A Christmas Cruise Murder
Page 17
Sarah was bubbling over with excitement and words were falling out of her mouth. Rachel flopped down in the chair and lifted the martini glass they had ordered for her.
“How is she?” Her question was aimed at Jason.
“Not good, and still protesting her innocence. The boss is happy, though, now his wife’s in the clear.”
“Good that someone’s happy, then.”
“Rachel, what’s the matter? You should be pleased you’ve solved the case.”
“I feel sorry for her, that’s all. What will her family do now?”
“Are you sure that’s all it is? I feel for her too, but she can’t go around murdering people, no matter what they’ve done.” Sarah took her hand. “Come on, cheer up. Carlos will be here soon and it’s nearly Christmas.”
“Okay, not that my beloved fiancé has contacted me yet.” Rachel smiled and sipped her martini. Sarah was right, and everything did point towards Danielle. “But why do I feel like I’m missing something?”
“You’re not missing anything and you’re not going to put a dampener on our outing tomorrow, or on Christmas for that matter, so snap out of it, Rachel Prince.”
Rachel laughed. “I’ll consider myself told off. Watch out, Jason, when she gets like this, you just have to do as you’re told.”
“I’m beginning to see that. Sarah’s right, though, Rachel. We followed the evidence and it all points to her. She killed Stefan Sosa by spiking his whisky – maybe not totally for money, but perhaps that was what finally made her do it. Pash found out about the will, and then he tried to extort money from her daughter. She’d already killed one man that got in her way, it makes sense that she’d not let Pash take over from where Sosa left off. Whatever way you look at it, it was her.”
“I keep trying to tell myself the same thing, but something doesn’t sit right. You saw her, Jason, she was totally shocked when she heard Pash was dead.”
“I give you that she came across as shocked, but she’d had since last night to practise what to say and how to react. The point is, someone was going to tell her today that Pash was dead. She’d have given it a lot of thought and prepared an appropriate response. I’m sure you’ve come across people like that in your line of work.”
“I have. What you say does make sense. I’m just left with a few questions. I met her ashore today and she was crying.”
“Guilt,” postulated Jason.
“Possibly. She almost told me what had upset her, but ran away before I could find out.”
“Have you considered that she might have been playing you? She’s seen you with me and knows I’m dating Sarah. I think it was just an act. Forget it.” Jason took a drink of tonic water.
“Please, Rachel,” pleaded Sarah.
“Okay, you two, I’ll try not to think about it. I liked her, perhaps that’s what I’m finding difficult. It’s not often I like people who kill. I’m also struggling with the fact that she was justified – those men were evil, the way they preyed on the weak.”
Sarah visibly relaxed and so did Rachel.
After drinks, Rachel excused herself. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it and go and see if I can get hold of that man of mine. Meet you for breakfast, 8am sharp.”
The happy couple laughed and Jason saluted. Rachel hesitated and she saw the flicker of a frown cross Sarah’s fact.
“It’s not about Danielle. I just wondered if you have noticed anything about your mum’s eating. I don’t ever remember her being so slow.”
Sarah’s cheeks reddened. “Now you mention it, she’s not been herself, leaving food on her plate – something she never does at home, hates waste. I hope she’s not ill – some nurse I am, I hadn’t even noticed.”
“It’s probably the food on board. You know how rich it is,” said Jason.
“Oh dear. I do hope so.”
“Sorry,” Rachel mouthed to Jason before leaving. Today was one of those days when her observation skills should be kept under wraps; she was not happy with the trail of damage they were leaving behind.
Rachel opted to take a stroll around the open decks upstairs, knowing sleep would escape her tonight. The hip felt much better, and if the killer really was locked up, she was not in any danger. Perhaps it was time to leave the first case behind after all. The niggling doubt festering in the back of her mind would have to quieten down sooner or later.
There was the question of how Pash had found out about the will, unless he had ransacked Sosa’s room before she and Sarah had. But surely he would have removed evidence about his own blackmail if that was the case. The list of people who knew about the will was small, so it troubled her, but if Danielle was lying then it made sense that Sosa would have told her, and he too would have been likely to decide she should share the bounty with him. If that was the case, Danielle was definitely the killer.
“Admit it, Prince,” she told herself. “You like her and don’t want her to be guilty, but she is.” A sense of relief followed and she pulled the phone out of her handbag and dialled.
“You must have read my mind.” Carlos’s cheery voice broke down all clouds that threatened to smother her.
“Carlos, I’ve missed you. I thought you might have called today.”
“I’m sorry, darling. I left my phone behind in my cousin’s hotel and had to go back for it. I’m on my way to Rome and will fly to Lanzarote tomorrow and stay in a hotel. I’ll be with you on Christmas Eve.”
“That’s the best news I’ve had all week. Why can’t you get to Gran Canaria?”
“All flights are fully booked. I only managed to get a seat on this one after charming a desk steward at the airport into giving me the first cancellation available for either place. I didn’t want to risk losing this seat and one not turning up. I did look into getting from Lanzarote to Gran Canaria tomorrow, but decided to be patient. There’s something magical about meeting up on Christmas Eve, don’t you think?”
“Carlos, you watch too many American films, but yes, I’ll take any time with you. Have you told Jason?”
“No, I was going to call him in the morning. Would you let him know?”
“Yes, of course. How come you finished the case so soon?”
“It was easy once I delved into the employment records and discovered a person whose ID didn’t match official records. I managed to set up surveillance that none of the staff knew about and followed him. I just had to wait for his next move. I was getting impatient because I have been desperate to join you, but I caught him last night. He has given the police names of two people he was working with. It seems they were targeting three hotels, each of them working under false identities. My cousin is ecstatic, wanted me to stay for Christmas, but when I explained I could join the love of my life, she was happy to let me go.”
“It’s so good to hear your voice.”
“Are you alright? You sound distracted.”
“I’m tired. We can catch up on each other’s news on Christmas Eve. I can’t wait – do be careful travelling.”
“Always, darling. I love you. Ciao.”
“I love you too.” She pressed the call end button feeling much happier.
After walking around the upper decks for another thirty minutes, listening to the sounds of the waves lapping against the side of the ship, Rachel decided to head down to her room. A couple passed by and said good evening. She heard the voices, but didn’t see the faces as they hurried in the opposite direction. As she climbed into bed shortly afterwards, her head felt fuzzy – that voice. Why did she recognise it and why was it significant?
Chapter 24
The number of staff serving in the Club Restaurant was diminishing and constantly changing. Mary told Rachel she had commented on the fact when a different wine waiter had served them wine over dinner the previous evening. On asking where Danielle Barcellos was, Mary said she had been fobbed off with the usual ‘under the weather’ excuse.
This morning, Mary asked Sacha if Danielle was still ill and he nodded.
“I feel perfectly healthy, my dear. Please don’t worry yourself – it’s winter, these things happen. Perhaps Pash and Danielle are among those who didn’t have a flu vaccine.”
“That’s not likely. I don’t think Bernard would allow it, Sarah says he’s meticulous about following up on those who don’t come for their vaccinations.”
“I did hear him say he was chasing Danielle about being late for a vaccine,” said Rachel.
“You see? There’s nothing to be worrying about. Mary worries when she’s not worried, don’t you?”
“I suppose I do. Oh, I’m so looking forward to being on land again. I need firm ground under my feet. I do hope I won’t be ill on the way home.”
“Darling, let’s enjoy the rest of our holiday first. Mary’s worried about the three sea days that follow Lanzarote,” Gilbert explained. “There’s plenty of fresh air on the open decks, but she won’t go out there.”
“I worry about going overboard. I saw a film once where a storm came and people were swept out to sea.”
Rachel marvelled at how fearful Mary had become. It wasn’t something she’d had her down for. With that and the slow eating, Rachel sincerely hoped there was nothing wrong with Sarah’s mum.
“I can see what you’re thinking, Rachel Prince. I’m quite alright, but I might as well tell you before Sarah joins us. It’s that time of life, my doctor says, the dreaded menopause. He wants to start me on HRT, but I didn’t want to begin anything new until the cruise was over. I’ve been suffering anxiety attacks, hot sweats and I feel so dreadfully tired all the time. Please don’t tell Sarah, she’ll only worry. I’ve had blood tests and everything is fine, apart from my age.”
“I see. I think you should tell Sarah how you feel, though. It will help her understand why you’ve been a bit—”
“A bit what?”
“Erm – off colour.”
“Quite,” said Gilbert, coming to Rachel’s rescue. “Our daughter is astute, she will have noticed. We should tell her.”
“I’ll tell her when I’m ready, Gilbert. You just don’t get it! It’s not like it’s an illness, is it?”
“But it feels like one to you and the doctor did explain that some women suffer more than others. I wanted her to start the HRT straight away,” he said, turning to Rachel, “but she worries about trying anything new.”
“Yes, and what would have happened if I’d suffered side effects in the middle of the ocean?”
Rachel laughed. “For someone whose daughter works with one of the most brilliant medical teams on the planet, you’re not inspiring confidence.”
“Well I think I’ve had quite enough of this conversation, but I will tell Sarah that I’m going through a natural transition due to my age. Thank you for reminding me, you two!”
Suitably rebuked, Rachel and Gilbert finished their coffee just as Sarah arrived.
“Where have you been? Where’s Jason?” Mary asked.
“Sorry, Mum, I overslept. Jason will be with us anytime. Have you ordered?
“Only just,” Gilbert assured her.
Jason arrived and had a quick word with Sacha and the new maître d, who Rachel didn’t recognise, before joining them.
“Sorry I’m late, I went to the gym.”
Mishka arrived with a fresh pot of coffee for Jason and Sarah and took their orders. Jason asked for a full English breakfast.
“Bang goes my gym workout,” he said as he smiled amicably.
“Did you manage to get hold of Carlos last night?” Sarah asked Rachel.
“Yes, he’s joining us tomorrow. Is that alright, Jason? We’re so grateful to you for putting him up.”
“No problem. I’ll contact head office before we go ashore and ask them to arrange for his ticket to be waiting at the terminal.” Jason tucked into his breakfast, looking like he hadn’t a care in the world. The Bradshaws would never suspect how hard he had been working over the past seven days. Sarah seemed relaxed now that someone was under arrest; it was only Rachel who remained ill at ease.
The nagging doubts hadn’t gone away and this troubled her. Not wanting to upset the happy foursome, she resolved to keep the thoughts suppressed for the time being, but her investigation was nowhere near finished yet. Something about that couple from the previous night was significant, but for now, the reason for this eluded her.
“Rachel!” Sarah sounded cross. “You’re at it again.”
Rachel lifted her head to see Sarah frowning. Mary smiled. “Don’t worry. Only one more day to wait and he’ll be with you.”
Rachel forced a smile, but Jason still cast a concerned glance her way every so often as they finished their breakfasts. It seemed he wasn’t convinced it was Carlos on her mind, but the others were happy.
After breakfast, Jason left them to collect last-minute items from their rooms while he went to confirm Carlos Jacobi would be joining the ship as his guest the next day. Rachel picked up her notes briefly and went through them one last time before she headed down to the main atrium to meet the rest of the party.
They had decided to take the hop-on hop-off bus tour, giving them the option to either stay on or get off at their leisure. Both Jason and Sarah had been to Las Palmas before and were happy to direct the group.
“We have been so lucky with the weather,” said Gilbert as they arrived on the dockside and made their way through port customs to the bus stop. He was right: yet another beautiful sunny day and clear blue sky greeted them this morning. Mary seemed happier, having told Rachel about her anxiety attacks, and hopefully she would tell Sarah soon. Sarah would feel bad that she had been impatient with her mother, but in the end it would bring them closer together again. They generally had a good relationship and talked about most things.
A bus was already at the stop and they managed to find seats on the open-air upper deck. Rachel studied the tour map. The round trip would take one and a half hours altogether, but they would want to get off and take in some sights.
They had managed to sit together on the back seat, and Mary and Gilbert had already worked out how to plug in and tune the earphones they had been provided with as they boarded. These would allow them to listen to commentary while they travelled. Commentary was provided in multiple languages, just like the tour buses that took visitors around London.
Once the bus left the stop and Sarah’s parents were listening to the information through the radio, Rachel leaned over Sarah and caught Jason’s attention.
“I’ve been meaning to tell you both about a telephone conversation I had with Marjorie the day after boarding.”
“Oh Rachel, I remember you mentioning that Marjorie had tried to phone, but with everything else going on, it completely slipped my mind. Sorry.”
Jason moved to the empty seat in front of Rachel and turned to listen attentively. After checking that the other bus passengers were busy with headphones or too far away to eavesdrop, Rachel filled them in on the concerns Marjorie had over her friends, Aaron and Felicity McCauley, and their son, Harry.
“It sounds serious enough,” Jason said. “Why didn’t you mention it before?”
Rachel felt her cheeks redden. “I kept meaning to, but every time I remembered it, something else was going on, and then it would slip my mind again. I think I also convinced myself that if Marjorie’s friends are really in any danger, the daughter-in-law would at least wait for the return journey, or for a big party like the one taking place on Christmas Eve.”
“What’s the name of the son again?” Sarah asked.
“Harry McCauley,” Rachel answered, lowering her voice.
“The name sounds familiar. I know – yes – he’s been into surgery a couple of times complaining of indigestion and stomach pains.”
“Would that fit with gradual poisoning?” asked Jason.
“Yes it
would,” she answered nervously. “With the benefit of hindsight, it would.”
“Right, as soon as we get back to the ship, I suggest you tell Dr Bentley and I’ll tell the boss. See what the doctor suggests you do about Harry. We’ll find out what rooms they are all staying in, and I expect the boss will want to put Louise McCauley under surveillance. I’ll try to set up a chance meeting for you to introduce yourself and warn the McCauleys, Rachel, unless the chief wants to do it a different way. At least if they’re alert, we should be able to prevent any further murders from taking place on this particular cruise.”
“Did I hear you say murder?” Mary Bradshaw had removed her headphones and caught the last few words.
“Jason was saying that if any more waiting staff go off sick, there’s going to be a murder on this cruise,” Rachel improvised.
“Oh well, you shouldn’t joke about such things, you just never know. I don’t like to tempt providence. Anyway, we’re coming up to Vegueta – you said that would be a good place to get off, Sarah.”
Sarah mock wiped her brow as her mother turned to wrestle her father’s headphones from his ears and suggest he get ready to leave the bus. For the next few hours they walked around the old part of the capital and visited the cathedral, the town hall, the museum, then ambled towards the main square.
Rachel enjoyed the walking, despite some residual pain to her hip and ribs. During the walk, she snatched a few moments with Jason to discuss the case of the McCauleys in more detail. Relief washed through her at having got Marjorie’s worry out in the open. She hadn’t realised how much it had been weighing on her mind.
Jason was a mountain of strength and took his responsibility seriously. Rachel was so pleased her friend had found this man and hoped they would stay together.
“Are you sure you don’t mind putting Carlos up for the rest of the trip?”
“No, it will be fun. I like him. I guess I’ll need to fill him in on the murder case, though. He’s bound to ask what I’ve been working on.”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking about that too. I’ll tell him first, if that’s okay? I don’t want him to think I’m hiding things from him; it doesn’t help with trust.”