had joined Queen Cruises was that she would be kidnapped off the coast of Somalia and be held for ransom or sold into slavery. Around the time she’d accepted the job as a cruise ship nurse, there had been a number of high-profile kidnapping and ransom cases where yachts had been boarded by modern-day pirates, causing Mrs Bradshaw countless sleepless nights. It was only after Rachel had been on board and assured Sarah’s mother that ship security was exceptional and the security crew were well trained and prepared to repel any attempt at piracy that she had stopped worrying about it. Even so, Sarah’s father vetted the newspapers before showing them to his wife, particularly when Sarah was on a world cruise.

  Sarah watched her parents pass through security and waved before re-joining Bernard and concentrating once more on the passenger questionnaires. During a brief gap in passengers boarding, Bernard spoke.

  “Your parents seem happy to be aboard.”

  “They are. I so want Mum to enjoy the cruise so that she can accept my job choice. She was proud when I became a hospital nurse, but seems to see cruise nursing as a lesser career choice somehow.”

  “I thought she was happier now you’re with Jason?”

  “That has helped, certainly. Particularly as he’s English – no offence, Bernard, she’s not racist, but I’m an only child and she would hate it if I moved to another country to marry. She’s rarely been abroad and doesn’t really like travelling. I think that might have been an added fear when I took the job – that she would have grandchildren over the other side of the world.”

  “Perfectly understandable. I would feel the same if it was my daughter, even though I only see the family every nine months in between contracts.”

  “I don’t know what she’d say if Jason decided to re-join the army, though. I don’t think he’d be quite the hit he is now.”

  “That’s not likely, is it?”

  “Jason still carries a lot of baggage from his time in Afghanistan, so I guess not.” Sarah wished she could help her boyfriend recover from the memories that plagued him, but he was not yet an open book on that topic. On top of that, she was well aware that he still had trust issues over his fiancée breaking up with him after his second tour abroad, leaving him heartbroken and almost costing him the ultimate price as he lost the will to live for a while.

  Bernard, aware of the tensions in the relationship and how Sarah walked a fine line with Jason, gently squeezed her arm.

  “You’ll make it. Both of you will.”

  Chapter 3

  Rachel sat on a comfy chair drinking strong coffee as the ship departed Southampton. The view through the balcony windows was obscured by raindrops creating patterns on the expansive glass and she watched them bouncing off the balcony table outside. The rain was still coming down heavily, grey skies and mist obscuring any further view as they left port in the twilight, although she could make out lights from smaller boats sailing on the Solent.

  With the dark nights of winter, there wo
uld be less opportunity for the evening walks on the upper decks that she so loved when cruising. It would put a different perspective on things, of that she was certain. She hoped there would be some clear skies as they moved south so that stargazing could be an alternative evening entertainment.

  Somehow, Rachel Prince, you’re going to have to buck yourself up and enjoy the holiday, she chided herself.

  After closing the thick, heavy curtains and turning her attention to unpacking, she paused to tap FaceTime on her iPhone and call Carlos who answered immediately. Seeing his face cheered her up immensely.

  “Hello, Rachel, how was your journey?”

  “Very straightforward as it happens. I think I’ll take the bus more often – unless Marjorie’s with me, that is. Then it’s chauffeur driven every time.” Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe was an octogenarian whom Rachel and Carlos had become close to and who loved cruising as much as Rachel now did. They had met during Rachel’s first cruise when Marjorie had been pursued by a hitman.

  “I bet you’ve already made new friends.” He grinned and his bright brown eyes flashed with affection.

  “Not yet. I sat next to a grumpy man on the bus who works on board – a maître d. He did nothing but moan all the way down. Thankfully it was a short journey.”

  “Ha, if you couldn’t make him happy, there’s no hope for the man. Have you seen Sarah yet and how does the ship look?”

  “No to the first question. I’m waiting for her to call, and the ship is wonderful as always. It looks even more spectacular for this cruise, as you would expect. There’s a huge Christmas tree in the main atrium; I can’t wait for the switching on of the lights later. There will be a ceremony hosted by the deputy captain once the safety drill’s over.”

  “That sounds exciting. I wish I was with you.”

  Rachel sighed. “Me too. How’s the investigation going?”

  “I’ve not really got started yet. I met with my cousin, Chita, this morning and she filled me in on what’s been happening. The thefts occur at various times of day or night, but always out of sight of CCTV, which is why she believes there’s insider involvement.”

  “Sounds like it could be, but it could just be a thief that’s done their homework. Does she have any ideas or suspects?”

  “Nothing concrete. I have a list of staff that started work here in the last six months and I will delve into their records tonight. Chita has given me the paper personnel files and I can do background checks from my room. We’ve decided to pretend we don’t know each other so as not to arouse suspicion. I don’t think it will take long to wrap this one up.”

  “I like your optimism. What’s the hotel like?”

  “It’s good quality, a nice place. I would say it’s a bit like a posh golfing hotel you would get in England. She’s done well for herself, but reputation is everything in these parts.”

  “Well, good luck with it, you’ll get it solved in no time, I’m sure. I’ll contact you in three days when we hit Lisbon. I’m not paying for Maritime roaming or Wi-Fi access, the prices are extortionate.”

  “Be careful in Lisbon, remember what happened last time.”

  “Oh, you’re right. I had forgotten about that. Thankfully Marjorie’s not here, it was worse for her.” Rachel shuddered as an unpleasant memory from her first cruise invaded her mind.

  “Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up. Forget it. Ciao for now, I love you.”

  “Bye, darling, I love you too. And Carlos?”

  “Yes?”

  “Take care.”

  He nodded, blew her a kiss and she tapped out of FaceTime just as the telephone in her room rang.

  Rachel spotted Sarah’s parents, standing among the crowds in the huge atrium, waiting for the Christmas lights to be formally switched on. Sarah was unmistakable in her lily-white officer’s uniform. Rachel sidled up behind them and tapped her friend on the shoulder.

  After delighted hugs and greetings, they were silenced as the cruise director’s voice burst through the loudspeakers.

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard the Coral Queen for this very special Christmas sailing. This is the first time we’ve sailed from the UK in the winter months and we very much look forward to providing you with fun and activities throughout your stay with us. Now, I’m sure you all want to explore the ship, so without further ado, I have great pleasure in introducing our master and commander, Captain Jenson.”

  Loud applause and cheers filled the room, which spanned two decks. Every available space was taken, even on the stairways.

  “I thought it was going to be the deputy?” Rachel whispered to Sarah.

  “It was supposed to be. Captain Jenson obviously trusts him to assist the pilot now we’re past the smaller boats. The pilot does most of the work anyway when we’re leaving port.”

  “Thank you, Carla.” The captain’s voice boomed as he took the microphone. “That was Carla Tewitt, our cruise director. She and her team will ensure that the entertainment on board is of the highest quality. Now, ladies and gentlemen…”

  The captain went on to give a welcoming speech, introducing his senior officers including Dr Graham Bentley, the senior medical officer who Rachel knew from previous cruises, and chief of security, Jack Waverley, who she also knew, but hoped she would not have too many dealings with during this sailing.

  “We will be sailing to Lisbon, followed by Madeira, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, with Christmas Eve in Lanzarote and Christmas Day on board the magnificent Coral Queen, so if you weren’t expecting to be in any of those places, you’re on the wrong ship.”

  Laughter filled the room.

  “The weather forecast is for brightening skies as we reach the Bay of Biscay and mild winds with a moderate swell as we cross through. Nothing to worry about. I will keep you updated with weather announcements each day, but the long-range forecast for our stops is promising with highs of twenty-one degrees centigrade during the day. You can expect six hours of sunshine during most of our Canary Island stops.

  “Now it is the moment you’ve all been waiting for: time to switch on the Christmas lights.” Captain Jenson pressed the button on a remote control and the atrium lit up to the sound of bells and rapturous applause.

  Rachel stared up at the wonderful tree, which was taking centre stage, while listening to a string quartet playing in the background. Sarah’s face lit up as the twinkling from the larger tree lights danced in her recently highlighted light-brown hair. Passengers clapped again loudly before dispersing in the direction of the main restaurant or the theatre, depending on whether they were booked on first or second dinner sittings.

  “What happened to Gordon?” Rachel asked Sarah when she could be heard above the noise of milling passengers.

  “Who’s Gordon?” asked Gilbert Bradshaw.

  “He was cruise director for a while, Rachel met him before.” Sarah cast a warning glance towards Rachel so that she wouldn’t reveal the circumstances involved murder. “He decided to return to Wales and see his nephew through university, they have become close. We think Gordon has also met someone new, although his divorce isn’t through yet.”

  “I’m pleased for him, he deserves a bit of luck,” said Rachel.

  “Carla was the assistant cruise director and deserving of the promotion. Better late than never, if you ask me.”

  “I remember seeing her around previously. Anyway, I’m hungry. Where are we eating?”

  “I’ve booked us a table in the new Club Restaurant for dinner. Shall we go?” Sarah said excitedly. Rachel inwardly groaned at the thought of meeting up with the miserable Stefan Sosa again, but didn’t want to put a dampener on Sarah’s mood so she nodded enthusiastically.

  Gilbert Bradshaw took his wife’s hand and the trio followed obediently behind Sarah. Jason was waiting nervously outside the restaurant and held out his hand towards Sarah’s father.

  “Mr Bradshaw, good to meet you again.” Sarah had taken Jason home to meet her parent
s during her last break and had reported to Rachel that the visit had been a resounding success.

  “Good to see you too, Jason. You can dispense with the Mr – call me Gilbert.”

  “And please call me Mary,” said Sarah’s mother as Jason leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.

  “Hello, Rachel.” Jason pulled her into a hug while Sarah chatted to her parents, and whispered, “Glad you’re here to help steady my nerves.”

  “You’ve nothing to be nervous about. I’m reliably informed you are quite the hit with the Bradshaws.”

  Jason beamed and stood straighter, showing off the muscular frame beneath his uniform. Her friend had not only picked one of the nicest men she’d met, but also a handsome one, Rachel thought happily.

  The group was led through a well-lit room, where diners were already seated, to a table for five in the centre of another long and narrow room. There were tables for two next to windows, currently screened by curtains to hide the black night outside. The ship rolled a little as they walked, taking Mary by surprise and she lost balance momentarily. Jason was quick to support her and he and the waiter ensured she was seated safely.

  “I’m afraid a winter cruise might not have been the best choice for your maiden voyage, Mum, sorry.”

  “Don’t you worry about me. I’ll get my sea legs soon enough, I’m sure.” The flicker of concern in Mary’s eyes as she glanced towards her husband told a different story. “At least I don’t get travel sick as a rule.”

  “No you don’t, Mary,” Gilbert said reassuringly as he too took his seat. Rachel looked around for the maître d she’d met earlier, but there was no sign of him.

  I’m sure he said he was working tonight.

  “Are you expecting someone, Rachel?” asked Sarah.

  “Not really. I met the maître d from this restaurant on the bus coming down, but I haven’t seen him this evening. I thought they always took names when people entered the restaurant.”