Murder for Glacier Blue (High Seas Mystery Series Book 3)

by Diane Rapp

  Timothy said, “Sir Cedric did not confide in me, but I’m not surprised that the artist called. Miller painted copies of other paintings in the collection.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us he copied other paintings in your collection?” Emily asked.

  Sir Cedric glared at his nephew. “I didn’t want the fact bandied about, and it wasn’t relevant to your case. We commissioned artists to make copies of various originals. Miller was just one of them. I didn’t have direct contact with the man, sent photos of the art and approved the final work.”

  “Why make copies of art in your collection?”

  He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “The collection is valuable and letting the general public near the pieces can be risky. My security chief suggested we display reproductions and keep the real art safe in the vault. We couldn’t put the originals at risk and proper security is too expensive.”

  Timothy added, “We don’t want it disclosed in the press. No one would pay a fee to visit the gallery if they knew the artworks on display were not the genuine pieces.”

  Jason wrote notes in a small black book. “How many different artists did you use?”

  Timothy said, opening his smart phone. “I’ll forward a list of the names and addresses of the various artists to your mobile number.” He handed the phone to Jason, who entered his own number—making note of Timothy’s number at the same time. “There, that should do it. The lady artist on the ship, Millicent Chambers was one of the artists we used, and she referred Jeffrey Miller to us. He copied several Impressionist works.”

  Jason stood and approached Sir Cedric to shake hands. “Thank you for your cooperation. We’ll keep you informed about the investigation. Your private information is secure with us.”

  Emily joined Jason as they headed for the door. Outside she said, “Sir Cedric knows more about Jeffrey Miller than he lets on. You don’t hire a man to copy valuable paintings without doing a background check and keeping an eye on him.”

  “I believe you’re right. We’ve got more questions now than we have answers. I don’t believe Miller simply offered to sell a copy of the glacier painting. Still, the old man can barely maneuver around a small cabin on his own. He’d need help to get down to the baggage storage area. My money is on the nephew as an accomplice.”

  “Should we have someone discretely watch the young man?” Emily asked.

  “I’ve already done that! Glad you didn’t notice my man down the hallway.” Jason gestured as a shadow backed into an alcove at the end of the hall. “He’s been watching Timothy Sinclair since the theft was discovered, but we’ve got nothing to pin on him so far.”

  “I hope it really is early days.”

  Jason grinned as the elevator doors slid open. “Don’t get your nickers in a twist. We’ll solve this one yet.” Emily chuckled and stepped into the elevator.

  Chapter 13

  Glacier Bay National Park

  The ship was anchored off Point Gustavus, near the Glacier Bay Visitor’s Center, waiting for a National Park Service official to board. Shannon dashed into the Sea Breeze Lounge to check on progress with wedding decorations. Trying to suppress her mounting excitement, she welcomed the sight of white chairs neatly arranged in a fan shape, radiating out from the picture windows. During the wedding, the colossal glacier would serve as a magnificent backdrop for the ceremony.

  Shannon visualized the picture-perfect wedding ceremony and felt satisfied.

  “Hey, boss. Where do you want these roses?” A steward carried boxes that brimmed with blue and white flowers.

  Shannon gestured toward a redheaded purser tying vines onto supports in the center of the room. “Deliver them to Andy. He knows the whole design and will guide you through the installation.” Another group of workers spread gentle arches of white silk across the ceiling, while a third group attached blue and white bows to chairs along the aisle.

  Everything would be perfect.

  Shannon checked her watch and realized she must rush to deliver the ship’s port papers to the Park Service official. She scurried up one flight to the bridge in record time. Regulations required that ships entering Glacier Bay National Park must clear with the Park Service.

  Her mind swirled, as she pushed the mental list of wedding arrangements into its proper compartment and focused on the more mundane requirements of her job. As she stopped for a breath on the landing, she knew the items that still needed her attention were almost done.

  Shannon was dressed in a custom-tailored uniform, a dark blue skirt with matching blazer and crisp white button-down shirt. Bars on her collar denoted an officer’s rank but a printed badge proclaimed her name and status. She was the ship’s Chief Purser, a position she’d fought hard to attain.

  She owed a lot to Kayla. They’d started out working together years ago, but Kayla resigned in an uproar when she was denied a deserved promotion to Chief Purser. Last season, staff from several ships staged a “mutiny” that forced the company to promote qualified female officers into well-deserved management positions. It had been touch and go. When Kayla cleared Shannon’s team of murder charges, three women were promoted to senior positions in the company. More would join their number as these women performed as expected.

  Before stepping onto the bridge, Shannon darted into the lavatory and twisted her lush blond hair into a neat bun, sticking pins into appropriate spots to fix it in place. She applied fresh lipstick and checked to make sure her slip didn’t show below her hemline. Satisfied that she looked like an officer, Shannon entered the bridge.

  “Ah! Here’s our paperwork now!” Captain Rodgers announced, relief evident in his expression. “Ranger Remington, I’d like to introduce our Chief Purser, Shannon Ferguson.”

  “Glad to meet you, Shannon. I’m Henry Remington—like the rifle.” A dark-haired man, dressed in a National Park Service green uniform and tan hat, stepped forward with a warm smile and sparkling green eyes. He held out a broad hand, ready to shake. “Call me Henry.”

  Shannon felt stunned by his deep dimples and sexy eyes. “Thanks, Henry. I’ve got all the ship’s documents ready if you’d like to examine them.” Shannon gripped a file of documents with her left hand as he continued to shake her right hand. “We can use this table.” She broke free from his friendly grasp and opened the file.

  Henry chuckled at her discomfort and turned to read the neatly typed pages. “The last cruise ship that came through took hours for clearance into the Park.” Shannon gasped. Henry looked up as her face paled. He said, “But it looks like your staff is better organized. I see you’ve got everything we need right here.” He whipped a pen out and signed the top document with a flourish. “Of course, I must remain aboard while the ship travels through the Park—my orders are to observe and advise.” He touched the stiff brim of his ranger’s hat in a salute. “It’s a real pleasure to enjoy the company of a pretty lady while I do my job.”

  Shannon didn’t expect to remain on the bridge today and flashed a beseeching glance at Captain Rodgers. He said, “Shannon will remain on call but has other duties this morning. I’ll stay nearby to answer your questions.”

  Henry shrugged and pressed the talk button on his walkie-talkie. “Permission granted for the Aurora to proceed into Park waters. I’ll radio when I need to be picked up this afternoon, over.”

  Static hissed from the radio until a scratchy voice replied, “Clearance approved. The Aurora may proceed into the Park. We’ll listen for your call, Officer Remington, over and out.”

  Shannon relaxed as she heard the rev of a small-craft engine off the starboard side of the ship. Soon a white boat with a green slanted stripe and park service badge painted on its side motored back to Bartlett Cove. Captain Rodgers issued a short blast on the ship’s horn and picked up his microphone.

  “Now hear this, now hear this. The ship is cleared to enter Glacier Bay National Park. All hands prepare to be under way. I remind passengers that nothing may leave the confines of the ship under penalt
y of federal law, including solid refuse, liquids and persons, while sailing within park boundaries.

  “The ship will travel roughly sixty-five miles to Tarr Inlet, where we’ll have ample time to watch the calving at Marjorie Glacier. Watch ship monitors to track our progress and receive information about important landmarks. Staff members and our ship’s naturalist will be available on the observation deck at the bow to answer questions and point out wildlife sightings. To protect the serenity of the park and avoid alarming wildlife, we’ll restrict shipboard announcements. Enjoy your day at Glacier Bay National Park.”

  As the ship moved slowly into Sitakadey Narrows, the engines rumbled through the hull. Shannon turned to leave the bridge but found Ranger Remington waiting near the door.

  “Hope I’ll see you again before the day’s out.” He touched the brim of his hat as he flashed a flirtatious grin, complete with those charming dimples.

  “Um. I’m supervising the wedding of a friend this afternoon, but we’d be delighted if you attended the service,” she said in a breathless gush.

  “Nothing is prettier than a wedding in the Park. I’ll make sure to come when we reach Margerie.” His green eyes turned sultry as his lips curled into a sexy grin. “Will there be dancing?”

  Shannon nodded. “The wedding ceremony starts at 1:00 p.m. in the Sea Breeze Lounge, just one deck down.” She felt her skin heat under his gaze and mentally cursed her fair complexion.

  “I’ll make sure we’ve got everything squared away on the bridge. See you at 1:00 p.m.” He grabbed her hand and let his thumb brush her knuckles while staring into her sapphire blue eyes.

  Sure that her face had turned scarlet by now, Shannon nodded and escaped before embarrassing herself further. Why had she invited him to the wedding? It all happened so fast, she found herself mindlessly blurting out the invitation. She didn’t think Kayla would mind. As her lips curled into a coy smile, she released her tawny hair from the constricting bun, determined to make herself look beautiful before 1:00 p.m.

  *****

  Steven turned over in the twin bed when he heard the ship’s horn and announcement. His mouth felt dry and his head pounded from too much liquor during the bachelor party the previous evening. He rubbed his hair and peered at the glowing face of his clock. It was only 8 a.m. Why did he wake so early?

  Tap, tap, tap!

  Someone knocked insistently at the door. No wonder he woke up with a hangover to beat all hangovers. Some bloody idiot was pounding at his door! He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, noticing that Jason’s bed was empty and neatly made up.

  Tap, tap, tap! The annoying knock persisted.

  Steven slipped on a thin blue robe over boxers and a T-shirt printed with the slogan: Brits do it in pubs.

  He shuffled wearily to open the door. “Cynthia! Bloody Hell…” he sputtered as she pushed past him into the cabin. She wore a full-length sable that highlighted her brassy blond hair. Steven noticed that she allowed the belt to untie and reveal a black lace negligee. He rolled his eyes and groaned.

  Cynthia sobbed, “You’ve got to help me, Stevie! That bloody friend of yours, Jason, spilled his guts about Jeffrey and me to Phillip! Now I’m tossed out of the cabin.”

  “When did this occur?”

  Cynthia pouted. “He knocked us up early this morning, barged in asking questions about a call Jeffrey made the night he died. I told you that I needed to keep things quiet about Jeffrey!”

  Steven rubbed his mouth to hide the grin. “You knew it was bound to come out.” Steven shut the door and gestured toward the sofa. “Have a seat while I brush my teeth.”

  Cynthia whined, “Sure, he’d find out sometime but not yet! I’d fess up when we got back to London but why mess up my life this soon? I lost my lover, my job, and now my wedding is cancelled. How will I manage, all alone in the wilderness?”

  “You didn’t really expect to marry Phillip, did you?” Steven mumbled through a mouth filled with toothpaste. “You never loved the bloke.”

  “No. I’d make an excuse to postpone the wedding and break it off gently in England. Now I’m stuck! Jason accused me of being part of Jeffery’s murder! He badgered me about that phone call, got right rude.”

  Steven lathered his face and ran the safety razor over his stubble. “So why did Jeffery call you that night?” he asked.

  “I already told Jason! Jeffrey said he got the painting out of the cabin, and we’d fly out of Anchorage with 500,000 pounds. He never told me the name of his buyer, and I didn’t see him again before he was killed. We planned to meet in his cabin the next evening, but you showed up to tell us about his murder. I’ve lost everything!” she wailed.

  “How did Miller get into Phillip’s cabin to take the painting?” Steven left the bathroom wiping his face with a towel.

  Cynthia chewed on her thumbnail, cast him a coy look, and let her fur coat slide seductively off one shoulder. “I slipped Jeff my keycard after the auction when we shook hands. Phillip didn’t know, and Jeffrey put the card into my makeup table after he took the painting.”

  “Fine. You’ve just admitted to being an accessory to the theft. You know I’ve got to report this?”

  Pouting, she yanked her fur coat closed and tears streamed down her face. “Please don’t tell the coppers, Stevie! Jeffrey nabbed the painting, not me. Now he’s dead, and I’m left without a penny.” She jumped up and rushed to Steven, sobbing. “You loved me once! I know I made mistakes, but if you help me…” The fur coat fell open and Steven felt the silky lingerie underneath as she wrapped her arms around his chest.

  Steven shoved her away and stomped to the cabin door. “You’d better leave! I’m getting married in a few hours and don’t need a clinging ex-wife messing about. I’ll speak to Jason, but don’t expect Phillip to take you back. He should’ve known better after the way you treated me. He won’t trust you again.”

  He opened the door and stood waiting.

  Cynthia snatched a box of tissues from the vanity and swiped mascara off her cheeks. “Please don’t hate me, Stevie. I loved you when we first got married.”

  “Don’t call me Stevie. I always hated that nickname!” he growled. “You know, our vows said, ‘until death us do part’ not ‘until I meet a sexy artist and shack up.’ Leave! Now.” Steven grabbed her elbow and propelled her through the open doorway, just as Jason arrived with two mugs of tea.

  Cynthia stomped down the corridor sniffling, her fur coat flapping open as she walked. Steven stepped back into the cabin without looking down the hall as Jason entered, grinning.

  “If I’d known we had a visitor, I’d have brought an extra cupper.” Jason elbowed the door shut and sauntered into the cabin. He set Steven’s mug on the nightstand. “Was she here long?”

  “Woke me out of a sound sleep and proceeded to blast me with tales about my cruel partner. Seems you spilled the facts about her love affair with the murder victim to her fiancé. She was livid, weepy, and begged me for help.”

  Jason plopped onto the sofa and blew into his cup before sipping the tea. “I knew I’d get more out of Cynthia if Phillip witnessed the interview. Indeed, she stopped demanding immunity and spilled the whole story.”

  “Yeah, I heard. She’s an accomplice to the theft and planned to flee with the victim when they reached Anchorage.” Steven pulled on a pair of blue sweat pants and shirt. “Do we charge her now or milk her for more information?”

  “I vote we get more information. She may not realize it, but she knows a great deal about Miller’s illicit dealings.” Jason gestured at Steven’s casual attire. “You plan to attend your wedding dressed like a marathon runner?”

  Steven shoved his foot into a sneaker. “We’ve got hours before the ceremony, and I don’t want wrinkles in my tux. A jogging suit and trainers are much more comfortable. After years of dressing for a performance, I know how soon to change into full costume.”

  After tying the laces, he opened a bottle on the nightstand and shook out two pai
n pills. “My head is throbbing from all that beer we drank last night. It’s a good job I’ve got time to rid myself of this headache.”

  “Sure! Now that you’ve booted your other headache out the door, you’d better be careful. She’s a real vixen. She’ll try to throw a spanner into the wedding ceremony, if I don’t miss my guess.”

  Steven nodded. “I wouldn’t put it past her, so help me keep an eye out, partner.”

  “Will do.”

  *****

  Kayla and Natalia stepped into the corridor, ready to meet their friends at the buffet for breakfast, as Cynthia shoved past them. Cynthia glared at Kayla and deliberately let her fur coat flap open to reveal a negligee.

  Kayla thought, Steven’s door slammed shut, so Cynthia just left his cabin! Kayla ground her teeth and clenched her fist to punch the woman. In a lightning-fast motion, Natalia grabbed Kayla’s arm before she swung at the harlot.

  “Don’t waste your energy, Kayla. You know Steven wouldn’t let anything happen.”

  “My brain knows, but my chest aches with doubt.” Tears stung her eyes. Kayla frowned at the retreating woman, who sauntered like a jungle cat as she tied her fur coat closed. “What’s she doing in Steven’s room?”

  “Since Jason and Steven share that cabin, I doubt there was a three-some. You want me to go ask, or would you rather eat breakfast?” Natalia waited patiently for her friend to calm down.

  Kayla’s stomach growled and both girls chuckled. “I guess my body just gave you its answer, breakfast it is.”

  This morning the group occupied a table next to the window within view of the TV monitor that tracked the ship’s progress into Glacier Bay. Julia and Patricia ate English muffins with marmalade, while their husbands scarfed down eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, and buttered toast.

  Julia’s smile brightened as she greeted Kayla and Natalia. “We saved two seats for you girls. Jason left a few minutes ago and said Steven was snoring away a hangover. I doubt they’ll be very hungry.”