Madison Johns - Agnes Barton 07 - High Seas Honeymoon

by Madison Johns

  “Well, it would seem that the body disappeared. Whoever killed the woman must have moved her body so it wouldn’t be discovered.”

  “And who would do that?”

  “How should I know, but we did hear two male voices out in the hallway and I thought they might be searching for us,” I said. “One of them told the other to hurry, but I knew better than to look and see who they might have been. I was too scared to even look out the peep hole.”

  Andrew massaged his chin now. “You’re certain that the woman was dead?”

  “I think so. I took her pulse and didn’t feel a heartbeat.”

  “That’s hard to do sometimes. Since the body disappeared, you’ll never know if the woman was really dead or not. What do you think the cause of death was?”

  “She had one of those towels they put on the beds. I think she was strangled with it.”

  “And what did the captain have to say about the missing body?”

  “I don’t think he believes us.”

  “He thinks we’re looney tunes from the way he looked at us,” Eleanor added.

  “I can’t say I blame him. I’m having trouble swallowing the story myself. Did you recognize the woman?”

  “No, but when we went down to Martha’s deck, there was a wedding party that was missing the matron of honor, a Kacey Crawford.”

  “Like, they can’t find her?”

  “Yes, they showed us some pictures of her, but I can’t say if it was her or not, but they both had dark hair.”

  Andrew stood and now massaged the back of his neck. “This is a big ship, I’m sure that woman will turn up, the one from the wedding party. How old were they?”

  “Twenty something, but Martha told us that she saw a tall and dark creepy man following that bridal party and he tried to put the moves on Kacey.”

  Andrew laughed. “Why is everyone you’re looking for dark and creepy, or goon-like?”

  “Beats me, but I’d like to look into the matter.”

  “The captain will find out we’re not making it up when he looks at the camera tapes,” I said.

  “We should check those out,” Mr. Wilson said, struggling to his feet, until Eleanor rushed over there to help him up.

  “We planned to, but you’ll need to get your scooter back. I won’t have you hurting yourself by walking too far with that walker of yours,” Eleanor said.

  I loved the way Eleanor fussed over her Wilson. It was kind of cute.

  We left our room and waited until Mr. Wilson and Eleanor went into theirs. It wasn’t long before Wilson came zooming out of the room with his scooter and we all locked up. First, we headed down to the end of the hall and Andrew searched where we told him we had found the body, and he opened the door to the stairwell and glanced inside.

  “No clues so far,” he said.

  I spied something in the corner that shined. I went over there to check it out, and worked it loose. It was part of an earring. I held my hand out for Eleanor to see. “Look.”

  She pulled out her spectacles from her purse and balancing them on the bridge of her nose, she carefully inspected it. “Looks like a dolphin, but this could be anyone’s.”

  “Exactly,” Andrew said. “But keep it all the same, just in case.”

  I stared up to the camera overhead and took a look at where it was pointed. “This camera doesn’t seem pointed in the direction where it would have picked up what happened in this corner,” I said.

  “It might even be a dead spot,” Andrew said. “All cameras seem to have them.”

  “What about the men who were outside our room? It had to pick up that, and how about the one on the stairwell?”

  Mr. Wilson looked up at the ceiling. “It’s hard to tell if it’s working properly unless someone can use a ladder to check it out.” He paused, and then added, “I could take a look. I worked as an electrician.”

  “On a ladder?” I laughed. “Somehow, I don’t see that as a good idea.”

  Wilson gave me a half-cockeyed look. “I happen to be quite capable of checking it out.”

  “Let’s not try that, dear,” Eleanor said. “I don’t think you’d care to stay in the infirmary for the duration of the trip.”

  “Good point, sweet Eleanor. We’re supposed to be on our honeymoon doing plenty of—”

  “Sightseeing,” I interjected. “See, it’s agreed, no Mr. Wilson on a ladder.”

  “Well, don’t look at me,” Andrew said. “I wouldn’t even know what to look for.”

  Mr. Wilson laughed, as he turned his scooter. “Lightweight.”

  “The captain acted like he was going to check the camera tapes,” Eleanor said.

  “Yes, but I’d like to know what is on them. If only there was a way—”

  “You might want to find out if any other passengers are missing first and assess the situation before you try to get the footage on the tapes.”

  I smiled. “Oh, so now you’re giving me permission to investigate?”

  “You don’t need my permission and you know it.”

  “Didn’t you say we were going to find something to eat?”

  “I hope so.” Mr. Wilson whistled. “I’m famished. Naps do that to me.”

  Chapter Five

  I trained my eyes on our way down to the main deck. No, I won’t get used to the glass elevator anytime soon. Mr. Wilson was whistling to the tune coming through the speaker in the elevator. It was of a pleasant volume that didn’t blast your ears like what they had going in the atrium. I’d ask around to find activities more our speed since there were plenty of senior-aged passengers.

  The elevator opened and we followed Mr. Wilson, who maneuvered his scooter through the crowd. He made a clear path and we were soon in front of a gold door.

  “Wow, this certainly is fancy,” I said.

  I really hadn’t expected this ship to be so elaborate. We waited around ten more minutes, listening to the other passengers who stood close by, but so far nobody was talking about anyone missing.

  “We’ll starve before they open those doors,” Mr. Wilson said.

  I smiled. “You must be famished.”

  The doors finally were opened and a young lady dressed in a black skirt with a white ruffled shirt smiled. She took names and we were led inside. A chair was moved so Mr. Wilson could get his scooter close, but he bellowed, “I can sit on a chair, you know,” Wilson sputtered. He proceeded to hop off the scooter and Andrew took ahold of his elbow, easing him into a chair. A hostess then moved his scooter to the far wall so that it was out of the way.

  “Can we sit closer to the window?” I asked a server, as he greeted us.

  “Sorry, everyone has assigned seats.”

  I fingered the linen tablecloth. “This place is too fancy for us,” I said.

  “What?” Eleanor said. “It’s about time we eat at a fancy place.”

  I looked down at my blue-cropped pants and white shirt and said, “I think we’re under-dressed.”

  “Don’t worry about that. We loosen the dress code for the first day. We usually do expect our passengers to dress up to eat in here,” the waiter said.

  Our waiter took our order and we all ordered ice tea since it was this beverage was included with no extra cost. We ordered lobster tail and steak with julienne green beans.

  Mr. Wilson rubbed his hands together. “I’ve always wanted to eat lobster, but never had the chance to try it. I bet it’s better here since it’s fresher.”

  “You can get fresh lobster at any Red Lobster back home,” I said.

  “Except that Tawas doesn’t have a Red Lobster, you mean?”

  “Saginaw isn’t that far.”

  “Try an hour and half. My granddaughter has been too busy to take me all the way there since she started working at the Butler Mansion Bed and Breakfast.”

  “It must be nice having her live closer now.”

  “Yes, I just wish she’d take some time off. The girl needs to find herself a man.”

  That wa
s what I’ve always thought about Millicent and although I tried very hard not to get too involved in her life, I did want to introduce her to a man she might like, but I was at a loss to find anyone who’d be worthy of her. Yes, I have gotten to care for the girl like she was my own daughter, or granddaughter.

  Martha did a wave as she passed our table.

  “I had hoped Martha would have at least stopped at our table to tell us if she heard anything about any missing passengers.”

  “She’s too busy with her group,” Eleanor said.

  When Andrew raised a brow, I said, “We asked Martha to keep her ears open in case someone else has a missing friend or family member.”

  “We already told you about the missing matron of honor,” Eleanor reminded him.

  “And you expect Martha to be useful? Last I knew, she almost forgets her mind when she sees a handsome young man.”

  “I know, but I think this time it might be different.”

  “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  I turned around and noticed that Martha’s group was indeed sitting with the captain. I tried not to look in that direction. I wasn’t about to alert the captain that I planned to investigate the missing body. He might not believe us, but I certainly knew what I saw wasn’t a figment of my imagination.

  Soup was set down and I tried it out, even though I couldn’t exactly identify the green sprig that was in the broth. It must be a spice of some sort. I lifted the spoon, blowing on it slightly, before burying it in my mouth. It tasted quite pleasant, but that’s when the back of my tongue felt strange. And then my ears began to itch, my stomach tightening and swelling.

  “Oh, my. I don’t feel so good. What is that soup?”

  Eleanor stood up. “I don’t know, should I go ask someone?”

  I grabbed at my throat now. “Y-Yes,” I choked out.

  Eleanor began running in circles. “Someone help, please. My friend is having an attack.”

  The waiter rushed over, as did Martha. “What’s going on, Mother?”

  “I’m having trouble breathing right now and my ears itch like hell. What was in that soup, anyway?”

  “Seaweed,” the waiter said.

  “We didn’t order soup. I specifically put down that I’m allergic to seaweed. Are you trying to kill me?”

  “Not at all. Do you have a EpiPen?”

  “No!”

  “We’ll call the doctor right away.”

  “Are you okay, Agnes?” Andrew asked, with a worried look.

  “I’ve never felt this bad before. If only this itching would stop. It’s driving me crazy.”

  A man I presumed was a doctor followed the waiter to our table, carrying a medical bag.

  He pulled out a stethoscope and pressed it against my chest as he checked my heart. Before I even knew what he was doing, he pulled out something from his bag, and stabbed me in the leg with it.

  “What are you doing!” I shouted.

  “You’re having an allergic reaction.”

  “I know that. You could warn a body before you stab them, you know.”

  “Sorry, I believed that time was of the essence. I didn’t want to see your face swell up like a balloon. I’m Dr. Gordon. Most everyone calls me Dr. Jerry.” He smiled. “I think we need to get you to the infirmary post haste.”

  Andrew helped me walk to a wheelchair that was brought in. “Are you kidding me?” I said, as I sat in the chair.

  “Don’t you dare come with me, Andrew. You need to eat.”

  “I’m not about to leave your side.”

  “That’s silly. Please, eat and pack me up a to-go bag.”

  Eleanor said, “Are you sure you want to go all alone? They already tried to kill you.”

  “I did not,” the waiter said, with his hands on hips.

  “He’s right. It was just a little mix up. This is nothing like a shellfish allergy.”

  Andrew gave me a kiss and the doctor pushed me out of the dining room with the other passengers looking on like I was a car accident. I would have done the same thing if this had happened to someone else.

  The infirmary was on the other side of the ship and when I was wheeled inside, there was another woman on another bed as I was helped on the one next to her. There was also a woman dressed in blue scrubs, who took my blood pressure and put an IV into my hand. “Is this necessary?”

  “Yes,” Dr. Jerry said. “After that IV bag, you can leave, but I’d feel better if we could monitor you for a few hours.”

  “It’s just a seaweed allergy.”

  “I know, but I want to take precautions in case you go into shock.”

  “Shock! You’re really being over dramatic, don’t you think?”

  “No, I can’t afford another lawsuit. I mean, I want to make sure you’re really doing okay before you go back to your room.”

  I pursed my lips now. Oh, sure he did. He just didn’t want a lawsuit if I left and keeled over. The doctor and nurse stepped out into the other room and I glanced over to the young woman next to me, who wore a white bikini. I asked the blonde, “What did they get you in for?”

  “Sunstroke.” She smiled.

  “I wouldn’t expect that to happen so soon.”

  “I have a sun allergy, actually. It never takes long to bring on sunstroke.”

  “And you went on a cruise anyway?”

  “Yes, I should have waited until later in the afternoon before I ventured near the handrail.”

  That made me think of a vampire, until she added, “To be truthful. I’m more a night owl and from Seattle. I’m used to the sun hiding behind the clouds.”

  “That makes perfect sense. So, who are you with on the ship?”

  “My boyfriend Ricky.”

  “And where is Ricky, now?”

  “Having dinner, most likely. I didn’t want him to miss a meal on account of me. I’m Leah.”

  “Nice to meet you and I’m in the same circumstances, except that I had an allergic reaction to seaweed that found its way into my soup. I’m here on my honeymoon. I didn’t want my husband Andrew to miss dinner, either. Besides, he’s with my best friend Eleanor and her husband, Mr. Wilson. I’m Agnes.”

  Leah laughed. “Mr. Wilson like from Dennis the Menace?”

  “Not exactly, but actually Mr. Wilson’s real name is Mortimer and he hates that name and insists we call him Mr. Wilson.”

  “Can’t say I blame him. Plenty of elderly, I mean senior-aged, people are used to being called by the proper Mrs. May or Mrs. Banner, at least that’s so in my neighborhood, unless we know them personally.”

  She had a point. That was one of the reasons it didn’t bother me to call Mr. Wilson by his preferred name. He didn’t even want to reveal his true first name until we got our marriage licenses and Eleanor had insisted on knowing. We all agreed never to call him by his first name.

  “I know just what you’re saying.” I gazed up at the IV bottle, realizing I’d be here for a while, so I asked Leah, “Have you heard about any missing passengers?”

  “Missing?”

  Since she obviously didn’t react in an untruthful manner, I said, “I just heard the matron of honor of a wedding party was missing. Kacey Crawford.”

  “That’s just terrible. You mean they’re planning to get married on this cruise ship?”

  “Far as I know.”

  “I’ll certainly be on the lookout. She might have just wandered off. There are certainly plenty of hot men around here. If I weren’t with Ricky, I’d have snuck off, too.”

  “That’s just not safe these days. Wouldn’t you be afraid leaving with a man you don’t even know?”

  “Not really. I do it all the time. I mean, before I met Ricky. He takes good care of me.”

  I wouldn’t allow myself to shake my head now. I just couldn’t understand the younger generation and their values, not to mention morals. Not that I was to judge. I just worried about them going home or to a room with men they didn’t know.

&nb
sp; “You have to be careful these days, especially on a ship. Crime is not limited to the mainland, you know.”

  “You sound just like my mother. She doesn’t care that much for Ricky, either.”

  Since I was going nowhere soon, I asked, “Why is that? Does she have a good reason to feel that way?”

  “He’s a little older than me,” she began. “He’s fifty and I’m twenty-one.”

  I shouldn’t be shocked, since plenty of older men preferred younger women to those their age. Luckily not all men were like that, like my Andrew. Lord knows that younger women certainly looked better without their clothes. I smiled to myself.

  When I didn’t say anything, she said, “You must be shocked.”

  “Not really. It’s just how it goes sometime. You mentioned he was good to you, so it might not be all bad, but wouldn’t you like a younger man who doesn’t need medication to be with you?”

  She laughed at that. “You’re right about that, but it works out just fine. Ricky is a very seasoned traveler. We’ve traveled all over the world. This is my first cruise.”

  “I’m happy that you found a man you love. That should make your mother feel more at ease.”

  “Love? No, you don’t understand. I’m just enjoying the travel aspect. I never said I’d stay with him forever. I’m hardly old enough to make that kind of commitment.”

  Now that made sense. “Be careful, is all I can say. Some men don’t handle rejection that well.”

  I had a nice time chatting with Leah until a half hour later, a very tanned man with slicked back jet black hair came waltzing in. “Come along, Leah. You’re being sprung.”

  My brow arched sharply at the man, who looked like a goon to me, but then yet another man with black hair also strode in. “Hello, Leah.”

  Leah’s lower lip trembled now. “What are you do-doing here, Leo?”

  “Didn’t Ricky tell you that I was joining you two for the cruise? I even have the room across the hall from you.”

  The voices of those men had me rattled. What was it that set my nerves on edge? “What floor are you on, Leah?”

  “That’s none of your concern, dear lady,” Ricky said.

  “I know. It’s just that I was hoping to have lunch with Leah tomorrow, perhaps. I’ve so enjoyed her company.”